Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Nitro coffee and cold brew systems are specialized machines designed to craft cold brew and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Nitro coffee, a nitrogen-enhanced version of cold brew, has gained immense popularity among coffee enthusiasts due to its smooth, creamy texture and velvety finish. This innovative technique emerged in the early 2010s and quickly became a trendsetter in the coffee world, with nitro coffee rising to prominence by 2016.

To meet the demand for these beverages, the industry developed nitro coffee and cold brew systems, ensuring consistent quality and streamlining production. These systems have become indispensable tools for coffee shops, bars, and restaurants looking to serve these beverages efficiently and consistently.

Nitro coffee and cold brew systems come in various configurations to suit different needs. Options range from countertop, undercounter, and mobile units to single-tap and multi-tap models and batch cold brew systems. Advanced setups include integrated refrigeration systems for seamless operation. By investing in these specialized systems, businesses can maintain high-quality standards while meeting customer expectations for these sought-after drinks.

Regardless of the model, there are 12 essential features to consider when choosing a nitro coffee and cold brew system:

1. Nitrogen Infusion: Ensures the creamy texture and smooth finish of nitro coffee.
2. Temperature Control: Maintains the optimal temperature for serving.
3. Pressure Control Systems: Regulates nitrogen and CO₂ for consistent infusion and flow.
4. Refrigeration Integration: Keeps beverages chilled and fresh.
5. Multi-Tap Dispensing Options: Offers flexibility for serving multiple beverages.
6. Durable Construction: Guarantees long-lasting performance in high-volume settings.
7. Large-Batch Brewing Capability: Ideal for meeting high demand.
8. Portability: Provides flexibility for events or mobile service.
9. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning: Simplifies upkeep for consistent quality.
10. Customizable Beverage Options: Enables creative offerings to attract diverse customers.
11. Energy Efficiency: Reduces operational costs while supporting sustainability goals.
12. Compact or Integrated Design: Saves space without compromising functionality.

Having a system with these features brings three critical benefits:

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Delivers high-quality, consistent beverages with every pour.
2. Increased Revenue Opportunities: Expand drink menus with premium options that attract customers.
3. Energy Efficiency: Saves costs while aligning with eco-friendly practices.

Focusing on proper storage, regular cleaning and maintenance, and effective serving techniques is essential to maximize these benefits. These practices ensure that your system operates smoothly and that your beverages remain fresh and appealing.

When selecting a nitro coffee and cold brew system, you can choose from top brands like Alfa International, Bunn, Cornelius, Crysalli, Curtis, Everest, FETCO, Glastender, Marco, Summit, JoeTap, NitroBrew, and Kegco. Pairing your system with accessories such as kegs and tanks, nitrogen and CO₂ regulators, and specialty glassware will further optimize your operations. These tools and accessories improve storage solutions and help maintain beverage freshness, enabling you to consistently serve high-quality drinks.

Investing in a reliable nitro coffee and cold brew system ensures your business stays ahead of trends while delivering exceptional beverages that keep customers returning for more.

What is Nitro Coffee?

Nitro coffee is a cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and a velvety finish. This innovative beverage is served cold and often resembles a draft beer in appearance due to its cascading bubbles and frothy head. The nitrogen infusion enhances the mouthfeel and brings out the natural sweetness of the coffee, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.

Nitrogen is added once the cold brew is prepped to create tiny bubbles in the cold brew and make the texture of the coffee smoother and creamier. It is a trendy premium drink that coffee lovers celebrate and search for. It is easy to make and is classified as a premium drink, which means a higher profit margin for cafe owners without too many additional expenses. 

What is Cold Brew?

Cold brew is a coffee preparation method where coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. This process produces a coffee concentrate with a smoother flavor profile, less acidic, and often sweeter than hot-brewed coffee. It can be diluted with water, milk, syrup, or served over ice for variety.

What are The Types of Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems?

Countertop, undercounter, mobile, batch cold brew, single-tap, multi-tap, and integrated models are 7 types of nitro coffee and cold brew systems for different foodservice needs. Consider the circumstances and needs of your business and select the appropriate unit.

Countertop Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Countertop nitro coffee and cold brew systems are compact units designed to sit on your counter. They can be used in smaller establishments, offices, or home kitchens. These systems typically include built-in nitrogen infusers and taps for a convenient nitro coffee service.

