How to choose a drip coffee machine for a café?
WHY GET A DRIP TRAY?
Lots of people love plain simple black large coffee. The filtered coffee method is one of the most widely used around the world. Of course, it is typical of Americans who have a coffee decanter in pretty much every household. This method is also popular in the Nordic countries and is gradually coming to us in the Czech Republic.
The big advantage of the coffee machines is that they quickly produce a larger amount of coffee at once and you don't have to wait and stand there. Thanks to this, you can already prepare other things to serve.
Theprinciple of a drip coffee maker is similar to the V60 or Chemex, but unlike them , thehot water is dispensed by a machine. The resulting taste is thus more delicate and also retains more aroma, as the flowing water does not completely leach out the coffee.
HIT CALLED BATCH BREW
So let's take a look together at what kind of coffee we get after it flows through the dripper. You guessed it - drip coffee. Nowadays, however, you'll find cafés that offer a selection of coffees primarily using the term batch brew.
A lot of people are very fond of batch brew. Customers get a large amount of coffee for relatively little money. They can sit for an hour with a cup full of coffee without having to order anything else. And they're happy.
And it's not just the customers who will be happy, but you too. Preparing a batch brew isn't time-consuming, which is why it's also cheaper than other filter coffees. Plus, the machine production ensures consistent coffee results.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A DRIP BREWER?
VOLUME
When choosing your new dripper, always consider how many of these batch brews you will be making over the course of a day or hours. Then focus on its volume. Decanters can make anywhere from 2 decilitres of coffee to 6 litres of coffee.
SIZE
Choose a dripper based on its size as well, and you'd better measure how much space you actually have for it. If you own a small espresso bar, you probably won't need a machine as big as one in a hotel somewhere that needs to create over 100 drip coffees in a morning.
THE TEMPERATURE OF THE COFFEE IN THE POT
Coffee drippers offer different options to keep the coffee, after it's filtered, warm. The first option is glass jugs that stand on warming plates. The heating plates are designed not to overheat the coffee, but to keep the coffee warm for as long as possible. The transparent glass also makes it easier to check the remaining coffee level.
Another option is stainless steel kettles, which have vacuum insulation to keep the coffee hot longer. However, it's best to consume the coffee within 30 to 40 minutes.
WATER CONNECTION
Some drip coffee makers have the option of a water connection, so you don't have to keep checking to see if there's water in the machine. Some drip coffee makers have a water top-up facility. It's up to you what you prefer. However, if you need a drip coffee maker for hotel breakfasts, for example, one with a connection is definitely better.
SETTING THE PREPARATION PROFILES
Slightly more expensive drippers also include an LCD screen where you can set various settings; for example, the temperature of the water, or the amount of coffee. It is also possible to influence the water dispensing pattern. You can also set how many cups of coffee you need at the moment. In contrast, there are also drip coffee makers that only have an off/on button.
COMPARISON OF DRIP COFFEE MACHINES
There's a lot to choose from and you're still confused about which coffee machine to choose? Here's a comparison of the three espresso machines we offer in ourshop. Each has its pros and cons. So let's take a look at them.
Moccamaster is one of the cheaper ones on the market. But that doesn't mean it's any less valuable. Using the Moccamaster to make drip coffee is easy and, above all, fast. Thanks to its thermionic tank, it keeps your coffee hot for hours.
It is suitable for cafés, hotels and even homes where more people require a good quality drip coffee. In just 6 minutes, the Moccamaster can drip a wide range of coffee from 2 decimetres to 1.25 litres. If this is not enough, aspare thermoscan be purchased . Its minor drawback is that it is not connected to water. This means you have to top up with filtered water.
TheMoccamaster has all parts fully removable. Remember that it will need descaling once in a while, especially if you have hard water. It also has a built in body that will keep the water temperature at the same extraction level.
The coffee maker is certified by the World Coffee Association SCAE and SCAA. Moccamaster is the marriage of simplicity and functionality. Instead of displays, timers and controls, it has only one option. And that is to switch the machine on and off.
MELITTA XT180
This decanter is suitable for offices, canteens and various establishments. It can prepare up to 125 cups of fresh and filtered coffee per hour. The coffee is prepared in vacuum thermoses with a mechanical pump or screw cap. The AromaSelector technology also allows you to adjust the strength of the coffee. This changes the water flow and the time the water is in contact with the coffee.
The Mellita has a touchscreen LCD display with light symbols that tell you how to operate the machine. It also offers a program button that allows you to set the brew time.
A great advantage of the Mellita is its direct connection to the water supply. This means you'll have water top-ups sorted out, making it easier for your staff to do their jobs too. For serving ready-made coffee, Melitta offers a glass pitcher with a capacity of 1.8 litres or also thermos jugs that have a capacity of 2.2 litres.
The XT180 is also equipped with a safety lock. This guards the attachment of the jug. Should the jug not be in place or become detached during filtration, the machine will stop the process.
FETCO 2111
Fetco are the drippers that bring out the best in your coffee for a batch brew. They are among the market leaders. If you're looking for the right drip machine for a restaurant, café or mid-volume hotel, Fetco won't disappoint.
The decanter has a touch screen that allows you to program everything automatically. It contains up to 8 recipes and all of them can be personalised with the temperature. It is capable of delivering up to 30 litres per hour.
There are three variations, from a coffee capacity of 3.8 litres to 5.7 litres to 7.6 litres. If you're looking for a dripper that highlights the quality of your coffee, look no further. Fetco is the one to look for.
SUMMARY
Choosing the right professional drip coffee maker is not just a matter of choosing. If you have the option, always consult the experts - after all, it is a long-term investment. If you're not sure, get in touch with us and we'll be happy to advise you and suggest the best decanter for you.
We also offer individual prices and financing options. If you're looking for the easiest option, we've put together adiscounted set that's perfect for hotel breakfasts or your café.