In this blog, I want to take you into the world of business coffee machines and try to give you some relevant tools for making the right choice when you are looking for a new office coffee machine.
I'm Nick Murauer and it's been 8 years since I started at CoffeeClick after my hospitality adventures. Whereas coffee in Hospitality is really all about experience, in the corporate market you often see other desires come up. As Marketing Manager I therefore try to not only put the CoffeeClick brand on the map, but also to let the working Dutchman make the right choice for a new coffee supply.
Indeed, choosing the perfect coffee machine is a challenge for many. What fits your business? How does a machine affect coffee taste? And what else should you pay attention to? I'll take you through these choices and try to explain how to choose a machine that not only fits your organization's needs, but also contributes to an optimal coffee experience.
Fully automatic or semi-automatic business coffee machine
One of the first choices companies often run into is whether to go with a fully automatic (piston) or semi-automatic coffee machine. I personally find a fully automatic machine ideal for companies where convenience and efficiency are important. One push of a button and a perfectly brewed espresso or cappuccino is ready. The machine controls everything itself, from grinding the beans to frothing the milk. This not only ensures consistency in taste, but also prevents queues at the machine. Especially in offices where employees want to get on with their work quickly, this is a logical choice.
Still, some companies prefer to choose a semi-automatic machine, also known as the piston machine. I can understand that, because there is something artisanal about preparing coffee this way. It gives a barista-like experience and shows that you have an eye for quality. But it's important to know what you're getting into. The success of a semi-automatic machine depends entirely on the person operating it. The grind must be adjusted daily, depending on the beans and environmental factors. Frothing the milk also requires practice. This process is time-consuming and requires knowledge and skill. Thus, in an environment where speed and efficiency are important, this choice may backfire. So the question is: Do you want to invest in the time and training these machines require?
Which coffee machine suits your business size?
There is nothing more frustrating than standing in line for the coffee machine. So a machine's capacity and throughput must match the number of coffee drinkers and daily usage. This brings you to an important question: how many cups are brewed per day? This is the question that determines which machine suits your business. A machine that is under or overloaded leads to loss of quality and breakdowns. A small machine designed for 20 cups a day simply won't last in an office where 100 cups are brewed daily. Not sure yet which coffee machine is best for your situation? No problem! With our quick selection tool, you'll receive personalized advice within a minute.
Medium-sized companies
10-50 people: choose a machine with double spout for higher throughput. (Dorado)
Large organizations
50+ people: high-capacity machines and multiple dispensing points are essential here. (Franke)
Do you choose a coffee machine with fresh beans or instant coffee?
Of course, for all company sizes, we recommend choosing fresh bean coffee. Using freshly roasted coffee beans is really essential for the ideal taste and experience. This makes the difference between a simple "cup of coffee" and a good cup of coffee for staff or visitors to enjoy. For this reason alone, I would strongly recommend using a coffee machine with fresh beans. Of course, for the sake of completeness, I want to explain to you why instant coffee is not recommended.
Although instant coffee machines seem attractive because of their speed and low maintenance requirements, this type of machine has one major drawback: taste. Instant coffee lacks the complexity, aromas and depth of freshly ground coffee.
At CoffeeClick, we believe that coffee in the workplace should be more than just a quick caffeine boost. Coffee is an experience, a moment of connection and a business card towards customers. Instant coffee simply does not do justice to this role. Speed should never come at the expense of taste and quality.
Sustainability in coffee world: more than a trend
Sustainability has long since ceased to be a luxury; it is a must. Personally, I am convinced that sustainability should be a big part of every business to stay relevant in the future. This may sound cliché, but it certainly isn't. It is simply important to think not only about ourselves, but also about nature and the world.
Sustainability within the coffee supply is fortunately very broad and can be incorporated in all areas. Specifically when choosing a coffee machine, this means paying attention to:
Energy consumption
Modern machines have energy-saving modes or switch off automatically. This can save a lot on annual energy bills!
Quality
Choose a machine that will last for years. High-quality machines are often easier to maintain and therefore more durable. Preferably European.
Repair and spare parts
Choose a vendor that encourages repair and maintenance rather than replacement. This is a critical component within CoffeeClick.
Coffee experience vs. efficiency
In general, coffee at work is about more than speed and convenience. Within the majority of companies, customers or guests are regularly received. This is where the coffee experience plays an important role. As a company, you only make the first impression once and a cup of coffee makes a huge difference in this.
In other cases, efficiency is leading. Think of production sites or large offices, where coffee is functional as well as an experience. A machine must be able to handle large volumes efficiently and without problems. Employees must simply press the button for a delicious cup of coffee. The right balance between experience and efficiency can be found with fully automatic and professional coffee machines.
What can you expect from maintenance and service for your coffee machine?
A business coffee machine that is used intensively every day needs regular preventive maintenance to keep the coffee quality high and prevent breakdowns. Because a well-maintained coffee machine not only ensures a better coffee taste, but prevents many problems. You don't want a machine that constantly stops working... This is why it is important when choosing a business coffee machine to pay attention to the service and maintenance of the supplier. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is periodic maintenance offered? A reliable supplier performs preventive maintenance to avoid breakdowns.
- Are repairs and parts included? Some vendors replace parts at no additional cost, while others pass them on.
- Are water filters replaced in a timely manner? This is crucial to the taste and life of the machine. Did you know that taste of a cup of coffee improves?
- How easy is daily maintenance? Choose a machine with automatic cleaning programs to save time.
Fresh milk or milk topping?
In addition to the type of machine, the choice of fresh milk or milk topping is an important issue we often have to advise on. Fresh milk undoubtedly provides the best taste experience. A cappuccino with freshly frothed milk is creamier, fuller in taste and looks professional. But again, quality requires attention. The coffee machine must be cleaned daily to ensure hygiene. In addition, fresh milk must always be refrigerated, which requires extra provisions. Still, I think this effort is worth it. Especially with the Franke A600 FoamMaster, this coffee machine combines catering-quality milk beverages with an unparalleled cleaning program. Simple, fast and largely automated.
If you prefer not to have fresh milk but still want to offer a milk drink, then milk topping is an attractive alternative: it keeps longer, is easier to use and requires less maintenance. But the concession is in the taste. Milk topping simply cannot match the creamy texture and taste of fresh milk. Still, this is the most frequently chosen option for working Dutch. It's a solid product and offers companies less hassle than fresh milk. If you choose an ETNA Dorado Premium as your coffee machine, you are also choosing an excellent cup of coffee.
Best business coffee machine 2025 according to our coffee expert
My answer is clear: the A600 FoamMaster. This machine combines ease of use, top quality coffee and catering-quality milk drinks in one machine. Thanks to its advanced technology, the FoamMaster delivers perfectly frothed milk with a structure similar to that found in a restaurant.
What makes this machine so good to me is that it makes fresh milk accessible to businesses.The large touchscreen makes operation simple, while smart cleaning programs keep maintenance easy. This allows employees to enjoy high-quality coffee specialties without sacrificing time. And for businesses receiving customers, this machine exudes professionalism and hospitality; after all, you only make a first impression once.
Conclusion
The right coffee machine takes your business to the next level, but there is no such thing as the perfect business coffee machine. It's all about the perfect match for your business. By looking closely at capacity, durability, technology and taste, you choose a machine that contributes to both the coffee experience and efficiency. Fortunately, there are companies like us, with enough knowledge to give you the best advice for your new coffee facility.
