Match the capacity to the number of people who want to pour coffee at the same time, and compare the volume in litres per brew rather than relying only on the stated number of cups. A thermal carafe is suited to staggered serving, while a glass carafe with a warming plate is better for serving shortly after brewing. For a large group taking a break at the same time, a machine with two independent brewing units may be suitable; also check the space required, the power supply and the terms of use.
You want to serve a group at roughly the same time, so you compare litres per brew, brewing time and the option to have two carafes ready at once. The Consumentenbond notes that filter coffee is suitable for making larger quantities.
You want to keep coffee available while participants take breaks at different times, so you consider the carafe and how easy it is to brew another batch. The Consumentenbond discusses thermal carafes as an option for keeping coffee warm without having to brew a fresh pot each time.
You want to keep the steps before lunch to a minimum and have as few loose parts as possible to clean afterwards. A timer, filter holder and carafe design may all be factors; Inventum and Philips list these features for the relevant models.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Enough coffee at the busiest time | Estimate how much each person will need and compare it with the volume per brew and the machine’s dimensions. | If I’m serving the whole group during the same break, I don’t want to have to brew another batch halfway through. Around 36% of consumers say having enough capacity at the busiest time is their top priority. |
| Keeping coffee available | Compare a thermal carafe with a glass carafe, and check whether a spare carafe is compatible with the model, if needed. | If participants take breaks at different times, I want to have coffee ready without brewing a fresh pot each time. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping coffee warm when serving is staggered. |
| Preparing and brewing another batch | Check whether the timer lets you set a start time, and how easy it is to access the water reservoir and filter holder. | If I have little time to operate the machine around lunch, I want to be able to plan ahead or brew another batch easily. Around 21% of consumers say ease of preparation is their top priority. |
| Maintenance and parts | Check the filter size, which parts can be removed and whether a replacement carafe is intended for the exact model. | If I want to clean up quickly after the workshop and keep using the machine afterwards, I look at maintenance and compatible parts. Around 14% of consumers say this is their main concern when buying. |
Without knowing the cup size, the ‘cups’ label doesn’t tell you how many larger workshop mugs you can fill.
Work out how much coffee you actually want to serve and compare it with the litres per brew.
If one brew isn’t enough, you may need to make another batch or plan to use a second carafe.
A glass carafe with a warming plate works differently when coffee needs to be ready for a longer period. The Consumentenbond points out that coffee can become more bitter when left on a warming plate.
Choose based on the time between the first and last round of serving, and plan to brew another batch if that suits your serving schedule.
With a staggered lunch, brewing another batch may mean extra preparation.
Replacement carafes and warranty terms can vary by model and intended use. Moccamaster lists separate terms for the KBGT20 when used professionally or commercially.
Check the exact model number of both the carafe and the machine, and find out before buying which warranty terms apply to your intended use.
A carafe that doesn’t fit the machine can’t be used as a replacement.
The KBGT20 is an option if two thermal carafes and the capacity to serve coffee simultaneously are important to you.
The KZ618 and KZ818D offer different capacities and come with a thermal carafe.
The HD7460/40 is a glass-carafe model for serving coffee around one mealtime.
The EPOS is designed for those who want a built-in grinder and adjustable brewing for smaller batches.
The PurShine KF 1500 is a glass-carafe model for those who value straightforward operation.
This selection focuses on filter coffee for a group lunch: from glass carafes with a warming function to a large-capacity machine with a tap.
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The glass carafe and warming function are suited to coffee served around lunchtime.
It has a capacity of 1,25 litres, stated as enough for 10 cups. The machine has a reusable filter, a drip stop and automatic shut-off. The product description states that it is for domestic use only; check whether your intended use falls within this.
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The glass carafe and warming plate are suited to a batch brewed shortly before serving.
It has a capacity of 1,25 litres, stated as approximately 10 cups. The product description lists a water-level indicator and a removable, reusable filter.
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The stated large capacity and tap are features worth considering if you want to serve a lot of coffee per brew.
The product name states a capacity of 15 litres, 1500 W, a paperless round filter and a warming function. It also gives a capacity of 150 cups; compare this figure with the amount you’ll actually be serving.
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The glass carafe and warming plate are suited to keeping coffee warm for a short time around serving.
The product description lists a 1.250 ml tank, stated as enough for 10 cups, a drip stop and automatic shut-off. It also specifies paper filter size 4.
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The glass carafe and warming function are suited to filter coffee served around lunchtime.
The product description lists ground coffee, a capacity of up to 10 cups per brew, a water-level indicator, button controls and a non-slip base.
Compare the capacity in litres with the amount you actually want to serve. The Consumentenbond uses 125 ml as a guide for a traditional cup of filter coffee; larger mugs need more coffee. Then estimate how many people will be having coffee at the same time and compare that with the litres per brew.
First check the instructions for the exact model, the available worktop space and the electrical connection. This is particularly important for a machine with two brewing units: Moccamaster lists the KBGT20 as having a power rating of 2.900 W. Fill and use the machine in accordance with the instructions supplied.
A thermal carafe is suited to keeping coffee available without a warming plate, while a glass carafe with a warming plate is better if you’ll be serving shortly after brewing. The Consumentenbond notes that coffee can become more bitter when left on a warming plate. Compare the carafe capacity and check that any spare carafe is designed for the exact model.
Clean the carafe and filter holder according to the model’s instructions, and follow the model-specific descaling guidance. Philips recommends descaling regularly for the models covered by its support information; don’t apply those steps to another brand or model without checking first.
For a consumer purchase, the seller must provide a product that meets your expectations; ACM ConsuWijzer states that the statutory guarantee does not have a fixed term of just two years. Also check the manufacturer’s terms and whether the purchase or use is professional or commercial. For the KBGT20, Moccamaster lists two years for professional or commercial use and five years for private use.
