Tips for purchasing a commercial coffee machine

If you are lucky enough to work in an establishment that appreciate its employees and realise the need and benefits of quality hot drinks. It would be a good idea to place this article on the desk of the person in charge of such things in your workplace.

It’s great to have a coffee machine in the office, however if it doesn’t serve the purpose it was sourced for, or exceeds the cost expectations, then you mind as well throw your money out of the window. Selecting a supplier, you trust who has your best interests at heart will surely save you a lot of time and money. Commercial coffee machines may seem like a huge expensive, however with the right information and guidance – it’s pretty easy to find the perfect one for your workplace.

So, what should we all be looking for when selecting a commercial coffee machine? It quite simple really, once you have answered the questions below – we promise you will have a much better understanding and idea of the type of machine your workplace requires.

1. Commercial Coffee Machines: Pricing

Let’s tackle the price first, because this is normally the main deciding factor – as well as the first thought when making any kind of decision.

The decision-maker needs to be clear about the budget for the machinery. Once this is decided – you can start looking for a commercial coffee machine solution that can fit well into the allocated budget.

2. What Do You Require From Your Commercial Coffee Machine Solution?

Say you are dreaming of fresh bean to cup coffee every morning, maybe a latte or even hot chocolate. But your boss wants regular filter coffee – end of story.

You need to establish what drinks you are expecting your coffee machine to dispense, this will help you narrow down which machine you should be looking at. Your solution may meet the budget; however, it may not meet the requirements of the company – which would be entirely counter-productive.

3. Where Will The Coffee Machine Be Located?

Is it going to be located where many first-time users will be using it, it needs to be super easy to use – or at least have someone to operate it for the guests.

4. What is the coffee machines purpose?

Are you wanting to impress guests or save time on tea breaks?
Simply answering these question filters down into an even more defined niche – and helps in the decision-making process.

5. What Products Will My Commercial Coffee Machine Need?

Let’s take an example (for instance) – an instant coffee machine solution has been decided your best option. Did you know that most instant vending machines have four internal canisters – one of them allocated to hot chocolate?
If it was the company’s main objective to save money – We promise you that having hot chocolate available to employees IS NOT going to do the trick!

Opting, as an example, for a Bean to cup Coffee Machine might be in the same price range – but it has two distinct advantages:
The coffee is of much higher quality (bean to cup freshness with the convenience of vending) – as well as the exclusion of hot chocolate from your canisters.

Always speak to a rep of the coffee company you’re considering – and ask them to perform a suitability and costs analysis for your specific needs before removing alternative solutions from your consideration.

6. Should You Buy Or Rent Your Commercial Coffee Machine?

This can be somewhat of mixed opinion; some argue that buying is always the better option – because you then have a tangible item to show for those monthly repayments. Others – and we tend to agree with this – will argue that rentals offer the flexibility to change your coffee machine solution to adapt to your changing business requirements.
We have proven this in many circumstances over many years – and while you might not end up owning your coffee machine – your machine rentals usually include free maintenance, support and often coffee product suited to your machine.

If you do opt to purchase your coffee machine, watch out for companies who will sell you the machine and send you on your way, if you have any issues, you may be looking at high service or parts charges.

7. Lastly, How Long Will I Rent My Commercial Coffee Machine?

You’ve been through the process of elimination, decision, tests, trials and tribulations! You’re happy and confident to go ahead with a coffee machine – but how long is rental term?
This is especially important to newer or small-business owners; as much as we like to predict our future – there’s no sure-fire way to say that your needs are going to be the same, two or three years from now.

Choose a company who do not lock you into long term rentals – but rather those who allow for shorter rentals, commercial coffee machine swap-out options.

The best companies will be able to provide you with perks such as free delivery of coffee products, maintenance and support ensuring you keep within budget at all times

Useful coffee machine guides 

Our website has you the customer in mind to help the decision and ordering process very simple and clear. It has very useful icons and symbols to help identify the capabilities of each machine but also how many office staff each system is suitable for.

For our design and fit out and facilities management customers, we have also provided a clear breakdown of each coffee machine’s energy performance capabilities, dimensions and the requirements for installation, power and water supply. And of course a breakdown of purchase and lease pricing, for which we offer flexible payments plans. If there is still anything you happen to be unsure about you can still speak to our experts in a our service team to help you figure out the best coffee machine for your workplace.

Service & Maintenance Plans

Silver – includes routine servicing and replacement filters 

Gold – includes routine servicing, replacement filters and covers all labour charges on any break downs

Platinum – full package which includes servicing, filters, labour charges and replacement parts

Six Benefits of a Coffee Machine Maintenance Plan:

• Proactive preventative maintenance helps to avoid break downs

• Dedicated scale management plan based on your local conditions to maximise energy & unit efficiency

• Filters are changed on time which ensures a consistent taste and reduces the risk of lime scale build up

• Easier to budget for, as all costs can be worked out at the start of the year

• Priority service as your unit can be logged onto our service system ahead of time

• Save money on standard Pay as You Go service rates and ad hoc visits.

• One phone number and a dedicated service email which you can log any service requests

You can browse our range of Coffee Machines to select your favourite. Get in touch with our friendly knowledgeable sales team who can advise on the best options based on your specifications. 01905 337187

Office Coffee Culture