Why cheap coffee machines aren’t worth it

When it comes to providing coffee for the office, it might be tempting to cut corners by getting a cheap coffee machine. After all, it’s just a cup of coffee, right? But the truth is, like most things in life, choosing the cheapest option is often a false economy.

A cheap office coffee machine can lead to hidden costs, frustrations that you’ll soon regret and, worst of all, an unhappy workforce.

If you’re an office or facilities manager who looks after the provision of coffee, teas and snacks, you’ll understand how vital these are to the health and well-being of your team. While it’s a small perk to have access to free coffee at work, it’s one that people really value, and it goes a long way to show you care.

According to a study by the National Coffee Association, 79% of employees believe that having coffee in the office is ‘very important’. Another survey revealed that 62% of people are more motivated by access to high-quality, barista-style coffee at work.

For some, coffee even becomes a crucial factor in their decision to stay engaged with their work, making it an impactful perk that’s well worth the investment.

Why does coffee mean so much to office teams?

For many employees, coffee represents far more than just a caffeine fix.

Firstly, caffeine in coffee can help boost focus, concentration, and energy. It can also help your team kick-start their working day and provide a vital pick-me-up after the post-lunch afternoon slump. By providing great coffee at work, you can help your team stay more alert, productive, and creative. It can even support your office’s talent acquisition and retention.

Secondly, coffee breaks provide vital opportunities for colleagues to bond and connect. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee together in the break-out area before a meeting or catching up in the kitchen at lunch, these moments create a sense of community and improve workplace culture.

So, with that in mind, let’s examine why cheaper machines just won’t cut it.

The false economy of cheap office coffee machines

Cheap coffee machines might seem like a budget-friendly option at first, but they often cost more in the long term. And here’s why…

Machines designed for lower prices tend to be built with cheaper materials, resulting in breakdowns, poor performance, and a shorter lifespan. These machines aren’t designed to handle the daily demands of an office environment, meaning you’ll likely find yourself constantly replacing them or calling out for new parts and repairs.

Cheap machines often result in poor coffee quality, which will leave your team underwhelmed. You could use the most premium, high-quality coffee beans, but if your machine isn’t up to the job, it’ll result in a disappointing cup – not great for your team morale and productivity!

One mistake we’ve seen that office or facilities managers may make when setting up their office coffee stations is choosing a domestic coffee machine for the workplace. While domestic machines are fine for the occasional cup at home, they’re simply not designed to meet the demands of an office environment.

Domestic machines are designed for personal and occasional use. They lack the capacity, durability, and speed needed to serve multiple people throughout the day. Constantly refilling water tanks, waiting for slow brewing times, or dealing with overheating machines is a recipe for disaster and a waste of everyone’s time.

Why is it important to invest in a good quality office coffee machine?

If you’re in an office, you ultimately need a commercial coffee machine that’s specifically built to handle high volumes of use. With the water source plumbed into the mains, more robust internal components, multiple drink options and faster brewing times, they’re designed to meet the needs of even the busiest offices.

More than that, they’re designed to be easy to use and maintain, making it simple for anyone in the office to brew their favourite cup fuss-free.

Whilst it might seem like a more expensive option upfront, you’ll soon see the value added to your office. Plus, you can get an office coffee machine from around £3 – £7 per day, making it more affordable than you’d think.

Discover More: Why should office managers invest in a quality coffee machine?

The importance of choosing a good brand

Selecting a coffee machine is not just about choosing a commercial machine – it’s also about choosing a brand that’s known for reliability, quality, and support. At FreshGround, we’ve curated a range of premium quality, robust machines from some of the world’s best coffee brands. Here’s why the right brand makes all the difference:

Reliability

Our machines are built to last. Brands like Jura, La Cimbali, and Egro are trusted in the industry for their longevity. They can consistently deliver fresh, great-tasting coffee day in and day out.

More options

Good office coffee machine brands offer more customisation. Whether it’s espressos, lattes, or flat whites, you can count on our machines to provide a wide variety of coffee options that suit everyone’s taste. Some machines can provide dual milk functionality for your employees that are dairy-free, and also make smooth and creamy hot chocolates. Many cheaper machines lack this flexibility, often limiting users to basic filter coffee or capsule-based drinks.

Ease of cleaning and maintenance

The best brands design their machines with ease of maintenance in mind. Our range of machines is simple to clean and maintain, with many featuring automatic cleaning cycles. This not only saves time but also ensures that your machine remains in perfect working order for longer, reducing the risk of breakdowns. Read more about ‘How to look after my office coffee machine’.

Sustainability

Premium-quality machines increasingly focus on energy-efficient brewing, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly materials. They’re designed to minimise energy consumption with automatic switch-off functions.

We specialise in bean-to-cup machines, which reduce the reliance on single-use pods and filter papers, which are often non-recyclable. This not only helps you meet your sustainability goals but also lowers the cost per cup, making it a win-win for eco-conscious offices. You can also recycle your coffee beans to help the environment like we do.

Service plans

One of the biggest advantages of investing in a high-quality machine is the peace of mind that comes with a service plan. At FreshGround, we offer two levels of service – Essentials and Total Care.

Both offer comprehensive service and maintenance packages that ensure your machine is always performing at its best. Regular servicing prolongs the life of your machine, reduces downtime, and eliminates unexpected repair costs.

A smarter long-term investment

When you factor in the benefits of a commercial coffee machine, it becomes clear that investing in a good machine is the more affordable option in the long run. With a cheap machine, you’ll likely face frequent breakdowns, lower-quality coffee, and more staff dissatisfaction.

By choosing a high-quality machine from FreshGround, you’ll save on replacement costs, avoid repair headaches, and keep your team happy with great coffee.

Find out more

We can get your office coffee machine up and running in no time at all. Contact our expert team, and we’ll help find the right solution for you and your office team.