Cold brew coffee has surged in popularity due to its smooth, less acidic taste and refreshing nature, making it a staple in cafes, offices, and restaurants. If you’re looking to serve high-quality cold brew coffee at scale, investing in a commercial cold brew coffee maker is essential. These machines are specifically designed to handle large batches, offering an efficient way to brew cold coffee in bulk. Whether you’re an independent café, coffee shop, or even a hotel, there’s a cold brew maker that fits your needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best commercial cold brew coffee makers of 2024, highlighting their features, capacity, brewing time, and ease of use, so you can choose the best one for your business.
1. Toddy Cold Brew System Commercial – Best for Traditional Cold Brew Brewing
Why It’s Ideal:
The Toddy Cold Brew System has been a trusted name in the world of cold brew for years, and their commercial cold brew system is a perfect choice for cafes, restaurants, and businesses that need large batches of cold brew. This traditional brewing system uses the classic immersion method, where coffee grounds steep in cold water for an extended period, producing a smooth and less acidic coffee concentrate.
The Toddy Commercial Cold Brew System is easy to use, simple to clean, and designed to brew large quantities of coffee (up to 5 gallons). This system is ideal for businesses that want to serve cold brew coffee by the glass or bottle and is known for producing a high-quality concentrate.
Key Features:
- Capacity: Brews up to 5 gallons of cold brew concentrate at a time.
- Low Acid: Produces smooth, less acidic coffee that appeals to a wide range of customers.
- Simple Design: Easy to set up and clean, with minimal maintenance.
- Versatile: Can be used for both regular and decaf coffee, making it ideal for diverse clientele.
- Extended Shelf Life: The concentrate can last for up to two weeks in the refrigerator, reducing waste.
Price: $199.99
2. Cold Brew Coffee Co. Cold Brew Concentrate Maker – Best for Bulk Brewing
Why It’s Ideal:
For businesses with high demand for cold brew, the Cold Brew Coffee Co. Cold Brew Concentrate Maker is one of the best commercial cold brew coffee makers on the market. This system is designed for bulk brewing and can make up to 5 gallons of cold brew concentrate at a time. It uses a patented brewing process that ensures a smooth and balanced taste, making it an excellent choice for cafes or coffee shops that want to consistently serve cold brew to customers.
The Cold Brew Coffee Co. Cold Brew Maker comes with stainless steel filter bags and a drip system that allows for easy brewing without the mess of traditional brewing methods.
Key Features:
- High Capacity: Brews up to 5 gallons of cold brew concentrate per batch.
- Patented Brewing Process: Ensures smooth and well-balanced flavor.
- Stainless Steel Filter Bags: Reusable and easy to clean, offering long-term durability.
- Space-Saving Design: Compact and designed for commercial kitchens or smaller spaces.
- Versatile Use: Can be used for both cold brew concentrate and ready-to-drink cold brew.
Price: $399
3. Bunn Ice Coffee Brewer – Best for Fast Brewing and High-Volume Demand
Why It’s Ideal:
For businesses that need to produce large quantities of cold brew quickly, the Bunn Ice Coffee Brewer is an excellent solution. This commercial cold brew coffee maker is designed for high-volume environments and can brew up to 3 gallons of cold brew concentrate in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for cafes, restaurants, or other high-traffic locations. Unlike traditional cold brew methods that require several hours of brewing, the Bunn Ice Coffee Brewer speeds up the process while maintaining a great-tasting product.
This machine works by brewing hot coffee and then rapidly cooling it over ice, which gives the coffee a crisp and refreshing taste. While not technically a cold brew system (since it uses hot water to brew), the result is a smooth, cold coffee that mimics the flavor profile of cold brew.
Key Features:
- Fast Brewing Time: Brews up to 3 gallons in just 15 minutes.
- High Volume: Ideal for high-traffic businesses that need quick turnover.
- Adjustable Brew Strength: Customize the coffee strength to match your customers’ preferences.
- Easy-to-Use: Simple controls for rapid operation.
