In this article, you’ll learn:
- What nitro coffee equipment a coffee shop needs to get started
- Why consistency, precision, and automation are the defining features of a modern nitro setup
- How versatile nitro coffee equipment can help businesses diversify their menu and drive revenue
It has been a little over a decade since nitro coffee went mainstream, and in that time, it has grown into a staple of modern coffee culture. Its versatility is also taking it beyond the coffee industry into other spaces such as bars, hotels, and other hospitality settings.
But as businesses rush to add nitro coffee to their menus, many are quickly realising that it is only as good as the equipment used to produce and serve it. The right system makes all the difference: faster service, consistent pours, and a finished product that meets customer expectations.
To find out what nitro coffee equipment a business needs to thrive in today’s market, I spoke to Jason Millar, the founder of Australia-based PIQUE Coffee. Read on for his insights.
What are the benefits of using nitro coffee equipment?
The right nitro coffee equipment enhances the perceived value of the drink – one that drives customer engagement, commands higher prices, and builds brand reputation through consistency and visual impact.
Jason suggests that the customer experience starts well before nitro coffee is served.
“From the moment we opened the PIQUE Coffee Bar, our cold taps were front and centre, creating an instant talking point and inviting customers to ask questions and engage their curiosity.”
A sleek, modern dispenser, such as Hardtank’s Hardtap, communicates sophistication, commitment, and quality.
“New customers always gravitate towards the taps to see what’s being served,” he says.
Visual appeal is now at the heart of how consumers discover new beverages. Such setups, followed by the theatrical moment as the drink’s tiny bubbles rise up the glass in a cascading effect to create a foamy top, produce the type of content customers want to capture, share, and post.
“It’s a stage where that system comes to life,” Jason says of their bar area. “Perfectly conditioned kegs, balanced gas, clean lines – and a consistent, creamy pour every time.”
The right nitro coffee maker transforms just another offering into a visually compelling drink that commands a premium. More than 52% of consumers are often willing to pay more for this, which means businesses can charge accordingly.
A modern nitro coffee machine also ensures beverages can be served quickly and consistently during service, as the serving and nitrogen infusion are automated to deliver high-standard beverages at speed without compromising quality.
“Our reputation has grown very quickly, thanks mostly to our cold taps and customer service,” Jason reveals.
What should you look for in nitro coffee equipment?
Automated dispensing, precise digital dosing, integrated cooling, atmospheric nitrogen infusion, and compatibility with your existing cold brew setup are crucial. These features ensure consistent quality, reduce labour demands, and lower operational costs.
Hardtap’s digital dosing control, for instance, allows the user to preset the dispense volume, and the machine handles the rest with minimal human involvement. Exact volumes are served every time, minimising the risk of spillage or overpouring.
Jason highlights how such precision is critical to the integrity of this beverage. “Nitro is incredibly sensitive to temperature, pressure, cleanliness, and pour technique,” he explains. “Having a dialled-in tap system and a team that treats it with the same respect as espresso is everything.”
The challenge, however, lies in the complexity. Nitro coffee equipment with multiple components can slow even the most experienced baristas down, and the added labour costs of training only compound the pressure on the business.
“Setting this up was a bit of trial and error as even the smallest particle can block the nitro tap,“ Jason points out. Modern automated systems take that pressure off staff, freeing them up for other important tasks.
Further savings come when nitrogen is drawn directly from the air rather than relying on external tanks, which take up space and add to costs through constant refills. Hardtap’s atmospheric nitrogen infusion is a perfect example.
“Our bar taps are part of a four-tap kegerator system,” Jason says about their setup.
He adds that they use a traditional immersion cold brew setup for weekly production, but acknowledges that this is too labour-intensive.
Hardtap’s automation, universal compatibility, and 50 litres per hour dispensing capability mean significant savings in labour, time, and operational resources.
How versatile is nitro coffee equipment?
Modern nitro coffee equipment can serve a wide range of beverages beyond cold brew – including nitro versions, iced tea, cascara, lemonade, and experimental seasonal drinks – all from a single compact unit and without requiring separate kegs. Depending on the system, some setups rely on kegs, while others integrate internal containers, offering more compact and flexible configurations.
“We currently have four different cold brews on tap that we have created,” Jason says. “Our Nitro Black is the base for all and uses our house blend Ramble On. It’s super smooth and creamy and popular all year round.”
Instead of the usual summer favourite iced latte, they offer a velvety Nitro Oat. “We also use this as a base to make our signature Iced Tiramisu,” he adds.
The third tap is for coffee cola, a unique beverage Jason created before starting the coffee bar, while the last tap is for experimental drinks. “During 2025, we experimented with a series of non-alcoholic SOBAR bar nights, which gained a lot of interest in the wider community,” he explains.
“This has been another major point of difference to other cafes in Perth,” Jason says.
Overall, the ideal nitro coffee setup combines consistency, precision, versatility, and ease of operation. The Hardtap is built to deliver on each of these fronts – compact enough for any countertop, yet capable of producing classic cold brew, nitro versions, and a range of other beverages such as iced tea, cascara, and lemonade, all with minimal human intervention and no external nitrogen tanks required.
What kind of nitro coffee equipment do coffee shops need?: Key takeaways
- The right nitro coffee equipment transforms a drink into an experience – one that customers want to keep coming back for.
- Consistency, precision, and automation are the defining features of a modern nitro coffee setup.
- Versatile nitro coffee equipment allows businesses to diversify their menu beyond cold brew, opening the door to seasonal and experimental offerings.
Looking to introduce nitro coffee to your menu or upgrade your current setup? Explore Hardtank’s nitro systems or speak with a member of the team to find the right configuration for your space and volume.
What kind of nitro coffee equipment do coffee shops need?: FAQ
What nitro coffee equipment does a coffee shop need to get started?
As well as a system for brewing cold coffee, you also need a tap system capable of nitrogen infusion and dispensing. Modern systems like Hardtap consolidate these functions into a single countertop unit, drawing nitrogen from the air and dispensing at preset volumes – removing the need for external tanks or complex multi-component setups.
How does nitro coffee equipment affect drink quality?
Coffee’s flavour profile is susceptible to changes in temperature and pressure. Equipment with automated dispensing and integrated cooling eliminates variables that cause inconsistent pours. Digital dosing controls ensure the same volume and quality is served every time, regardless of who is behind the bar.
Can nitro coffee equipment be used for drinks other than cold brew?
Yes. The right system can serve a range of beverages beyond nitro cold brew, including iced tea, cascara, lemonade, and experimental seasonal drinks. This versatility makes nitro coffee equipment a strong investment for businesses looking to diversify their menu without buying additional kit.
Want to learn more about nitro coffee equipment?
- Explore our technology: Learn more about Hardtank’s systems
- Plan your setup: See how nitro fits into your workflow and menu
- Understand your ROI: Watch our latest webinar “Cold Brew for Cafés: Pricing, Margins, & ROI”
- Speak to a specialist: Contact the Hardtank team
