All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More >
Coffee urns are great for serving hot beverages at events, offices, or even large family gatherings. These large-capacity containers keep coffee hot for hours and make serving quick and easy.
They are perfect for anyone who needs to serve many cups of coffee at once without constantly refilling a standard coffee pot.
We spent time trying and testing the best coffee urns to help you find one that fits your needs. Below, we have picked out a handful that performed well in our tests, from higher-end premium coffee urns to some good options for anyone on a budget.
So, if you’re looking for a coffee urn for a commercial setting or just need one for large gatherings, keep on reading – we’ve got you covered.
Straight to the Point
While testing various coffee urns, there were definitely two that really stood out. The Hamilton Beach Coffee Urn performed well and the price isnt too steep. I also recommend the Homecraft Coffee Despenser it has a 100 cup capacity and brews coffee very quickly- definitely worth checking out.
Best Rated Coffee Urns (Tried & Tested)
We tried quite a few coffee urns over the past few weeks, and to be honest, there were many that didn’t make the cut.
Below, we have listed some of our favorites – whether you want a commercial coffee urn, office setting, or need large batches of coffee for events, you won’t go wrong with any of these.
Hamilton Beach Coffee Urn
Reliable and efficient, this coffee urn is a great choice for gatherings.
Using the Hamilton Beach Coffee Urn was a breeze. Its fast brewing speed is impressive, making it perfect for events where you need to serve coffee quickly. We loved how the coffee stayed hot without getting that burnt taste.
Filling the urn was straightforward, thanks to the clear water-level indicators. The twist-lock lid and large handles made it easy to carry and secure, even when the urn was full. The two-way dispenser is practical, allowing for single-cup or continuous flow options.
Cleaning up afterward was simple. The twist-lock lid and brew basket are dishwasher safe, saving us time and effort. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this urn is a solid choice for any event.
What We Love
- Brews quickly.
- Convenient to use.
- Easy to clean.
Take Note
- Lacks an on/off switch.
- Doesn’t make 45 “standard cups”.
- Some parts are lightweight and less durable.
Zulay 50 Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Urn
A great choice for anyone needing a durable and efficient coffee urn, the Zulay 50 Cup Coffee Urn is worth considering.
We found the Zulay 50 Cup Coffee Urn to be a reliable and sturdy choice for large gatherings. The stainless steel body feels robust, and the urn is quite easy to set up. You can brew and serve up to 50 cups, making it ideal for events where you need a lot of coffee quickly.
One of the standout features is the two-way faucet, which allows for a single cup or continuous pouring. This makes serving very convenient whether you’re in a hurry or just pouring a cup for yourself. The keep-warm feature ensures the coffee stays hot, which is perfect for long meetings or social events.
On the downside, the level window doesn’t show accurately when there are fewer than 30 cups left, making it a bit tricky to know when it’s time for a refill.
Additionally, we missed having multiple temperature settings for different preferences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the urn performed exceptionally well in keeping our coffee hot and ready to serve.
What We Love
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Easy-to-use two-way faucet.
- Keeps coffee hot for a long time.
Take Note
- Level window starts at 30 cups.
- Lacks multiple temperature settings.
- Occasional leaking issues reported.
Elite Gourmet Coffee Urn
This coffee urn is ideal for large gatherings and is easy to use, making it a great choice for events.
We recently tested the Elite Gourmet Coffee Urn at a large family reunion. Setting it up was straightforward, and it brewed a full 30 cups in just about 30 minutes. The coffee tasted great and stayed hot during the entire event.
Transporting the urn was safe and easy, thanks to its cool-touch handles and locking lid. This feature was essential when we needed to move it from the kitchen to the serving area. The two-way dispenser made serving the coffee a breeze, whether filling single cups or larger carafes.
Cleaning up afterward was hassle-free because of the removable plastic filter and the stainless steel finish.
This coffee urn is efficient and user-friendly, though the plastic spout and unreliable warm function could be areas for improvement.
What We Love
- Brews 1 cup per minute.
- Heat-resistant handles.
- Easy to clean.
Take Note
- Plastic spout may feel flimsy.
- Warm function can be unreliable.
- Cord quality can be poor.
Homecraft 100-Cup Coffee Urn
This coffee urn is great for large gatherings, making it an excellent choice for events and parties.
The Homecraft 100-Cup Coffee Urn has a large capacity, which means you won’t have to worry about constantly refilling it, which will be a huge relief for many of you reading this.
In our testing we filled it up, set it to brew, and within minutes, we had fresh, hot coffee ready to go.
The double spigot design was a bonus, allowing more than one person to fill their cups at the same time. This reduced the wait time, perfect for the morning rush. The keep-warm function worked as advertised, keeping the coffee warm and ready for hours, which is perfect for long events.
However, we did notice that sometimes the coffee wasn’t as hot as we’d like. Also, there was a minor issue with leaking from the spigot during one of our uses.
Overall, this urn will make your commercial event run smoother, and we believe it’s a solid choice if you need a large-capacity coffee maker.
What We Love
- Large 100-cup capacity.
- Quick-brewing speed.
- Keeps beverages warm for hours.
Take Note
- Might not reach piping hot temperatures always.
- Can leak from the spigot.
- Large size may be bulky to handle.
