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Vending machines vs bean to cup office coffee machines

Alex | October 29, 2024

As an office or facilities manager, a large part of your role involves keeping the office running smoothly and making sure your team is happy. Many studies prove that happy employees are more productive, more creative, and much more likely to stick around.

Other studies show that having access to free great-tasting coffee is also one of the most popular workplace perks. Providing your team with this small but mighty perk is just a simple way to show you care about their health and well-being.

In a recent survey, 69% of UK office workers believe that coffee breaks help with team bonding and collaboration. Premium coffee options in the workplace can enhance the employee experience and elevate your workplace culture, and they’re much more affordable than you may think.

We’re looking at two popular office coffee machine options: the classic vending machine and the increasingly popular bean-to-cup coffee machine.

The office coffee revolution

Long gone are the days when an average cup of instant coffee made with the office kitchen kettle would hit the mark in a modern office. With coffee culture booming, people have grown used to their favourite barista-style drinks, even at work.

Now, the right coffee setup isn’t just a perk; it’s an expectation. A great coffee machine can become a social hub, a mood booster, and a productivity ally all in one. In the UK alone, the vending and Office Coffee Service (OCS) market reached 1.8 billion in 2023, with demand for higher-quality coffee options driving revenue.

Together, let’s explore the differences between traditional coffee vending machines and bean to cup machines to help you and your team find the right fit.

Vending machines: reliable and fast

Vending machines have been around since the early 1900s, but they have evolved significantly since then. There are now around 310,000 vending machines across the UK, many of which serve offices, educational and healthcare settings. They’re still fairly popular in some workplaces as they offer a broad and convenient selection of snacks, drinks, and of course, coffee.

vending machine

What can you expect from a coffee vending machine?

Vending machines can offer a range of options depending on your budget. Budget-friendly models typically serve instant coffee made from powder, which is fast and easy but lacks the depth of flavour your team might expect.

Most vending machines don’t grind beans on demand, which is critical for achieving that freshly brewed coffee flavour.

Pros of vending machines

Speed: One of the main benefits of vending machines is how fast they operate. They’re designed for high volume, so if you have a large team and need coffee on demand, a vending machine is a reliable option.
Ease of use: With simple buttons and pre-set options, they’re straightforward to operate.
Low maintenance: Vending machines are generally automated, meaning you only need to keep them stocked with coffee powder, single-use cups, and other essentials.
Cost-effective: If your priority is volume and budget, vending machines can provide an efficient option.

If a vending machine sounds like it might suit your office, you’ll find plenty of established providers in the UK, such as Selecta, Liquid Line, and Logic Vending. However, if your team prefers their coffee freshly brewed from whole beans, it’s worth exploring alternatives.

Bean to cup coffee machines: premium, barista-style coffee

Undoubtedly, the true coffee aficionado’s choice has to be the bean to cup coffee machine. The name says it all, so these machines grind the coffee beans on the spot, press them, and then extract that rich flavour with high-pressure hot water – all at the touch of a button in seconds.

What makes a bean to cup machine so special?

We like to think of a bean to cup machine as similar to having your own personal barista on standby in your office. You can serve everything from espressos and lattes to cappuccinos and flat whites, with the option for hot chocolate as well. It’s like stepping into a café, only without having to leave your office.

bean to cup coffee machine

Discover More: How does a bean to cup coffee machine work?

Benefits of a bean to cup machine

Freshly ground coffee: Because the beans are ground on demand, every cup is filled with rich, complex flavours that you can’t achieve with instant coffee.
Variety of drinks: Bean to cup machines typically offer a full range of options, from classic black coffee to creamy lattes, to cater to all your teams’ tastes.
Easy to use: Modern office coffee bean to cup machines make things simple. With just the touch of a button, anyone can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Plus they’re really easy to maintain and keep clean.
Flexible payment options: At FreshGround, we understand that buying a premium machine upfront might not be feasible for every office if you’re balancing budgets, so we offer various options to lease or rent our machines. With short-term contracts starting from just three months, you get the flexibility without being tied in.

How FreshGround can simplify your coffee needs

When you choose one of our bean to cup machines, we’ll ensure your coffee supply stays fresh and reliable. Many of our clients opt for our repeat consumables order, meaning fresh coffee beans and everything else you need are delivered right to your office every month. That way, you can focus on running the office while we help to keep the coffee flowing.

So, vending machine or bean to cup?

When it comes down to it, your choice will depend on what you and your team value most. A vending machine can be an adequate choice if you need speed, affordability, and simple operation. But if you’re aiming to create a premium experience and raise the bar on office perks, a bean to cup machine offers far more than just coffee – it offers a slice of modern coffee culture right in your office.

Why choose FreshGround’s bean to cup machines?

With over 40 years of experience, we know office coffee inside out. Our bean to cup machines are designed to bring out the best in every bean, and we’ve curated a range of machines to suit different office sizes and budgets. Plus, we’re committed to making it easy for you, from installation to maintenance and restocking; we’re here every step of the way.

An office coffee machine is a great way to bring people together, spark creativity, and enhance the workplace experience.

Not sure which machine is best for your office? Let us help. Our team is ready to discuss your needs and find the ideal solution that meets your unique requirements.

Contact us today at 0207 553 7900.