If you are thinking about buying a coffee machine or leasing one for your business then this guide will walk you through the key factors to consider; some of these points you will have already considered … others, perhaps not. Pour yourself a coffee and read on.
Start by asking what exactly a commercial coffee machine can bring to your business. Is it to enhance the workplace environment, improve employee satisfaction, or to impress clients. All perfectly good reasons in your quest to find the right commercial coffee machine for your business.
Now think about the numbers. How many employees do you have and how many people visit your premises in any given day? Consider how many cups are consumed and the types of coffee you will offer. Being able to serve visitors their favourite coffee, whether a flat white, espresso or cappuccino, is a great way to start a meeting.
Commercial coffee machines
Commercial coffee machines come in various forms, such as bean-to-cup, espresso machines, filter coffee makers, and pod-based models.
Each type offers different benefits, from the quality of the brew to the variety of coffee styles they can produce. For instance, bean-to-cup machines provide fresh, high-quality coffee, while instant machines offer speed and convenience.
The capacity of the coffee machine is clearly important, particularly for larger businesses where you want to avoid long waits and unnecessary queues. Of course, machine capacity equally applies to smaller, busy settings and the impact lengthy waits can have on productivity.
Thought should also be given to the speed of machines and more so their ability to brew multiple cups. Efficient commercial coffee machines will save valuable time, especially during peak hours.
It’s one thing to select a highly efficient machine but the quality of coffee will be the defining factor for employee and customer satisfaction. That’s why it’s important to select a machine that consistently produces excellent coffee to satisfy coffee drinkers whether you’re in the hospitality industry or seeking to improve employee morale in an office setting.
Cost considerations
Do not think solely about the initial cost when choosing a commercial coffee machine. While it’s important, there are other cost-related factors to consider.
Ongoing expenses such as maintenance, the cost of coffee supplies, and the energy consumption of the machine should all be factored into the decision-making process.
Machines with energy saving modes and sustainable materials are increasingly popular. An eco-friendly model is a statement of intent and one that can fit with wider environmental policies.
Aftercare and service is also important. Before deciding on any one commercial coffee machine, investigate the supplier’s aftercare services and customer support.
Ask about the availability of spare parts in the event of something going wrong, servicing options and the associated cost. Remember to also check out the warranty situation.
Reliable servicing and support provide peace of mind, but you should also recognise that good housekeeping, with regular cleaning, will improve the machine’s longevity and performance while high-quality commercial coffee machines can retain a reasonable resale value, especially if well-maintained.
The lifetime use of your commercial coffee machine is another factor to consider if purchasing outright. The machine becomes an investment where installation costs and initial set up should be calculated along with operational costs and depreciation.
Investing in a durable, reliable coffee machine can be more cost-effective in the long run than buying a cheaper, less reliable model.
If you’re a café charging for coffee or even an office applying a nominal charge you should factor in the expected revenue from sales.
And don’t forget those nontangible returns. Improved employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and brand image are significant returns that, while not directly quantifiable, contribute greatly to the overall value of the investment.
Space and ease of use
Measure up and ensure the machine fits comfortably into the allocated space. A machine that is too large is clearly impractical and liable to cause bottlenecks.
Footprint and position are therefore important, while a user-friendly model, with straightforward controls, is easier to operate and improves the flow of people especially in a restricted area.
An easy-to-use commercial coffee machine should also be safe to use. Ensure the machine and its location complies with health and safety standards to prevent workplace accidents and is installed by a competent and trained engineer.
More sophisticated commercial coffee machines come with features like built-in grinders or water filtration systems. Decide whether such features are necessary and how they will affect space and ease of use. In other words, don’t buy a larger or more advanced machine than you actually need.
Brand reputation
A high-quality commercial coffee machine can last many years, often up to 10 years or more, depending on the brand and how well it is maintained.
Research the top brands to discover the most reliable and what they serve up in terms of models, features, support and warranties. Caber Coffee supplies some of the best names in the business: ERGO, Bravilor, SanRemo, Jura, Promac, Rancilio, Marco to name a few.
Having spent time deliberating on the type of commercial coffee machine that you would like and considering the points made earlier, it is often best to meet with a supplier to discuss your needs in more detail.
They will be able to advise on what would be suitable and will take time to visit your premises to understand your commercial coffee needs in relation to staff numbers, visitors, space, serving areas and the variety of coffee that you would like to offer.
Here is a useful checklist if you do decide to meet with a supplier:
- Volume of coffee consumption in your business
- Preferences of employees and customers
- Types of commercial coffee machine and cost implications
- Different brands and models
- Features and long-term costs within your budget
- Energy efficiency and consumption
- Maintenance costs and support
- Warranty and service plans
- Leasing versus buying
- Coffee supplies and delivery.
A well-chosen machine not only serves its primary purpose of making great coffee but can also become an asset in terms of enhancing workplace efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall brand perception.
Choosing the right coffee machine for commercial use therefore involves careful consideration of various factors that include everything from financial costs to indirect benefits. Take your time and don’t rush your decision. By understanding your specific needs and preferences and balancing them with practical considerations such as budget and space, you can select a machine that not only serves great coffee but also enhances the overall workplace environment.
