Coffee machines for the office: types and features, how to choose

Any team will be happy to have a coffee machine in the office. It is convenient - no need to run to the store or cafe for coffee. Saves time and energy of employees. Coffee machines come in different sizes, so you can choose a model for a small cozy or large and spacious office or co-working room.

Types of coffee machines for the office

Depending on the size of the office, the number of coffee consumers and the ability to service the machine, different types of coffee machines are suitable:

• Capsule coffee machine - for a small number of employees. Relative to the grain coffee will be a small overpayment. However, given that it does not need to be refilled too often, the difference in costs will be small. A capsule coffee machine is suitable when there will be no one to service the machine.
• Coffee machine for black coffee, which does not have a cappuccinator. This technique is reliable and easier to use. It needs minimal maintenance. Periodically you need to clean the brewing unit and know what to do in case of trouble signals on the sensors.
• Coffee machine with automatic cappuccinator. High-quality device is not cheap and requires careful maintenance. But it is suitable not only for offices, but also for any public institutions (gas stations, cafes, etc.).

How to choose

Determining which coffee machine is suitable for the office, take into account the following characteristics of the equipment:

• Power determines how quickly the water will boil. For a small office, 800 W will be enough, for a large office you need from 2 kW.
• Type of control. Electronic - buttons on the panel, touch - the settings are made on a sensitive sensor with indicators, mechanical - rotary knobs and levers are used.
• Options: you can select the type of grinding, adjust the strength of the drink, go back a step or cancel the program.
• How many servings are prepared at a time. For large offices, it would be more convenient if you can cook 2 or 3 cups of a drink at a time.
• Additional functions: autocleaning of brewing mechanism or manual cleaning only, memorization of settings, automatic switching off of the machine if it is not used for a certain period of time.

A few additional factors to consider when choosing a coffee machine in the office:

• Bean and water tanks should preferably be larger. Then you will need to open the machine less often to refill the beans or refill the water.
• External beauty of a machine and «frills» or reliability? In offices, especially with a large staff, reliability is more important, so the device will serve you properly and for a long time.
• If you want to make not only black coffee but cappuccino as well, your coffee machine should have a cappuccinator. It is important that there is a diverter tube for milk. It connects to a special refrigerator. The milk does not spoil, the cappuccino is whipped to a strong froth.
• The coffee machine will be serviced by a contractor or it will be someone from the staff.

Choosing a coffee machine, pay attention to the reputation of the manufacturer, reviews of both available brands and specific models. You can find out the features of the equipment on the official websites of the manufacturing companies.