Buying an office coffee machine shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
Yet time and again, we see businesses end up with machines that frustrate staff, break down too soon, or never quite deliver the coffee they hoped for. The good news? Most of those headaches are avoidable.
Mistake 1: Focusing Only on the Upfront Price
A cheaper machine might look appealing, but if it can’t keep up with daily demand, you’ll be paying in time and frustration instead. Choose capacity and reliability over the lowest sticker price—it’ll pay off in the long run.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Milk Preferences
Fresh milk gives a richer, café-style experience; granulated milk keeps things simpler and tidier. The best choice depends on who’s cleaning the machine and how often. Fresh milk needs daily rinsing, while granulated milk systems are lower effort but slightly less authentic in flavour.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Cleaning Plan
Every machine, no matter how automated, still needs some love. Without a clear routine (and a named person to do it), hygiene and taste both suffer. Set up an easy daily rinse and weekly clean—your coffee will thank you.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Servicing
Servicing keeps your investment running smoothly and prevents costly breakdowns. Ask upfront how often your supplier recommends maintenance, what it costs, and whether they come onsite. Not all service plans are equal.
Mistake 5: Overlooking the User Experience
If your team finds the machine confusing or clunky, they won’t use it properly—or at all. Choose a model with intuitive buttons or touchscreen prompts. Coffee should be a simple pleasure, not a training session.
Watch Claire break down these five common pitfalls (and how to avoid them).
Want to make sure you’ve covered all bases?
Download our free checklist or get in touch for a quick walkthrough.