If you’re currently researching commercial coffee machines, you’ll know that the sheer range of options out there, at first glace, can be overwhelming.
We’ve pulled together all of the things that you will need to think about when selecting a commercial coffee machine for your business.
We’ll discuss large capacity bean to cup machines, but also the filter offerings, ideal for HoReCa applications (bulk brew for catering, conferences and so on).
We will guide you through the questions you need to ask before choosing the best commercial coffee machine for you.
What type of coffee do you want to make?
Possibly the most important decision, and before you can start to think about other factors, is what kind of coffee do you want your machine to produce?
Commercial coffee machines are capable of preparing specialist brews or just simple filtered coffee. What’s right for you will depend on your workplace. Are you trying to impress clients? What do your employees prefer? Are you looking to cater for events or conferences?
Filter coffee machines
If you’re looking for a solution to serving people quickly and cheaply across a location, filter coffee may be the way to go.
They are generally more affordable and can produce large volumes of coffee relatively quickly. They can also keep it warm for hours, making it ideal for events and conferences.
Coffee pods
For variety, a commercial coffee pod machine us a great option. They’re similar to the type of pod machine you’d have in your own home, but they’re more heavy duty, meaning that they can stand up to the strain of repetitive use.
They can prepare speciality coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites, making them ideal for impressing clients with minimal effort. They’re also easy to use and maintain.
On the downside, they can be expensive to run, with each cup costing as much as 30p. Consider a pod machine if you’re looking to install one in an area such as a reception, where they’ll get minimal use but make maximum impact.
Bean to cup
Although coming in at a higher initial investment, bean to cup machines can work out the most economical long-term with their price per cup coming in cheaply.
Whatsmore, they can prepare barista-quality drinks in moments without the need for a barista. They store and use roasted coffee beans that are ground for each new drink. This means that your coffee will never go stale.
Another thing to consider, is that they are the only machines that can foam or steam milk. While pod versions of speciality coffees imitate this, the only way to produce a proper flat white or latte is by using bean to cup.
How much coffee do you need to make per day?
One of the primary considerations is how much coffee you’re likely to need to make in a day.
Non-commercial coffee machines aren’t designed for heavy-duty use. Whether you’re supplying coffee for your SME office or for a large event will affect which machine you require.
If you’re looking for a machine that’s going to be used frequently to produce speciality coffees for a large number of people, you’ll need to be particularly mindful of this. It’s worth investing in a machine that’s going to last and can stand up to the strain.
However, if your machine is only going to be used by a couple of people, say in a reception area, a smaller, cheaper machine may be enough.
Think about how long the machine takes to prepare a drink. You’ll want a machine that can produce quickly in order to keep productivity on track in an office setting.
How much will it cost to buy and run?
Running costs are an important factor. Ideally, you want a machine that will last for a number of years, ideally 4-5 years or longer.
Choose a model that’s energy efficient as you’ll be amazed at the impact this could have a significant impact on your energy bills long term.
For most models, you’ll be able to find out exactly how much each cup of coffee will cost. Also, investigate servicing costs and how much it would cost should the machine need to be repaired.
Generally speaking, machines that use pods are more expensive than ones that use standard coffee beans. Pods or specialist equipment machine might also tie you to a particular supplier, which can increase costs and give you less room for negotiation.
To wrap up
There is no such thing as the ‘best commercial coffee machine.’ It really comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Take time to consider the factors above and you’ll be able to select the right equipment for your business.
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