Perk up your staff with an office coffee machine

The old expression, "Save that conversation for the water cooler", when referring to a place people gather to talk about office politics, daily events, or last night's top-rated television show, seems to be outdated and passé. With 208 million cups of coffee consumed by The United Kingdom each year, it would be more logical to find employees assembled around the office coffee machine with cups firm in hand as a new pot is brewing. Popularity in coffee as the drink of choice continues to grow worldwide, and for businesses and entertaining purposes, it is one of the most offered beverages to clients and visitors.

Along with budget controls, corporate goals, and profit margins, selecting the proper coffee machine for the office is an important decision. Coffee makers are offered in a variety of styles and functions. From one cup servers to large urns, selecting the best appliance for the organization can rely upon the size of the office staff and the number of visiting clientèle.

Many businesses invest in one coffee machine for the break-room, and place a second machine in the lobby to serve visitors and guests. Other choices have been to place two coffee machines side-by-side to provide both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. Coffee makers are available with different cup capacities and features. Ranging from an 8-cup brewer to an 18-cup urn, models will contain elements such as programmable settings, brew-strength control, a thermal carafe, small batch setting, and automatic shut-off. In addition, high-end appliances will be equipped with built-in grinders and self-cleaning cycles.

A single cup brew station offers the flexibility and option of producing one cup of coffee at a time. The benefit of these styles of coffee makers allows the office to provide a wider assortment of coffee flavours. Instead of a single carafe made to serve the entire office, each person can select individual packets of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or other one-serving containers provided, including hot chocolates and teas. Stylish and space-saving, single cup servers are easy to operate and dispense a hot, full-bodied beverage. Simply open the receptacle pod, then insert the container or bag, and press the start button to begin brewing. Individual serving coffee machines range in prices depending on the brand and features, such as an LCD, digital clock, or temperature control.

Determining the best choice of coffee maker for the office is not a simple task. It is an important part of everyday business activity, and is the centre of the social aspect of the office. So when someone wants to talk, remember to tell them to "save that conversation for the coffee maker."