Choosing the Right Coffee Machine for Your Office
Choosing the Right Coffee Machine for Your Office – Create the Perfect Coffee Corner
A good coffee machine in the office is more than just a device. It's a meeting point, an energy source, and a place for brief conversations. In the past, a coffee machine was seen simply as a tool to brew coffee. Today, companies increasingly design their coffee corners to enhance employee well-being and productivity. A well-thought-out coffee corner can significantly boost team satisfaction. But which machine is right for your office?
We have put together 5 questions to help you choose the right coffee machine.
1. How many cups are consumed daily – and when?
Knowing how many cups are needed per day is important. Equally important is understanding when they are consumed.
For example, if 20 employees all want a coffee within 10 minutes, a simple machine won't be enough. You’ll need a professional solution capable of brewing multiple cups quickly.
However, if 20 people drink 40 cups spread throughout the day, a capsule or pad machine is often sufficient. Observe your team's coffee habits carefully to avoid bottlenecks and long waiting times.
2. How much space and what connections are available?
Not every machine fits everywhere. A small pad or capsule machine usually needs just a standard 230-volt socket and has an internal water tank. Larger machines like the Rex-Royal S1 require more: a fixed space, a water connection, a water filter, a drain, and sometimes even a 380-volt power supply.
Vending machines often also need a water connection, although they typically run on 230 volts. Clarifying the available infrastructure early helps avoid surprises and costly adjustments later.
3. What are your employees’ coffee preferences?
Does your team prefer mainly espresso, or are there also wishes for cappuccinos, lungos, or milk-based drinks? The broader the preferences, the more versatile the machine should be. Fully automatic machines offer many options but require more space and maintenance. Note: Machines with milk or syrup systems need about 50 minutes of cleaning and maintenance per day, although much of the process is automated.
4. How much time can be spent preparing coffee?
Capsule and pad machines are fast and simple. A cup is ready within seconds. Fully automatic or portafilter machines make better coffee but require more time and regular cleaning.
If quick and easy coffee preparation is a priority, simple systems like a Nespresso or Lavazza capsule machine are ideal and have become indispensable in everyday office life.
5. What Is Your Budget for Purchase and Maintenance?
The prices for coffee machines vary greatly. Simple coffee makers start at around 200 Swiss francs. Professional machines can cost up to 20,000 francs or more, depending on their configuration.
It is important that the machine matches your actual needs. Expensive doesn't always mean better. If only 1 to 20 coffees are consumed daily, a fully automatic machine may not be worthwhile in terms of quality. Especially with fresh beans, you should consider that once stored in the machine, they quickly lose their quality. Exposure to air and heat causes the beans to dry out. A separate bean container can help by protecting the beans from air and daylight.
If little coffee is consumed, pads or capsules are a better choice. They stay fresh longer because each portion is individually sealed. Today’s coffee capsules are also much more sustainable than in the past, although a coffee machine with beans remains the more sustainable option overall.
Beans or Capsules – Which Is Better for You?
The choice of machine also determines which type of coffee you will need. Fully automatic machines require fresh coffee beans. Capsule machines need the appropriate capsules.
At Espressa, you’ll find both:
This way, you’ll always have the right coffee for your machine.
Personal Consultation for Your Coffee Corner
We are happy to advise you on everything related to your coffee corner. Together, we’ll find the solution that best suits your office.
Your needs are our priority. Whether it's quality, sustainability, or efficiency – we work with experienced machine partners. We bring the necessary expertise and also supply you with the right coffee beans, capsules, and accessories.
Contact us – we are here to help you!