Office Coffee Machines
After spending years working behind the bar in countless coffee shops across the UK and Australia and then selling coffee and machines online I’ve seen first-hand how an office coffee machine can transform a workplace.
Grab a coffee (from the cafe over the road) and I’ll share everything I know about office coffee machines.
Office Coffee Machine Overview
Coffee Machine For Small Offices: Sage Machines
Coffee Machine For Medium/Large Offices: Crew Machines
Office Espresso Machine: San Remo Machines
Office Bean to Cup Machine: Jura Coffee Machines
Office Filter Coffee Machine: Moccamaster Machines
AUTHOR: TOM SAXON
Why trust me
I’m Tom and I have been working in the coffee industry for over 10 years, starting my journey as a barista in Australia, working on coffee farms in South America, roasting coffee in The UK.
Today I review and write about coffee equipment such as office coffee machines.
I am the founder of Batch Coffee Club, which showcases the very best coffee beans from around the world and the author of The Home Barista
Different Types of Office Coffee Machines
The office coffee machine world can feel overwhelming, so let me break down the main types you’ll come across. If you want a deeper dive into which brewing method works best for different office setups, I’ve written a complete guide on the best method for making office coffee.
Bean to Cup Machines
Bean to Cup Machines are the all-in-one solution. They grind fresh coffee beans, brew the coffee, and many can even froth milk automatically. These are brilliant for offices that want quality without requiring everyone to become a barista. The downside? They need regular cleaning and maintenance, and the good ones don’t come cheap.
Filter Coffee machines
Filter Coffee Machines are your classic batch brewers. Simple, reliable, and perfect for offices where everyone drinks black coffee or adds their own milk. They’re easy to use load it up in the morning and you’ve got coffee for hours. My personal choice being a bit of a black coffee purist, but it’s not for those that like a milky boi. Just remember that coffee sat on a hotplate for too long starts tasting pretty grim.
Pod Machines
Pod Machines offer convenience and consistency. No grinding, no mess, just pop in a pod and press go. They’re great for smaller offices or meeting rooms, though the ongoing pod costs and environmental impact are worth considering alongside the quality of coffee of course. If sustainability matters to your office, have a look at our guide on sustainable office coffee practices.
Espresso Machines
Espresso Machines are for offices that take their coffee seriously. They require more skill to operate and need a separate grinder, but the quality of espresso-based drinks is unmatched. Unless you’ve got a coffee enthusiast on staff who enjoys playing barista, these might be overkill for most offices.
How to Choose an Office Coffee Machine
Choosing an office coffee machine doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few key questions you need to answer first.
How many coffees per day?
This is crucial. Most machines list their daily capacity don’t exceed it regularly or you’ll be replacing the machine sooner than you’d like. Count your team, add visitors, multiply by 1.5 cups per person, and that’s your starting point.
What drinks do people actually want?
If everyone drinks black filter coffee, don’t waste money on a bean-to-cup machine with all the bells and whistles. But if half the office wants flat whites and cappuccinos, you’ll need something that handles milk well.
Who’s going to maintain it?
Every coffee machine needs some care; refilling, cleaning, descaling. Some need more attention than others. Be realistic about how much maintenance your office will actually do.
What’s your budget?
Initial cost is one thing, but also consider running costs. Cheaper machines often cost more to run (like pod machines), while expensive bean to cup machines might save money over time. Don’t forget to factor in coffee subscriptions.
Best Office Coffee Machines
Best For Small Offices
Sage Coffee Machines
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Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Quality Coffee ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Type of Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Americano
Rough Dimensions (Oracle): H447 x W373 x D368mm
Type of Coffee Used: Coffee Beans (with integrated grinder and automatic tamper)
Features: 3-Second Heat Up, Automatic Milk Texturing, Dual Boiler, LCD Display, Automatic Grind and Tamp
Pros: User-Friendly, Fast Heat-Up, Quality Results, Excellent UK Support
Cons: Regular Cleaning Required, Premium Price Point
For smaller offices or startups, Sage machines offer exceptional value and quality. I’ve been a fan of Sage for years they’ve absolutely nailed the balance between quality and user-friendliness.
