There are two main types of coffee machine available to hire for events: filter machines and bean-to-cup machines. They suit different formats, produce different results, and need different levels of attention during service. Here is how to choose between them.
There are two main types of coffee machine available to hire for events: filter machines and bean-to-cup machines. They suit different formats, produce different results, and need different levels of attention during service. Here is how to choose between them.
Coffee service is one of the most requested additions to corporate events, weddings and outdoor festivals. The type of machine you hire determines how fast you can serve, how good the coffee tastes, and how much involvement your staff needs. This guide covers the four main options and how to choose between them.
\n\nOur bean-to-cup machine grinds fresh beans for each cup and produces a barista-quality espresso, americano or milk-based drink at the press of a button. It suits corporate hospitality, weddings and any event where quality matters. Output is typically four to six cups per minute. The machine requires a standard 13A socket. Plan for one machine per 80 guests at a formal sit-down event.
\n\nThe commercial filter coffee machine holds two 2.2-litre jugs, giving you 24 cups ready at once. It brews a fresh batch in around eight minutes and suits buffet-style service where a server pours from the jug. One machine handles 60 to 80 guests per hour at a moderate pace. It works well for conference breaks and breakfast events.
\n\nFor large numbers, our 15-litre percolator produces up to 75 cups in a single brew cycle and keeps coffee warm throughout service. The first batch takes 25 to 30 minutes but then maintains temperature without further attention. A single unit handles 100 to 150 guests if service is staggered. We also stock a 1.8-litre percolator for smaller groups up to 15.
\n\nThe espresso machine requires a trained operator and produces individual shots at higher quality than bean-to-cup. It suits high-end events where you are hiring a barista or have trained staff. A competent barista produces 80 to 100 drinks per hour. Pair it with espresso cups and cappuccino cups to complete the setup.
\n\nComplete your setup with cappuccino cups, espresso cups and a milk frother. For outdoor events without mains power, the percolator heated over a single LPG burner is a reliable fallback.
\n\nAll machines available at hot beverage hire. Delivery from £40 across England and Wales.
Bean-to-cup machines grind fresh for each cup — the quality is higher but service is slower. At around 30 seconds per cup, a single bean-to-cup machine serves 120 cups per hour maximum. Filter coffee brews in batch — you can have 3 litres ready at once and serve instantly. For a conference break where 100 people want coffee in 15 minutes, filter wins. For a hospitality lounge where guests trickle through across an hour, bean-to-cup is the better choice.
Most event coffee setups use UHT milk from catering packs for simplicity — no refrigeration required. If the event is premium, use fresh milk from a bar fridge. For 100 people drinking one coffee each, budget 1.5 litres of milk. Scale proportionally for higher consumption events.
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