The Ultimate Commercial Coffee Machine Buying Guide

Nothing compares to that coffee shop feeling. Overcome with the intoxicating aroma of exotic coffee beans, as your hands warm to the touch of your cup, and the first sip tantalises your taste buds… undoubtedly one of the finer things in life. What if you could replicate that experience with your own premium coffee machine? 

Renowned for increasing productivity and wellbeing in the workplace, whilst enriching your space with a deluxe feel, our coffee experts are here to spill the beans on investing in a commercial coffee machine.  

Our machines come equipped with a range of customisable features, sleek designs and your favourite beverage options, so you can create a premium coffee experience for your team and customers – delivering great taste at the push of a button and saving the daily expense of buying coffee to take away. 

So how do you choose the perfect appliance from our innovative range of commercial coffee machines? As leading suppliers of coffee and vending solutions, we have put together a comprehensive guide to buying a commercial coffee machine. 

What is the Best Coffee Maker for Commercial Settings?

From improving wellbeing to enriching your space with a premium feel, there are a wealth of reasons to invest in a commercial coffee machine. Choosing from an extensive range of leading makes and models can be difficult, so how do you decide which is the best coffee maker for you?  

Your machine ought to be well suited to your space, and able to meet the demands of today’s discerning coffee drinkers – whilst never compromising on flavour. Below we explore the primary factors to consider when selecting the best coffee machine for your commercial space.  

Brewing Capacity  

To avoid falling short of your staff and customers’ daily caffeine needs, it’s important to select a machine with an adequate brewing capacity. Whilst small teams may manage with a single-serve coffee maker that delivers great-tasting refreshments and minimises waste, those working in bustling offices or in larger commercial spaces will require a machine with a larger brewing capacity.  

Higher spec, automated coffee machines promote efficiency in the workplace, produce beverages tailored to all tastes at the push of a button, and can deliver upwards of 150 cups per day!  

Those in workspaces exceeding 50 employees will require a machine capable of producing a high volume of fresh hot drinks. Models suited to these kinds of commercial spaces would include larger bean-to-cup or instant coffee machines; equipped with milk-foaming features, touchless technology, customisable programming and a tempting selection of freshly made hot drinks.

Durability and Build Quality  

Durability and build quality are paramount when in the market for a commercial coffee machine. By understanding the machines available, and your unique usage requirements, you will be able to make an informed decision as to which is the best coffee machine for you. This will ensure your investment continues to produce flavourful coffee for years to come, whilst withstanding the rigors of daily use.  

To help you decide which machine is the best coffee machine for you, our coffee experts have created a Machine Finder Tool which recommends the best machine for your business based on a few simple questions.

Ease of Use and Maintenance  

Opting for an appliance that is user-friendly and easy to maintain, such as a bean to cup coffee machine, makes barista-style coffee simple.  Teams favour a machine that delivers their favourite drinks in seconds and has a simplistic cleaning process that’s easy for everyone to follow. 

Functional features that make cleaning machines easy to use and maintain include guided cleaning and descaling, removable and dishwasher safe drip taps and easily accessible bean hoppers.

Customisation and Specialty Brews 

Many of our commercial coffee machines can be tailored to suit your business and the needs of your team and customers. Sought-after operational features include contactless payments and touchless technology. Other businesses will opt for machines based on the extensive range of drinks available, including specialty brews such as chai latte or the option to add flavoured syrups.  

Machines like the Schaerer Coffee Soul 12 come equipped with advanced customisable features for an unforgettable coffee experience. Touchscreens can be personalised to showcase your brand’s unique personality and match the overall feel of your office space – contributing to an amplified sense of professionalism and identity.  

Innovative technologies in machines such as the Schaerer Coffee Club are even able to sync with a user’s phone, remembering their favourite order from its sophisticated selection of drink choices. Not only do these high-tech features enhance the experience of being in the office, but they have also been proven to increase efficiency by eliminating the time spent collecting refreshments from a nearby coffee shop.  

Cost Considerations 

From single-serve machines to deluxe models, the price of a professional coffee machine can vary phenomenally. Due to their high specification and brewing capacities, commercial coffee machines tend to be more expensive than domestic machines, as they have to endure a lot more. They can, however, save your business time and money in the long run. Many modern machines feature energy saving functionality that puts them into standby mode when out of use.