The Sage Oracle is particularly brilliant for offices. It automates the tricky bits (grinding, tamping, milk texturing) whilst still producing coffee shop-quality drinks. Your team doesn’t need barista training, but you’re not sacrificing quality for convenience.
What I love about Sage for offices is their three-second heat-up time. No waiting twenty minutes for the machine to warm up like trad commercial espresso machines turn it on and you’re ready to go. This is perfect for office environments where people want coffee now, not later.
The Sage Barista Pro or Barista Touch are also excellent choices (I had the Barista Pro as my home espresso machine for a couple of years) if you want something slightly simpler but still capable of making proper espresso-based drinks. They’re robust enough to handle multiple users but won’t overwhelm people who aren’t coffee nerds.
Best For Medium/Large Offices
Crew Coffee Machines
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10
Quality Coffee ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Type of Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Americano, Flat White
Rough Dimensions (CM70): H680 x W330 x D580mm
Type of Coffee Used: Coffee Beans (with integrated grinder)
Features: Touchscreen Interface, Eco Boost Mode, Automatic Milk System, Patent-Pending Brewing Unit, Large Capacity
Pros: High Volume Capability, Energy Efficient, UK Support, Reduces Coffee Waste
Cons: Higher Initial Investment, Requires Mains Water (CM70)
If you’re running a busier office and need something that can handle serious volume, Crew Machines are really impressive. These UK-designed automatic machines are built specifically for high-output environments.
The Crew CM70, for instance, can comfortably produce up to 150 coffees per day perfect for a busy office kitchen. What sets Crew apart is their patent-pending brewing unit that actually reduces coffee waste by up to 20%, which adds up when you’re making that many drinks.
They’ve also got an Eco Boost mode that cuts power consumption by 20%, which is brilliant for offices trying to be more sustainable. The CM50 model is particularly clever if you don’t have mains water—it has a large internal tank so it’s genuinely portable.
Best Espresso Machine For Offices
San Remo Coffee Machines
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ 6/10
Quality Coffee ★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Type of Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Americano (requires barista skills)
Rough Dimensions (Café Racer 2 Group): H520 x W730 x D550mm
Type of Coffee Used: Ground Coffee (requires separate grinder)
Features: Multi-Boiler System, Digital Display, PID Temperature Control, 360° Cool Touch Steam Wands, Adjustable Drip Trays
Pros: Exceptional Quality, Commercial Reliability, Temperature Stability, Professional Performance
Cons: Requires Skilled Operator, Higher Price Point, Needs Separate Grinder, Regular Maintenance
If your office is serious about coffee and you’ve got someone who knows their way around an espresso machine, San Remo machines are absolutely top-tier.
These Italian-made machines are what you’ll find in high-end speciality cafes. San Remo’s Café Racer or F18 models are particularly well-suited to office environments where quality really matters. They feature multi-boiler systems for thermal stability, digital displays for precise control, and build quality that’s frankly exceptional.
The beauty of San Remo machines is their reliability under pressure. They’re designed for commercial use, which means they won’t flinch at producing back-to-back drinks all morning. The temperature stability is excellent, ensuring consistent extractions regardless of how busy things get.
They do require more skill to operate than automatic machines, and you’ll need a quality coffee grinder to pair with them. But for offices that want the absolute best espresso perhaps you’re in the creative industry or hospitality where coffee quality reflects on your brand, San Remo machines deliver.
