5 benefits of bean-to-cup coffee machines for modern office environments

If you’re trying to decide whether a bean-to-cup coffee machine is the right workplace coffee solution for your office, you’re not alone. With expectations rising around workplace perks and more people craving decent coffee at work, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually getting when you choose one.

What is a bean-to-cup coffee machine?

A bean-to-cup coffee machine grinds whole bean coffee to order for each drink. Coffee beans are stored in a hopper on top of the machine. When a user selects a drink, the machine grinds the perfect amount and extracts a fresh shot of espresso. Many models also steam fresh milk from an attached fridge to create coffee-shop favourites like cappuccinos and lattes.

Lets compare it with other brewing methods

	Bean-to-cup	Pod machine	Instant	Filter coffee
Cost per cup	35p*	£0.67 – £1.12	£0.07**	£3.50***
Ease of use	Easy	Easy	Easy	Medium
Brew time	20–30 seconds	10–40 seconds	Instant!	3–6 minutes
Taste quality	High	Medium	Low	Medium/high****
Environmental impact	Low	High	Low	Medium*****
Cleaning	Daily	Daily	Monthly	Daily

^* Whole bean £158.90 / 4.54kg, 1kg = 35, 10g = 35p
^** Average cost of instant: £3.70 / 100g, 100g = 55 cups, £3.70/55 = 0.067
^*** Filter coffee uses 10-21g of coffee per 6oz cup. FG filter coffee: £168 /4.68 kg, £35.89/kg
^**** Depending on the coffee used
^***** If single use filters are used

Here are five reasons to consider a bean-to-cup machine for your team:

• Freshness
• Simplicity
• Speed
• Value
• Impression

Let’s break down what makes them a great investment

1. Fresh, great-tasting coffee every time

Instant coffee and pod machines, while convenient, don’t have a lot of ‘wow-factor’. Bean-to-cup machines grind 11g of whole beans just before brewing, which means every cup is fresh and full of flavour. That freshness really matters because coffee loses its taste and aroma fast once it’s ground. Another benefit is that you can take this fresh espresso and create your favourite from a full range of drinks, from flat whites to mochas, with dairy and plant-based milk options available too.

2. Simple to use and easy to maintain

You don’t need to be a barista to get great results. These machines come with a menu full of options (which you get to customise), and when you make your drink, you can change things like strength of extraction and amount of milk added. They’re also designed to stay clean with minimal effort. Cleaning cycles are easy to run and take less than 30 minutes with food safe cleaning products. You simply press a button and let it run, so maintenance doesn’t become another job on your to-do list.

3.The best coffee machine for busy teams

When your team’s trying to get through a busy day, convenience matters. Bean-to-cup machines deliver high-quality coffee in less than 30 seconds, cutting out the faff of boiling kettles or heading out to the coffee shop. It’s quicker, cleaner and more efficient for everyone. Plus, with bean-to-cup machines offering dual bean and milk options, you can easily cater for different preferences and provide a more thoughtful experience.

4. Lower cost in the long run

Yes, bean-to-cup machines cost more upfront than a basic pod or filter option. But if your team is regularly buying coffee out, or if you’re constantly replacing cheaper machines, the costs soon add up. Beans are more affordable and more environmentally friendly than pods and a quality machine built for office use will last longer and need fewer repairs. If you’re renting or leasing, it can be even more manageable. You can easily show your team a little TLC, cut single-use waste and make a sound investment with one of these machines.

5. Put your best foot forward

What does your office coffee say about you? More than you might think… A great cup of coffee shows you care about your team and helps boost morale. It can also leave a strong impression on clients and visitors. A good machine with fresh, quality beans adds to your office culture and makes the workplace feel much more welcoming.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your coffee set-up, it’s worth investing in something that keeps your team happy, saves time and delivers consistently exceptional results. A bean-to-cup machine does just that. At FreshGround, we supply premium coffee machines to workplaces that want to create exceptional coffee experiences, including offices, universities and hospitals. Curious which machine is right for your office? Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you find your perfect fit.