At Office Barista we know that better coffee works - it elevates your team's experience, boosts morale and helps turn routine mornings into something better. But what actually makes coffee better? Here's a breakdown of the key elements.
Start with the Right Ingredients
Great coffee only needs two ingredients: coffee and water. But not just any coffee and water - the quality matters.
- Fresh, filtered water is vital: If the water has been sitting around or is of poor quality, you won't get a premium result. The best office machines will have an inline filter and be plumbed into the mains or will have a jug filled option and used in conjunction with a water filter jug.
- High-quality beans make the biggest difference: There are two main types - Arabica and Robusta. Robusta tends to be bitter and is often used in blends or instant coffee. Arabica is smoother, higher-quality and the go-to for a beautifully balanced cup.
- For example, we favour the Lavazza bean range - consistently offering superior taste and aroma, backed by years of speciality - roasting expertise since 1895.
Freshly-ground beans also make a big difference: When beans are ground just before brewing (as with bean-to-cup machines) you avoid stale, flat flavours.
The Brewing Process: Grind, Time & Temperature
Even if you have great ingredients, the brewing process has to be dialled in. If the grind is wrong, the time is off or the temperature is too high (or too low), the cup will suffer.
- Grind size matters: A very fine grind exposes more surface area to water (risking over-extraction: bitter, scorched taste); a too-course grind reduces contact and leads to weak, watery coffee.
- Machine calibration is key: Modern bean-to-cup machines deliver consistent grind, timing and dose (sometimes with adjustable setting so you can tailor strength to your team's taste).
- Temperature & extraction time must be optimised: If water is too hot you'll scorch the coffee; too cold and you'll under extract flavours. The correct contact time will define coffee strength and clarity of taste.
Choosing the Right Machine for Your Office
Every workplace is different - size, usage, taste-preferences, space, tea vs coffee drinkers - so choosing the right machine is essential to delivering "better coffee" in your office.
- Single-serve pod/sachet systems: Machines like the Flavia Creation 600 from Lavazza Professional are great for offices where variety and convenience matter. They offer multiple beverage options, pre-measured sachets for consistency, and minimal mess or fuss.
- Bean-to-cup machines: If you want cafe-quality coffee and a full experience (including fresh milk frothing, speciality drinks) then bean-to-cup is your option. They grind beans fresh for each cup, can provide a range of coffee types, and give the barista-style feel in-house. They do need space, maintenance (milk tube cleaning) and high investment - but the quality benefit is clear.
Why It All Adds Up to "Better Coffee Works"
When you combine:
- filtered water
- high-grade Arabica beans (freshly ground)
- a perfectly calibrated brewing process (grind - time - temperature)
- a machine suited to your workplace usage and needs
….then you deliver coffee that works: consistent, enjoyable, and reliable. That leads to happier teams, better breaks, and a positive culture around your office kitchen or coffee zone.
If you're still wondering how to make better coffee work for your business, we'd love to help.
Get in touch - we'll guide you through your options and make sure you get the right hot-drinks machine for your needs.
