Coffee Makers for the Breakroom

Find the right coffee maker to start every day with a perfect cup of joe. Coffee is a key part of morning rituals for many. Choosing the right machine is an important first step to brewing a satisfying cup whenever you want. Satisfy employees at work by putting a coffee machine in the breakroom. Browse the large inventory of coffee products and makers at Staples to find everything needed to brew fresh pots just the way you like them.

Choose from different types of coffee machines
The most popular types include drip and single-serve coffee makers as well as percolators, French presses, and espresso machines. When choosing from this list, shoppers should consider how quickly they want their coffee brewed and how they like their coffee to taste. For example, while drip coffee makers can brew a carafe of 8 to 12 cups at once, single-serve pod models can only brew a cup at a time. There are multi-use hybrid pod machines that can brew a carafe or a cup of beverage quickly as needed.

While single-serve machines make coffee the fastest, percolators, presses, and espresso makers take longer. However, they brew more flavorful cups and are beloved by coffee connoisseurs. Single-serve models also make brewing more convenient because they're easier to clean and use. They also offer a wider range of flavors in individual pods. These benefits make them the most popular choice for most offices.

What to look for in an office coffee maker
Single-serve and drip brewers are the most common types found in office breakrooms. The key features to consider when shopping for a single-serve machine are reservoir size, cup size, pod availability, and adjustable brewing conditions. The size of the unit's water reservoir determines how many cups it can brew in quick succession. Some single-serve units allow users to choose cup size and make different brew strengths. These models have variable temperature and brew time controls. To ensure everyone at the office can find their favorite coffee flavors, select a machine with a large selection of flavored pods. The most popular ones are Keurig K-Cup and Nespresso pods.

When shopping for drip coffee makers, consider carafe size and type, built-in coffee grinder, and programmable features. Most of these machines have carafes that can hold 8 to 12 cups. Smaller units have 4- to 6-cup capacities, while commercial models can brew multiple pots. A built-in grinder makes it easier to grind coffee beans just before brewing. Some believe freshly ground coffee produces more flavorful cups than grounds. A programmable unit can start brewing at a preselected time and allows users to set the water temperature and brewing duration.

What are the safety features to look for in coffee makers?
Most electric models have automatic safety shutoff that stops the brewing process when left on for too long. Manufacturers also use audible alerts and LED lights to signal users when fresh pots or cups are ready.

Do coffee machines make other beverages?
Drip and single-serve machines can also make tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages prepared similarly to coffee. There are tea and cocoa pods for single-serve brewers, while drip machines steep loose tea and powdered cocoa in hot water.

What type of carafe is best for a drip coffee maker?
A thermal carafe is ideal. Unlike cups, mugs, and regular glass carafe, it retains heat better and keeps coffee warm longer.