Reasons to upgrade your office coffee machine

Keep your team energised and happy with a top-quality office coffee machine

From mid-morning breaks to fuelling those long planning meetings, coffee is a staple in office culture. While it may seem like a bit of a luxury, did you know that investing in great coffee could actually benefit the workplace? Here are some top reasons to upgrade your office coffee machine and treat your employees to delicious drinks.

How can a great office coffee machine improve the workplace?

If you’re fortunate to work in an office space with a kitchen or coffee-making facilities, you’ll know that employees and coworkers love having the opportunity to make a quick brew.

But perhaps your colleagues have become a little disillusioned with the options available. Instant coffee might be quick and convenient, but it often doesn’t have the luxurious satisfaction of a barista-grade cup. Those in a coworking space or shared office environment might also get fed up with queuing for the kettle.

Having a dedicated coffee machine, just for your company, can help keep employees happy and even boost productivity. Maybe you already have a filter coffee maker for your team but have noticed that a lot of coffee is going to waste.

Here are a few reasons to invest in a truly spectacular office coffee machine.

Coffee is a great workplace perk

Who doesn’t love the opportunity to have a nice cup of coffee? Especially when it’s on the company. Prospective employees are sure to be impressed if you provide them with free coffee. After all, lattes, mochas, and Americanos from coffee shops soon add up. So access to coffee in the workplace might just tip the balance when it comes to star interviewees accepting a job offer.

Does that mean it’s expensive for companies to provide? Actually, buying coffee beans or pods in bulk can be very affordable. Even though it seems like an extra cost, it can be worth it in the long run.

But it’s not all about the money, either. Bigger packs of coffee reduce the amount of packaging, while an office coffee machine means fewer takeaway cups. Providing treats like coffee and snacks also shows that you care about your employees’ happiness and wellbeing. What’s more, you can express your company’s values by ensuring you purchase ethically sourced coffee.

Regular breaks can improve employee wellbeing

Having an office coffee machine is as much about the experience as it is about the beverage itself. We all need time to reset and refuel. Long workdays can be exhausting, and ensuring your coworkers take regular breaks will help reduce the risk of burnout.

Chatting around the coffee machine offers an opportunity for workplace bonding and can help your team support one another. Many people find it helpful to structure their day with shorter, more frequent breaks rather than a long lunch break. Setting up an office coffee machine gives them the chance to stretch their legs — even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Moreover, coffee makes us happy! A rich, full-bodied cup can be an enjoyable experience, boosting happiness and motivation.

It can impress clients

As well as offering employees a delicious treat, having your own top-quality coffee machine can impress clients. Rather than taking them out for a drink or queuing in the communal area for the kettle, you can make client visits smooth and seamless by whipping up a quick, barista-grade coffee in the comfort of your own office. It’s a time-efficient and cost-effective way to add a special touch to meetings. Plus, it shows that you’ve thought about your client’s comfort.

Fewer offsite trips

Your workplace may be surrounded by cafes and coffee shops, however, all those trips offsite to grab a ‘quick’ coffee can add up. Getting coats on, walking to and from the cafe, and queuing up at busy times can eat into the workday, leading to lower productivity levels. While it’s good for employees to have regular breaks, they may find that offsite trips end up being longer than they planned for. This becomes even more prevalent if your office doesn’t have any convenient coffee shops just around the corner.

And what about the weather? No matter how intense that caffeine craving is, looking out the window and seeing the pouring rain can be disheartening. An onsite coffee machine means your team can enjoy a break and stay within the comfort of the building.

What kind of office coffee machine should you get?

When it comes to choosing a great coffee machine for your office, you have a few options.

It’s worth considering your team size. A large cafetiere might be handy for small teams who take their coffee breaks together as you can brew six to eight cups at once. If your colleagues all enjoy their coffee black or with a splash of milk, this is a good option.

Filter coffee

However, you may find that your team members all like to have a coffee at different times. In this case, a cafetiere may become wasteful. You could look into getting a drip filter machine. These tend to be very affordable. You can make larger portions of coffee, and many have a ‘keep-warm’ function to keep the coffee hot for up to an hour. Again, a filter machine is really for those who enjoy black coffee or a drop of milk.

Bean to cup coffee machines

For a bit more variety, you might want to consider a bean-to-cup machine. Coming in at a higher price point (usually between £300 and £1000), these offer a range of beverages, from espresso and Americanos to hot chocolate. They have a built-in grinder, so you can add whole bean coffee to the hopper and enjoy fresh coffee at the touch of a button. They’re ideal for latte and cappuccino drinkers, as they have a built-in milk frother. However, some people find that these machines can burn espressos. 

The downside of a bean-to-cup machine is the maintenance. You’ll need to clean the machine daily and descale it regularly.

Coffee pod machine

A coffee pod machine is ideal for teams who drink coffee at different times. Each coffee pod contains the perfect portion of freshly ground coffee for a single serving. These coffee machines are great for coffee connoisseurs who enjoy a robust, balanced espresso or Americano. All you have to do is pop the pod in the chamber, press the button and watch as the machine extracts the perfect coffee.

Coffee pod machines usually produce espresso or Americano. However, you can also whip up barista-grade lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos by pairing it with a milk frother or our revolutionary Velvetiser. The Velvetiser heats and stirs milk into an irresistible cloud-like texture in just 2.5 minutes. Adding one of these clever gadgets to your office will provide the team with a little bit of opulence. Plus, it’s perfect for creating decadent hot chocolates if you don’t drink coffee.

The Podster

If you’re looking for a great new office coffee machine, the Podster might just be the ideal choice. Imagined by Hotel Chocolat, engineered by Dualit, the Podster is a sleek new coffee pod machine for your home or office. Compatible with any of our five Rabot Estate Coffee blends (or standard-sized Nespresso® pods), it delivers a cafe-quality caffeine kick and depth of flavour that connoisseurs expect.

It’s a stylish and impressive addition to any office. Plus, each one comes with a complimentary Podcycler. This innovation eco-presses used pods, removing coffee grounds from the capsules and enabling effortless recycling.

Up your workplace coffee game with an office coffee machine that will delight the whole team.