In the office, in a practice or in a workshop, the coffee machine is often the meeting point of the day. But which machine suits a small team when it should not immediately be a commercial unit? This guide helps you decide: first estimate the cups per day, then check the most important criteria, and finally compare three devices from our shop, which we present according to the manufacturers' specifications. It is aimed at small teams of up to about ten people.
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Step 1: Estimate the cups per day
It is not the number of employees that decides, but the amount of coffee that is actually drunk each day. Keep count for a week or make a rough estimate:
People × cups per person = cups per day. An example for orientation: 5 people × 3 cups = 15 cups a day. This is a calculation example, not a manufacturer's specification. Visitors and customers come on top of that.
| Team size | Typical demand | What usually fits |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 people | A few cups, often espresso or milk coffee | Compact bean-to-cup machine or a portafilter machine if someone likes preparing coffee by hand |
| 4 to 6 people | Regular use spread across the day | Bean-to-cup machine with simple operation and a good cleaning concept |
| 7 to 10 people | Coffee peaks in the morning and after the lunch break | Bean-to-cup machine, ideally with a large water tank. Check whether a second machine or a commercial unit makes more sense. |
Step 2: The most important buying criteria
- Water tank and bean container: The more cups, the more often it has to be refilled. The exact sizes are given in the manufacturers' specifications; compare them with your number of cups.
- Operation: In the office, everyone should be able to use it without instruction. A clear control panel and buttons for the most common drinks help.
- Cleaning: It determines whether the machine stays clean in everyday use. Look for parts that, according to the manufacturer, may go in the dishwasher, and for a milk system that can be rinsed quickly.
- Milk drinks: With an automatic milk system, one press of a button is enough. With a classic steam wand, everyone froths their own milk, which takes a bit of practice.
- Water filter and descaling: Anyone who filters the water and descales regularly protects the machine. Decide who takes care of this.
- Noise level and space: A grinder is audible. Place the machine so that conversations and phone calls are not disturbed.
Three devices from our shop compared
All information comes from the product descriptions, according to the manufacturers' specifications. We do not list prices; you will see them with the seller after clicking.
| Device | Suitable for | Milk drinks | Operation and care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Kaffeevollautomat 2200 (EP2220/10) | Small teams looking for a simple start | Classic milk frother (Panarello), by hand | 2 coffee specialities at the touch of a button, ceramic grinder, AquaClean water filter system. According to the manufacturer, the milk frother consists of 2 parts that can go in the dishwasher. |
| Philips LatteGo 5400 (EP5441/50) | Teams in which many people drink milk coffee | Automatic LatteGo milk system, insert the milk container at the front and choose a drink | 12 coffee specialities, display, 4 user profiles. According to the manufacturer, the drip tray and coffee grounds container can go in the dishwasher. |
| De'Longhi Dedica Style (EC 685) | Very small teams (2 to 3 people) who enjoy hands-on preparation | Milk frothing wand, milk is frothed by hand | Portafilter machine, only 15 cm wide, ready for use in about 40 seconds according to the manufacturer. Grinder not included, preparation takes practice. Not a bean-to-cup machine. |
The Dedica is not a bean-to-cup machine: if you want coffee at the touch of a button in the office without effort, you are better advised to choose a bean-to-cup machine.
To be honest: Where the limits lie
- Large teams: If a lot of coffee is drunk in your business, commercial units are usually the better choice. We do not carry such devices.
- Use in the office: Before buying, check in the manufacturers' specifications whether use in the office is intended and what the warranty and maintenance situation is.
- Running costs: Beans, water filters and descaler cost money and time on an ongoing basis. Plan for this before you decide.
The break room: What else belongs there
- Enough cups and glasses so that the dishwasher does not have to run constantly
- A fixed place for beans, descaler and cleaning tablets
- A small cleaning schedule: who washes up, who refills, who descales
- Space near a power outlet and a water connection
- A note on the machine explaining how to use it
Further reading
- Bean-to-cup coffee machine: Philips 2200 or LatteGo 5400?
- Gift for coffee lovers: portafilter or bean-to-cup machine?
- Portafilter machines for beginners
- Christmas gifts 2026 (for example as a gift for the whole team)
Checklist before buying
- Cups per day estimated or counted over a week
- Water tank and bean container compared with the number of cups
- Milk drinks wanted? Automatic or by hand?
- Cleaning settled: who does it, how often?
- Manufacturers' specifications on office use and warranty read
- Location with power outlet and water secured
Frequently asked questions
Which bean-to-cup coffee machine suits a small office?
That depends on the number of cups and the milk drinks. For a simple start, the Philips 2200 comes into question; for many milk coffees, the LatteGo 5400. For two to three people who enjoy hands-on preparation, the Dedica is an alternative. Current details are in the manufacturers' specifications.
How many cups a day can a household machine handle?
We make no promises on this. The manufacturers' specifications give tank sizes and notes on use. Estimate your demand and check whether the device is intended for it.
Is a commercial unit worth it?
For large teams or a lot of coffee, usually yes. We do not carry such devices. For small teams, entry-level devices are often enough.
How do I keep the machine clean in the office?
With a fixed schedule: empty the containers regularly, wash parts according to the manufacturer's specifications, clean the milk system after use and descale according to the instructions.
Does ProduktPilot24 sell the devices itself?
No. We present devices and link to the seller. Purchase, price and delivery are handled directly by the seller, for example Amazon.
All information without guarantee and according to the manufacturers' specifications. You will find current prices, features and reviews with the respective seller. The calculation examples are guides, not manufacturer's specifications. As of 22 October 2026.