Best Bean-To-Cup Machine For Offices
Jura Coffee Machines
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10
Quality Coffee ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Type of Coffee: Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Americano, Macchiato (One-Touch)
Rough Dimensions (Giga X8): H479 x W454 x D440mm
Type of Coffee Used: Coffee Beans (dual ceramic grinder system)
Features: Touchscreen Interface, Twin Ceramic Grinders, Automatic Milk System, P.E.P. Extraction, Programmable Drinks, Automatic Cleaning Cycles
Pros: Maximum Convenience, Consistent Quality, Easy Maintenance, Professional Capacity
Cons: Premium Price, Not Quite Barista-Level Quality, Requires Regular Cleaning
For offices that want quality automatic coffee without the complexity, Jura bean to cup machines are brilliant. Swiss-made and engineered to exceptionally high standards, Jura machines are designed specifically for office environments.
You don’t need coffee knowledge just select your drink from the touchscreen and the machine does everything else. The integrated cleaning programmes are automatic too, with the machine prompting you when maintenance is needed.
Jura machines also have lockable features, which is handy in office settings where you might want to prevent people from accidentally reprogramming everything. The milk system is easy to clean, and the whole setup is designed to be as low-maintenance as possible whilst still producing excellent coffee.
Best Filter Coffee Machine For Offices
Moccamaster Coffee Machines
Ease Of Use ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ 7/10
Quality Coffee ★★★★★★★★★★ 10/10
Value For Money ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Type of Coffee: Filter Coffee (Black)
Rough Dimensions (KBGT): H410 x W330 x D170mm
Type of Coffee Used: Ground Coffee (Need a Grinder)
Features: Thermal Carafe, Optimal Brew Temperature (92-96°C), Copper Boiling Element, Simple On/Off Switch.
Pros: Exceptional Quality, Durability, Simple Operation, Thermal Carafe Preserves Flavour Cons: No Milk Frothing, Requires Separate Grinder, Not for Espresso Drinks
When it comes to filter coffee for offices, Moccamaster is the gold standard. I’ve worked in countless third-wave coffee shops, and you’ll find Moccamasters behind almost every one of their bars.
The KBGT model is the one you want for office use. It brews into a thermal carafe, which is crucial for me as coffee sat on a hotplate quickly turns bitter and undrinkable. With a Moccamaster, you can brew a full pot in the morning and it’ll still taste great hours later.
The simplicity is another massive bonus for offices. There’s essentially an on/off switch. That’s it. Load ground coffee, add water, flip the switch, and you’ve got brilliant filter coffee. Even your most technophobic colleague can’t mess it up.
Why Your Office Needs Better Coffee
Let’s be honest about something: how much time does your team waste nipping out for a decent coffee? Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there, it adds up quickly. But more importantly, it’s a sign that your office coffee isn’t cutting it.
Quality coffee beans and a proper machine tell your team you actually care about their daily experience. It’s not about fancy perks or Instagram-worthy break rooms; it’s about recognising that a good coffee can genuinely improve someone’s day.
I’ve worked in offices with terrible coffee, and I’ve worked in offices with brilliant coffee. The difference in morale is palpable. Plus, when your coffee is actually good, people tend to use their breaks to chat with colleagues rather than escaping the building entirely which is better for team bonding, believe it or not.
Office Coffee Machine for Lease or Rent?
Here’s something many UK businesses don’t realise you don’t have to buy your office coffee machine outright. An office coffee machine for lease or rental can make much more financial sense, especially for smaller businesses or those testing the waters.
Office coffee machine for rent agreements typically work on shorter terms (3-12 months) and include maintenance. You’ll pay anywhere from £50-£200 monthly depending on the machine quality. The beauty of renting is that if your needs change or the machine doesn’t work for your office, you’re not stuck with it.
Leasing (usually 2-5 year agreements) offers lower monthly payments often £40-£150 per month for decent commercial equipment. Many lease agreements include servicing, which is brilliant because you’re not scrambling to find an engineer when something goes wrong.
The maths often works out like this: a £2,000 machine might cost £60-£80 monthly on a three-year lease. That’s manageable for most office budgets, and at the end of the term, you often have the option to upgrade to newer technology rather than being stuck with outdated kit.
