In a small office, coffee should be simple: easy equipment, a small stock, and clear cleaning rules.
A small office usually needs just one simple device – a drip brewer, a capsule machine, or a compact bean-to-cup machine – plus a few weeks' worth of coffee. The rules matter more than the equipment: who orders coffee, who cleans the machine, and who empties the grounds bin.
Choosing the equipment
A drip brewer makes several cups at once. Capsules cut down on cleaning, but you need a steady supply. A bean-to-cup machine makes milk drinks, but it needs regular cleaning.
Sharing the duties
- One person orders coffee and extras.
- Cleaning follows a weekly rota.
- Everyone washes their own mug right away.
When the office grows
When the team grows, compare other ways of serving coffee. The vending machine guides (publisher's site) describe different options.
FAQ
Does a small office need a machine with a grinder? Not necessarily. Many small offices do fine with a drip brewer or a capsule machine.
How do we avoid running out? Set a threshold at which a new order goes in.