What Coffee Machine Should I Buy? Your Coffee Machine Questions Answered

Coffee enthusiasts know the importance of a good coffee machine in achieving that perfect brew. With a wide variety of options available in the market, what coffee machine should you be investing in? 

Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a true aficionado, this guide will help you navigate through the considerations and options to find the best coffee machine that suits your business needs.

Making the Investment

Deciding what coffee machine to buy can revolutionise your business. From simple filter coffee machines to advanced commercial espresso machines, there’s a wide array of options to choose from. To make an informed decision, let’s delve into the various types of coffee machines available and the factors to consider.

What Coffee Machine is Right for My Business?

Filter Coffee Machines

Filter coffee machines stand as one of the most favoured options for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and businesses seeking to offer a quick and delicious coffee solution to their customers, employees, and visitors.

Traditional Espresso Machines

Espresso machines are a favourite among espresso lovers who crave rich, concentrated coffee. They offer the versatility to create various espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. They are usually found in coffee shops and hospitality businesses where they can be managed by baristas. 

Fully Automatic Coffee Machines

A bean-to-cup fully automatic coffee machine provides a complete solution for serving coffee shop-quality drinks without requiring the expertise or help of a barista. They are a great option for those who own a business that serves the occasional coffee or offices. 

Instant Coffee Machines

An instant coffee machine is a quick and easy-to-use solution for break-out areas, staff rooms and service locations where the speedy preparation of drinks is needed to prevent queues. With their simplicity in maintenance and ease of cleaning, instant coffee machines make it easy to provide a variety of affordable drinks.

Factors to Consider

Before investing in a coffee machine for you, your cafe, or your business, it is important to consider the following factors:

Brewing Capacity

Consider how much coffee your customers will typically consume in a day. If you run a large business with multiple visitors per day, a coffee machine with a larger brewing capacity might be suitable. If you are a cafe owner, a commercial espresso coffee machine will usually be a must. 

Convenience and Ease of Use

If your business has especially busy periods, a machine with programmable settings and one-touch functions can save you time during peak times. This will also ensure that you always have capacity if there are any fluctuations throughout the season or day. 

Budget

Coffee machines come in a wide price range. Determine your budget beforehand to narrow down your options and find the best value for your money.

Size and Space

Make sure the chosen machine fits well in your kitchen or designated coffee area. If you have limited counter space, compact machines are a great choice.

Features and Customisation

Different machines offer various features such as built-in grinders, milk frothers, and customisable brew strength. Choose features that align with your preferences. If you want everything all in one place, why not consider investing in a bean-to-cup coffee machine with built-in bean hopper and grinder, or a commercial coffee machine that has a milk frother attached? 

Evaluating Your Customers’ Coffee Habits

Understanding your customers and what they want is crucial before investing in a new coffee machine. 

Frequency of Use

Consider how often you will need to make a cup of coffee. If you own a big coffee shop that gets busy with commuter footfall in the mornings, you will want to consider choosing a coffee machine that can deal with this high demand with ease. 

Preferences 

If your customers enjoy a variety of coffee styles, like cappuccinos and lattes, an espresso machine with milk frothing and steaming capabilities would be a wise investment.

Time Investment

Certain machines require more time and effort for brewing and maintenance. Assess how much time you’re willing to or have to dedicate to this. 

Your Unique Business Needs

If you own a cafe or small business that requires coffee on demand, consider how you can meet all of your customers’ expectations. This may involve investing in a coffee machine that can quickly make a range of different drinks to a high standard. 

Different Machine Features 

Choosing a coffee machine is easier if you know what features it offers. Every coffee machine has different features. Typically, commercial espresso coffee machines have the widest range of features built-in. 

Built-in Grinder

A built-in grinder ensures you’re using freshly ground coffee for the best flavour. This feature is essential for coffee enthusiasts who value the taste.

Programmability

Programmable machines allow you to set your preferences and wake up to a freshly brewed cup every morning.

Milk Frothing Capability

For those who love creamy coffee drinks, a milk frother is a valuable addition to your coffee machine.

Maintenance and Longevity

Don’t forget that you or your team will need to look after and maintain your coffee machine long after it has been purchased. This is therefore an important factor to consider before you buy. Make sure you research how you will go about cleaning your machine. 

Cleaning and Upkeep

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity of your coffee machine. Consider machines with detachable and dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. You could even invest in a machine with a self-cleaning cycle. They are especially convenient and ensure that your coffee machine is kept squeaky clean on a daily basis. 

Warranty and Reliability

Check the warranty period and customer reviews to gauge the machine’s reliability. A longer warranty often indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. 

Installation 

The installation of your coffee machine can be difficult to handle by yourself. The best coffee machine companies will offer to install your machine after purchase. At Miko Coffee, we offer installation free of charge for all new accounts, no matter your business size. 

Making the Purchase

Before investing in your coffee machine, make sure that you fully research the retailer you are purchasing from to ensure that they are reliable. 

Download the Brochure

Many coffee machine retailers have downloadable brochures with the details of all of their machines in one place. This is especially convenient as it allows you to compare models side by side and share them with the rest of your team. 

Reading Reviews and Comparisons

Take the time to read reviews and comparisons between different models. These insights can help you understand real-world performance and user experiences.

Price Comparison

Compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Keep in mind that investing a bit more in a quality machine can lead to better long-term satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of coffee machine makes the strongest coffee?

The strongest coffee is often produced by espresso machines, as they use pressure to extract concentrated flavours from the coffee grounds.

Are more expensive coffee machines worth the investment?

More expensive machines usually come with advanced features and better build quality. If you’re a serious coffee lover or run a coffee business, the investment can be worthwhile.

What is the difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic espresso machine?

A semi-automatic espresso coffee machine requires manual control over the extraction process, while a fully automatic machine handles everything from grinding to brewing with minimal user intervention.

How often should I descale my coffee machine?

Descaling frequency depends on factors like water hardness and usage. As a general guideline, aim to descale your machine every 2-3 months to maintain optimal performance. 

Most coffee machines now have a self-clean or wash cycle that you can run once a day to reduce the build-up of limescale and milk or coffee residue. 

For more advice on what coffee machine to purchase, get in touch with our team of experts.