These days it’s common practice for a business to have a commercial coffee machine, and if you’re looking to add one to your workspace, cafe or communal area, deciding on which one to opt for can feel like a massive hassle. With the market saturated by various models and brands, it’s difficult to locate a coffee machine that will meet your needs perfectly. 

In this article we will bring you up to speed on all the basics of commercial coffee machines, including the types, where they can be used and of course how you can choose a coffee machine for your business. 

What is a commercial coffee machine? 

Commercial coffee machines are designed for business use, with bean-to-cup models being the most popular due to their ease-of-use and automatic cleaning systems. A commercial coffee machine provides businesses with hot drink options for their staff, visitors, students and patients. With products such as lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos and hot chocolates being just a few of the options. There are different types of coffee machines for commercial use, and these can range from quick and convenient bean-to-cup models to more traditional espresso machines that require a barista to operate. 

What are the different types of commercial coffee machines?

Bean-to-cup coffee machines: 

Bean-to-cup coffee machines do exactly what they say on the tin, they automate the process of grinding coffee beans in order to produce instantaneous double and single espresso shots. In a traditional barista style coffee machine, the coffee grinder would be separate, and a barista would be required to manually produce espressos. However, this is not required in a bean-to-cup machine, as this coffee machine does all of the leg-work for you. These machines also use a product selection function, which is easy-to-use and provides a range of great hot drinks.           

Aquacool’s bean-to-cup coffee machines are perfect for commercial settings. The Jura We8 model comes equipped with 12 product variations and a tank for fresh milk steaming, which is ideal for those wanting to use alternative or plant-based milk. With a digital screen and button selection, this professional machine is an ideal addition to any office, or lower traffic communal area. For larger offices and higher traffic areas we would recommend the 34 product variation Jura Giga X3C Professional for an increased output of hot drinks.

Touchscreen coffee machines:

Touchscreen coffee machines are another bean-to-cup variety, and work in the exact same way, but they have an added digital touch screen. With powdered milk all ready to go inside the machine, all you have to do is fill up the coffee grinder with beans, and then you will have access to no-fuss coffee and hot drink varieties all day long. 

Impress your staff, customers and visitors with a touch screen coffee machine from Aquacool. It’s easy to rent with weekly payments, or you can even buy one of our models out right. For larger communal kitchens in offices, cafeterias in sixth form colleges and hospitals, we recommend the Vitro X3 which can offer up to 210 cups before a refill is needed. So you hardly need to think about regular coffee bean refills. 

Traditional espresso coffee machines:

A traditional espresso coffee machine can commonly be found in your favourite coffee shops, and come in a variety of sizes and increasing costs. So, how do they work? Ground coffee is dispersed from a grinder into a portafilter (the metal coffee basket with a handle), which is then pressed using a coffee tamper. Once attached to the coffee machine in a screw-in motion, a barista would then make the appropriate selection for single or double shot in order to produce an espresso. Milk can also be steamed using an attached steamer for drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites. 

While traditional espresso coffee machines are a great addition to co-working spaces and cafes within hospitals or cafes, they do require a trained barista to use them. Not to mention they will burn a larger hole in your pocket than other types of coffee machines.

Filter coffee machines:

Great for not only commercial use, but home use too, filter coffee machines strain water through ground coffee and filter paper in order to produce filter coffee. So, how can you use a filter coffee machine successfully? First, filter paper should be added to the basket that sits inside the machine, and then ground coffee goes on top of this paper. The basket is then placed back inside the machine ready for coffee making. Hot water is dispensed through the filter coffee machine and a water and coffee mixture forms inside the machine’s jug. The easy-to-use nature of this product makes it a great addition to any break room or communal kitchen. The simplicity of these machines is also their downfall, and they cannot do more than produce filter coffee, so there will be no lattes or cappuccinos here. But, if you want something simple, a filter coffee machine will suit you well.

Where to use commercial coffee machines 

Not every area of a business is suitable for a commercial coffee machine, but in general we would recommend areas that are near water outlets for filling tanks and washing mugs. You may also want to place your coffee machine next to a dishwasher, or add a recycling bin for paper cups to be disposed of after use. Let us run through a few ideal spots within businesses for commercial coffee machines:

Office kitchens and break rooms

Both office workers and visiting clients can get their fill of caffeine from coffee machines in kitchens and break rooms. They can take their time in these lower-traffic areas and make their desired selection from a wide variety of products. Models such as bean-to-cup touch screen coffee machines are ideal for these areas as anyone can use them quickly and easily.

Spas and gym cafes

Allow customers to enjoy a hot drink while they get a treatment, or ensure that they can replenish their caffeine levels at an on-site cafe. Aquacool’s Vitro S1 even has the option for contactless payment, which is ideal for gym or spa cafes. Coffee machines are also beneficial in staff areas within spas and gyms — to keep employees energised throughout their shift. Small commercial coffee machines also work perfectly for businesses that may be looking for space saving models.

Hospital cafes and kitchens

Patients, visitors and hospital staff will often frequent hospital cafes throughout the day, and there is no doubt that they will expect a hot drink selection. Whether a high or small output is needed, a commercial coffee machine is the ideal addition to healthcare practices. For hospitals wanting a coffee machine that has it all, Aquacool’s Jura Giga X3C model has 34 product variations to choose from, making it perfect for busy, demanding areas. 

