There’s nothing quite like a quality cup of coffee to start the workday. For many teams, it’s a daily ritual that sets the tone for focus, collaboration, and productivity. If you're considering an upgrade to your office coffee offering, this guide will help you choose the right coffee machine for your workplace.
Why invest in an office coffee maker?
Need to build a compelling case for management? Here are several key reasons to support the investment in the high-quality coffee machine under consideration.
- Helps you stay focused: Caffeine for the win when you’re in the office, wouldn’t you agree? A good cup of coffee that you can smell from the other side of the office not only lifts your spirits but also keeps your focus razor-sharp. Plus, if you have a good coffee machine in the office, no one has to go out to buy coffee, which saves time and money.
- A better work atmosphere: During breaks, people gather around the coffee machine in the break room. This gives them a chance to have a good chat while enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
- Make the environment more appealing: Offering good coffee in the office is a thoughtful extra that many people will appreciate. It shows the company cares about its employees.
Types of coffee machines
- Traditional drip coffee machines - affordable and serve large groups, but the coffee can go stale if left for too long.
- Single-use coffee machines - these coffee machines use pods.
- Espresso machines - offer strong café-style coffee but call for more upkeep.
- Bean-to-cup coffee machines - fresh beans can be ground for each cup and offer top quality and custom options – check out Vending Sense for more information on bean-to-cup coffee machines.
Time to choose a coffee machine for your office
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of machines, let’s explore a few important factors to keep in mind when selecting the best fit for your workplace.
Office size and number of coffee drinkers
How big is your office, and how many people drink coffee?
In a busy office where almost everyone is a coffee drinker, it makes sense to go for a machine that can keep up. Bean-to-cup coffee machines are a good option here as they’re built to handle more people and serve several cups in one go.
If it’s a smaller team or only a few coffee drinkers, a single-serve or espresso machine would do the trick.
Budget
A coffee machine for offices can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. So, take a look at your budget before deciding what to buy.
Sometimes spending a little more upfront, like on a bean-to-cup coffee machine, can actually save you a lot of money down the line.
What you should also remember is that running a coffee machine involves other expenses, such as coffee beans or pods, filters, and maintenance, so factor that into your budget from the start.
Maintenance
A coffee machine needs a bit of care to keep it working and to get the best use out of it. Some machines are easy to clean and maintain, while others require a bit more attention and might even add to the cost.
Since this is for an office, you don’t want a machine that needs a lot of care, so find one that strikes the right balance between good coffee and low maintenance.
Coffee preferences
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to coffee, so think about what your team actually enjoys. If most of your team goes for a strong brew, an espresso machine or a bean-to-cup machine might be the best option.
But if preferences are varied, some like it mild, some strong, some with a hint of vanilla, and some decaf, a single-serve machine with a range of pods is a better fit.
So, are you going for it?
You should!
Buying a coffee machine not only boosts employee morale but also adds a modern touch to the office. It saves time and money and helps your team stay refreshed throughout the day.
So, go ahead and get that coffee machine you’ve been eyeing – it might be just the boost your workplace needs.
