Coffee Equipment Company

Clover logo

Coffee Equipment Company was a Seattle-based manufacturer of coffee equipment, best known for its innovative Clover brewing system. The company was founded in 2004 by Zander Nosler and Randy Hulett, and it quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality, precision coffee brewing machines.

History[edit | edit source]

The Coffee Equipment Company was established in 2004 in Seattle, Washington, a city renowned for its vibrant coffee culture. The founders, Zander Nosler and Randy Hulett, aimed to revolutionize the coffee brewing process by creating a machine that could produce a single cup of coffee with unparalleled precision and consistency.

Clover Brewing System[edit | edit source]

The company's flagship product, the Clover, was introduced in 2005. The Clover is a single-cup brewing system that allows baristas to control various parameters such as water temperature, brew time, and coffee grind size. This level of control enables the extraction of the best flavors from the coffee beans, resulting in a superior cup of coffee.

The Clover machine quickly became popular among high-end coffee shops and was praised for its ability to highlight the unique characteristics of different coffee beans. Its innovative design and functionality set it apart from other coffee brewing methods available at the time.

Acquisition by Starbucks[edit | edit source]

In 2008, the Coffee Equipment Company was acquired by Starbucks. Following the acquisition, Starbucks integrated the Clover brewing system into its stores, offering customers a premium coffee experience. The acquisition allowed Starbucks to enhance its coffee offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the specialty coffee market.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Coffee Equipment Company's Clover machine has had a lasting impact on the coffee industry. It has influenced the development of other precision brewing equipment and has contributed to the growing appreciation for high-quality, single-origin coffees. The company's commitment to innovation and quality continues to inspire coffee professionals and enthusiasts around the world.