In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to choose iced coffee systems that increase speed and consistency
- Why versatility matters for long-term menu innovation
- How automation helps your café scale without more staff
Demand for cold coffee – from iced americano to cold brew – is higher than ever. In a US study conducted in 2024, 45% of coffee drinkers between 18 to 24 said they had a cold coffee in the past day. Clearly, it’s a revolution that’s here to stay – so businesses need to adapt to the new demand.
Traditional methods for preparing iced coffee are slow, labour-intensive, and susceptible to human error. By choosing commercial iced coffee equipment that streamlines production, you can offer consistency, efficiency, and plenty of opportunity for growth.
To understand how professional brewing systems are reshaping café operations, I spoke with Steven Sheard. He is the Director of Symposium & Sheard Coffee, a specialty coffee roastery based in Norwich, England. Read on for his insight.
How can iced coffee equipment speed up production and dispensing for coffee shops?
When deciding on your commercial iced coffee equipment, you should consider speed and efficiency as the core factors. As iced coffee increases in demand, these are the key factors to increase your scale without hiring additional staff or expanding your space.
“Traditionally, iced coffee is made with a double shot of espresso from an espresso machine,” Steven says. “This may work for some businesses – but it’s not the best way to showcase lighter roast specialty coffee.”
Commercial iced coffee equipment, such as the Baby Hardtank or Hardtank 20, addresses these challenges directly. It uses recirculation extraction technology to constantly agitate the grounds, speeding up production.
This enables you to brew large batches of espresso concentrate to use as a base for iced drinks – serving quickly without manually pulling shots each time. Then, all you need to do is mix the espresso concentrate with milk for a much faster serving instead of manually pulling a shot.
“Coffee equipment like dispensers and automatic iced coffee machines help streamline operations, improve workflow while retaining quality,” Steven explains. This increased speed also frees up time for your staff. It means they can focus on other tasks, like interacting with customers and preparing other drinks, while the equipment manages the brewing process automatically. Compared to manual brewing, automated iced coffee systems maintain precision without sacrificing craftsmanship – ideal for busy service environments.
What are the other benefits of commercial iced coffee equipment?
More than just faster production speed, commercial iced coffee equipment can also enhance the customer experience.
First and foremost, the equipment allows you to expand your menu outside of just iced coffee. Systems like the Baby Hardtank have adjustable brewing profiles, which you can switch each time you use the machine.
Therefore, using the same equipment, you can prepare drinks ranging from iced coffee to cold brew, iced tea, and even mocktails. This versatility allows coffee shops, bars, and other hospitality businesses to launch new menu items without investing in additional equipment.
Quality control is another key benefit. If you’re preparing each serving manually, your iced coffee may taste different every time, based on ingredient quality and staff skill levels. However, if you prepare a larger batch using commercial iced coffee equipment, each serving will taste the same.
“One of the biggest challenges of running a successful specialty coffee shop is consistency,” Steven tells me. “Adding an iced coffee machine is a solution to this, as it enables consistency.”
Commercial iced coffee equipment achieves this by standardising the extraction process. Hardtank’s systems use patented forced recirculation technology to constantly agitate the coffee grounds, tea leaves, or other ingredients in the filter basket. It takes human error out of the equation, meaning every portion is as good as the last.
Taking into account the increased consistency and versatility of drinks you can prepare, commercial iced coffee equipment can even enhance your reputation. “Consumers have more choice than ever in where to buy their coffee,” Steven says. “Automatic iced coffee machines help you differentiate your business and stand out from neighbouring coffee shops.”
How will commercial iced coffee equipment change the future of service?
Adding commercial iced coffee equipment to your workflows is more than just an upgrade – it can also future-proof your business. The future of iced coffee is one of multiple formats and increasingly personalised drinks, so versatility is essential.
“The UK cold brew market is gradually growing,” Steven notes. “While ready-to-drink cold brew is becoming popular among younger consumers, specialty coffee shops that invest in iced coffee machines can add an extra revenue stream to their business.”
Market data proves that these trends are here to stay. Between 2023 and 2024, the global cold brew coffee market grew by over 22%, and customers are ordering more iced drinks than ever. The ability to prepare and serve cold coffee formats in-house can be the differentiator that attracts new, loyal visitors.
Systems like the Baby Hardtank allow foodservice and hospitality to quickly adjust to daily demand or brewing programmes. It means you can prepare a batch of espresso concentrate for iced coffee in the morning, then quickly pivot to iced tea for the afternoon. With custom brewing profiles built into the system, you can tailor recipes to suit these dynamic consumer preferences.
In conclusion, choosing the right commercial iced coffee equipment needs to take several factors into account. It must be versatile, efficient, and produce consistent results with each batch. That way, you can stay ahead of industry trends and innovate your drinks menu without needing additional equipment.
Commercial iced coffee equipment: Key takeaways
- Prioritise speed and consistency when choosing your iced coffee system.
- Automated brewing reduces human error and maintains flavour quality.
- Multi-drink versatility (iced coffee, cold brew, tea, mocktails) helps expand your menu and drive revenue.
Want to explore commercial cold coffee solutions for your coffee shop or hospitality business? Hardtank machines are built for cafés that want to serve cold coffee on demand – consistently, fast, and with no compromise on quality. Connect with the Hardtank team or download our brochure to explore the right system for your business.
Commercial iced coffee equipment FAQs
What should you prioritise when choosing commercial iced coffee equipment?
Look for systems that brew fast, maintain consistent quality, and can be used for a range of drinks alongside coffee. This ensures the equipment will fit into your workflow and adapt to consumer demand.
How does automatic iced coffee equipment improve the customer experience?
These systems are faster and more efficient, which reduces queue times. The versatility also means you can launch new drinks to attract attention and align with industry trends.
Is demand for cold coffee high enough to justify the investment?
Yes – the number of people drinking cold coffee is increasing, and the market itself is steadily growing. Therefore, specialised equipment can position you at the forefront of industry development.
