If people make coffee at different times, compare pod machines and bean-to-cup machines based on the restocking and maintenance tasks your team can take on. If several people want coffee at once, consider a filter coffee maker instead. If tea and infusions are just as popular as coffee, a kettle offers more choice, but means everyone has to prepare their drink separately. Whatever you choose, agree how you’ll share the cleaning and check that the appliance is electrically compatible with the workplace.
If everyone makes their drink at a different time, pods mean less measuring for each cup. A bean-to-cup machine with one-touch selection is another option, provided someone takes responsibility for refilling it, emptying the trays and carrying out maintenance.
A bean-to-cup machine is a more practical option when someone is responsible for refilling it, emptying the trays and descaling it, or when these tasks are shared on a rota. De’Longhi notes that descaling frequency depends in part on water hardness, so follow the instructions for the model you choose.
If several people want coffee around the same time, compare a filter coffee maker with a jug against machines that make one drink at a time. If people also enjoy tea and infusions, a kettle lets everyone make their own drink, although used accessories will still need cleaning.
How often drinks are made will help you choose an appliance type; who is responsible for maintenance will determine whether it remains practical in a shared space.
Consider it: for individual drinks made at different times, if your team can keep it stocked.
Bear in mind: each drink leaves a capsule to sort for recycling; ADEME recommends avoiding single-serve portions where possible.
Consider it: for making coffee from beans on demand, with someone responsible for the trays and maintenance cycles.
Bear in mind: descaling can interrupt use; De’Longhi says frequency depends in part on water hardness.
Consider it: when several people want coffee around the same time and are happy to make a shared pot.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to manage the coffee and filters, and clean the filter holder and jug after use.
Consider it: if your team wants to make tea and infusions as well as coffee by hand.
Bear in mind: everyone measures out their own drink and cleans the accessories they use; the kettle will also need descaling.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving at peak times | How many cups can be made per cycle and how long it takes between individual drinks. Melitta says its AromaFresh Pro X makes 2 to 10 cups. | When several colleagues want coffee at the same time, I want to avoid everyone having to wait for a series of drinks to be made. Around 36% of consumers make this ability to serve people without delay a priority. |
| Shared maintenance | How easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning and the model’s descaling process; whether one person or a rota will handle these tasks. | If no one is available to empty the trays and clean the machine, I’d prioritise a routine our team can realistically stick to. Around 29% of consumers put this need ahead of other factors. |
| Consumables and waste | Compatibility with capsules, coffee and filters; whether waste can be sorted for recycling at the workplace. | If we’re making lots of drinks, I want to be able to restock for the team and manage the waste without letting capsules or filters pile up. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Choice of drinks | Which drinks the specific appliance can make and whether tea or infusions can be prepared separately. | Not everyone in our workspace drinks the same coffee, and some people prefer tea or infusions. Around 14% of consumers say variety is their top priority. |
Pods, beans, filters and descaling products all need different supplies and tasks. Even an appliance that’s simple to use for each cup may still call for a shared routine.
Before choosing a model, note which consumables it uses, what needs doing after use and who will keep track of it.
ADEME’s recycling guidance varies depending on the capsule material. Any collection service offered by a brand must also accept the capsules you use and work with the arrangements at your workplace.
Check the local guidance and decide where used capsules will go before installing a pod machine.
A recycling container takes up space and needs to be emptied regularly.
Refilling and emptying the machine don’t replace descaling. De’Longhi says the frequency depends in part on water hardness.
Assign the tasks, check the instructions for the model you choose and make sure you have the right descaling product.
De’Longhi describes a cycle that can take 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on the model, the machine can’t make coffee during this time.
The appliance’s power rating and plug must be suitable for the workplace’s electrical installation. INRS notes that electrical safety applies to both installations and appliances.
Before installation, have the voltage, frequency, plug and power rating checked for compatibility. Don’t modify the cable, plug or socket to make the appliance work.
These brands showcase features found across their ranges or on particular models. Always check the functions and maintenance requirements of the specific model you’re considering.
An option for individual capsule drinks when restocking and collection can be organised.
An option for bean-to-cup espresso machines that make coffee from beans on demand.
An option for comparing the controls and parts that need cleaning on a bean-to-cup espresso machine.
An option for making filter coffee in a jug, with or without a grinder depending on the model.
An option for a kettle used to make drinks by hand.
If the machine is a drinks station provided for workers in France, the employer must ensure it is maintained, working properly and protected against contamination, in accordance with the French Labour Code provisions published by Légifrance. For day-to-day tasks, appoint someone or set up a clear rota.
For aluminium or plastic capsules, ADEME advises sorting them with paper and packaging waste. Check the guidance for your workplace and provide a container that the team can empty regularly. Whether paper capsules can be composted depends on the local facilities.
According to De’Longhi, this depends in part on water hardness and the procedure for the specific model. Check the instructions and alerts for your machine, then assign the task to someone or add it to a rota.
No. The appliance’s voltage, frequency, plug and power rating must be compatible with the workplace’s electrical installation. INRS says that office sockets are supplied at 230 V, but this alone doesn’t confirm that a particular appliance is compatible. Have the installation point checked before plugging it in.