Best Coffee Machine for the Board Room

by Matt Bradbury | Oct 20, 2020 | Article, Coffee, Coffee Machines

Best Coffee Machine for the Board Room

Useful coffee machine guides

Our website has you the customer in mind to help the decision and ordering process very simple and clear. It has very useful icons and symbols to help identify the capabilities of each machine but also how many office staff each system is suitable for.

A complete guide to help you choose a Coffee Machine for the Board Room

A good cup of coffee never goes amiss in the workplace; it goes without saying that employees will always appreciate a hot beverage to accompany them through the day. But for many companies, it is also just as important to be able to offer visiting clients and guests a hot drink.

The boardroom is a vital part of any company, where important decisions are made and plans are developed. It should be a hub of creativity and productivity where ideas flow and everyone is alert. If you are unprepared when it comes to refreshments in important meetings it can be a reflection of your company as a whole. For this reason, we’ve decided to put together this short guide to choosing the best coffee machine for your boardroom.

In this article we’ll look at what factors you should consider when finding a suitable coffee machine for your boardroom and we’ll advise you on some of the best models to consider. All businesses are unique and that’s why here at Wellbeing Group we are always happy to talk to businesses about their specific needs and requirements. Whether you’re looking to “wow” with the perfect cappuccino or invigorate with a lively espresso, we’ll be able to advise.

Coffee & Beverage Options

Here at Wellbeing Group we have a commercial coffee machine that offer a wide range of barista style beverage options, so you can deliver a variety of coffee shop drinks to your staff and visitors. We also have machines that are suitable for small, medium and large offices, to cope with the usage demands in any workplace.

– Americano, black and white espresso coffee

– Latte, Cappucino, Flat White, Cortado

– Hot Chocolate, Mocha

– Fresh leaf tea, herbal teas

Check out the coffee machine that’s rigth for you here

Who should be interested in the boardroom’s coffee machine?

Any company that wants to impress should consider a boardroom coffee machine. If you’re a manager, assistant or even an employee who sees the need for a hot drinks machine in your boardroom, then this concerns you. A quality coffee machine for your business should be thought of as a clever investment.

Why is the right coffee machine important in the boardroom?

A high quality coffee machine is an easy and effective way to impress clients. Offering a visitor a coffee-house style beverage will go much further than a mug of instant coffee. Beginning a conference by supplying refreshments sets the tone and builds a comfortable atmosphere.

Being unprepared when it comes to hot drinks in boardroom meetings can influence a client or visitor’s perception of the company. No coffee, or even bad coffee, can say a lot. It can be perceived as careless or cheap and won’t help to encourage any potential business partners to work with you.

Seeing as so much can be achieved with one simple drink, it is safe to say that it is pretty important to find the right machine for your company.

When should you consider the coffee machine for the boardroom?

There’s never a bad time to invest in a hot drinks station. You may have gotten by up until now with a kettle and a jar of instant coffee, but it will only take you so far. As your clientele grows and your business goals become larger, the refreshments should follow with it. For expanding businesses and high aspiring companies, it cannot be stressed how much of a worthwhile investment a coffee machine purchase is.

What factors should be taken into account?

When you begin your research, there are a few things to consider so you choose the best machine for your environment.

The price and method of payment is, of course, a driving factor. If you have a rough budget, this will help narrow down your search. Make sure your budget is realistic enough to get the right capacity machine for your needs though (but likewise, don’t unnecessarily overspend). It is helpful to look at the average price per cup against the number of coffees that will be consumed on a daily or weekly basis. Whilst it may be tempting to keep costs to a minimum it’s worth considering the growth of your company and the likelihood of having bigger clients visiting your boardroom.
Do you want to pay for the machine in one bulk payment or do you prefer to spread the cost in monthly instalments? Here at Wellbeing Group, we provide renting and leasing options to avoid one bulk payment. Although renting a machine means the equipment may not be officially ‘owned’ by you, rentals do have interesting benefits. Our rental agreements have the added benefit of providing free machine aftercare and maintenance. You are also able to upgrade your machine with more ease should the machine not meet your expectations We are always happy to discuss the best option with you.