The efficiency and functionality of a workplace coffee machine enriches any space with a premium feel – a key component of any space wanting to achieve a sophisticated and professional feel.

Brand Reputation, Reviews and Support 

When in the market for a commercial coffee machine, it is important to thoroughly research the appliance and the business you are considering purchasing from. Opting for a reputable brand will award you with quality customer service; they will be on hand with expert knowledge to assist you when needed.

It’s important to source the machine from a reputable business, who have advanced technical understanding and a reliable maintenance service. This will ensure your machine continues to operate with optimum functionality; producing great-tasting coffee at high capacities for all staff to enjoy.

What Coffee Machine does Starbucks use?

Global coffee chain Starbucks has been delivering exceptional coffee experiences to customers for decades. Famed for their aesthetic appearance, swift fruition, and delectable range of seasonal spices, they owe their success not only to their exceptionally trained baristas, but their top-of-the-range machines and quality coffee beans.  

The machine primarily used across Starbucks stores worldwide is a custom-built model manufactured by Thermoplan AG. Intently designed and equipped with technologies for optimum brewing capabilities, this machine is exclusive to Starbucks, and enables the brand to offer a complex range of everyone’s favourite hot drinks, from a menu that is second to none. 

Equipped with an impressive brewing capacity and milk-frothing features, this machine produces the perfect texture for lattes and cappuccinos. What’s more, the customisable settings enable staff to fine-tune each cup to the unique tastes of their customers; and deliver consistently great-tasting coffee to all.  

If you are looking for the Starbucks coffee machine for your office, we stock a range of advanced bean-to-cup coffee machines that resemble the famous Starbucks coffee machine.  

Powered with premium milk foaming technology, alternative milk options and flavour stations amongst other functions, our models that are most comparable to Starbuck’s machine include the Franke SB1200, Schaerer Coffee Soul 10, and the Schaerer Coffee Soul 12 – each capable of serving over 250 cups per day! 

Employee Wellbeing: How To Keep Your Staff Happy

Employee wellbeing is at the pinnacle of any successful workforce. From providing quality refreshments and celebrating successes, to career development and emotional support, there are infinite ways to create a healthy workplace and culture. One that lets your staff know you truly care for them, and that will only strengthen the health of your business.

What is Employee Wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing refers to the physical, emotional, social and financial satisfaction of individuals in the workplace – and is paramount to the success of any business.

Encompassing various factors, workplace wellbeing ensures employees have a safe and healthy environment to work in; one that encourages work-life balance, financial well-being, career development and a positive culture. Whilst competently addressing any concerns regarding mental health, personal troubles or workplace discrepancies.

Why Invest in Wellbeing Initiatives?

A workplace that prioritises staff wellbeing benefits from a more sustainable workforce. Investing in wellbeing has been proven to increase job satisfaction, improve productivity, reduce staff turnover, and ultimately, better performance throughout the organisation.

Increasing Productivity, Treating Your Staff Well and Improving Wellbeing

A productive and motivated workforce are fundamental components of running a successful business. The following are the ways you can increase productivity, whilst recognising the individual needs of your staff members – and how you can utilise this information to create a workplace that sets the standard for employee wellness.

Increasing Productivity

The environment you provide for your employees to work in can impact mood, efficiency, drive and overall performance. The following factors can positively influence productivity; contributing to an improved work culture, and ultimately the performance of your business.

Train, Retrain and Promote: To maintain productivity in the workplace, you will need to provide staff with opportunities to develop their skillset and advance as professionals in their field. Career development opportunities encourage employee growth and retention, and subsequently benefit the business as you will have a highly experienced, skilled and motivated workforce.

Invest in Your Workplace: Enriching your space with exciting amenities such as coffee or vending machines has been proven to increase morale. More so, they encourage productivity thanks to their efficiency. Did you know each staff member spends an average of 24 minutes a day making refreshments? With a coffee machine for the office or even a vending machine, your staff can enjoy delicious drinks, instantly, that saves them venturing to the local coffee shop.