Nesco Professional Coffee Urn
A solid choice for large gatherings due to its capacity and insulation.
If you’re looking for a large coffee urn, the Nesco Professional Coffee Urn impressed us with its capacity to serve up to 30 cups, making it ideal for large parties or meetings.
It features double-wall insulation, keeping coffee hot for extended periods. This is particularly useful during long events.
We also appreciate the cool-touch handles, which make moving the urn safe and straightforward, even when the coffee is still hot. The internal water gauge is also a handy feature, ensuring you always know how much coffee is left without opening the lid.
On the downside, the locking lid can be a bit challenging to secure properly. Careful cleaning is essential to prevent coffee residue buildup, which can affect taste over time. Additionally, keep an eye on the small piece inside the stem, as losing it can hinder the urn’s performance.
Overall, the Nesco Professional Coffee Urn is a reliable choice for anyone needing a high-capacity coffee maker for various events.
What We Love
- Holds up to 30 cups of coffee.
- Double wall insulation keeps coffee hot.
- Cool-touch handles for easy transportation.
Take Note
- Locking lid can be tricky to secure.
- Requires careful cleaning to avoid residue buildup.
- The small piece inside the stem can be easily lost.
SYBO SR-CP-50B Commercial Coffee Maker
This SYBO coffee urn is a reliable choice for large gatherings and events.
During our testing we gave the SYBO SR-CP-50B coffee urn to a recent local event and were pleased with its overall performance.
The 8-liter capacity is perfect for brewing large quantities of coffee quickly. The stainless steel body felt sturdy, and the spigot dispensed coffee smoothly without dripping.
One of the standout features is its ease of use. The clear water level markings made it simple to know when a refill was necessary. We didn’t have to worry about paper filters thanks to the reusable stainless steel filter basket, which was also easy to clean.
The automatic shut-off and keep-warm functions offer convenience, especially during busy events. Just be aware that it keeps the coffee extremely hot, so you’ll need to let it cool a bit before serving if it’s too hot for your taste.
Overall, the SYBO SR-CP-50B is an excellent choice for those needing a robust and efficient coffee urn for large gatherings.
What We Love
- High 8-liter capacity.
- Durable stainless steel build.
- Easy-to-read level markings.
Take Note
- Bulky and takes up space.
- Keeps coffee very hot, which might not be ideal for everyone.
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain performance.
Buying A Coffee Urn? Read Our Guide First
Choosing the best coffee urn for your needs can be simple if you know what to look for. Here are some key features to consider:
Capacity
Think about how many people you typically serve coffee to. Coffee urns come in various sizes, often measured in cups. If you host large events, you’ll want a bigger urn, but for smaller gatherings, a more compact one will do.
Material
Coffee urns are usually made from stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel is more durable and retains heat better, but it might be heavier. Aluminum is lightweight but can dent or scratch more easily.
Heating Time
No one likes waiting forever for their coffee. Some urns heat up faster than others. Check the product details for how long it takes to brew a full pot. Faster heating times can be a big advantage in a busy setting.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for urns with removable parts to make cleaning easier. Some models come with non-stick interiors or are dishwasher-safe, which can save you a lot of hassle.
Safety Features
Safety is important, especially if you’ll be using the urn in a public place. Features like automatic shut-off, heat-resistant handles, and sturdy bases are worth considering.
Portability
If you need to move the urn around, check for convenient features like carrying handles or locking lids. A lighter urn might be easier to transport, but make sure it’s still sturdy enough for regular use.
Temperature Control
Some urns offer adjustable temperature settings. This allows you to keep your coffee at the perfect temperature throughout the event.
Price
Of course, price is a factor. Compare different models to find one that fits your budget without sacrificing the features you need.
By considering these factors when buying a new coffee urn, you’ll be able to find the perfect coffee dispenser for any occasion.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to hosting large gatherings, having the right coffee urn can make all the difference. Whether you need to serve dozens or hundreds of cups, the models we reviewed deliver hot, fresh coffee conveniently.
From commercial-grade urns like the durable Zulay stainless steel or high-capacity Homecraft 100-cup, to more compact options like the easy-to-use Hamilton Beach, there’s an urn suited for every event.
I was impressed by features like quick brew speeds, pour options for single cups or continuous flow, clear water windows, and effective insulation to keep coffee piping hot for hours.
With straightforward setup, simple cleaning, and sturdy carry handles, these urns take the guesswork out of mass coffee service.
By taking note of your coffee capacity needs, budget, and desired features, you can find the perfect coffee urn to keep crowds caffeinated and satisfied.
Got a question? Have a review of a coffee urn? Let us know in the comments.
Mark has over 20 years of experience in the catering and hospitality sector. He takes his years of knowledge and expertise and applies it to critiquing coffee equipment and brewing gear.
Since the creation of the Bean Ground coffee blog in 2014, Mark Morphew and a small circle of coffee hobbyists have rigorously tested, reviewed, and researched coffee gear. In most cases, they have purchased the items themselves with the sole intention of rating and evaluating.
In that time, they have built up a list of quality points to look for and what makes specific equipment better than others. They cut through the noise and marketing hype that often surrounds products to give you their unbiased opinions so you can make clear decisions on your next purchase.
