Coffee warmer manufacturers know that the popularity of high scale gourmet coffee shops has caused more people to grab their coffee to go as they head for work. Yet, when the weekend approaches, many still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and convenience of sit-down coffee shops with coffee their brewing stations that feature high quality commercial coffee warmers.

Restaurant owners choose different models of coffee machines based upon the size and style of their business. Factors that affect the pricing and costs of commercial use coffee warmers include the following:

1. Expect to pay higher prices for a coffee warmer that makes coffee rather than one that just warms already brewed coffee.

2. Look for great prices on coffee warmers that hold a glass carafe rather than those designed to dispense coffee from a spigot or faucet.

3. Consider different prices for coffee brewers with built-in water lines as opposed to those that depend upon water added manually.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information about different commercial use coffee warmers that affects pricing

Before you can decide how much to budget, you must know about the different methods for brewing coffee that certain models offer. Consider the volume of your coffee business, such as the number of cups you serve at one time and your preferred beverage dispenser, such as a standard 12-cup pot or a three-gallon urn.

I recommend: Information on CoffeeMakers Etc. explains the factors you'll need to consider before deciding how much to spend. Get information on various brewing systems made by the Bunn beverage equipment company at Coffee Espresso Pro.com. Learn about common methods of coffee brewing at CoffeeAM.com.

Buy commercial use coffee warmers online

Portable coffee warmers and servers run from $100 to $350, not including the main brewing station, and allow you to brew the coffee in one location and serve large quantities that are kept warm in another location. Coffee brewers that have built-in warmers for 12-cup carafes cost between $300 and $1200, depending of the number of brewers and warmers. A commercial coffee warmer that has one or two burners that warm 12-cup carafes separate from the brewing station will cost between $40 and $150.

I recommend: Browse various models of portable coffee servers and warmers at the Bunn Store. Get more information on various commercial coffee makers and warmers from various coffee warmer distributors at Mission Restaurant Supply. Find a great selection of coffee warmers at American Gear.

Consider commercial coffee warmers and brewers that dispense single servings

Coffee pod brewers cost anywhere from $30-$60 for a unit for a home or small office, up to several hundred for one meant for commercial use. The benefit of this type of machine is that users can make a single cup of their choice of beverage, choosing from several flavors of coffee, tea and hot cocoa. A drawback is that the cost per serving is higher than traditional drip coffee makers.

I recommend: Learn more about pricing and costs of coffee pods and pod brewers at Suite 101. Information about commercial use coffee warmers at SingleServeCoffee.com helps you decide how to consider prices when choosing a single serve coffee warmer. Prices of single cup pods at Nextag start at $10.

Commercial use coffee warmers may serve only one function in the restaurant business, to keep coffee warm, but that contribution remains crucial. If you’re a restaurant owner who’s invested considerable sums on state of the art equipment to roast, grind and prepare that heavenly brew, it’s worth your while to spend a few extra dollars on coffee warmers that ensure your customers get fresh, hot coffee no matter what time they march through the door.

Restaurant coffee warmers are especially critical if you own a breakfast-lunch operation, since you always get that morning rush but you can’t always pinpoint the exact time you'll get it. With the right coffee warmers, you can make as much coffee as you’ll need ahead of time and not worry that it’s going to be scorched after baking away on a sizzling hot burner. As you search for the perfect coffee warmer, keep certain points in mind:

1. Get help in selecting the best coffee warmers by contacting the manufacturers.

2. Peer through online restaurant catalogs to view the many different models of coffee warmers distributors provide.

3. Decide whether to buy a multi-burner coffee maker or several single unit coffee warmers for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact coffee warmer manufacturers directly for assistance in equipment selection and maintenance

If you've never bought restaurant coffee warmers before, you'll benefit from discussing your needs with the experienced sales representatives well-known manufacturers employ. In addition, manufacturers provide technical support you can't always get with distributors.

I recommend: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation is the most recognized brand name in commercial coffee equipment. Review the company's comprehensive website that provides information about commercial use coffee warmers in general and suggests specific products based upon your coffee usage. Another trusted coffee equipment manufacturer, Wells Bloomfield, LLC, makes a more limited line of coffee warmers but also provides reliable technical assistance.

Deal with providers of commercial coffee warmers for the largest selection

The large coffee warmer distributors provide an unsurpassed selection of commercial coffee warming equipment with competitive pricing and speedy delivery.

I recommend: Instawares Restaurant Supply Store and Zesco Products sell coffee warmers in many different sizes and with varying warming capacities.

Select different models of coffee warmers based upon your needs

You don't need to splurge on the high volume coffee makers just for the extra warming elements they provide. One cost-saving option is to purchase a smaller coffee maker and then get several single element coffee warmers you can place in different locations within your restaurant.

I recommend: USACoffeeMaker.com offers several single and double burning units to choose from. ProCoffeeMaker guarantees the lowest prices on all model coffee warmers, from the single to six-warmer units.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before finalizing the sale on any restaurant coffee warmer, find out from the manufacturer or distributor the exact temperature the warmer maintains. Coffee experts agree that the best temperature for serving coffee is between 168.1 and 172 degrees Fahrenheit.

Commercial coffee warmers serve a much needed purpose in keeping coffee piping hot for your customers or employees. Whether you run a busy restaurant, diner or cafe or just want to keep your employees motivated with coffee warmers in an employee lounge, knowing the various types and styles is an excellent idea for your business. There are many types of commercial coffee warming equipment and you can find the right equipment for your needs by knowing more about their styles and functions.

Having fresh, hot coffee is a great idea no matter what type of business you own and there are a few ways you can find out more about their functions and styles. Making sure get the most information about commercial use coffee warmers that you can by knowing your individual needs, finding different price points and choosing from a variety of styles such as portable, multiple stations and decanter warmers.

1. Purchase a commercial coffee decanter warmer from coffee warmer distributors.

2. Enjoy the benefits of portable coffee warmers.

3. Find coffee warmer distributors that offer multiple station coffee warmers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase commercial use coffee warmers dependent upon what you require in your business

Every business is different and whether you run a busy cafe or offer your employees coffee throughout the day, you'll want to buy commercial use coffee warmers based on that criteria such as coffee decanter warmers.

I recommend: USA Coffeemaker offers smaller coffee warmers that are perfect for smaller needs. Zesco offers a high end multi functional coffee warmer that is hundreds of dollars more expensive but great for businesses who want to show prestige.

Inquire of coffee warmer manufacturers that offer portable coffee warmers for ease of use

Coffee warmer manufacturers should offer a variety so that you can purchase the right equipment for your needs. A portable coffee warmer is perfect for businesses that either need the extra room that being portable allows or for those on the go.

I recommend: Coffee AM has coffee warmers that are portable as well as electric warmers and Coffee Makers offers portable warming stations as well as multi stack units.

Locate coffee warmer distributors with multiple station coffee warmers for busy locations

Learn about the various types and styles of commercial coffee warmers by choose a distributor that has a variety such as multiple stations. Having more than one warming station on your coffee warmer allows you to warm multiple decanters at a time.

I recommend: Bun Coffee Makers have multiple station coffee warmers so you can warm more than one decanter at a time. Instawares has a large variety of coffee warmers, including ones that stack or have more than one warming area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure the commercial coffee warmers you choose are not too small for your business. This will save on the cost of having to purchase extra equipment.