Cold brew coffee machines enable businesses to brew consistent, high-quality cold brew coffee in large volumes, but not all devices are created equal.

Varying operational costs, different extraction levels, and food safety concerns are all relevant factors to consider when choosing your device. By asking yourself a few simple questions, you can determine which cold brew coffee machine can help you prepare delicious, safe, and profitable beverages.

We spoke with Randy Anderson, Chief Percolation Officer at Cold Percolation, Inc., to better understand the key factors to consider when choosing a cold brew coffee machine. 

“Choosing the right equipment is more important than ever,” Randy says. “Equipment might be demonstrated at a trade show or advertised online, but setup, cleaning, service issues, and food safety standards adherence cannot be seen properly – they need a much closer look.

“It wasn’t the case before when immersion or immersion with agitation were the only solutions, but now there are plenty of choices.”

Read on to find out more about how to choose your cold brew coffee machine – and what to prioritise.

What do you need a cold brew coffee machine for? 

Cold brew has exploded in recent years, becoming one of the most sought-after options for coffee drinkers worldwide. However, for coffee and hospitality businesses, preparing cold brew to meet this demand with traditional methods can take time and effort. 

Dedicated equipment enables you to prepare cold brew much more efficiently than traditional methods, reducing overhead costs and brew time while still providing a high-quality beverage. 

However, it is essential to select the right cold brew coffee machine for your specific needs. Consider how much coffee you require, its different uses, the times of day you’ll need it, and the space available at your premises. 

Furthermore, versatility is also a point to consider. Modern cold brew coffee machines can help you serve a wider variety of drinks in more significant quantities than ever before. The right device, such as those manufactured by Hardtank, can make tea, cascara, cocktails, and even infuse spirits. 

How quickly do cold brew coffee machines work? 

The time it takes to prepare cold brew can vary depending on the volume required and the equipment you use. 

Traditionally, commercial cold brew coffee can take 12 to 24 hours to brew correctly. When the supply runs low, you won’t be able to brew a new batch on the fly – you’re going to have to wait until the following day. This makes it challenging to meet sudden increases in demand, leading to lapses in service and meaning you lose out on revenue.

So, how do you produce a commercial quantity of quality cold brew without having to wait for hours? Some newer cold brew coffee machines, such as those made by Hardtank, can prepare cold brew in just 45 minutes. 

“Many of these newer methods have a far cleaner product with low turbidity as well as higher yield and better taste,” Randy says. “The tried and true immersion methods that have been used for decades are often the most problematic – lower yields and the need for greater filtration, for example.”

How easy are they to use? 

So, how easy are cold brew coffee machines to use – both the old and the new?

The truth is that most cold brew coffee has traditionally been made by simply submerging coffee in water for an extended period. This isn’t necessarily difficult, but it can lead to a lot of guesswork when brewing, with less control over temperature, oxidation, and other environmental factors. 

Randy says: “There are so many newer methods that are so much better than immersion; I do not see how anyone will be steeping for double-digit hours in the next year or two.”

Some new machines are even equipped with self-cleaning functions that staff can activate between batches. Your team can let the programme run while focusing on delivering excellent customer service. Once they’re done, they return to a sanitised machine – ready to brew another batch. 

You also need to consider longevity and ease of use. Many low-end cold brew machines are manufactured using cheaper materials. They are not always food-safe and may break easily. 

Randy adds: “The return on investment (for newer technology) may be longer, but it is still preferred because of other monetary benefits. These can include higher yield, cleaner product, and a lower cost of membranes.”

Which cold brew machine is right for you? 

So, now that you know how cold brew coffee machines work, how do you choose the suitable device for your business? 

Ultimately, it depends on what kind of business you’re operating. For big chains in high foot-traffic areas, you need a commercial machine capable of producing high volumes over the course of the day. This is where machines like the Hardtank 20 shine – capable of producing up to 250 litres of cold brew per day. 

If you have limited space or need a lower volume of cold brew during service, there are more compact versions on the market that still leverage advanced technology to reduce brew times. One example is the Baby Hardtank. 

This award-winning brewer uses the same technology as the Hardtank 20 but in a compact countertop format. It can produce 4.5 litres of cold brew in less than 45 minutes and can even be used to prepare other drinks like tea and cascara. 

Find out how you can source Hardtank equipment for your business by getting in touch with our team. 

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Hardtank cold brew coffee makers