Selecting the right coffee machine for your office, staff room, or catering business is a critical decision to meet the demands of volume, convenience, and coffee quality. With so many options available, here are some key factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice.
Power and Water Supply
Start by assessing practicalities such as the availability of power and a water supply. While all coffee machines require electricity, your choice between a refillable water tank or a plumbed-in system depends on convenience and volume of drinks you require. Refillable tank machines are portable and suitable for smaller spaces but require regular refills.
In contrast, a plumbed-in system connects directly to a water supply, making it ideal for high-demand environments where frequent refilling would be impractical. A plumbed-in machine is a permanent fixture and therefore requires more planning.
Fresh Milk vs. Powdered Milk
Next, decide between fresh milk or powdered milk systems. Machines using fresh milk will produce superior-tasting coffee, enhancing the overall experience. However, they require more cleaning and maintenance to ensure hygiene. High-quality powdered milk, while not quite as rich, is a low-maintenance alternative that still delivers satisfying results.
Operation and User Friendliness
Ease of operation is another vital factor. Most modern machines offer simple, push-button functionality, perfect for busy environments where speed matters. However, if your business demands bespoke coffee preparation such as a commercial café with high footfall , a traditional-style machine requiring manual operation might be worth considering.
Maintaining & Cleaning Your Fresh Milk Coffee Machine
Proper maintenance and cleaning of your fresh milk coffee machine is essential to ensure optimal performance, hygiene, and coffee quality. Begin by rinsing the milk system daily to prevent residue build-up and bacterial growth. Most machines have an automatic cleaning cycle—use it regularly with the recommended cleaning solution, you can purchase these solutions from the Livewell Vending online store.
Disassemble and deep-clean milk frothers, wands, and other components weekly to remove stubborn residues. Always empty and clean the drip tray, waste container, and water tank. Use descaling solutions periodically to prevent limescale build-up, especially in hard water areas. Consistent care will extend your machine’s lifespan and keep your coffee tasting fresh.
Selecting the Right Coffee Bean for Your Coffee Machine
Choosing the right coffee bean is essential for enhancing the flavour of your coffee whilst ensuring the continual good optimal performance of your coffee machine. Start by considering the roast profile: light roasts highlight bright, acidic flavours, whilst medium and dark roasts deliver richer, bolder ones. Additionally, consider single-origin beans for unique, distinctive tastes or blends for balanced profiles.
Taste is a matter of preference and Livewell Coffee Vending have sourced and created their own branded bean blend in medium roast and decaffeinated versions with a flavour that appeals to a wide variety of people but also has an optimum bean size to keep your machine running efficiently. Ultimately, selecting quality beans tailored to your machine ensures every cup is a satisfying experience.
Summary
Be sure to consider all the factors mentioned above before making your choice to ensure you get the best value from your investment in the right coffee machine. At Livewell we have extensive experience with commercial coffee machines, along with case studies and examples that highlight what performs best in various environments and levels of footfall. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch — we’re here to help. Additionally, you can explore more detailed information in the Coffee Machine section of our website.