Coffee machines also require maintenance, accessories and cleaning products. Some of these extras are included in the cost, and some are charged extra, so it is advised to factor these in when deciding on your budget to avoid any surprise costs.

A word to the wise; watch out for companies that simply sell you a machine then leave you in the lurch! Some businesses may pounce at a ‘quick sale’ and then leave you hanging in terms of aftercare and support. Many online firms just contract out installations and servicing to third party engineers, resulting in control and personal service being lost. We give free comprehensive training and offer aftercare for our machines to ensure you get the most out of them.

Being an experienced, family owned and run business, we can offer you genuine advice e and have gained a strong reputation for a fast and friendly service. We have built up long-lasting relationships with our customers who trust us for our strong experience and high quality service.

What do you and your colleagues require from the machine? Coffee machines can offer a variety of drinks. Your colleagues may be after some hot chocolate or a cuppa, while you crave that strong black coffee! Britain is known for its love of tea, so a machine that offers a variety of hot beverages is definitely advantageous. Whilst it’s easy to assume visiting clients will want coffee, it’s never guaranteed. Perhaps your biggest lead may want coffee syrups or hot chocolate. Why not wow them and edge above your competitors by being able to provide it? In doing so you’ve got a foot in the door and are on your way to making a sale.

Wastage and energy consumption shouldn’t be overlooked. Certain systems will be more efficient than others. For example, the coffee pods used in some machines can’t be recycled. Some systems may have energy efficient modes when they are inactive. It very much depends on how much use the drinks station will get and the type of visitors that are likely to be in the boardroom. As ethical and environmental companies continue to gain popularity, ignoring this market or – worse still – presenting them with a cheap non-recyclable cup or non-degradable straw could be a simple mistake to make.

The boardroom coffee machine needs to be quick and efficient as possible. No premium time should be wasted on making coffees. No client wants to be left waiting for an extended period just to get a drink. You should also enquire about the noise levels that come from a particular machine, so as to minimise distraction.

Where should the machine be located?

If you have found a machine that performs quickly and quietly, then your machine should be placed in the boardroom, in full view. An attractive coffee machine can be somewhat of a showpiece. Build up the overall appearance of your boardroom by creating a comprehensive style.

Installation

Once purchased, it’s very important that the machine is properly installed. We recommend getting a fully insured professional to install your machine. Here at Wellbeing Group, we offer free installation with every coffee machine purchase. Our in-house engineers can install whenever best suits your company – we have even done same day and overnight installs in some cases!

You can browse our range of Coffee Machines to select your favourite. Get in touch with our friendly knowledgeable sales team who can advise on the best options based on your specifications. 01905 337187

Office Coffee Culture

Where does coffee originate from?

by Matt Bradbury | Oct 20, 2020 | Article, Coffee

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Where does coffee orginate from?

The History of Coffee

We drink coffee every day, but do you know where it orginated from?

The exact origin of coffee has mixed beliefs of where it comes from but we do know coffee grown around the world can be traced back to coffee forests in Ethiopia.

The story goes that a goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of these precious beans which has changed the world forever. Kaldi noticed that his goats became much more energetic after he saw them eating cherries from a certain tree.

Kaldi reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who in turn, threw the cherries into a fire thinking they were some kind of evil drug. There the first coffee beans were roasted and another member collected the beans and made a drink with them and found that it kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer. He shared his discovery with the other monks at the monastery, and knowledge of the energizing cherries began to spread.

As word moved east and coffee reached the Arabian peninsula, it began a journey which would bring these beans across the globe.

Arabia jumps onto the coffee culture

Coffee cultivation and trade began on the Arabian Peninsula. By the 15th century, coffee was being grown in the Yemeni district of Arabia and by the 16th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey.

