Commercial Beverage Equipment

Buying Guide: Commercial Beverage Equipment

A well-designed drinkline prioritises speed, hygiene and consistency. This page provides an overview of beverage workflows. For detailed guidance on blenders, juicers, ice makers and frozen beverage machines, explore the subcategories below.

1. Understanding the Drinkline Workflow

The beverage workflow follows a simple, repeatable structure:

• Ice production & storage → cold drinks, smoothies, cocktails
• Prep & blending → smoothies, frappes, milkshakes
• Juicing → fresh juices in cafés and juice bars
• Dispensing & holding → chilled or heated drink dispensers
• Hot beverage service → urns, boilers and water towers
• Frozen beverages → slushies, granitas and frozen cocktails

2. Beverage Equipment Categories (Overview Only)

Each equipment type supports a specific part of the drinkline:

• Commercial Blenders: Fast blending for smoothies and cocktails.
• Juicers: High-capacity juice production for fresh service.
• Ice Makers: Dice, half-dice, nugget or flake ice for service and display.
• Drink Dispensers: Heated or refrigerated FOH beverage holding.
• Slushie & Granita Machines: Frozen beverages for high-sales venues.
• Hot Water Urns: Quick hot water access for tea and coffee.
• Milkshake Makers: Multi-speed mixers for shakes and frappes.
• Commercial Microwaves: Fast reheating and beverage prep support.

3. FOH vs BOH Placement

Some beverage appliances are FOH-safe (dispenser, urn, sound-shielded blenders), while louder or heat-producing units such as open blenders and ice makers are better positioned BOH to maintain guest comfort.

4. Ice Matters: Types & Texture

Different drinks require different ice textures:

• Dice cube: Bars and cocktails (slow melt).
• Half-dice: Cafés and cold drinks.
• Nugget ice: Smoothies, juices and bubble tea (chewable texture).
• Flake ice: Displays and prep.

Different ice styles melt at different speeds and change drink texture.

5. Ventilation & Airflow Clearance

Ice makers and slushie machines require proper airflow clearance to prevent overheating. Avoid placing units inside cabinets or flush against walls. Some models draw air from the front and exhaust out the rear—allow space accordingly.

6. Key Considerations

• Capacity: Ice output per 24h, blender jug size, dispenser tank volume.
• Speed: Blend cycles, freezing times and recovery periods.
• Noise Control: FOH environments may require sound shields.
• Durability: Metal drives, commercial motors and engineered components.
• Food Safety: Cold drinks must stay < 5°C; hot beverages must stay > 60°C; reheating must reach ≥ 70°C.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using domestic blenders or juicers for commercial drink volumes.
• Blocking ventilation around ice makers or slushie machines.
• Choosing the wrong ice style for your menu.
• Using loud open blenders in FOH service areas.
• Allowing cold drinks to exceed 5°C or hot beverages to fall below 60°C.

8. Where Beverage Equipment Is Commonly Used

Different venue types require different combinations:

• Cafés: Blender, ice maker, urn and dispenser.
• Bars & clubs: Large ice output, slushie machines, high-speed blenders.
• Juice bars: High-capacity juicer, blender and nugget ice.
• Bakeries: Milkshake maker, blender and dispenser.

9. Brand Positioning

Choose premium brands for high-volume venues; choose value lines for light commercial service.

• Hamilton Beach: Commercial blenders and mixers.
• Robot Coupe / Dito Sama: Elite juicers and prep systems.
• Ceado: High-performance juicers.
• Brema & Hoshizaki: Professional ice makers.
• Birko: Hot water boilers and urns.
• Panasonic: Commercial microwaves.
• Anvil / Apuro: Practical beverage prep appliances.
• Roband: Australian FOH essentials.
• Caterlite / RFE: Entry-level equipment for schools & light use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment does a café need?

A blender, ice maker, dispenser, hot water urn and commercial microwave cover most menus.

Do beverage appliances require a canopy?

Most do not. Only grill-style toasters may need ventilation.

Are commercial blenders worth it?

Yes—metal drives, cooling systems and commercial motors are built for continuous blending.

Need help designing your drinkline?
Call 1300 001 366 for tailored recommendations.

Drinkline workflow and beverage system guidance validated by KW Commercial Kitchen.