- Compact Size: Fits easily on commercial countertops.
Price: $1,000
4. Fetco CBS-2131XTS Cold Brew Coffee System – Best for Consistency and High-Quality Extraction
Why It’s Ideal:
If you’re looking for a high-quality cold brew coffee maker that offers precision and consistency, the Fetco CBS-2131XTS Cold Brew Coffee System is an excellent choice. This commercial-grade coffee maker is perfect for businesses that need to brew large batches while ensuring the flavor is always top-notch. The Fetco CBS-2131XTS can brew up to 3 gallons of cold brew concentrate at a time and utilizes precise water control for optimal extraction.
Fetco is known for producing coffee equipment that is built to last and easy to maintain, making it a favorite among larger-scale cafes, restaurants, and businesses that demand consistency.
Key Features:
- Capacity: Can brew up to 3 gallons of cold brew concentrate per batch.
- Precise Water Control: Ensures consistent extraction for the best flavor profile.
- Multiple Brew Strength Settings: Adjust brew strength based on your preferences.
- Touchscreen Interface: Simple and intuitive controls for ease of use.
- Durable Build: Made from high-quality materials to withstand heavy use.
Price: $2,800
5. Keurig K-Elite – Best for Small-Scale Businesses or Offices
Why It’s Ideal:
For small-scale businesses or offices that want to serve cold brew coffee but don’t need a large-scale brewing system, the Keurig K-Elite is a convenient and budget-friendly option. While it’s primarily designed for single-serve coffee, the K-Elite offers a strong brew setting that mimics the concentrated flavor of cold brew coffee. You can use K-Cups or compatible pods to brew your coffee, then refrigerate it to serve cold brew style.
While it doesn’t brew cold brew in the traditional sense, this machine is a great way to serve smaller quantities of cold brew in a quick, efficient manner, perfect for offices or small cafes.
Key Features:
- Strong Brew Setting: For a more intense, cold brew-like coffee.
- Single-Serve: Brews individual cups, ideal for smaller volumes.
- Iced Coffee Mode: Specifically designed to brew coffee for iced beverages.
- Multiple Brew Sizes: Choose from 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, and 10 oz.
- Compact Design: Fits into smaller spaces like offices or tight commercial areas.
Price: $169.99
6. Café de Olla Cold Brew Coffee Maker – Best for Artisan and Craft Cold Brew
Why It’s Ideal:
The Café de Olla Cold Brew Coffee Maker is ideal for businesses that want to serve artisan-style cold brew coffee with a unique flavor profile. This small batch cold brew system can brew up to 1 gallon of concentrate at a time and is designed for coffee shops or cafes that focus on craft coffee.
The Café de Olla offers a slow extraction process, which creates a coffee concentrate with deep, rich flavors. If you’re looking to offer a premium, craft cold brew experience to your customers, this machine is a great choice.
Key Features:
- Small Batch: Brews up to 1 gallon at a time, ideal for cafes or businesses offering small-batch cold brew.
- Slow Extraction: The traditional method creates a rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Customizable: Allows you to control the strength of your brew.
- Easy to Use: Simple design with minimal parts for easy cleaning.
Price: $100
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Commercial Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Selecting the best commercial cold brew coffee maker depends on your business size, brewing volume, and the specific type of cold brew coffee you want to offer. Here’s a quick breakdown of which option is best for different needs:
- For high-volume, large batch brewing, consider the Toddy Cold Brew System or Cold Brew Coffee Co. Cold Brew Maker.
- For businesses that need quick brewing with high volumes, the Bunn Ice Coffee Brewer offers fast brewing with an iced coffee option.
- If consistency and precision are paramount, the Fetco CBS-2131XTS Cold Brew System is a top choice for commercial establishments.
- For smaller-scale operations or offices, the Keurig K-Elite offers a budget-friendly, single-serve option.
By selecting the right cold brew coffee maker for your needs, you can ensure your customers get the perfect cold brew every time!