Introducing a coffee machine into the workplace has several benefits, including a boost in productivity and creativity levels through increased energy consumption. Likewise, going on a coffee break can improve employees’ moods, as people get to spend time bonding with their co-workers and taking a much-needed time-out.
That being said, choosing the right industrial coffee machine for your business can prove a little daunting. If you feel like it’s time to invest in one, continue reading to discover which type of machine is best suited for your business.
Size of Business & required output
Depending on the size of your business, the first step is to figure out the type of industrial coffee machine which works best for your company environment.
Automatic industrial coffee machines dispense coffee with a simple touch of a button, which caters for the coffee lovers who like to drink a cup at any time of the day. It is important to get a rough estimate of how many cups of coffee your desired machine can dispense so that it suits the number of people in your business premises and the amount of coffee they tend to consume. Some machines simply cannot cope with dispensing high volumes of coffee every day. In any case, make sure you hire or lease a machine that can function well and keep up with the demand for coffee.
Manual industrial coffee machines require training and skill from a barista to make an aromatic and tasty cup of coffee. However, a manual coffee will not be ideal if you have a company where there’s a high demand for coffee during break times and people need it as quick as possible. It is not feasible nor cost-effective to hire a barista each day to serve coffee. In this case, it would be better to choose an automatic coffee machine to handle the hard work for you!
Types of Industrial Coffee Machines
Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
Bean to cup coffee machines always produce fresh coffee of the highest quality as they have an in-built grinder, as well as a steamer to froth milk for lattes, flat whites or cappuccinos. You can use any coffee beans or ground coffee of your choice when using this type of coffee machine.
In comparison to traditional models, bean to cup coffee machines are easier to use, as coffee is dispensed at a press of a button. They are also able to produce a cup of coffee in less than a minute and it does not require training to use them. However, these machines tend to be more expensive than other types.
Industrial bean to cup coffee machines are ideal for coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels and offices.
Combination Bean to Cup
Combination bean to cup machines provide freshly ground coffee as well as instant, hot chocolate and powdered milk. The combination bean to cup is suitable in environments with self-servicing – so if your aim is to offer exceptional coffee to staff, customers and clients, then you might be better suited to a machine that provides higher-quality, fresher coffee.
These industrial coffee machines are mostly for offices, conferences or training centres, rather than coffee shops and restaurants.
Espresso Coffee Machines
Espresso coffee machines are also referred to as manual coffee machines. The best quality coffee can be produced if the Barista is trained and skilled in what they’re doing.
The espresso coffee machine is mainly designed for established restaurants or coffee houses, as it requires a Barista to be at the machine, making the coffee. However, if they do not come into work, you’ll need to consider a “back-up” plan fast as it may be hard to replace the Barista that can create coffee at the same level.
Coffee Vending Machine
Coffee vending machines offer a wide variety of instant hot drinks, such as a range of coffee specialities, tea and hot chocolate, within seconds from a push of a button. These machines are quick and easy to use without any hassle.
However, it is essential to know the size of the vending machine you require, particularly if you are limited in space. Make sure you measure the area you wish to put the vending machine and see if it will fit before leasing. It is better to start with one machine and invest in more when there is a high demand for them, especially since you must continue restocking the ingredients frequently.
These machines are convenient in large offices, factories, public buildings and events, such as music festivals, to power consumers through the day with a boost of caffeine whenever they need it.