Coffee was not only enjoyed in homes, but also in the many public coffee houses – which began to appear in cities across the Near East. The popularity of the coffee houses was unequalled and people frequented them for all kinds of social activity.

Not only did the patrons drink coffee and engage in conversation, but they also listened to music, watched performers, played chess and kept current on the news. Coffee houses quickly became such an important centre for the exchange of information that they were often referred to as “Schools of the Wise.”

With thousands of pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca each year from all over the world, knowledge of this “wine of Araby” began to spread.

Coffee comes to Europe

European travellers to the Near East brought back stories of an unusual dark black beverage. By the 17th century, coffee had made its way to Europe and was becoming popular across the continent.

Some people reacted to this new beverage with suspicion or fear, calling it the “bitter invention of Satan.” The local clergy condemned coffee when it came to Venice in 1615. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene. He decided to taste the beverage for himself before making a decision, and found the drink so satisfying that he gave it papal approval.

Despite such controversy, coffee houses were quickly becoming centres of social activity and communication in the major cities of England, Austria, France, Germany and Holland. In England “penny universities” sprang up, so called because for the price of a penny one could purchase a cup of coffee and engage in stimulating conversation.

Coffee began to replace the common breakfast drink beverages of the time — beer and wine. Those who drank coffee instead of alcohol began the day alert and energized, and not surprisingly, the quality of their work was greatly improved. (We like to think of this a precursor to the modern office coffee machine.)

By the mid-17th century, there were over 300 coffee houses in London, many of which attracted like-minded patrons, including merchants, shippers, brokers and artists.

Many businesses grew out of these specialized coffee houses. Lloyd’s of London, for example, came into existence at the Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House.

Coffee introduced to the Americans

In the mid-1600’s, coffee was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York by the British.

Though coffee houses rapidly began to appear, tea continued to be the favoured drink in the New World until 1773, when the colonists revolted against a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III. The revolt, known as the Boston Tea Party, would forever change the American drinking preference to coffee.

In 1714, the Mayor of Amsterdam presented a gift of a young coffee plant to King Louis XIV of France. The King ordered it to be planted in the Royal Botanical Garden in Paris. In 1723, a young naval officer, Gabriel de Clieu obtained a seedling from the King’s plant. Despite a challenging voyage — complete with horrendous weather, a saboteur who tried to destroy the seedling, and a pirate attack — he managed to transport it safely to Martinique.

Once planted, the seedling not only thrived, but it’s credited with the spread of over 18 million coffee trees on the island of Martinique in the next 50 years. Even more incredible is that this seedling was the parent of all coffee trees throughout the Caribbean, South and Central America.

The famed Brazilian coffee owes its existence to Francisco de Mello Palheta, who was sent by the emperor to French Guiana to get coffee seedlings. The French were not willing to share, but the French Governor’s wife, captivated by his good looks, gave him a large bouquet of flowers before he left— buried inside were enough coffee seeds to begin what is today a billion-dollar industry.

Missionaries and travelers, traders and colonists continued to carry coffee seeds to new lands, and coffee trees were planted worldwide. Plantations were established in magnificent tropical forests and on rugged mountain highlands. Some crops flourished, while others were short-lived. New nations were established on coffee economies. Fortunes were made and lost. By the end of the 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most profitable export crops. After crude oil, coffee is the most sought commodity in the world.

Coffee Plantations sprang up around the world

As demand for the beverage continued to spread, there was fierce competition to cultivate coffee outside of Arabia.

The Dutch finally got seedlings in the latter half of the 17th century. Their first attempts to plant them in India failed, but they were successful with their efforts in Batavia, on the island of Java in what is now Indonesia.

The plants thrived and soon the Dutch had a productive and growing trade in coffee. They then expanded the cultivation of coffee trees to the islands of Sumatra and Celebes.

So here we are today, drinking 95 million cups of coffee every day in the UK, we have a lot of ancestors to be thankful for! The coffee industry is constantly evolving and we are always seeking to ensure that we only source from plantations that are sustainable.

Office Coffee Culture