Take five self-serve coffee machines
It is now generally appreciated that automated coffee machines can produce beverages of a considerably high standard. The important next step is in selecting a self-serve machine that will allow guests to dispense their own coffee, typically at breakfast, out-of-hours or in-room.
MANUAL FILL OR PLUMBED IN
Price £3,995
We say A huge number of options in a small footprint - can offer regular coffee, decaf or chocolate. Can be manually filled or plumbed in. Quick self-cleaning system in six minutes.
Features
â- LED "mood lighting" which can match any decor.
â- Option of free or paid-for vend.
Dimensions 325mm (w) x 668mm (h) x 555mm (d)
http://www.unitedcoffeeuk.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">WMF](http://www.wmf.uk.com) 01895 816106
Self-serve filter coffee
Price £2,018
We say Designed specially for very high volume self-service filter coffee at locations where staff service may also be required.
Features â- Self-service push button front with staff service tap operation.
â- Variable volume setting on push button.
â- Copious hot water supply for tea.
Dimensions 760mm (h) x 362mm (w) x 668mm (d)
[Marco Beverage Systems](http://www.marco-bev.co.uk) 01933 666488 [ ](http://www.marco-bev.co.uk)
Fresh milk option
We say A fully-automatic bean-to-cup machine with option of fresh milk from add-on refrigeration module. The swivelling cup shelf allows large quantities to be drawn off into a pot or flask.
Features â- Easy access to major components for quick servicing.
â- Easy-to-see display, large selection buttons, clear labelling.
â- Option of twin hoppers, allowing choice of coffee.
Dimensions 450mm (w) x 710mm (h) x 570mm (d)
[Sielaff UK](http://www.sielaff.com) 01922 743010
Sealed-in freshness
We say A semi-automatic capsule machine offering freshness, portion control, consistency and no waste for low-volume use.
Features â- 18-bar pump pressure - powerful enough for good espresso extraction.
â- Works off 13A plug; has built in water-tank for full portability.
â- Italian-made components, optional manual steam arm.
Dimensions 265mm (h) x 285mm (w) x 355mm (d)
[Kimbo UK](http://www.kimbo.co.uk) 020 8743 8959
Customer-friendly controls
We say Barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button with a range of applications and functionality tailored for self-service including a display for advertising or promotional videos to engage with the consumer.
Features â- Customer-friendly touchscreen controls.
â- Produces dense and creamy foam without the use of steam or a pressure vessel.
â- Can produce chilled drinks for summer.
Dimensions 700mm(h) x 350mm(w) x 600mm(d)
[United Coffee 01908 275520
Buyers' checklist
â- How much choice to give The conventional espresso menu (cappuccino, latte, mocha) is relatively straightforward. But do guests want filter coffee or hot chocolate?
â- What is the cleaning regime? Generally speaking, most machines which can make a speciality coffee can now clean themselves - but check exactly how, and how long it takes.
â- What is the payment option? You may wish to have the facility to allow free vend at breakfast, but paid-for out-of-hours.
â- What is the ideal milk? It is now common for a machine to offer the choice of using fresh milk or a ‘whitener' - the choice is the caterer's.
