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How to Choose the Right Nitro Cold Brew System

Looking for the best nitro cold brew system for your cafe or home use? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll share what to look for and how to make your decision.

What Is a Nitro Cold Brew Machine?

A nitro cold brew machine is a system that allows you to keg regular cold brew coffee and infuse it with nitrogen to give it a smooth mouthfeel and glorious cascading foam. 

You may hear the term “nitro cold brew machine” tossed around, but it’s really more of a setup or a system than a singular machine. 

The components of a nitro cold brew system typically include:

  • A keg, which stores the cold brew

  • A food-grade nitrogen generator or tank, which provides the nitrogen

  • A nitrogen regulator, which controls the gas pressure that powers infusion

You will also need a kegerator, or some way to chill and dispense the nitro brew on tap. Some kegs have components you can use to dispense the cold brew straight from the keg, which could be a solution for less frequent use. If you’re planning to serve cold brew from your coffee shop or bar, a kegerator is a must as well as a nitrogen infuser.

5 Features to Consider When Choosing Your Nitro Cold Brew System

As you examine the various nitro cold brew systems on the market, here are the top 5 factors to consider. 

  1. Safety. Setting up any kind of kegging system, whether it’s for beer, nitro cold brew, or any other beverage, requires you to be aware of the proper use of the equipment. Nitrogen generators and tanks need to be handled with care, and there are specific instructions on how to safely set up, operate, and maintain them. So you definitely want to purchase your equipment from a reputable source, and don’t be afraid to ask your supplier questions about the safety of the nitro brew system. They should be able to answer your questions and explain how to set up and utilize the equipment safely. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.

  2. Ease of use. While safety is key, you also want a nitro cold brew coffee system that is relatively easy to use — especially if you’re a beginner. Some systems are more complicated than others, so look for one that suits your skill and comfort levels. If you’re purchasing a nitro cold brew machine for your cafe, keep in mind that your staff will need to be trained on it. Generally speaking, the more user friendly, the better.   

  3. Serving options & capacity. How you plan to use the nitro cold brew machine or setup will determine the kind of capacity you need. If you’re looking to serve nitro from your wet bar at home, but you won’t use it too often, a nitro cold brew kit with a 2.5 gallon keg may suffice. However, if you’re looking to serve customers on a daily basis at your coffee shop, you’ll definitely need a larger capacity system. Serving options are also important to consider, such as single taps vs. multiple taps for serving different kinds of nitro cold brew.  

  4. Durability. You don’t want to invest in a nitro cold brew system only to have to replace parts or schedule repairs a few months later. For a home bar, durability expectations will differ dramatically than for a busy local cafe, of course. Ask your supplier pointed questions about the longevity of your equipment and whether they offer repair services or warranties if an issue should arise. 

  5. Materials. Stainless steel is the gold standard for kegging systems, whether that’s for beer, nitro cold brew coffee, kombucha, wine, or really any beverage you’re brewing. If you find a nitro cold brew system that is made with some other metal, it’s best to steer clear, especially given the acidic nature of coffee. 

Choosing the Right Nitro Cold Brew System: Additional Aspects to Consider

When you’re trying to decide which nitro cold brew system is worth your money, there are quite a few factors to weigh. In addition to the five factors outlined above, here are some points to keep in mind. 

  • Your budget. This plays a big factor in your ultimate decision. Do you want to pay cash up front? Do you want an option that allows for a payment plan? Do you have enough set aside for a deposit? Aside from the upfront payments, you also want to budget for upkeep and maintenance costs. 

  • The space you have. It’s really important to know ahead of time where you are going to store your nitro cold brew coffee equipment. This includes the kegerator, if you’re getting one. There are under-the-counter and freestanding kegerators, so make sure the one you choose fits in your current setup.

  • Whether you want one system or multiple systems/kits. If you’re making a big expansion to your coffee shop or restaurant, multiple nitro cold brew systems may be necessary to achieve your service goals. Obviously, if you’re into homebrewing, a single nitro cold brew kit should be just fine. 

  • What equipment you actually need. Make a list of all the equipment you need in order to successfully bring nitro cold brew coffee to your restaurant or cafe. You may need a kegerator, hoses, couplers, CO2 tanks, maybe even additional serving glasses. Will you be purchasing everything from one supplier, or are you looking at multiple places? It’s helpful to take all of this into consideration as you narrow down your options. 

  • Do your research. Whether the nitro cold brew system is for home use or to expand the menu at your cafe, avoid making an uninformed purchase. Read reviews and forums. Talk to friends in the nitro coffee business or homebrewing hobby. You can reach out to Corny Keg, too — we have in-depth knowledge and years of experience helping customers find the right kegging system.

Corny Keg’s Best Nitro Cold Brew Products 

At Corny Keg, we offer a variety of nitro cold brew systems, perfect for expanding the menu at your home bar or your coffee shop. 

Check out: 

Shop our full selection of nitro cold brew systems and kits.

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