In the hustle and bustle of the modern workplace, there is one thing that can make or break your day: coffee. The steaming cup of liquid gold isn’t just a caffeine fix; it’s a ritual, a moment of respite, and a source of camaraderie among co-workers.
You may be wondering how you can ensure that your office coffee machine produces the perfect brew over and over again? From the machine to the beans, as well as maintenance and personalisation, there are many factors which contribute to making the best office coffee.
Our guide will explore each of these crucial elements while equipping you with the knowledge to create a great cup of office coffee a reality.
1. The Right Commercial Coffee Machine
There’s no route to perfection in the coffee world without having a dedicated coffee machine– as much as you may love the Nespresso machine or think your instant coffee is top-notch, you won’t come close to getting the perfect brew without having an automatic machine to do the heavy lifting.
Choosing the right commercial coffee machine for the office can make a big difference in the quality of your coffee. There are several key factors to consider:
Size and Capacity
Assess the size of your office and the number of coffee drinkers. A small office may do just fine with a compact single-cup brewer, while a larger workplace might require a high-capacity machine capable of handling a steady stream of coffee vends without long queues.
It’s also important to consider the storage space in each of the hoppers, as the smaller these are the more downtime the machine will have – and no machine means no chance of perfection.
Brewing Options
Different machines offer various drinks, including Flat White, Latte, cappuccino, and more. Consider the preferences of your colleagues to determine which options are essential, and make sure that your machine can either cater for these as standard, or can be configured.
Some office coffee machines will have added extras like the ability to create cold brew coffees, something which helps create the perfect cup of coffee on a warm day in the office.
Quality and Reliability
We cannot stress how important this point is – invest in a high-quality, reliable office coffee machine that can handle regular use without malfunctioning or delivering inconsistent drinks. You may have to pay more for your equipment, but in the long run it’s a really worthwhile investment.
Brands like la Cimbali, Rex Royal and Franke are all high-end machine manufacturers who take reliability and consistency very seriously. They’ve a huge amount of experience in the commercial coffee machine space and invest heavily in R&D to make sure their products are innovative and premium.
Remember that your choice of coffee machine sets the foundation for your office coffee culture, so choose wisely. If in doubt, speak to our experts on 01865 341011 or send us an enquiry – we’ve been creating coffee solutions for businesses for almost 30 years!
2. The Right Coffee Beans and Milk
Now that you have the perfect coffee machine in place, it’s time to focus on the ingredients. The quality of your coffee beans, milk and other consumables plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cup of office coffee.
Coffee Beans
Choose high-quality coffee beans that are freshly roasted and come from a reputable roastery. The best quality coffee comes from bean to cup machines, so we will double down on our earlier statements on how important it is to use fresh ground coffee, not instant.
Consider the taste preferences of the staff in your office; some may prefer a light roast with fruity notes, while others may crave the boldness of a dark roast. Either way, you can’t achieve office coffee perfection without looking at these factors.
Most coffee machine operators, like Connect, will have their preferred suppliers for coffee beans, which is developed over years of coffee machine installations and operating. If you’re not sure until you’ve tried the different options, ask your vending operator to do a test taste.
When we’re installing multiple office coffee machines, we make sure that the customer has had the opportunity to taste coffee from each our coffee beans before selecting one – it’s that important.
Milk
For coffee creations like lattes and cappuccinos, fresh milk is a must. Provided your machine is a premium brand, you’ll be able to specify a fresh milk coffee machine, with some even coming with dual milk options. This is as important as choosing the right coffee bean, as an office coffee machine that is brewing coffee using GSM or other powdered milk, will not hit the spot.
You may also want to consider some non-dairy milk options such as oat milk or almond milk. We recently published an article written by a coffee connoisseur on which milk to pair with certain coffee drinks.
3. Personalisation Options
One of the joys of office coffee is the ability to personalise each cup to individual tastes, and when it comes to coffee, the definition of the word ‘perfection’ is subjective. What works for one person might not be right for everyone else, so to be perfect, you’re better covering all the bases. Here are some options to consider:
Syrups and Flavourings
Stock a variety of syrups and flavourings like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut. These can transform a simple coffee into a customised masterpiece, and help your staff feel like they’re in a high street coffee shop.
Sweeteners
Offer a selection of sweeteners, including sugar, honey, and artificial sweeteners, to cater to different preferences. It’s considered a faux pas in some circles, to use white sugar in coffee, so make sure that you offer brown sugar for the diehards to enjoy!
Toppings
Consider having toppings like whipped cream, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for those who want to take their coffee to the next level. Let’s be real, no one has ever said no to a powdering of chocolate on their Cappuccino.
By offering a range of personalization options, you’ll cater to the diverse tastes of your coworkers and make the office coffee experience even more enjoyable.
4. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining your commercial coffee machine is paramount to ensure consistent quality and longevity, though many forget it when considering office coffee machine options. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only keep your machine in optimal condition but also contribute to the health and safety of your office.
Your favourite high street coffee shop takes great care to clean their equipment after a day of making coffee, so it’s critical that you have either the internal resource or an outside vending company to come and maintain the equipment.
Regular Cleaning
Assign someone in the office to perform daily cleaning tasks, such as emptying and cleaning drip trays, wiping down the machine, and ensuring milk frothing components are spotless. Otherwise, let experts like Connect Vending manage this on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry about finding the time or checking the work has been done.
FIND THE BEST OFFICE COFFEE MACHINE FOR YOUR WORKPLACE WITH CONNECT VENDING
Brewing the perfect office coffee isn’t just about the coffee itself; it’s about the entire experience. It starts with choosing the right commercial coffee machine, selecting high-quality beans and milk, offering personalisation options, and maintaining your equipment.
To make the process even smoother, consider partnering with a third-party coffee service provider who can handle the maintenance, supplies, and expertise needed to keep your office coffee station running seamlessly. With the perfect blend of equipment, ingredients, and support, your office can enjoy the ultimate coffee experience every day.
Ready to take your office coffee to the next level? Speak to our friendly team on 01865 341011, or send us an enquiry to tell us more about your project.
We can’t wait to hear from you.