Keep your team caffeinated with a coffee maker that meets their needs. Some offices require a variety of solutions to please different team members’ tastes, from simple drip coffee to specialty espresso and lattes.
For a more traditional option, consider a drip coffee machine with a thermal carafe. It’s durable, easy to use, and keeps coffee hot for hours.
Traditional Drip Machine
The traditional coffee maker uses a reservoir that is heated to the optimal temperature for coffee extraction. The hot water then drips over a bed of coffee grounds in a filter basket. The coffee grounds absorb the hot water and extract the flavor, which is collected in a carafe. These machines typically offer multiple brewing options including a range of cup sizes, adjustable strength settings, and built-in grinders. They also include features like programmable brew times and auto shutoff.
Depending on the quality of your tap water, you may need to use a water filter with this style of machine. This will remove a lot of the minerals that tend to build up on the heating element, which can impact the taste of your coffee. These models are also easy to clean, with a simple on/off switch and some offering the option of selecting how many cups you want to brew.
While this type of brewer is convenient, it’s not ideal for coffee lovers looking to recreate the nuanced flavors of a pour over preparation. The spout that disperses the hot water is uneven, so some of the coffee grounds are more saturated than others, which can result in inconsistent flavor.
Fortunately, there are plenty of models that can offer the best of both worlds. Plenty of models are an excellent choice that can look stylish in any kitchen and come with updated button settings to customize the strength of your coffee. Like ones that can brew up to 14 cups at a time and have several features designed to keep your coffee warm, including things like a 3-carafe heat setting, a freshness counter, and an automatic shut-off feature.
Single Serve Machine
If you love coffee but aren’t interested in a mess of grinding beans or boiling a pot, the single serve machine is an easy way to start your day. These “idiot-proof” machines use disposable capsules of ground or whole bean coffee, tea, hot chocolate and even espresso. The user simply inserts the desired pod and presses a button to brew. Depending on the size of the pod, a single cup is produced in minutes. The machines can be electric or gravity based. The gravity versions are useful for camping as they don’t need an electrical outlet to function.
If your office is short on counter space, look for a small, compact model that will be easy to tuck away when not in use. If you have a little more room, consider a larger model that will accommodate a travel mug or two. Some single-serve coffee makers can also make iced coffee and can incorporate milk-frothing accessories for cappuccinos and lattes – and you can definitely improve your office with great coffee.
One factor to consider is how much coffee you and your staff will be consuming daily. For a couple of people, a single-serve gourmet brewer may be adequate but for a large staff, a commercial model should be considered with a larger water reservoir and a good variety of capsules.
Keurig and Nespresso are the most popular brands of single-serve coffee makers. The former uses a proprietary K-cup system while the latter is compatible with any type of espresso capsule. Some models also include a hot water button for tea and cocoa.
When comparing the various models available, check for the number of cup sizes it can accommodate and whether you can add a reusable filter to brew your own ground coffee. Checking for features such as a removable drip tray that will help minimize buildup, automatic shutoff and easy maintenance, will also assist you in selecting the best machine to meet your needs. Also, consider how much you want to spend as these machines can be expensive compared to other types of coffeemakers. However, they will save you time and money in the long run and can make a difference in your coffee taste.
Pour-Over Machine
A pour over machine takes a different approach to coffee brewing than a traditional drip machine. It is typically made from glass or porcelain and allows a user to control the flow of hot water over grounds that are held in some form of filter. This method of brewing can be a bit more time-consuming because it requires the user to actively participate in each step, but it also allows the user to have more control over many different brew variables. This can result in a very unique and flavorful cup of coffee.
Pour over brewers are often more expensive than their automatic counterparts, but they typically last a long time and can be used for years to come. Most are easy to clean and do not require much maintenance. These brewers can also be used in conjunction with filters, making them a popular choice for many coffee lovers. Some pour over brewers may require special filter sizes that must be purchased separately.
Whether it is a simple mug-shaped Melitta brewer or the elegant porcelain version, these coffee makers are commonly found in the coffee aisle at grocery stores alongside paper filters. They have earned high marks from our Lab testers for their ease of use and ability to brew an excellent cup of coffee. We recommend a porcelain model like the one from Melitta that has been crafted with a curved handle and a lid that is easy to grip for users of all experience levels.
This brewer is a beautiful example of mid-century design and has received a perfect score in our design category, which grades the way that the product looks. It features a sleek, simple design and comes in several colors. It works well with most types of filters and can be kept on the counter or in a cupboard when it is not being used. Another option is the Origami Japan Dripper, which has crimped edges and is available in a variety of colors.
This coffee maker is a more affordable alternative to the Chemex Classic Series and can be paired with a glass carafe for larger batches of coffee. This brewer is also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Espresso Machine
For coffee lovers who want a rich, full-bodied shot of espresso, an espresso machine is the way to go. Using the same principles as drip coffee makers, these machines heat water over ground beans, which then slowly drips through filters into cups below. Some models also allow you to make cappuccinos and other frothed drinks.
Espresso machines can be semi-automatic or fully automatic, and some come with built-in grinders. A good espresso machine is easy to operate, even for beginners. Some models require you to load a portafilter with finely ground espresso beans and lock it into place before brewing, while others work on timers and will shut off automatically when brewed. The best espresso machines feature a PID controller, which is like a super accurate thermostat for adjusting water temperature during the brewing process.
PID controlled espresso machines give you more control over the brewing process and can help ensure consistent quality over time. These models use sensors to monitor and manage on-off cycles, ensuring boiler temperatures stay stable. Other features that make an espresso machine better include a sizable display to adjust settings, a steam wand for making milky drinks and the option to use filtered or tap water.
While high-end espresso machines can run thousands of dollars, many great options are available for less. For instance, the Breville Bambino Plus and Solis Barista Perfetta both come in a compact package that won’t take up much counter space and both produce a robust shot of espresso. The Breville has an advanced touchscreen that lets you customize your brewing and shows grinding and extraction progress animations. It also comes with two dual-wall filter baskets and a scoop to measure your grounds.