Communicate Clear Goals: Clear communication enables managers to tailor the responsibilities of their team to the individual. This ensures everyone is doing their bit when working towards a shared goal. If an individual feels like a valued and integral part of the team, they will do their utmost to support their colleagues and ultimately the business.

Treating Your Staff Well

Employees are your company’s greatest asset, therefore, it is really important that you treat your staff well. Individuals should feel aligned with company objectives and unique brand values.

Nurture: Nurturing your employees is about driving forward their success and providing them with the means to achieve their personal goals. You should encourage employees to network with fellow industry professionals, to develop their skillset and enhance their prospects.

Flexibility: From choosing their lunch hour to hybrid schedules, there are many ways to promote flexible working. As something that can be utilised by employees to suit their individual needs, flexible working creates a better work-life balance and improves the overall productivity of staff during working hours.

Communication: In addition to regularly scheduled catch ups with managers, employees deserve to have open communication regarding all aspects of the business they work for. Sharing positive news such as achieved targets and internal promotions encourages a positive attitude amongst workers, ultimately raising morale. Diversely, having constructive conversations regarding challenging subjects creates a safe, open and trusting space. Somewhere employees are free to discuss their concerns without judgement.

Opportunities: Workplaces must keep their employees engaged to ensure they continue to thrive in their role and as professionals within their industry. Offering opportunities such as training, management and special projects ensures staff remain focused, and feel they can develop within the company they presently work for.

Respect: Treating your employees with respect is vital for the operation of a successful workforce. Individual’s expect to be treated both equally and fairly, regardless of their role, gender, pay, age etc.

Improving Wellbeing

From increased company perks to flexible working models, improving wellbeing in the workplace starts with investing in both your space and your staff. Whilst everyone appreciates a ‘pizza party’ from time to time, individuals want to feel appreciated for their time and effort, and value employers that actively work to positively impact the physical and mental health of their staff, whilst allowing them to prosper in their personal life outside of the workplace.

Easy ways to improve your workplace culture and wellbeing include:

In the office

• Team lunches
• Team building activities
• Vending machines
• Coffee machines
• Offering fresh fruit
• A comfortable break room
• Plants and natural light
• Training and personal development

Health

• Gym incentives / contributions to gym membership
• Dental and/or health plans
• Paid sick days
• Mental health resources

Work Life Balance

• Increased annual leave
• Hybrid/remote working
• Flexible hours
• Early finish Fridays
• Extended time off and sabbaticals
• Compassionate leave
• Allowing personal appointments at the beginning/end of the day

Financial

• Financial compensation (bonuses/vouchers/rewards)
• Yearly performance and salary reviews

Employers approach to wellbeing in the workplace is constantly evolving for the better, as staff step back from outdated expectations and begin to invest more in themselves and their futures; caring more for their physical and mental wellbeing.

An innovative approach to employee wellbeing is the fundamental difference between a toxic environment and a thriving workforce. You can improve workplace culture easily by implementing the above policies and incentives, later enabling you to reap the rewards of improved productivity, staff retention and an overall better performance of your organisation.

The Benefits of Coffee in the Workplace

With its diverse and delicious flavours, and the ability to enhance our performance at work, trips to the coffee machine have become a vital aspect of our everyday routine. Here we explore the benefits of providing quality coffee in your workplace.  

Physical, Mental and Emotional Benefits  

Regularly consuming coffee has been linked to increased alertness, productivity, and can improve overall physical performance during high intensity exercise. More so, coffee is rich in antioxidants. It is known to reduce muscular pain and has been linked to lowering the risk of a multitude of debilitating diseases such as Heart Failure, Parkinsons Disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. In addition to its physical benefits, coffee has been proven to improve our mood. By introducing quality coffee to your commercial space, you will promote a healthy and happy workforce – minimising absences, maximising efficiency and contributing to the overall performance of the business. 

Boosts Productivity  

Countless studies have shown that coffee is responsible for a spike in alertness and energy, leading to enhanced creativity, learning, memory function and problem-solving abilities – ultimately, an overall increase in productivity. This considered, it is no wonder that coffee has become an essential aspect of everyday life – and that high street coffee shops have boomed over the last two decades.  

