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Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

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  • Fresh_Coffee
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    according to the details you provided in your first post, and that your work place manager has indicated they want an auto machine, my recommendation is you buy a new current model Jura S9.

    The ***dealer*** network for Jura is excellent, they are small business owners who believe the philosphy for growing their business is to look after their clients. they give personal sevice. they service what they sell, they run delivery sevices, supply coffee and accessories etc.

    If you buy from a dept store on the other hand even if it is the same brand, there wont be any of the personal service you will get through the ***dealer*** network.

    Jura ***dealers*** are the OFFICE COFFEE SUPPLY arm of the Jura distributorship network in Australia. That is why they offer the services that they do, while the dept store network does not.


    My own company CosmoreX Coffee, and Gilkatho are both dealers. You need to find out who the dealer is for your area, and approcach them....or one of us will pass on the lead if you contact us about it. You have to go through your local dealer as it is they who carry the guarantee on your machine and that means, if you buy a machine by maiil order from out of your area, when you need service orr warranty work you will need to pack it up and send it back to the place of purchase or to the dealer service agent for that area, not yours. Your local dealer is not obliged to honour any warranty on a machine that he did not sell.  Also, machines get damaged in transit when they go by interstate courier.

    It is not unheard of for these machines to develop legitimate problems...what machine doesnt? BUT, in most cases someone that has a problem with a Jura machine usually hasnt understood it. They either havent listened when their delaer demonstrated its operation and use, or they werent present at the time, or they didnt read the instructions, or they never wanted to know but got the job of looking after the machine in the office. This is nothing more than coffee machine psychology and we see it all the time and lets not forget, some people ***just dont get it*** and shouldnt be the designated coffee machine lookerer afterere!

    Regardz,
    Attilio
    first / original CS site sponsor.

    Leave a comment:


  • DavidR
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 52585540435C5D4051340 link=1232519966/17#17 date=1233181140
    Unless your office is next door to the Saeco repair agent, I strongly advise you to avoid this make. Ive chronicled my Saeco expereince elsewhere and despite my warnings, my brother bought the top-of-the-line new one, which has spent more time on the repair bench than the kitchen bench.
    In an office environment, where you cant guarantee it will be used properly, Id say the Saeco is doomed from the outset.
    If you must go fully auto, look at a commercial machine or at least a Jura which seems to have better reliability.
    I really dont want to have to say "told you so", so please avoid Saeco.
    Id agree with this - our office spent over $10K on a Saeco superautomatic office-grade machine and it kept breaking down - repeatedly. Often multiple times per week. Frequent problem was a 20c hose inside which simply was of insufficient quality.

    Ironically, it was replaced with a Jura which produces rubbish coffee and also breaks down nearly as frequently.

    Having said that, my previous employer had a Saeco Royal and whilst still occasionally problematic, it was on the whole quite reliable for medium duty cycle (office of say 20 ppl) and made a half-decent coffee (and was in fact extremely easy to texture milk).

    Leave a comment:


  • GregWormald
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Let me suggest that you do NOT cater for the people who dont care--after all THEY DONT CARE! and will probably drink instant anyway just cause its cheaper. Some in my office do just this.

    The fussy ones appreciate good coffee and are supportive of efforts to provide decent coffee at work. They will pay for this because otherwise it costs over $3.50 at the Coffeemart for stuff that is usually pod quality at best.

    Some in between will be converted, if only because the real stuff is cheaper than $1 a pod. The better taste will get more.

    If you can, try and persuade the boss to subsidise the good coffee for staff meetings and official functions. This will suck in more as they try and go back to instant.

    Greg

    ps--this is the way it works at my office anyway.

    Leave a comment:


  • Rocky
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Whilst I carry no brief for the Pod style machines I do think they offer something for coffee drinkers who are not connoisseurs but might like something better than Instant. I am of the understanding that our Social Clubs contract with Lavazza Blue requires the purchase of a minimum of 100 pods per month at $1. per pod.
    Another way of using the pod system is to purchase a Pod machine of which there are several types all cheaper than $500. and then purchase the Nespresso (or some other brand that fits) pods at your discretion (no contract).
    Our work experience is suggesting that most people really dont care about the quality of their coffee and are happy with Instant whilst there are always a few in the workplace who want something a bit better and will actually pay for it. (We also have a Coffee Van that calls daily for another part of the organisation-for those that want to pay $3.50 for their coffee.)

    Leave a comment:


  • flatwhite
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Id check with site sponsor Gilkatho.

    Leave a comment:


  • apricot
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 6E64697C7F60617C6D080 link=1232519966/17#17 date=1233181140
    If you must go fully auto, look at a commercial machine or at least a Jura which seems to have better reliability.
    Thanks for the heads up, and Ill definitely take that on board.

    Can I ask - what Jura model you would recommend?

    Leave a comment:


  • flatwhite
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Unless your office is next door to the Saeco repair agent, I strongly advise you to avoid this make. Ive chronicled my Saeco expereince elsewhere and despite my warnings, my brother bought the top-of-the-line new one, which has spent more time on the repair bench than the kitchen bench.
    In an office environment, where you cant guarantee it will be used properly, Id say the Saeco is doomed from the outset.
    If you must go fully auto, look at a commercial machine or at least a Jura which seems to have better reliability.
    I really dont want to have to say "told you so", so please avoid Saeco.

    Leave a comment:


  • apricot
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 0C313D35275E0 link=1232519966/14#14 date=1233142564
    Lavazza Blue pod machine (machine free- you buy the pods at $1. each)
    I did some research on this, and found the pod/pod machines almost perfect for my needs (clean, reliable, low maintenance, able to handle volume cups) - except for one thing -> cost.