Key features of countertop nitro coffee and cold brew systems include easy installation, user-friendly interfaces, and a space-saving design. Start small with a compact countertop unit and test the waters if you have limited space or are unsure about the demand for nitro coffee in your region. Countertop nitro coffee and cold brew systems are best for small cafes, big office spaces, and restaurants wishing to improve their menu diversity. 

Undercounter Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Undercounter nitro coffee and cold brew systems are designed to fit under your counter to save space and provide convenient and quick access to your barista. They have built-in nitrogen infusers to facilitate nitro coffee production and cold brew production in one unit.

Key features of undercounter nitro coffee and cold brew systems are hidden installation, space efficiency, and the ability to serve large quantities seamlessly. Since these units are out of sight, their design prioritizes capacity over aesthetics and allows higher production rates. These units are best for restaurants and cafes with plenty of unused undercounter space. 

Mobile and Portable Systems

Mobile and portable nitro coffee and cold brew systems are meant for caterers and businesses that operate in various venues. Especially hotels with several dining venues such as cafeterias, poolsides, and patios can benefit from a portable system that can be moved around for the convenience of the customers.

Mobile and portable nitro coffee equipment can be effectively utilized in farmer market settings, catering events, food trucks, etc. The key features of mobile and portable nitro coffee and cold brew systems are durability, ease of setup, and self-contained units that don’t require extensive external hookups. These units are meant to resist the elements if used outdoors, and they should be simple in design to move around quickly. 

Batch Cold Brew Systems

Batch cold brew systems are designed to brew more significant amounts of cold brew at once in one unit. Such a unit will ensure a constant supply of cold brew concentrate for your coffee recipes.

The key features of batch cold brew systems are high production rates with consistent quality across all batches and durable construction to facilitate such high volumes of coffee. They are best for larger establishments with high cold brew demand and those looking to sell bottled cold brew coffee.

Single-Tap Nitro Coffee Systems

Single-tap nitro coffee systems facilitate quick service, featuríng one tap for dispensing nitro coffee. They are compact in design and easy to install and operate. They are a cost-effective addition to smaller cafe setups with low customer count.

Their key features include a streamlined design, affordability, and simplicity. They are best for small cafes, offices, or home setups where limited space and only one type of nitro beverage is required. These systems provide an efficient way to introduce nitro coffee to your menu without a significant investment.

Multi-Tap Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Multi-tap nitro coffee and cold brew systems allow for the simultaneous dispensing of various nitro and cold brew beverages from multiple taps on the unit. Multiple dispensing options enable businesses to serve different flavors or types of cold brew and expedite their service efforts.

Multi-tap nitro coffee and cold brew equipment are best suited for busy coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that want to provide their customers with a diverse range of nitro beverages. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for high-traffic environments.

Integrated Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Refrigeration Systems

Integrated nitro coffee and cold brew refrigeration systems combine cooling and dispensing in one unit to ensure your beverages are always served at the optimal temperature. These systems maintain consistent temperature control and provide a seamless, space-saving solution for storing and serving nitro cold brew.

Key features include integrated cooling, enhanced beverage quality, and a streamlined design that fits easily into various setups. They are best for establishments that need a reliable, efficient way to keep nitro coffee and cold brew chilled and ready to serve, such as cafes and restaurants looking to optimize their service process.

What are The Key Features of Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems?

There are 12 key features of nitro coffee and cold brew systems are listed below:

These key features ensure consistent quality across your operations and streamline your business’s production and service aspects.

1. Nitrogen Infusion

Nitrogen infusion is achieved through unit mechanisms, such as in-line nitrogen injections. Nitrogen creates a distinctive creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel in the cold brew. This process also helps reduce the coffee’s acidity and bitterness, enhancing its flavor profile for pickier drinkers.

2. Temperature Control

Temperature control systems ensure that ideal temperatures are created and maintained for each batch of cold brew coffee. Keeping the concentrate at the right temperature is vital for flavor preservation and preventing spoilage. While coffee isn’t the most delicate beverage, it can be unpleasant if left unmonitored. These systems include built-in refrigeration units or external cooling mechanisms. Such features help you extend the shelf life of your product and help you in rush hours.

3. Pressure Control Systems

Pressure control systems regulate the amount of pressure applied during dispensing and facilitate a consistent and smooth pour of nitro coffee. They ensure a balanced release of nitrogen and coffee to achieve the desired frothy head and creamy texture that defines nitro coffee. Advanced models may offer adjustable pressure settings to fine-tune the pour according to specific preferences or different coffee types.

