Investing In An Office Coffee Machine – 4 Questions You Need To Ask Yourself
Everybody can relate to the feeling of turning up to work and needing an immediate caffeine fix. In this case, there’s nothing more disappointing than opening the cupboard to find bland instant coffee. An office coffee machine is a worthy investment as it produces tasty coffee at the click of a button, but there are a few things to consider before choosing the right one.
1. Is the coffee machine user-friendly?
Since the machine will be used by a variety of staff, it should be efficient and easy to use. There’s nothing worse than buying a complex coffee machine that takes 10 minutes to figure out how to use it. There are so many options, from machines which you simply insert a pod and flick a switch to create a mug of hot coffee, to machines which automatically grind coffee beans to create coffee. It depends on what type of coffee you prefer and how user-friendly you want your machine to be. If you’re someone who leaves work in a rush then look into a machine that automatically switches off when not in use, it saves energy and keeps the machine in better working condition.
Coffee connoisseurs usually prefer a manual machine so that you can control the result, but it can take a lot of practice to learn how to use it properly. This option probably isn’t the best for an office, as you won’t have time to train every employee on how to make barista style coffee. An automatic machine, on the other hand, is easier to use but won’t give you as much control over the coffee.
2. How much are you willing to invest in your coffee machine?
Coffee machines can be affordable, but some can be more of a serious investment. Prices can range from around $100 to thousands, depending on the features and brand. Machines that use capsules or pods are usually reasonably priced, but the pods themselves can be quite costly to refill. A drip machine can also be affordable but you will have to factor in the cost of buying beans, which can range in price. Since a coffee machine is a long-term investment, contemplate how much you’re willing to invest in it.
3. Do you have time to look after your coffee machine?
Coffee machines like everything else need cleaning. So consider how many people work in your office, because the more it’s used, the more frequently it will need to be cleaned. Machines with capsules are easy enough to take care of, as you need to remove the pod after use, whereas drip machines need more TLC. You will have to remove the leftover coffee and wash the removable pot. It’s recommended to give it a deep clean regularly so that there’s no build-up and residue, which can leave the coffee tasting bitter. It sounds easy enough to keep a coffee machine clean, but consider the fact that employees might not have the time or energy to do it on a daily basis.
4. Are there many coffee drinkers in your office?
If you’re a small business or a start-up than an espresso machine or a machine with pods would be useful as it makes one cup at a time. If there are dozens of employees in your office then look for a machine that can hold around 10 cups worth of coffee, so that as many people as possible can get their coffee fix. Machines can also range in size, with some being simple and small. Petite machines would perfectly fit in a small space or on a coffee table.
Coffee has become an elixir for many people; therefore, a coffee machine is usually worth investing in because happy employees are usually more productive. Make sure to double-check all the features and capabilities of the machine first so you can pick the best one for your office.
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Guest Blog by Cassie Smith.
Cassie Smith is a Marketing Manager at 7 Grams Coffee, an office coffee and machine supplier for 300+ offices around Australia. Her pleasures in life revolve around traveling, cycling and spreading the word about high-quality coffee.
