8 soļi pirms kafijas aparāti pasūtīšanas birojam

Some of the pleasures of everyday life, transferred to the work environment, can become good incentives for productivity. For example, delicious and easy-to-make coffee in the office. However, choosing a coffee machine is not so easy, because the offer of machines is really wide. We decided to share with you 8 steps to a faster and better choice of a coffee machine for the office.

1. Think about the number of employees

The number of employees in a company is the most important factor in purchasing a coffee machine. For smaller companies with only a few employees, a semi-automatic or compact automatic capsule coffee machine will suffice. For offices with a larger number of employees, the best coffee machines will be larger automatic ones that can make several cups of coffee at the same time. 

2. Decide on the coffee variety

A good coffee machine that fulfills its main functions can first of all make black espresso. For those who do not like instant coffee, the same machine can make Americano-style coffee (which is espresso mixed with a larger amount of water).

Coffee machines designed for offices can also prepare drinks with milk: lattes, cappuccinos, regular white coffee, etc. Therefore, before ordering a coffee machine, it is worth clarifying the needs of employees: will a high-quality black coffee machine be enough, or is there a desire for coffee with milk.

3. Think about whether you will drink only coffee or other beverages

Not everyone likes coffee. Perhaps someone in your office prefers tea, cocoa, or other hot drinks. Ask your office staff about their needs for other beverages and, if necessary, conduct a short survey. When you get their answers, consider whether it might be worth purchasing a coffee machine that can make a wider range of drinks.

4. Choose a machine with coffee beans or coffee granules 

There are various coffee machines available on the market, but for office needs, machines with coffee beans or coffee granules will be most suitable. If it is difficult to decide which type is best for you, choose a combined coffee machine. These coffee machines make coffee from both coffee beans and granules. The coffee prepared in them is very aromatic. To be honest, you will have to wait about 40-46 seconds for coffee prepared in such a coffee machine, so if there are a lot of coffee lovers in your office, it is worth considering a coffee machine with granules. Such a machine makes delicious coffee in 10-12 seconds, and its maintenance is much simpler - you will not need to periodically clean the coffee grounds.

5. Think about the impact on the environment

If you want to be responsible, choose a coffee machine that uses less water and energy, and help save the environment. It is also a good idea to consider your choice of utensils. Disposable plastic cups take a long time to decompose, so we recommend choosing eco-friendly or reusable paper cups.

6. Anticipate future office needs

From the very beginning, consider how to choose a coffee machine that will be perfect for your company not only today, but also in the future. Without a doubt, first of all, it is important that the machine is of high quality and lasts a long time. However, another, no less relevant issue is the future needs of the company. Perhaps an increase or decrease in the number of employees is planned? Evaluate how many people and how often will use the coffee machine not only today, but also in the near future.

7. Don't forget the additives

When setting up a place in the office where employees can enjoy coffee, don't forget to leave coffee utensils and accessories on the table : napkins, sugar, spoons, optionally - syrup, caramel, loose cinnamon, chocolate or even snacks. It is worth placing a water dispenser nearby to compensate for the fluid lost while drinking coffee. 

8. Answer the question: buy or rent? 

In some cases, it is worth buying a coffee machine, in others - renting it. The second option is more profitable for those who need the machine for a certain period of time. Also, by renting a coffee machine, you will avoid technical difficulties, for example, cleaning the machine from limescale. Coffee machine rental companies often offer additional free services - programming the machine, installation, troubleshooting during the agreed hours - so this service is really worth considering.