4. Refrigeration Integration

Refrigeration integration is designed to keep cold brew coffee chilled at the perfect serving temperature. Thanks to built-in refrigeration, you can keep your coffee fresh for longer and produce in bulk in advance for rush hour servings. Integrated refrigeration can be a part of the coffee dispensing unit or a separate component that works in conjunction with the coffee system, depending on the unit’s model and the size of your operations. This feature is particularly beneficial for busy establishments and caterers that need to store and serve large quantities of cold brew throughout the day.

Multi-Tap Dispensing Options

Multi-tap dispensing options allow you to serve multiple nitro coffee options simultaneously.  Thanks to these systems, you can incorporate different flavors, strengths, or types of coffee into your menu and appeal to more customers. You can use all the taps to dispense a kind of coffee to serve a high-demand beverage at a quicker rate.

Multi-tap units are ideal for high-traffic environments like coffee shops and restaurants where variety and fast service are crucial. Each tap can be individually controlled, enabling baristas to efficiently manage and serve different beverages without cross-contamination or flavor mixing.

Durable Construction

Durable construction ensures that nitro coffee and cold brew systems can withstand the demands of daily use in busy environments. High-quality materials such as stainless steel, robust plastics, and reinforced components contribute to the longevity and reliability of the equipment. Investing in well-constructed systems minimizes downtime and repair costs and increases the longevity of your equipment. 

Large-Batch Brewing Capability

Large-batch brewing capability features aim to produce significant quantities of cold brew coffee in one cycle. This feature is essential for establishments with high demand. It allows you to prepare and store large volumes of coffee efficiently. Large-batch systems often include automated brewing cycles, large-capacity tanks, and filtration systems to ensure consistent quality across each batch. These systems reduce the frequency of brewing sessions, save time and labor on your part, and improve customer satisfaction by lowering wait time.

Portability

Portable nitro coffee and cold brew systems are designed for businesses that need mobility, such as catering events, food trucks, and temporary setups. These systems typically feature wheels, compact designs, and self-contained units easily transported and set up. Portability allows businesses to offer nitro coffee at various locations, expanding their reach and catering to different customer bases. Portable systems are built to be durable and easy to operate, ensuring reliable performance in diverse environments.

Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

Ease of maintenance and cleaning is crucial for the hygiene and longevity of nitro coffee and cold brew systems. Systems with user-friendly designs, removable parts, and accessible components simplify cleaning. Task a team member with regular maintenance and thorough cleaning of your unit to prevent the buildup of coffee residues, bacteria, and mold, as well as keep the coffee fresh and safe to consume. Features like automated cleaning cycles or built-in sanitation protocols can further enhance the ease of maintenance.

Customizable Beverage Options

Customizable beverage options allow for menu diversity by tailoring your offerings to customer preferences. Customization options include different coffee strengths, flavors, and infusion levels. These options enable baristas to experiment with new recipes and create unique, stand-out beverages. This feature is particularly valuable in competitive markets where innovation and variety attract and retain customers.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is important for reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Opt for ENERGY STAR-rated models to make your coffee offerings more sustainable. Features like insulated components, energy-saving modes, and efficient refrigeration systems also lower energy consumption. Thanks to these small measures, you can attract customers with your eco-friendliness.

Compact or Integrated Design

Compact and integrated designs save space and fit seamlessly into various environments, from small cafes to large restaurants. These designs optimize the workflow by minimizing the equipment footprint while providing all necessary functionalities. Integrated systems combine features like brewing, refrigeration, and dispensing into a single unit to simplify operations. Their compact designs are ideal for locations with limited space.

Benefits of Offering Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew

There are 3 benefits of offering nitro and cold brew coffee in your establishment: enhanced customer experience, increased revenue opportunities, and energy-efficient systems. 

Enhanced Customer Experience

Nitro coffee and cold brew systems enhance customer experience by improving menu diversity with creamier coffee options. The nitrogen infusion creates a visually appealing drink that is less acidic and highly popular. Such options can set your coffee shop apart from competitors and improve customer loyalty.

Increased Revenue Opportunities

Nitro coffee and cold brew systems provide increased revenue opportunities by creating highly profitable and popular coffee options. Nitro coffee is considered a premium offering and requires minimal additional investment, which means a higher profit margin and minimum effort. The sheer diversity of your menu will attract a broader customer base. Create seasonal and limited-edition cold brew flavors to create excitement and drive repeat business.

Energy-Efficient Systems

Modern nitro coffee and cold brew systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint. Features such as insulated components, energy-saving modes, and efficient refrigeration systems contribute to lower energy consumption. Benefit from sustainability incentives where applicable and improve your brand’s reputation in the eyes of your customers.

