Are you tired of waiting in long lines at the coffee shop every morning to get your caffeine fix? Does the cost of a high street coffee sting your pocket by the end of the month?
Automatic coffee machines are quickly becoming the preferred choice of caffeine enthusiasts around the world, both in homes and businesses, and are driving a shift in the physical locations of coffee consumption around the UK.
Compared to the local high street coffee shop, office coffee machines offer the convenience of a hot cup of coffee with the simple press of a button, and often at a significantly lower price. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of having an office coffee machine in the workplace and why it might just be the better option for getting your caffeine fix.
The Cost of Convenience
If you’re a coffee drinker, you know the convenience of being able to grab a cup on the go during a hectic morning. High street coffee chains offer a quick and easy way to satisfy your caffeine cravings, but at what cost? The average price of a cup of coffee in the UK from a high street chain is now more than £3.00, according to The Telegraph, with the price rising 11% is just one year.
While these coffee shops are conveniently located on every corner, the premium you pay for that convenience can quickly add up – but what if you could have workplace coffee that is just as good as what you buy on the high street, at a fraction of the cost and in a matter of seconds?
That’s where commercial coffee machines come in. Having a coffee machine in the workplace can offer just as good a quality of coffee as high street coffee shops, but without the hefty price tag. By investing in a commercial coffee machine, companies can provide their employees with quality coffee without breaking the bank. And for employees, it’s an affordable way to get their caffeine fix throughout the day.
So why spend £3.00 on a single cup of coffee when you can have a coffee in the office for free or a fraction of the cost? Not only does this save money for employees, but it’s also a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to improve their office perks.
How to Check Coffee Quality
Did you know that in the UK, over 80% of adults drink coffee regularly? It’s no wonder that coffee quality has become such an important factor for people when deciding where to grab their caffeine fix. In fact, a study by Allegra World Coffee Portal found that 65% of consumers cited the quality of coffee as the most important factor when choosing where to buy it. Our recent blog article looking at the generational shift in coffee consumption at work also tells us that almost half of the working population drink multiple cups of coffee a day.
Thankfully, the quality of workplace coffee has come a long way in the last two decades. Gone are the days of watery, bland coffee from a communal pot or a tired vending machine. With the rise of commercial coffee machines in the workplace, employees can now enjoy high-quality coffee just like they would at a coffee shop.
There are several factors that determine the quality of coffee, including the type of bean, roast level, brewing method, and water quality. Commercial coffee machines have come a long way in replicating the same high-quality brewing techniques as artisan coffee shops. From high-end espresso machines to your lower end instant office coffee machine, there’s a machine for every workplace coffee need.
But it’s not just the machine that has an impact on the output. The choice of ingredients is also crucial in determining the quality of the coffee. Using freshly roasted beans, filtered water, and high-quality milk can all make a huge difference in the final product. It’s a common misconception that commercial coffee machines don’t offer good quality milk in the same way that a barista machine on the high street does, but this is not the case. Premium workplace coffee machines allow businesses to have dual fresh milk setups, offering a non-dairy milk alternative alongside standard fresh milk.
So, next time you’re craving a caffeine boost at work, don’t settle for subpar coffee. Invest in a commercial coffee machine and quality ingredients to keep your workplace coffee game strong. Your taste buds – and your productivity – will thank you.
The Drink Selection
When it comes to selection between a coffee shop or a coffee machine, it’s true that you might not have the same level of variety that you’d find at your favourite coffee shop. You might not be able to get your go-to mocha-choco-latte-frappe with extra whipped cream and sprinkles. But that doesn’t mean that you’re limited to basic drip coffee.
In fact, with a top-of-the-line office coffee machine, you can get a surprisingly wide range of drink brews and combinations. Many machines come equipped with the ability to brew freshly made espresso, steamed milk and frothy foam, allowing you to create a latte, cappuccino, or even a macchiato with ease.
Plus, most office coffee machines offer a range of flavour options, such as hazelnut, French vanilla, and caramel, so you can customise your drink to your liking. And with some machines, you can even have cold brew coffee or iced coffee options if ice is available on site.
Overall, while you might not have quite as many options as your local coffee shop, an office coffee machine can still offer a surprising variety of drinks to choose from. Plus, the convenience of being able to make a great-tasting coffee right in your workplace is hard to beat.
The Freshness
When it comes to the freshness of coffee, it’s all about the beans and milk. In coffee shops, baristas take pride in their artisanal methods of preparing coffee. However, commercial coffee machines used in some coffee chains now grind and prepare espresso automatically, before frothing milk and preparing the finished drink by hand. This ensures that the beans are freshly ground and the milk is as fresh as possible, and also demonstrates how effective automatic coffee machines can be at doing the core elements of the coffee brewing process, exceptionally.
The difference in quality between coffee shops and office coffee machines is relatively small. With the advent of high-quality commercial coffee machines, many offices now have access to the same quality of coffee beans as coffee shops. What really sets them apart is the freshness of the milk, which is not always guaranteed in a coffee shop. However, with a fresh milk coffee machine in the workplace, the milk is guaranteed to be fresh every time.
Of course, the speed at which coffee beans are consumed will likely determine how regularly the beans are replenished, but in both coffee shops and workplaces, the beans will never be left too long without rotation. Additionally, commercial coffee machines are specifically designed to maintain the freshness of the beans and ensure that each cup is brewed to perfection.
Whether you’re at a coffee shop or in the workplace, the quality of coffee you receive is likely to be very similar. The only major difference is whether milk is GSM or fresh, which can be guaranteed with a fresh milk coffee machine in the workplace. Ultimately, it’s the convenience of having coffee readily available in the office that makes it the better choice for those who want their caffeine fix without the hassle of leaving their workspace.
The Consumption Environment
Now, we know that coffee shops are usually beautifully decorated, have comfortable seating arrangements and create a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for those slow Sunday mornings when you want to catch up on your reading. However, the reality is that these are not always the most practical places to get your coffee fix during a busy workday.
Office coffee machines help bridge the gap between quality and practicality, bringing great drinks into the workplace and avoiding the need to leave the premises and burn valuable time during lunch breaks.
Commercial coffee machines are also surprisingly environmentally friendly. By having an office coffee machine on site, you eliminate the need for single-use cups and reduce the amount of waste generated from disposable coffee cups. This is not only good for the planet, but it also means you can enjoy your cup of coffee guilt-free. And even if you do decide that paper cups are the best way to manage your workplace coffee, you can have the waste cups sent off to a specialist coffee cup recycler for reprocessing.
So, while coffee shops may have a pleasant atmosphere for leisurely coffee breaks, when it comes to practicality and sustainability in the workplace, office coffee machines are definitely the way to go. Not only do they save time and money, but they also create a more eco-friendly work environment, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
Getting started with an office coffee machine
If you’re looking for a quality coffee solution for your workplace, look no further. The Connect Vending team are on hand to guide you through the coffee machine purchase process and ensure that you get the perfect solution for your requirements.
Reach out to our vending experts on 01865 341011 or contact us to find out more. Alternatively, browse our range of coffee machines.