Can I get extra hot coffee from my office coffee machine?

Do you like your coffee extra hot? Scalding, even? We understand that getting the ideal temperature from an office coffee machine can be hard. That’s why we wrote this blog, to give you a bit more detail about how office coffee machines work and what you can do to get that extra hot coffee from them.

Milk-based espresso drinks dispense between 60 and 70°C. And that isn’t hot enough for extra hot coffee drinkers. However, it is the standard range for lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks. It might seem a little cooler than you expect, but there are a few reasons for that.

1. Overheating milk changes its flavour and texture

Milk that’s steamed above 70°C starts to lose its sweetness and velvety feel. It can taste flat or even burnt, which takes away from the overall coffee experience. If your office really needs extra hot milk, you might consider a steam wand, so you have more control over the temperature. But before you decide, make sure you’ve read this article that breaks down the pros and cons. A lot of baristas turn their noses up at making extra hot coffee for cafe customers. There are articles like this one from CoffeeGeek that breaks it down from a barista perspective.

2. Hot liquids above 70°C can be a safety risk

Drinks hotter than 70°C can cause burns, especially in a busy workplace where people are on the move. Office coffee machines are calibrated to keep things safe for everyone. We have a handy guide that breaks down the ideal temperature for all the most popular coffee types. Office coffee machines are designed with large user bases in mind, so they have a lot of universal safety features like temperature limits.

Discover More: What is the perfect coffee temperature?

3. Machines are programmed to maintain consistent temperatures

Bean-to-cup machines are designed to be consistent. You want everyone in the office to have the same great experience when grabbing their morning coffee. The heating mechanisms of the machine cannot be altered, and they are built to industry safety guidelines. We think this is a good thing. because of the shared nature of these coffee machines. It’s better to have a one-size-fits-all solution.

Which coffees are hottest?

If you drink americanos or long blacks, you might notice they’re hotter than milk-based drinks. That’s because they rely more on hot water, which can be dispensed at a higher temperature, usually up to around 85 to 90°C. This can be an easy switch for those who prefer piping hot coffee.

How to keep your coffee hotter for longer

If you find your drink cools too quickly, here are a couple of simple ways to help:

Warm your cup before brewing. A cold mug can absorb a lot of heat from your drink. Fill it with hot water first to avoid that drop in temperature. Or add a cup warmer to your office coffee machine. It’s a small upgrade that brings barista-style quality and keeps your coffee hotter for longer. You can take a look at the cup warmer in our cost calculator when you choose a long-term contract for a bean-to-cup machine.

Add a little hot water after brewing. It won’t be exactly the same as an ‘extra hot’ coffee, but it can give you that bit of extra warmth if you need it.

Still not sure?

If your machine is dispensing at a temperature lower than 60 degrees, it might need further investigation. If you’re unsure how to do any of this with your machine or want more tips for getting the best from your coffee, feel free to give us a call. We’re always happy to help.