If you’re running a café, restaurant, office, or any other establishment that serves coffee regularly, you know the importance of having a reliable commercial coffee maker. And when it comes to ensuring that your coffee machine can handle high-volume brewing without constant refilling, a commercial coffee maker with a water line connection is a game-changer. These machines are connected directly to your water supply, saving you time and ensuring you never run out of water mid-brew.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best commercial coffee makers with water line connections on the market in 2024. Whether you’re looking for a high-capacity brewing system or versatile machines for small to medium-sized businesses, we’ve got the top recommendations.
1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine – Best for Small to Medium Commercial Use
Why It’s Ideal:
The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a top-rated semi-automatic espresso machine that comes equipped with a direct water line connection. While it’s often recommended for home use, it’s also a great option for small cafes, coffee shops, or offices that need consistent, high-quality espresso on a budget. It offers a built-in conical burr grinder, which is a major convenience for freshly ground espresso every time.
With its direct water line connection, you don’t have to worry about refilling water manually, allowing you to focus on making great coffee for your customers.
Key Features:
- Built-In Water Line Connection: Connects directly to your water supply for continuous brewing.
- Integrated Burr Grinder: Grinds fresh beans for every shot of espresso.
- Thermocoil Heating System: Provides stable water temperature for consistent espresso shots.
- Steam Wand: Creates rich, velvety froth for lattes and cappuccinos.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use for both beginners and experienced baristas.
Price: $749
2. La Marzocco Linea Mini Espresso Machine – Best for High-Quality Espresso in Smaller Commercial Spaces
Why It’s Ideal:
The La Marzocco Linea Mini is a professional-grade espresso machine designed for small commercial spaces or high-end cafes. Known for its robust performance and consistent quality, the Linea Mini comes with a built-in water line connection, so you can brew espresso non-stop without worrying about refills. This machine is known for its exceptional thermal stability, and it’s one of the most respected names in the commercial espresso industry.
The La Marzocco Linea Mini is perfect for coffee shops that prioritize high-quality espresso but don’t have the space or budget for a larger, more complex setup.
Key Features:
- Direct Water Line Connection: Connects to your water supply for convenience and efficiency.
- Dual Boiler System: Allows simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- PID Temperature Control: Ensures precise temperature for brewing and steaming.
- Stainless Steel Body: Durable and sleek design that fits any coffee bar.
- Advanced Steam Wand: Produces exceptional froth for milk-based drinks.
Price: $4,000
3. Bunn 52700.0001 – Single Brewing Coffee Maker with Water Line – Best for High-Volume Commercial Use
Why It’s Ideal:
For high-volume commercial settings, the Bunn 52700.0001 is one of the most reliable coffee makers with a water line. It’s a single-brew coffee maker that’s ideal for situations where you need to quickly brew large amounts of coffee without interruptions. The machine connects directly to your water supply, so you won’t have to worry about constant refills. With its advanced brewing technology, you can brew up to 14 gallons of coffee per hour.
This machine is particularly popular in offices, break rooms, and fast-paced cafes where the demand for coffee is high, and time is of the essence.
Key Features:
- Direct Water Line Connection: Always has water on hand for continuous brewing.
- Brews 14 Gallons Per Hour: Suitable for high-traffic environments.
- Quick Brew Time: Brew a full pot of coffee in a short amount of time.
- Energy-Efficient: Keeps energy consumption low without sacrificing performance.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Durable design that withstands heavy usage.
Price: $1,699
4. Wilbur Curtis G3 Thermal Brewer with Water Line – Best for Large Coffee Shops or Offices
Why It’s Ideal:
The Wilbur Curtis G3 is a highly efficient thermal brewer that can connect directly to your water line. It’s built for large coffee shops, offices, or catering businesses that need to brew multiple pots of coffee throughout the day. The G3 system can brew up to 12 gallons of coffee per hour, and it comes with a thermal server that keeps coffee hot without the need for a hot plate, ensuring a better-tasting brew all day long.
The Curtis G3 is perfect for establishments that demand high-quality coffee in large quantities.
Key Features:
- Direct Water Line Connection: Connects to a water line for continuous brewing.
- 12 Gallons Per Hour: Perfect for high-demand coffee shops.
- Advanced Brewing Control: Offers precise brewing control for the best-tasting coffee.
- Thermal Carafes: Keeps coffee hot without compromising flavor.
- Programmable: Set brewing times for automatic coffee production.
Price: $2,795
5. Rancilio Classe 7 Espresso Machine – Best for Premium Coffee Shops
Why It’s Ideal:
The Rancilio Classe 7 is a high-end commercial espresso machine that combines exceptional performance with style. Its direct water line connection ensures continuous water flow, making it an ideal choice for busy coffee shops. With features like a multi-group system, advanced PID temperature control, and a powerful steam wand, this machine is perfect for producing high-quality espresso and milk-based beverages.
It’s designed for coffee shops that want to offer a premium coffee experience and can handle high-volume traffic with ease.
Key Features:
- Direct Water Line Connection: Allows for seamless, uninterrupted brewing.
- PID Temperature Control: Ensures precise temperature regulation.
- Multiple Groups: Allows multiple baristas to work simultaneously.
- Stainless Steel Construction: Durable and stylish design.
- Advanced Steam Wand: For producing silky, smooth froth.
Price: $8,000
6. Nuova Simonelli Appia II Espresso Machine – Best for Versatility and Performance
Why It’s Ideal:
The Nuova Simonelli Appia II is known for its versatility and reliability. It’s a dual-group espresso machine that connects to a water line, making it ideal for high-demand coffee environments. The Appia II is built to be highly customizable, with adjustable temperature and pressure settings to suit different types of coffee. Its compact design makes it suitable for smaller coffee bars or restaurants that still need high performance.
This espresso machine can handle everything from high-traffic environments to more specialized brews, offering a balance between performance and ease of use.
Key Features:
- Direct Water Line Connection: Enjoy uninterrupted brewing for high-volume demand.
- Dual-Group System: Ideal for busy cafes where multiple baristas are working at once.
- User-Friendly Controls: Easy-to-operate interface with programmable settings.
- Durable Design: Built to last in high-demand environments.
- High-Quality Espresso: Consistently great espresso thanks to precise brewing controls.
Price: $4,000
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Commercial Coffee Maker with a Water Line
When selecting a commercial coffee maker with a water line connection, it’s important to consider the volume of coffee you need to brew, the type of coffee you serve, and the overall layout of your business. From compact semi-automatic espresso machines like the Breville BES870XL to high-volume brewers like the Bunn 52700.0001, there’s a perfect option for every business.
Choosing the right commercial coffee maker is an investment in your business’s success, so consider factors like brewing speed, quality, ease of use, and maintenance before making your decision. Whether you’re running a small café or a high-volume office, a water line-connected coffee machine will save you time, hassle, and ensure that you never run out of water or coffee during busy hours.