Best Practices for Using Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Best practices for nitro coffee and cold brew systems include proper storage techniques, regular cleaning and maintenance, and serving techniques. Through these three main points, you can extend the lifespan of your unit and improve your service quality and customer satisfaction.

Proper Storage

Proper storage of coffee is crucial to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Optimal storage temperatures range between 34°F (1.111°C) and 38°F (3.333°C). Keeping the coffee at these temperatures slows the degradation process and ensures customers receive a consistently delicious product across all your batches. It’s also essential to store coffee in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation and a stale taste.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining nitro coffee and cold brew systems are vital for adhering to public health codes and ensuring optimal machine performance. Daily cleaning routines should include flushing the lines, cleaning the taps, and wiping down surfaces.

Weekly and monthly maintenance may involve deep cleaning components, checking for wear and tear, and sanitizing all parts that come into contact with coffee. Purchasing a unit with easily removable parts will help you tremendously in the long run. You should use manufacturer-recommended, food-grade cleaning solutions and follow specific maintenance schedules to prevent the buildup of coffee oils and residues, which can affect taste and system functionality.

Serving Techniques

Proper serving techniques enhance the customer experience and the quality of the nitro coffee. Holding the glass at a 45-degree angle is best to create a smooth pour and a perfect frothy head when pouring nitro coffee. This technique ensures the nitrogen is infused correctly, resulting in the desired creamy texture.

Serving over ice or in chilled glasses for cold brew helps maintain its refreshing quality. Your baristas should be trained to handle the equipment correctly and to understand the nuances of serving these beverages to provide a consistent and enjoyable product. Being successful in these areas will ensure that your coffees are Insta-worthy and loved by your customers. 

Top Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew System Brands

• Alfa International: Alfa International specializes in high-quality commercial kitchen equipment, including robust nitro coffee and cold brew systems. They are known for durability and efficiency, and their systems are ideal for high-volume settings.
  

• Bunn: Bunn offers reliable and easy-to-use nitro coffee and cold brew systems. Their innovative designs focus on consistent performance and user-friendly features. In their popular model, Nitron2, they leverage high-intensity mixing to blend the coffee as well as possible to make it incredibly smooth, and they make their designs keg-free to take the hassle out of the process. They utilize refillable containers that are easy to clean and refill.

• Cornelius: Cornelius is renowned for its advanced beverage dispensing technology. Their nitro coffee systems are designed for precision and quality. Nitro Pro Mini and Nitro Plus are two of their most popular models. Their units feature “plug&pour” technology for quick cooling and infusion. Also, their models have semi-automated self-cleaning features, which is an excellent perk for busy baristas.

• Crysalli: Crysalli specializes in chilled, sparkling, and still water systems, with a strong line of nitro coffee dispensers. Their equipment is praised for its sleek design and efficient cooling technology. Crysalli ProFusion Nitro Cold Brew Dispensing System is one of their top units. Crysalli offers a 1-year warranty, lifetime support, and great financing options.

• Curtis: Curtis offers a wide range of coffee brewing equipment, including sophisticated nitro and cold brew systems. Their products are known for high performance, reliability, ease of use, and maintenance. Their models have very easy-to-learn controls and a 1-year warranty. Curtis Nitro Infuser Single is one of the most popular models they offer.

• Everest: Everest provides commercial refrigeration solutions, including integrated nitro coffee, cold brew systems, and dispensers. They focus on energy efficiency and maintaining optimal beverage temperatures in all their products. Everest ECF1 24′‘ is one of their most popular units for larger establishments. 

• FETCO: FETCO is a leader in coffee brewing technology, offering high-quality nitro coffee and cold brew systems. Their equipment is built for heavy-duty use and delivers exceptional taste and consistency. They have some of the most aesthetically pleasing designs on the market. DRNX by BROOD is one of their top models as an on-demand nitrogen tap system. It doesn’t require a nitrogen tank; it is compact and offers advanced cooling.

• Glastender: Glastender manufactures various bar and beverage equipment, including durable and efficient nitro coffee systems. Their products are ideal for establishments looking to expand their beverage offerings without breaking the bank.

• Marco: Marco Beverage Systems provides innovative hot and cold water delivery systems, including nitro coffee dispensers. Their equipment is known for precision, energy efficiency, and sleek design. Their cold brew units, such as ColdBRU, produce 30% more concentrate from the same amount of coffee than the competitors, meaning less coffee is wasted. This is a massive benefit in terms of efficiency.

