Comparing In-Office Barista vs Office Coffee Machines

Office coffee can make or break your working day. We’re all familiar with the mid-afternoon slump, where you’re dragging yourself over to the kitchen to get a caffeine boost only to be greeted by instant coffee.  A recent survey revealed that coffee is the most consumed hot drink in the UK, with 76% of the nation regularly drinking the beverage. It’s more important than ever to offer a sustainable office coffee service.

The in-office barista vs office coffee machine is a question that has been brewing in offices across the UK, but the answer isn’t as straight forward as you might think. Both options have their benefits, but ultimately it all depends on your office needs.

This guide is the ultimate resource for comparing in-house baristas vs commercial coffee machines in UK offices.

There’s something undeniably appealing about wondering over to the office coffee station and being greeted with a friendly smile who is already preparing your regular order. Your day already feels brighter thinking about it, right? With the speciality coffee scene rising, drink requests like a peppermint mocha or a caramel macchiato are becoming the new norm. Having an in-house barista in the office can bring the essence of a high street coffee shop to your doorstep… without the queues or the commute.

Not only does an office barista bring the human touch that machine lack, but they’re also brilliant at creating custom drinks without having to worry about calling out an engineer to recalibrate the machine to enable seasonal recipes. Office baristas are also brilliant at maintaining the machines, fixing trouble shooting issues quickly, and providing quality coffee consistently throughout the day. Not only does having an in-house barista quench your employees’ thirst but also adds a sense of community and enjoyment to the workplace.

But then comes the cost… The average UK barista earns £13 an hour, which for a full-time in-house barista could add up to £25,000 to £30,000 a year! And that’s without factoring employer NI, training, and pension. In addition to employing a member of staff there is the additional costs of the machine, ingredients, and maintenance to factor in, so it can all add up very quickly and become an expensive office perk. Our wholesale team are on hand to supply your barista with all the ingredients and fresh milk that they need.

I know what you’re thinking… surely a coffee machine can’t produce barista quality coffee! You couldn’t be more wrong, today’s bean-to-cup coffee machines are serious pieces of kit, with the ability of grinding fresh coffee beans made to order for each cup of coffee, has water temperature controls bult in, and can produce anything from an espresso, cappuccino, or mocha at the push of a button.

Then there’s the consistency of the drinks. Each machine is carefully calibrated to ensure that every flat white has the same silky-smooth taste, that every espresso shot has the same amount of coffee ground through it, making stock management that much easier. It’s reliable, predictable, and precise…something an in-house barista cannot guarantee.

If speed and convenience is what you’re looking for then a commercial coffee machine might be the right choice for you. Office coffee machines increase workplace productivity by cutting the queues, cutting the awkward small talk that inevitably happens when ordering a complex custom drink, and provides quick but delicious coffee.

But is a bean-to-cup coffee machine cheaper than hiring an in-house barista? In short, yes, it’s a more cost-effective solution. Removing the human element of barista styed coffee drastically reduces the overhead, leaving just the cost of the machine, maintenance, and of course the ingredients. At Connect Vending, we also offer a rental scheme that allows you to manage the cost of the machine over quarterly payments rather than one lump sum.

So, which option wins? Honestly, it all depends on the size of your office and your staff’s needs. If you’re a smaller, creative business then an in-house barista creates a fun, coffee machine social hub that is great for entertaining your staff and clients.

For the most part, businesses with over 50 employees, may benefit more from a bean-to-cup coffee machine with the ability of churning out hundreds of cups of coffee a day. Commercial coffee machines offer that sweet spot of convenience, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They provide consistent cups of coffee, without the hassle of employment, and are available 24/7 to fit those anti-social working hours.

Office coffee solutions aren’t a one size fits all, but for most businesses who are looking to enhance workplace wellbeing and boost productivity without breaking the bank then a bean-to-cup coffee machine represent the future. If you’re looking for the perfect commercial coffee machine, then our commercial coffee machine guide can provide you with all the information that you need.