The Best Method for Making Office Coffee
Coffee in the office comes in many forms and brewed via a number of different methods ranging from lumping a couple of teaspoons of instant coffee into a mug and splashing over some building hot water through to a full blown espresso machine equipped with coffee grinders, scales and an office barista.
However, the vast majority of offices fall somewhere in between, instant coffee doesn’t cut it anymore but opt for something easier that a cafe in the office.
I’ve come across countless methods over the years with the best method for making office coffee usually depending on a balance of convenience and flavour
Of course, it’s all about personal preference but after 10 years in the industry and working in many offices myself, let’s take a look at the best methods for making coffee in the office.
Different Coffee Brewing Methods For The Office
When it comes to making coffee in the office, the method you choose can significantly affect the taste and experience.
A good coffee setup will raise happiness levels in the office and boost morale. It can be an investment as staff may be more likely to stay in the office for a coffee break while saving them some pennies in the meantime.
Filter Coffee Machines
Filter coffee machines would be my personal favourite and recommendation for the office.
Similar to what you see in American Diners, filter coffee machines brew coffee through cone shaped paper filters, dripping into a carafe below.
This method lends itself to high grade specialty coffee as oils and bitter tasting compounds are filtered out leaving way for the delicious flavour complexities of the single origin coffee you are brewing.
Filter coffee machines are pretty easy to use. Just empty your ground coffee into the filter (preferably freshly ground coffee if you have a coffee grinder) and turn the machine on. After around 5 minutes you’ll have a carafe of incredible tasting Batch Brew coffee. It’s that simple
Filter coffee is also one of the healthiest methods to consume coffee as there aren't any additives (that are the unhealthy part). As the coffee will be naturally sweet and light you won’t need to add any milk or sugar to mask the bitterness.
Filter coffee machines can brew multiple cups at a time, making them ideal for busy mornings.
If you’re in the market for a filter coffee machine and some banging coffee to go with it. Checkout Batch Business Club, we not only provide you with a machine and a grinder but you’ll also enjoy the best coffee in the UK.
French Press Brew
I find the French press to be a fantastic option for those who enjoy a bold coffee experience. This method allows the coffee grounds to steep, resulting in a richer flavour.
Simply add coarsely ground coffee and hot water, let it steep for about four minutes, then press down the plunger.
Cleaning can be a bit of a hassle, as the mesh filter can get clogged. However, the satisfaction of pouring a cup filled with robust flavour makes it worth the effort.
Espresso Machines
Espresso machines are now appearing in offices throughout the UK. They come in many forms, from domestic espresso machines that are designed for a few cups per day through to huge commercial espresso machines that weigh a ton.
Now don’t get me wrong - I love espresso coffee and also for that matter love espresso machines. I have a domestic machine at home and I’ve worked with countless commercial machines in the past. The thing is (and hopefully without shattering peoples dreams here) they’re quite hard to use and require somebody who knows what they’re doing to operate them.
Although your local barista may make it look easy when they’re slinging out oat flat whites every 20 seconds they have probably had lots of experience using that machine.
Even when you know what you’re doing espresso coffee can still be a nightmare - all of a sudden a shot will over or under extract for you to then dial in the grind size again.
If you still have your heart on an espresso machine I would recommend a Sage espresso machine. They are designed for domestic use and are fairly user friendly.
Checkout Batch Seasonal Espresso Beans if you want to take your office espresso to the next level.
Aeropress
The Aeropress is a great little coffee maker that I’ve come to love for its simplicity and flexibility.
It makes a single cup of coffee using a unique brewing method that preserves the flavours exceptionally well.
You will finish up with a filter coffee as the coffee is brewed through a paper filter. My Aeropress has travelled with me throughout the world and is always one of the first things that I pack when I go on a trip.
However, I would only recommend an Aeropress for the office if you’re a small team. It only brews one cup at a time so you may be waiting for a while if there are a number of coffee drinkers in the office.
Bean to Cup Machines
A bean to cup machine may be your ticket when it comes to an office coffee maker.
Bean to cups usually have a fairly hefty pricetag, there’s quite a lot of moving parts and technology here and there’s no denying the convenience of a push of a button coffee machine that spits out lattes.
For me though, the price tag is a reflection of the convenience of the bean to cup rather than the quality.
The coffees that most Bean to cups produce now are far better than pod machines or instant, however it won’t come close to barista made coffee in the cafe down stairs.
Perfecting Office Coffee
To make a truly exceptional cup of coffee at the office, it's essential to focus on several key elements. From selecting the right coffee beans to perfecting the brewing process, each step plays a vital role in achieving that perfect brew.
Choosing the Right Beans
The most important step in setting up the office coffee is selecting the right coffee beans.
If you want to enjoy quality coffee at work you have to purchase quality coffee beans.
Low quality coffee is usually over roasted and bitter tasting (that’s why historically we add milk or sugar to the cup - to mask the taste of the bitter tasting coffee).
ALthough high quality specialty coffee may be slightly more expensive, the taste and flavour is incomparable to cheap commercial grade coffee plus the vast majority of the time specialty coffee is far more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Batch Coffee Business Club showcases the highest quality coffee throughout the UK and we can deliver you 2 different ones every 2 weeks if you like?
Water Quality and Temperature
Water quality can significantly impact coffee's flavour. I always use filtered water to avoid any unwanted tastes from tap water. If the water doesn’t taste good on its own, it won’t taste good in my coffee.
Temperature is key, too. For optimal extraction, aim for water that’s between 90°C and 96°C (for manual brew methods). Boiling water can burn the coffee, while cool water may not extract enough flavour. If I’m not using a thermometer, waiting about 30 seconds after boiling usually does the trick for me.
Grinding for Freshness
Grinding beans just before brewing is essential. I would use a burr grinder, as it provides a consistent grind size, which ensures even extraction. A medium-coarse grind is perfect for methods like French press, while pour-overs require a medium grind.
I like to experiment a bit with grind size based on my method of choice. If the brew tastes bitter, I might try a coarser grind; if it’s too weak, a finer grind could be the answer. Freshness really makes a difference, and it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate my coffee game.
Measuring and Ratios
Getting the right coffee-to-water ratio is crucial. A common guideline I follow is 1:15, which means one part coffee to 15 parts water. For a standard cup of coffee (about 240ml), that translates to around 16 grams of coffee.
Sometimes, I adjust the ratio based on my taste preference. If I want a stronger brew, I increase the coffee amount slightly. Having a digital scale can help me measure accurately every time. Consistency in brewing leads to a great cup each day, which is the goal at the office, after all.
