Bulk brewing 101 for offices

You can easily prepare coffee in bulk on behalf of a large team. Hot or cold. There are simple steps to prep big quantities with the right tools and a bit of planning.

How to bulk brew hot coffee in an office

If you want hot coffee ready in bulk, a commercial filter machine is the easiest way to do it. These machines are built to handle steady demand and give you the same result with every batch. They work well in meeting rooms, training spaces and busy office floors where you need plenty of coffee without any fuss.

Start with good quality filter coffee at a medium grind. It should feel similar to coarse sand. This helps the machine extract the flavour evenly. It avoids bitterness and keeps the taste balanced.

Measure your coffee carefully. A good place to start is sixty grams of coffee for every litre of water. Adjust it slightly if people prefer it stronger or lighter. Bulk brewers heat and brew at the right temperature, so keeping your measurements consistent is the best way to get the same flavour every time.

Use fresh water. If you have a FreshGround water dispenser, fill from that. It keeps the process simple and helps prevent mineral build up that can affect both taste and machine performance.

Once the brew has finished, move the coffee straight into a large jug or thermal server. Most bulk brewers are designed to work with insulated servers so you can keep the coffee hot without using a hot plate. This keeps the flavour fresh for up to two hours.

If you are brewing for a meeting or event, build it into your routine. Start a brew a few minutes before people arrive. For larger teams, stagger the brews through the morning so you always have a fresh supply ready and don’t leave too much sitting around.

Keep the machine clean. Rinse the brew baskets and servers after every use. Give the machine a simple wipe and clean each day. Bulk brewers are easy to look after. A small amount of regular care keeps the flavour at its best and helps the machine stay reliable over time.

How to make cold brew coffee in the office

Cold brew is one of the easiest ways to serve coffee in volume. It is smooth, low in acidity and ideal for warm offices or teams who prefer something lighter through the afternoon. Preparing it in a large container keeps things simple and lets you serve consistently without needing to brew throughout the day.

Choose a coarse grind. Cold brew needs time rather than heat to extract flavour, so the grind should feel similar to coarse breadcrumbs. This prevents over extraction and keeps the taste clean. Use good quality whole bean coffee that you would be happy to drink hot. The flavours carry through well in cold brew.

Find a container with plenty of space. Most offices use a drinks dispenser or a large sealed food storage container. Aim for a ratio of one part coffee to eight parts water as a starting point. You can adjust the concentration later if your team prefers something stronger or lighter. Fill with fresh, filtered water from one of our water dispensers. It helps the coffee extract evenly and keeps the final drink smooth.

Stir gently to ensure the grounds are fully soaked. Seal the container and leave it in the fridge for at least twelve hours. Twenty four hours gives a stronger and more rounded flavour. Once you are happy with the taste, strain it through a fine filter or mesh. Some teams prefer a double strain to remove any remaining sediment and keep the texture clean.

Transfer the finished brew into a serving container. A large airpot works well for iced service or you can bottle it if you want something grab and go friendly. Keep it refrigerated. Cold brew will stay fresh for up to three days when stored properly.

Cold brew is best enjoyed just as it is. Think of it as its own style of coffee rather than an espresso or an americano. Pour it over ice and drink it black for a smooth and naturally sweet flavour. If you prefer something softer, add milk or a touch of syrup. It is designed to be refreshing and easy to drink, so keep it simple and let the coffee speak for itself.

When serving, leave space for ice. Cold brew is naturally concentrated so ice melts into it without watering it down too much. Offer a splash of milk or an alternative milk for people who prefer a softer taste.

If your office has regular meetings or events, make cold brew the day before. It avoids last minute prep and means you always have a fresh batch ready. Once you find a ratio your team enjoys, the process becomes very simple and easy to repeat.

Bulk brewing round up

Bulk brewing is straightforward, it just requires forward planning. Once you find the ratios your team enjoys, it becomes a simple routine that keeps everyone supplied throughout the day.

If you want to improve your setup, take a look at our filter machines which are built for steady demand and consistent results. You can also explore our range of whole bean and filter coffee to find something that suits your team’s taste. Fresh, filtered water makes a real difference too, so you may find one of our water dispensers helps keep things easy.