Sixth form cafeterias and school staff rooms

Offer teachers and students a hot drink or coffee option by opting for a commercial coffee machine and keep them energised, and powered-up all day. Areas such as sixth form cafeterias, kitchens, and staff rooms are ideal coffee dispensing spots. And with little to no maintenance other than coffee bean top ups, school staff don’t need to worry about adding it to their to-do list.

What is the best type of commercial coffee machine for a business?

Bean-to-cup or traditional espresso machine? Which is best for your business? 

Bean-to-cup commercial coffee machines require minimal maintenance as most models come with an integrated cleaning system. Which means that you don’t have to worry about the internal goings-on. They are also easy to keep clean and can be wiped down quickly. They will however require coffee bean top-ups, and some models will also need fresh milk too. The great thing about this type of commercial coffee machine is that anyone can use it, and enjoy a hot drink in no-time at all. 

On the other hand, a traditional espresso machine will provide a higher quality espresso, and the milk steaming wand will allow for a better overall presentation, but in order to be effective, a trained barista will be needed to operate it. Not to mention this model requires a lot more maintenance, and a proper internal clean at the end of every day. 

Renting a bean-to-cup coffee machine from a provider such as Aquacool also means that if anything goes wrong, our engineers will be there to fix it. With regular servicing of our models too, we make sure that they are effective all year round. You can even enjoy decaf coffee and plant-based milk options with Aquacool models such as the Vitro X3 too.

Can you make a profit from a bean-to-cup coffee machine?

Yes, you can make a profit. As most bean-to-cup coffee machines can be equipped with a contactless payment method, this means that you can make money back on your commercial coffee machine. Perfect for small cafes in hospitals, sixth form centres or offices, you can set your own prices and make the most out of your bean-to-cup coffee machine. All of Aquacool’s touch screen coffee machines can be fitted with this added extra, and so can our Jura JX8 and Jura Giga X3C models too if you’re looking for something with a fresh milk tank or a smaller size. 

Choosing a bean-to-cup commercial coffee machine

With bean-to-cup coffee machines being a fan favourite amongst businesses across the country, how can you decide which model is right for your business? Let us help. 

Required output and size of business

Do you have a team of 30? Or maybe over 100? Depending on the size of your workforce, the amount of students in your sixth form centre, or people passing through your business, you will need a coffee machine that accommodates your needs. Some models will differ on coffee bean and cup capacity, so it’s important to check the specifics. 

The Vitro X1 model for instance, has a 150 cup capacity and can hold 1200g of coffee beans before a refill is needed, whereas the Vitro X3 model has a 210 cup capacity and holds up to 1500g of coffee beans. So the latter would be better suited to larger communal areas, cafes and kitchens. 

Cost considerations

Are you looking to rent or buy a commercial coffee machine? Owning your coffee machine outright means you will not have to pay weekly instalments, however you will also be responsible for anything that goes wrong which may mean paying a service bill. Renting a machine on the other hand covers you for anything that may need fixing, and resolves you of that responsibility. You may also decide that the model you are renting does not have a high enough output, so then you can easily upgrade to a bigger model which you could not do if you had purchased a commercial coffee machine

Aesthetics 

Maybe you have a particular aesthetic within your workplace? Or you want a coffee machine that looks just as good as the coffee it produces? Most up to date commercial coffee machines also prioritise style, and can come in a variety of different colours but the most common will be silver, grey and black. Aquacool’s sleek and elegant touch screen models even have smoked glass too, so you have extra aesthetic options for your commercial coffee machine.

Ease of use

Bean-to-cup coffee machines are notoriously easy-to-use. Whether it’s using a button to select your coffee of choice, or pressing a digital screen in order to dispense a hot drink, these commercial coffee machines are a dream to use. And this makes them ideal for users who may not be familiar with coffee machines. The Jura Giga X3C for example uses a digital screen accompanied by buttons for simple product selection.  

Maintenance 

Unlike traditional espresso coffee machines that require a solution to be fed through at the end of every day, and steep bills for anything that may go wrong, bean-to-cup models are definitely lower maintenance. To help take some of the pressure off of business owners, each of Aquacool’s small commercial coffee machine models have integrated rinsing, descaling and cleaning programs. Which means you can devote time elsewhere. 

Added features and extra

Many commercial coffee machines will come equipped with powdered milk, but some models such as the Jura JX8 have a separate tank where fresh milk can be added. This is also great for those who may want to use different types of milk such as oat and almond. Separate hot water spouts are also available on some bean-to-cup coffee machines like the Vitro X1, thus reducing the need for a kettle or hot water boiler. 

Why Aquacool?

Office kitchens, hospital cafes and general communal areas are just a few of the places that benefit massively from a commercial coffee machine. And with the option to easily rent or buy from a trusted provider like Aquacool, you can be sure that you are in good hands with our team of professionals.

Get started with a commercial coffee machine and contact us today. We offer free, no-obligation quotes so that you can see if we’re the right fit for you. Why not also check out our small commercial coffee machines and touchscreen coffee machines while you’re at it?