    Machines are free, but you need to go on a contract, with a min pod buy per month. There are a few places that allow you to buy the machine (costs are lower than that of the auto machines Im looking at).
    But even a search on the net shows pods to be fairly hefty in price (the cheapest I found was approx $0.40. On average, looking at between $0.50~$1.00 per pod).

    Considering we go through around 20 cups per day/100 cups per week, just not practical.

    Leave a comment:


  • apricot
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Apologises I havent replied earlier. Took some time off for the long weekend.

    Thanks to all those that have commented.

    Just some developments - I spoke to the boss about the possibility of a semi-auto machine, to which hes basically gave a flat out no to.

    So unfortunately, its full auto.

    At present, Im pretty much deciding between the:
    - Saeco Touch
    - Saeco Royal Cappuccino
    - Saeco Royal Professional

    Price wise, there doesnt seem to be too much difference (Ive received a few quotes, and theyre all coming in around the $1800~1900 mark). AFAIK, the Royal is the older model, which doesnt have the fancy touch screen, but has the larger capacity tank.

    Quick question - what does the Expresso Thermoelectric 20 lt cooler do? as shown here - mod edit- commercial link removed in line with site sales and posting policy

    Also - which model would be the more reliable and suited to my needs? (the Touch seems to be very fancy with modern look + fancy touch screen... but it has a smaller water tank (1.8 lt compared to the 2.4 on the Royal) + bean holder (250g compared to 300g on the Royal)). Im not sure what the difference is between the Royal Cappuccino & Professional is.

    Another thing - are milk bays worthwhile?

    Anything else I should look out for?

    Leave a comment:


  • Rocky
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    I found your query relevant as I work in an office of 30 people, 25 of whom drink Instant coffee and are quite happy with it. I and a few other would-be coffee snobs have been using Plungers & Dripolators with reasonably fresh pre-ground coffee that one of the staff gets from Sexy Coffee in Maryborough. The Social Club recently put in a Lavazza Blue pod machine (machine free- you buy the pods at $1. each)
    I tried this but unfortunately I am too spoiled and would rather have Dripolated and plunger coffee if I cant have a real cup.
    I have been observing the Lavazza Blue experiment with interest as I am intrigued to know whether the Instant drinkers will be won over to the pods. 3 weeks down the track it seems that there have been several converts but about half find the Instant cheaper, easier and just as satisfactory. We decided against a proper Espresso machine as our judgement was that most people are just not that fussy about their coffee (most are milk drinkers) and all the work involved in monitoring/supervising the running of the process would fall to a couple of people. I would try to convert most of the staff to better coffee before spending a few grand on a machine. A dripolator is a good way to start. I will follow your voyage with interest. Good Luck.

    Leave a comment:


  • Koffee_Kosmo
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 7549544F454453464E45210 link=1232519966/8#8 date=1232600293
    Originally posted by 72667D7A73714B70637178787166140 link=1232519966/7#7 date=1232598756
    If you are incapable of emptying your coffee grounds or wiping down the steam wand after using it, please feel free to buy a coffee downstairs.
    Grant may I copy and use that when I get back to work?
    TG here is another one to try as it has been successful for me

    COME ON NOW
    LET’S BE FAIR
    IT IS TIME TO DO YOUR SHARE
    IF YOU WANT TO STAY AS MATES
    Add your phrase e.g Please wash up and put away your cups & plates
    :P
    KK

    Leave a comment:


  • coffeewise
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 5E5C41485A415B5C404B5D41422E0 link=1232519966/11#11 date=1232692483
    if you have 2 people prepared to do the maintenance, send them (or one of them) on a proper coffee making course, then they can show you all how to make coffee with a good quality manual machine and grinder.
    This is a must if you are looking at a PROPER machine and grinder setup. It really depends how interested the workers are, firstly in coffee and secondly about cleaning the machine.

    I have to disagree with greenman about a Saeco. The Royal Cappuccino is ideal for an office environment - forget about the other Saeco machines, they are too new for my liking and too similar to the Incantos or as I called it Incatossitoutafter3months.

    You need a realistic office solution that is not an instant solution - as it where. Time spent trying to perfect coffee pours and steaming milk (there are probably some OH&s things to consider too) from staff will end up possibly frustrating some and they may go back to instant anyway.

    This is coming from my experience in offering these types of machines and advice for many years.

    I am sure there is a site sponsor who can offer one of these machines.

    James Carter

    Leave a comment:


  • proftournesol
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Another option: if you have 2 people prepared to do the maintenance, send them (or one of them) on a proper coffee making course, then they can show you all how to make coffee with a good quality manual machine and grinder.

    Leave a comment:


  • fringe_dweller
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    Originally posted by 6955485359584F5A52593D0 link=1232519966/8#8 date=1232600293
    Grant may I copy and use that when I get back to work?
    By all means Maybe I should trademark it...

    Grant

    Leave a comment:


  • TC
    replied
    Re: Help: Advice on coffee machine for the office

    For this brief, Id be suggesting something like a volumetric touchpad HX machine such as (in order of $$$-$$$$):
    [*]Expobar Office FA[*]Diadema Junior Elettronica[*]VBM DOmobar Super Electronic

    with a timed grinder such as:
    [*]Compak K3 Touch[*]Macap M4D[*]Mazzer mini-e

    These options cover a price range of not too much over $2.5k to $4ish k and will not be too daunting for any staff member but will allow those who are coffee crazy to get brilliant results.

    Any combination of machine and grinder will produce dramatically better coffee than any Superauto or pod machine...

    Happy to assist with further info if required

    Chris

    Leave a comment:

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