Looking to add coffee options to your facility or location, but short on space? With proper planning and research even the smallest of spaces can offer an exceptional beverage experience.
First, you should determine exactly what type of beverages you want to serve – coffee, espresso-based drinks, iced beverages or even hot tea. Then evaluate space options considering the flow of foot traffic in your establishment, location in relation to your staff and actual space measurements. There are several machine options which can fit comfortably in a two- to three-foot shelf or counter space, while still handling peak demand and multiple self-serve users. Options include touchscreen, push-button or pre-programmed drinks, which are great for areas without baristas. Finally, you should consider service and maintenance requirements and how those requirements will impact your staff.
“If you can only pick one machine, go with a high-quality bean-to-cup espresso system with dual hoppers and a milk system. This will provide your customers with several high-demand options, including espresso drinks, americanos, hot milk and hot water for tea,” said Farmer Brothers Senior Director of Revive Mike Fraser. “If you can add a companion piece, a small batch brewer is great as it will cover your drip and decaf coffee needs at scale. There are also compact dispensers that will allow you to offer cold coffee or iced tea if you are looking for next-level variety.”
Below are several equipment recommendations to help you create that “perfect small space beverage shelf” depending on your specific beverage needs.
- Automatic Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine
- Examples: De Jong Duke Lua, Newco Bistro Touch or Bravilor Sego
- Why: Provides espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano and hot milk/milk foam, as well as ambient drink for iced beverages (if ice is available). One unit can replace multiple brewers and grinders.
- Footprint: Approximately 12 to 16 inches wide, ideal for tight counters.
- Compact Drip/Batch Brewer
- Examples: Curtis Single 1.5 gallon thermal, Curtis D500GT Airpot or Fetco CBS-1231 Plus
- Why: Brew larger volumes of regular coffee quickly for heavy traffic. Keeps decaf/house coffee available alongside espresso drinks.
- Footprint: Approximately 10 to 12 inches wide.
- Iced/Cold Beverage Option (modular)
- If space allows, you can add a cold coffee dispenser. BUNN Nitron for cold brew/nitro or a bag-in-box tea/cold coffee solution make great options.
- Why: Expands your menu into an increasingly popular beverage sector.
- Hot Water/Tea Option
- Many bean-to-cup machines already dispense hot water for tea. If not, a compact hot water tower can be included.
- Under-Counter or Integrated Refrigerator
- This may be needed for fresh milk, if cappuccinos/ or lattes are part of your menu, as some machines do not include integrated milk systems, but require a small undercounter fridge.
When organizing your equipment layout, it is important to think about the flow of the customer and the order they would follow to make a drink. We recommend keeping your bean-to-cup machine on the left, drip brewer in the center and hot water tower on the right. You should also consider adding a cup or lid organizer on the wall or counter to keep the surface area clean and uncluttered.
Ready to get started? Contact Farmer Brothers’ Revive Service & Equipment team today to explore all your equipment options.