What’s the one beverage that can successfully fuel our mornings, ignite our creativity, and sometimes even save our sanity? It’s definitely coffee that comes to mind. 

Because of the incredible magic that this drink holds, it’s no surprise that you’ll find it wherever you go from restaurants and hotels to offices and schools. But before you get to pour yourself a perfect cup of joe, it takes the right coffee supplies and brew methods to bring it all to life. Let’s take a look at the ultimate checklist of commercial equipment: 

Table of Contents | The Ultimate Checklist for Coffee Supplies: From Beans to Brew Methods

The 11 Most Common Coffee Supplies or Coffee Accessories Used Commercially

What Does Brewing Entail Exactly?

The Most Popular Brewing Methods

Espresso Machines

Drip Coffee Makers

Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Pour-Over

Cold Brew Systems

The Finest Coffee Accessories in Canada: 86 Coffee 

The 11 Most Common Coffee Supplies or Coffee Accessories Used Commercially

1. Coffee Beans: These are the heart of any coffee operation. Whether you prefer a rich, dark roast or a light, fruity blend, the quality of your beans is paramount and ultimately determines coffee quality. Sourcing from a premium provider like 86 Coffee ensures you get custom beans that are as fresh and flavourful as possible.
   
2. Coffee Grinders: Freshly ground beans are the secret to a superior cup of coffee. Commercial grinders offer durability and precision, allowing you to adjust the grind to suit different brewing methods. Your coffee bar accessories simply won’t be complete without it!
   
3. Espresso Machines: A staple in cafes and restaurants, espresso machines are essential equipment for making espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. They come with a variety of coffee machine accessories, such as steam wands and portafilters, which are crucial for crafting those creamy, frothy finishes.
   
4. Drip Coffee Makers: These are popular for their ability to brew large quantities of coffee efficiently. Ideal for busy settings, they ensure a steady supply of great coffee without compromising on quality.
   
5. Single-Serve Coffee Makers: Brands like Keurig and Nespresso have revolutionized convenience in coffee making. Perfect for offices and hotels, these machines offer a quick brew with minimal cleanup.
   
6. Pour-Over Equipment: For those who are huge fans of the art of specialty coffee making, pour-over equipment like the Chemex or Hario V60 offers a hands-on brewing experience, delivering a clean, nuanced cup of coffee.
   
7. Cold Brew Systems: With the rising popularity of cold brew, having a system to brew this type of smooth, refreshing coffee is becoming a must-have in cafes and restaurants.
   
8. Cups and Lids: Essential for serving coffee to go, especially in busy cafes and during morning rush hours. Durable, heat-resistant cups and secure lids are vital coffee station accessories!
   
9. Sugar Packets and Creamers: Not everyone takes their coffee black, and having a variety of sugar packets and creamers allows you to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
   
10. Stirrers: These might seem like minor characters, but items like stirrers are essential coffee table accessories for mixing in sugar and cream. They’re a staple in any commercial coffee setting, ensuring every cup is just how the customer likes it.
    
11. Water Filtration Systems: Rounding up our list of everything you need is something that’s often overlooked—water filtration systems. The water quality can dramatically affect the taste of coffee. A good filtration system ensures that your water is pure and enhances the natural flavours of the beans.
    

By stocking up on the right equipment, you’re setting the stage for coffee success in any commercial setting!

What Does Brewing Entail Exactly?

Brewing coffee is the magical process of transforming ground beans into a delicious, aromatic beverage. It’s a crucial step that follows roasting in the journey of coffee making.

While roasting is about transforming green coffee beans into the rich brown beans we know and love—through carefully controlled heating—brewing is the stage where the flavours are extracted. Roasting develops the beans’ flavours, and brewing is where these flavours are brought to life in liquid form.

Brewing involves the interaction of water with ground coffee, where the temperature, time, and grind size all play critical roles in determining the final taste profile. It’s a delicate dance of science and art, creating a cup that can range from bright and acidic to rich and full-bodied.

The Most Popular Brewing Methods in the Coffee Industry

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the brewing process, let’s dive into the most popular brewing methods used commercially. Each method offers a unique flavour profile and experience, so whether you’re running a café or an office, there’s a method that will suit your needs perfectly.

Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are the powerhouse of any café or restaurant. They are designed for making espresso drinks, which form the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. These machines use pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, producing a rich, concentrated shot of espresso with a signature crema. With a variety of coffee machine accessories available, these machines can be tailored to meet specific preferences and needs.

Drip Coffee Makers

Drip coffee makers are a common sight in many settings due to their ability to brew large quantities of coffee quickly and efficiently. Water is heated and slowly dripped over a bed of coffee grounds, allowing for a balanced extraction that produces a classic, smooth coffee taste. They are ideal for high-volume environments such as large offices and busy breakfast restaurants.

Single-Serve Coffee Makers

Single-serve coffee makers like Keurig and Nespresso sit at the populars’ table thanks to their convenience and speed. These machines use pre-packaged pods to brew one cup at a time, offering a wide variety of flavours and styles with minimal mess. Perfect for offices, hotels, and even some schools, this brewer type is the go-to for those who want a quick cup without the fuss.

Pour-Over

Pour-over methods, such as the Chemex or Hario V60, are staples in cafés that focus on specialty or artisanal coffee. This method involves manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds, allowing for precise control over brewing variables. The result is a clean, complex cup that highlights the bean’s unique characteristics. While less common in high-volume settings, the pour-over is perfect for those who appreciate the craft of coffee brewing.

Cold Brew Systems

Cold brew coffee has taken the world by storm with its smooth, mellow flavour and low acidity. Cold brew systems steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours. This method is increasingly popular in cafes and restaurants, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional hot coffee options.

The Finest Coffee Accessories in Canada: 86 Coffee

Having the right coffee supplies and coffee accessories is crucial for crafting the perfect cup of coffee. Ultimately, no matter how much of an ace you are in the brewing process, if you don’t have perfectly roasted coffee beans, your cup of coffee will just be, well…average. 

At 86 Coffee in Calgary, we offer premium, customized coffee beans roasted to perfection, along with a range of coffee supplies for cafes, restaurants, offices, hotels, and schools. Craft a magical coffee experience with us and brew perfection in every cup.

Explore our programs: 

• Cafes
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Offices 

Looking for more expert insights? Take a look at our other blogs:

• Brewed Awakenings: The Essential Guide to Coffee Supplies & Equipment 
• 86 Coffee Spotlight: Diving Into Our Unique Offerings of Coffee Supplies & Equipment  

86coffee - Coffee Experts

Chad has been working in the hospitality industry—cafes, restaurants, breweries, etc.—for 25 years before discovering his calling for coffee. For Chad, it’s all about being involved in the coffee-making process every step of the way to truly understand the craft. He aims to bridge the gap, especially in terms of bringing the best service to customers.

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Coffee Experts