Employers can further enhance productivity by saving staff the hassle and cost of visiting the coffee shop every day. By installing a professional coffee machine on site, employees will have a divine tasting drink in the push of a button. This saves time travelling, waiting in line, ordering, collecting their coffee and returning to the office – a trip that could easily take more than 30 minutes.  

Enhanced Creativity and Concentration  

As a stimulant, coffee is known to enhance both our creativity and concentration. The impact coffee has on our nervous system suppresses any feelings of being tired, whilst increasing alertness that generates new ideas and helps us to think outside the box – enabling us to focus on our work and hit the ground running right from our very first sip.   

Increased Employee Satisfaction  

With a professional coffee machine, you can encourage collaboration, increase creativity and productivity at the push of a button. By showing your staff you care about them with a new and improved coffee selection, you will enhance workplace culture and spark motivation. All whilst enjoying the aromatic taste of quality, sustainable coffee. 

Investing in a commercial coffee machine and its accompanying consumables is the first step in promoting a healthy attitude amongst your workers – something that will contribute to their personal wellbeing and enhance their overall performance within the business.  

Reasons to Improve Your Office Coffee

A hot topic in the workplace, coffee is renowned for being the most popular drink worldwide – with over two billion cups consumed every day! Between improving workplace culture and overall performance, it is no wonder more and more businesses are investing in high quality commercial coffee machines. The following are our reasons to improve the quality of coffee in your office space:

Save on Coffee Shop Expenses

Enriching your workplace with top-of-the-range machines saves venturing to a coffee shop when you’re hosting important meetings with clients and colleagues. By having your own machine on-site, you can prevent time wasted taking and waiting for everyone’s order, allowing you to get down to the business in hand, whilst enjoying a freshly hot barista-style coffee.

Essential for a Healthy Workplace

Coffee machines encourage staff to take a quick break throughout the course of their working day. Taking a moment to make and enjoy a fresh drink gives them time to reset, before returning to their workload revitalised and ready to resume their tasks.

A study conducted by Pernille S Stroebaek at the University of Copenhagen, demonstrated that the coffee break is like a ritual, providing the framework for staff to tackle the challenges of the day, support each other and form personal bonds – making for an overall improved atmosphere.

As a nation of coffee connoisseurs, unlimited refreshments are undoubtedly considered a perk of a new office. Coffee machines are an investment and are inexpensive when you consider the benefits. Moreso, they are a no-brainer when you consider options to buy, rent or even lease a top-of-the-range machine!

Encourages Collaboration

Having a breakroom equipped with great tasting refreshments encourages employees to spend more time in their workplace and acts as a collaborative space. Individuals can utilise this area to socialise, communicate, and problem-solve – creating a strong sense of teamwork when provided with all the ultimate caffeine kick.

In Conclusion

An integral part of office life, coffee is known to boost morale and lead to increased productivity levels amongst workers. Sprinkled with the ability to amplify positive working culture and increase the overall performance of your business, isn’t it time you invested in quality coffee for your staff?

From boosting morale to improving the efficiency and performance of your staff, there are infinite reasons to invest in a coffee machine for your commercial space.

Visit our collection of premium coffee machines or contact our knowledgeable team for assistance in which machine would suit your needs most.

Why Liquidline?

We are proud to offer a comprehensive selection of refreshments, consumables and machine maintenance options all under one roof. Our team of highly trained customer service professionals and expert engineers are here to support you when needed – offering everything from technical support to recommendations on our most popular consumables. Our innovative online portal enables consumers to re-order their favourite products with ease, streamlining the process of enjoying quality coffee in your commercial space.

Don’t just take our word for it, check out our Trustpilot page where you’ll find hundreds of reviews from our happy customers.

We are proud to offer our customers 50% off maintenance for the first year when they purchase consumables with their machine. Our trusted maintenance service ensures you have peace of mind when it comes to your machine. Should you encounter any technical difficulties, our team of technical service professionals and expert engineers will be on hand to help in an instant, so you can get back to enjoying delicious drinks from your machine.

We offer the best coffee machines for the office and any workplace, offering a complex range of models with the very best flavours; with a technical understanding and maintenance service that sets us apart from the rest.