How to Choose the Best Office Coffee Maker

Many people like to joke that coffee is the fuel that gets them through the day. For some, it’s a literal statement, which is why having freshly brewed coffee on hand can make a sizeable difference in one’s productivity at work.

One sure sign of a good office environment is one that provides a tasty cup of joe to get employees started in the morning and to pick up their energy in the afternoon. Coffee machines can be cost-efficient or expensive, but whatever you pay, they pay back tenfold by boosting morale and employee appreciation.

Therefore, what’s the best coffee machine choice for your office setting and valued employees? Read through the following suggestions to help break it down.

For variety, offer a single-serve coffee machine

If you have a diversity of preferences in the office, a single-serve coffee machine is going to be your best bet for satisfying many different tastes. With single-serve machines, employees can select dark roast, light roast, mocha, tea, and more. They’ll save the money they would have otherwise spent at the local café, and you’ll benefit from a happier workforce.

Another consideration is efficiency. If you have a large office with a significant morning rush on the kitchen, one single serve machine is not going to cut it. You’ll have a line going down the counter and out the door unless you provide an additional option that brews bulk quantities as well.

Stay sustainable with a traditional drip machine

If you’re concerned about the waste that a single serve machine can produce, consider a traditional drip coffee machine. A standard coffee maker is less wasteful than a single-serve model because it can make one cup or many cups of coffee. Plus, they are easy to use, and can provide over ten cups of coffee with one brew cycle. One of these machines can easily serve the caffeine needs of a small office. Other benefits are that they can be highly affordable, and they can keep coffee hot for a couple of hours. If you’re especially concerned about sustainable living and energy usage, make sure to get one with an insulated pot that retains heat.

Keep a French press and kettle in your personal office

A French press is an easy way to make delicious coffee in a smaller work setting or right in the comfort of your own personal office or cubicle. Heat water in a kettle to just below boiling, which is the appropriate temperature for French press coffee, and then pour it in with the French-press-sized grounds. Brew for as long as it takes to achieve the strength you prefer before pushing the press down. Though it makes smaller batches, the French press is a favorite among experienced coffee drinkers because it gives you more control over the strength of your coffee.

Make sure tea drinkers have an option

A good coffee maker is a must for any office, but what about tea drinkers? You can’t leave them without access to their morning matcha. If you choose a larger coffee maker, opt for one that has a hot water dispenser. This feature will allow people to make tea or other hot drinks, like hot cocoa. You can also get an electric kettle. These are easy to use and will shut off automatically when the water boils, so they won’t become a safety hazard or irritate everyone by whistling like a traditional kettle would. As mentioned above, you can also use a kettle to heat water for French press coffee.

Get hip with pour-over coffee or espresso

If you have a young, hip office environment, your employees may be expecting something a little more high-end. There are now specialized pour-over coffee machines that bring out the richness of choice coffee beans. If you’re investing in one of these, you will want a coffee bean grinder so that employees can enjoy the freshest taste from the grounds. An espresso machine also provides a nice luxury in the workplace. Instead of pricey trips to coffee shops for lattes, now your employees can make their own warm beverage right in the comfort of the office kitchen.

Don’t forget to invest in storage for tea bags and coffee condiments as well as some mugs and glasses, and shelf space for employees who bring their own travel mugs. After reading this overview, you should have a better idea of how to outfit your office with a coffee machine that will serve your employees’ unique needs and preferences.