Some lease agreements even include the coffee supply, which simplifies everything. You get your machine, regular deliveries of fresh beans, and maintenance all in one package. Less faff, more coffee.
The downside? Over the full term, you’ll pay more than the outright purchase price. But for many businesses, the cashflow benefit and included servicing make it worthwhile. Plus, you can write off the monthly payments as a business expense, which your accountant will appreciate.
What Does An Office Coffee Machine Cost?
Let’s talk numbers because this is where many offices get caught out. The office coffee machine cost varies massively depending on what you’re after, and there are different ways to pay that might suit your business better than an outright purchase.
Entry-level machines
Entry-level machines (pod systems, basic filter brewers) start around £200-£500. These are fine for very small offices but won’t handle heavy use. Running costs for pods can be surprisingly high though, expect £0.30-£0.50 per cup.
Mid-range machines
Mid-range machines (decent bean to cup, quality espresso setups) sit between £1,000-£3,000. This is the sweet spot for most offices with 10-30 people. Running costs drop to around £0.15-£0.25 per cup when using proper beans.
High-end commercial machines
High-end commercial machines (like the San Remo or top-tier Jura models) run from £3,000-£10,000+. These are built for serious volume and will last years with proper maintenance. Cost per cup can be as low as £0.10 when you’re doing high volumes.
Don’t forget the hidden costs: maintenance contracts (£200-£500 annually), water filters (£50-£150 per year), descaling solutions, cleaning products, and of course the actual coffee beans. A quality coffee subscription for a medium office typically runs £50-£200 monthly.
Setting Up Your Office Coffee Station
A coffee machine alone doesn’t make a proper coffee station. You’ll need a few other bits to make it actually functional. I’ve put together a complete guide on setting up an office coffee station with all the details, but here are the essentials.
Start with a decent coffee grinder if you’re not using a bean to cup machine. Don’t skimp here. a rubbish grinder ruins even the best beans. Keep a supply of milk (oat milk is popular in offices as it doesn’t spoil as quickly as dairy), and multiple types if your office has dietary requirements.
Stock proper cups and mugs, not those flimsy disposables that burn your hands. Get a milk frothing jug if you’re doing manual milk work, some cleaning cloths, and a designated spot for spent coffee grounds (these are brilliant for compost, by the way).
A small noticeboard explaining how to use the machine can save countless questions. Include the basics: how to make each type of drink, when to refill things, and who to contact if something goes wrong. And please, for everyone’s sanity, establish a cleaning rota early on.
Consider the workflow too mugs should be near where people start, then the machine, then milk and sugar on the other side. This prevents that awkward dance where everyone’s reaching past each other trying to make their morning brew.Let’s be honest about something: how much time does your team waste nipping out for a decent coffee? Ten minutes here, fifteen minutes there, it adds up quickly. But more importantly, it’s a sign that your office coffee isn’t cutting it.
The Best Coffee Beans for Your Office Machine
The machine is only half the story as you need decent beans to make proper coffee. For offices, I’d recommend a coffee subscription that delivers fresh beans regularly. This ensures you’re never left without coffee and the beans are always fresh.
For bean to cup and espresso machines, look for beans roasted for espresso. Medium roasts tend to work well in office settings—they’re crowd-pleasers that work both black and with milk. For filter coffee machines, lighter roasts can showcase more interesting flavours, though darker roasts are more forgiving if your brewing isn’t perfect.
Store beans properly—in an airtight container away from light and heat. Don’t put them in the fridge (that’s a myth that actually makes them worse). Buy smaller quantities more frequently rather than one massive bag that goes stale.
At Batch Coffee Club, we specialise in showcasing exceptional coffee from independent UK roasters. Our fortnightly subscriptions ensure offices always have fresh, interesting coffee without the faff of managing multiple supplier relationships.