• Summit: Summit Appliance specializes in commercial and residential refrigeration, offering versatile nitro coffee and cold brew systems. Their products are praised for their commercial-grade durable designs and reliability. They have big nitro coffee kegerators, which are perfect for larger establishments.

• JoeTap: JoeTap has offered specialized nitro coffee dispensing systems that have been easy to install and use since 2015. Their systems are perfect for coffee shops and restaurants looking to provide high-quality nitro coffee and other nitrogenated beverages. Their models can be used to nitrogenate teas, lemonades, and juices, a great way to increase menu diversity with a single piece of equipment.

• NitroBrew: NitroBrew is solely focused on nitro coffee and cold brew systems. They provide unique solutions to convert any cold beverage into a nitro-infused drink. They were founded in 2014, but their history dates back to the 90s. They spent years perfecting their engineering and created reliable, consistent, portable, and easy-to-use units.

• Kegco: Kegco offers a wide range of keg dispensing equipment, including nitro coffee systems. Their products are designed for durability and ease of use and are suitable for commercial and home use.

We listed 13 top nitro coffee and cold brew system brands below. Purchasing your unit from a reliable brand will ensure the longevity of your investment, and you have a sound support system in case the unit malfunctions.

Accessories to Enhance Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Offerings

You can buy additional accessories such as kegs and tanks, nitrogen and CO2 regulators, and specialty glassware to enhance your nitro coffee and cold brew offerings.  Through these pieces, you can improve the volume of your production, the precision of your quality, and the presentation of your coffees. 

• Kegs and Tanks: Kegs and tanks are essential for storing and dispensing nitro coffee and cold brew. Stainless steel kegs, in particular, are popular due to their durability and ability to maintain beverage quality. Tanks come in various sizes to accommodate different volume needs, allowing you to scale up production as required. These accessories ensure your coffee is stored optimally to preserve freshness and flavor.

• Nitrogen and CO2 Regulators: Nitrogen and CO2 regulators control the pressure and flow of gases used in nitro coffee and cold brew systems. Precise regulation of nitrogen infusion is necessary to achieve the desired creamy texture and mouthfeel. High-quality regulators allow for fine-tuning, ensuring consistent beverage quality and preventing over- or under-carbonation, which can affect the taste and presentation of your drinks.

• Specialty Glassware: Specialty glassware enhances the presentation and customer experience of nitro coffee and cold brew. Glasses designed for nitro coffee often feature a broader mouth to showcase the creamy head and allow for a better drinking experience, somewhat akin to the presentation of a glass of beer. Proper glassware improves the aesthetic appeal and helps retain the beverage’s temperature and carbonation, contributing to a superior taste experience.

The Role of Bar Refrigeration in Nitro Coffee and Cold Brew Systems

Bar refrigeration plays a critical role in the success of nitro coffee and cold brew systems, ensuring beverages are served at the perfect temperature and maintaining their quality over time. Proper refrigeration is essential for preserving the freshness of cold brew coffee and the nitrogen infusion in nitro coffee, which is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

By integrating reliable bar refrigeration equipment into your setup, you can maintain the freshness of the nitro coffee and provide efficient storage solutions for your business. Bar refrigeration units organize bar spaces in terms of storage and cooling and improve the workflow significantly.

Maintaining Freshness

Bar refrigeration units ensure the nitro cold brew stays fresh and is served at the ideal temperature. Preservation of flavor and extension of shelf life are two great perks. For nitro coffee, refrigeration has the additional benefit of enhancing the beverage’s creamy texture and rich taste. 

Efficient Storage Solutions

Dedicated spaces in bar refrigerators for kegs and tanks are essential for efficient storage solutions in nitro coffee and cold brew systems. These refrigeration units are designed to accommodate the specific size and shape of kegs and tanks, ensuring they are stored properly and kept at the right temperature. This organization helps streamline operations behind the bar, allowing easy access and smooth service during busy periods.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality nitro coffee and cold brew systems significantly enhances your café’s offerings and provides customers with a unique and satisfying coffee experience. Understanding the various types of systems—from countertop and undercounter to mobile units—allows for tailored solutions that meet specific operational needs.

Incorporating essential accessories like kegs, tanks, and regulators optimizes performance and quality. Bar refrigeration units are crucial in maintaining product freshness and efficient storage, ensuring your beverages are always served at their best. Following the best storage, maintenance, and serving practices and choosing reliable brands enhance your coffee service, boost customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.