Although tea is more popular than coffee worldwide, coffee consumption has largely surpassed that of tea in some countries. This is the case, for example, in the United States, where 75.4% of the population prefers coffee, and 54% of adults drink coffee every day, with an average of three cups per day.
In countries where people view coffee as a necessity, venues such as restaurants, hotels, and event spaces are often expected to have liters of coffee on hand, which is where coffee urns come in. Similar to coffee vending machines, the coffee urn is essential for preparing, distributing, and keeping large quantities of coffee warm.
Understanding the characteristics of these devices and market trends helps retailers to offer products that meet customer needs and ensure a return on investment.
Table of Contents
Market data and history of coffee urns
What people consider when choosing a coffee urn
Final thoughts
Market data and history of coffee urns
The global coffee market has experienced significant growth in recent years, mainly due to the rise of coffee pods, which allow people to enjoy their coffee at home by simply pressing a button. According to the Business Research Company, the commercial coffee urn market size is expected to follow this trend, reaching a value of USD 1.37 billion by 2024 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%.
However, in contrast to Nespresso and other espresso-style machines, coffee urns have been around for centuries. For example, it first arose in the 17th century, after a redesign of the traditional coffee maker. This innovation introduced a fixed spigot attached to the main brewing body, making it easier to serve numerous cups of coffee.
Early coffee urns were crafted from materials such as silver, brass, pewter, lacquered tin, and porcelain. They were initially pear-shaped, but in the 18th century, under the influence of the court of Louis XIV, they took on a more vase-like design.
Today, coffee urns are typically made of stainless steel or metal, designed to brew and serve large quantities of coffee, making them ideal for activities or venues that may need large-capacity coffee brewing equipment to serve numerous guests.
What people consider when choosing a coffee urn
Coffee urns are used in the hospitality industry to brew and dispense large batches of coffee. Because they combine preparation and dispensing functions, and sometimes come with numerous accessories, these items ensure efficiency, consistency, and capacity.
When selecting coffee urns for resale, several features must be evaluated to ensure end-user satisfaction and the quality of the product offered.
Capacity and brewing speed
The capacity of a coffee urn determines the amount of coffee that can be brewed in a single cycle. Options range from models that can hold 25 cups (ideal for small events and offices) to those that can hold over 100 cups, which are commonly found in large venues and hotels.
Standard coffee urns feature several basic elements including one-handed dispensing and a coffee level indicator, indicating when water needs to be added.
Another crucial factor is the speed of brewing. Some models can brew one cup per minute, making them suitable for rapid serving. Fast brewing is achieved via dual heaters that can bring the water to a boil in half the time.
Percolating urns
Non-percolating urns are designed to keep large volumes of coffee, tea, or other beverages hot and serve them through a dispenser. However, these models can only be used to maintain the ideal temperature of a beverage, not to prepare it.
On the other hand, percolating urns can be used to brew and store large quantities of coffee and other hot beverages. These models are typically electric and utilize an internal heating element to bring the water to a boil. These models will likely suit most customers’ needs.
Urns with percolators are ideal for busy restaurants, hotels, and cafes. During peak hours, such as breakfast, having one available improves the customer experience and reduces staff workload.
Materials and durability
The materials used to manufacture a coffee urn will impact its durability and aesthetics.
Stainless steel is commonly preferred for its resistance to rust and ability to retain heat. It also offers a professional, clean look suitable for commercial settings.
Plastic models are cheaper but less durable and potentially dangerous when the beverage inside the urn reaches high temperatures.
Stainless-steel coffee urns with removable components allow easy access to the internal parts, making maintenance easier and less time-consuming. They can be washed easily with plain white vinegar or warm, soapy water and then reassembled.
Final thoughts
For retailers, offering high-quality coffee urns means catering to a diverse customer base, ranging from small offices to large event venues. By carefully considering key features such as capacity, materials, heat retention capabilities, and ease of maintenance, you can select products that meet customer expectations and contribute to your business’s success and reputation.
