Despite a love affair with the café culture and espresso-based drinks there is a growing consensus that the subtle flavours of high quality coffees can only be truly appreciated when filtered.

There are four main methods of producing fresh coffee this way - Filter, Freshbrew, Cafetière and Percolator. Each has its advocates but the final choice should really come down to individual business requirements and site needs.

One of the easiest ways to brew high quality fresh coffee, a standard commercial machine will make up to 24 cups at a time.Ideally suited to outlets with a steady, but relatively low-volume turnover, they require little or no staff training to produce excellent results. Bravilor, Burco and Marco are reliable, established manufacturers with good reputations.

Ideal where larger quantities are needed - such as in conference and hospitality areas – freshbrew or bulkbrew machines are easily programmed and operated even by temporary or contract staff. Bravilor, Marco and Bunn are the leading brands with machines that produce volume coffee to a reliably high standard.

Cafetières mean elegance and a personal touch wherever they are used. Fully portable, versatile and simple to use, a wide range of models from stainless steel to glass are available.

Once slightly out of fashion, Percolators have regained their reputation as the perfect way to make very large quantities of good coffee consistently and easily. Ideal for outside catering and functions they remain the first choice for many.

Ideal for sites requiring a steady supply of hot water, Edgcumbes have tried and tested solutions. From Eco-boilers to wall mounted options.