How to Choose the Right Office Coffee Machine for Your Team Size (5 or 10 or 50+ Employees)
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Finding the best coffee machine for your office can make a real difference to your team's morale, productivity, and daily routine. Whether you manage a small start-up with five people or a busy office with fifty employees, choosing the right coffee machine is not just about convenience. It’s about matching the machine’s capacity, features, and coffee quality to your team’s needs.
If you're currently exploring workplace coffee solutions, Absolute Drinks offers a range of office coffee machines tailored for teams of all sizes. From instant to bean to cup coffee machines, they provide smart options designed to meet both the demand and diverse tastes of modern offices.
Start with Team Size and Coffee Consumption
The first step is simple: understand your team size and coffee habits. How many cups of coffee does your team consume daily? Does everyone grab a morning cup, or are there regular coffee breaks throughout the day?
For teams of 5 to 10 employees, a compact coffee machine or a single serve coffee maker may be enough. These machines take up less counter space and are easy to clean.
Medium sized offices with 10 to 25 employees may benefit from a bean to cup machine, which grinds beans fresh for a café quality coffee. These machines offer consistency and better control over coffee preferences.
Larger offices with 50+ people need a commercial coffee machine with high volume output, faster brew times, and features like automated cleaning cycles or dual bean hoppers.
Don’t forget to factor in hot chocolate or tea drinkers. Some machines also serve hot chocolate and milk drinks, which can help cater to wider preferences.

Match Machine Type to Employee Preferences
Team coffee preferences play a big role in determining the perfect office coffee machine. A group of espresso lovers will appreciate machines that can handle pressure-based brewing, such as the espresso machines available on Absolute Drinks. On the other hand, if the team prefers quick, no-fuss options, an instant coffee machine might be more suitable.
For teams who value high quality coffee and sustainability, bean to cup machines are a great choice. They use fresh coffee beans, often paired with a milk system to froth milk automatically. If convenience is key, especially in smaller or busy offices, pod machines or instant coffee machines are easier to operate and require minimal training.
Also consider taste and sustainability. According to Sustainable Coffee Challenge, consumer interest in ethically sourced coffee and environmentally friendly brewing methods continues to grow. Choosing machines that support freshly ground coffee and energy saving modes shows your commitment to quality and responsibility.

Key Features to Consider
When comparing machines, here are a few important factors to review:
Machine capacity: How many cups per day it can produce
Coffee type supported: Ground coffee, whole beans, pods
Maintenance: Look for machines with self cleaning functions or automated cleaning cycles
Milk system: Ideal for those who enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, or other milk-based drinks
Footprint and placement: Make sure the coffee station fits your available counter space
The best office coffee machine will balance performance, energy efficiency, and ease of use. High-end options may cost a few hundred pounds, but many businesses view it as an investment in employee satisfaction and productivity.
Balancing Budget and Value
Budget matters, but value goes beyond the price tag. A good office coffee machine can reduce waste, cut down on coffee shop visits, and improve overall office culture. Look at long-term value: how much time does it save your team? Does it reduce the need for external coffee runs? Can it handle the morning rush?
Some commercial coffee machines come with advanced features like automatic milk frothing, customisable drink settings, and separate grinders. These features may seem like luxuries, but they contribute to better-tasting coffee and a smoother experience for both employees and visitors.
Final Thoughts
A thoughtfully chosen office coffee machine can help shape your company culture, improve employee satisfaction, and even enhance client impressions. From bean to cup models to traditional espresso machines, the right fit depends on your team’s size, habits, and coffee expectations.
Absolute Drinks offers a full selection of office coffee machines with tailored options for every workplace. Whether you’re a startup of five or a bustling team of fifty, their expert team can guide you to the right machine for your office.
If you’re ready to explore a better way to keep your coffee drinkers satisfied, start with Absolute Drinks’ full range of coffee machines and find the right balance of quality, convenience, and performance.

FAQs
1. What size coffee machine do I need for an office with 10 employees?
For a team of 10, a bean to cup coffee machine or a high-quality cup coffee machine with a moderate capacity is ideal. Look for machines that can brew at least 20–30 cups per day, include self-cleaning functions, and offer simple operation for busy offices.
2. What is the best coffee machine for a small office?
In a small office with fewer than 10 employees, a single serve coffee maker, instant coffee machine, or pod machine may be most efficient. These require minimal training, take up less space, and still deliver good quality coffee without the complexity of commercial systems.
3. How do I choose between bean to cup, instant, and espresso machines for my office?
Choose based on your team’s preferences and volume needs. Bean to cup machines are ideal for café quality coffee and fresh milk drinks, instant coffee machines are great for speed and ease, while espresso machines work well for offices that value traditional, strong coffee with full control over the brew.
4. How many cups can a commercial coffee machine make per day?
Most commercial coffee machines can handle anywhere from 100 to 300 cups per day, depending on the model. For offices with 50+ employees, choosing a machine with high capacity and automated cleaning cycles is key to ensuring smooth operation during peak hours.
5. Can I use coffee beans and ground coffee in the same machine?
Some bean to cup coffee machines include dual hoppers or offer a bypass doser for ground coffee, making them flexible for different coffee preferences. Always check the specifications of your preferred machine to see if it supports both options.




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