Coffee Vending Machine

There are many factors to consider in a coffee vending machine.

Overview of a coffee vending machine

First, coffee vending machines are available in a number of configurations. Some coffee vending machines produce just plain coffee. Other machines can produce espresso, hot chocolate, Americano, and other products. A coffee vending machine typically also has the ability to add sugar, low calorie sweetener, and cream or lightener to the finished product. When additives are selected, they are generally dispensed into the cup first, then the product is added to the cup to ensure proper mixing of the additives with the liquid.

A coffee vending machine typically holds its own supply of cups for dispensing. Usually there are two cup sizes, which we might call small and large. Some coffee vending machines allow the customer to insert their own mug or other coffee vessel into the machine. In this case, the coffee vending machine will see there is already a vessel present in the coffee vending area and then not drop a cup into the area at the start of the brewing cycle.

Some coffee vending machines hold whole bean coffee and then grind it fresh with each order. In this case, the coffee vending machine could be viewed as a large commercial bean to cup coffee machine. After the customer selects the desired coffee type, the machine grinds enough for the size of cup of coffee ordered and grinds it. Then the ground coffee moves to the brewing chamber. Next the heated water passes through the coffee grounds during the brewing cycle. The coffee vending machine then dispenses the finished product into the cup. Moreover, some coffee vending machines utilize freeze dried coffee to deliver the fresh hot beverage.

A coffee vending machine in the U.S. typically operates on 120VAC at 60Hz. Coffee vending machines require little power when in standby or idle. The controls circuitry and panel back lighting do consume some power even when idle though. The real power draw in a coffee vending machine occurs during the brewing cycle. The heating element will typically consume around 1500 watts. This amount of power is the most that can be reasonably drawn on a continuous basis from a 15 ampere 120VAC circuit protected by a conventional TM circuit breaker. In this way, a coffee vending machine does share some similarities with industrial coffee machines because of their construction and operation.

Power supply for a coffee vending machine

Some coffee vending machines may have a 120VAC 20 ampere NEMA plug. These machines might have heating elements up around 1800 watts. The higher the wattage of the heating element, the more volume of hot water it can produce at the desired flow rate. However, brew speed in a coffee vending machine must be balanced against what is ideal for brewing coffee. Twenty seconds is not necessarily the optimal amount of time for brewing coffee, but this fact must also be balanced against customer demand and expectations. For example, few customers will revisit the coffee vending machine if it takes five minutes to brew a cup of coffee.

Coffee vending machine water supply

Coffee vending machines typically have a connection for potable water. The potable water feed may be through copper tubing, or often through polypropylene tubing at least 5/16" i.d. Coffee vending machines typically have a water filter on the unit. This filter will normally incorporate chlorine and sediment removal. An activated carbon or coconut shell media is commonly used. This filter will require changing periodically. If the coffee vending machine produces a poor flavor coffee, customers will not revisit it.

Renting or leasing coffee vending machines

It is possible to rent coffee vending machines. Coffee vending machine manufacturers third parties will offer the rental. More common would be a coffee vending machine lease. With a coffee vending machine lease, a set term of say 24, 48, or 60 months would be established. Then regular monthly or other periodic payment would be made to the coffee vending machine leasing company. Coffee vending machine leasing avoids the large up front capital expense of a purchase, while allowing the leasing fees to be paid out of the profits from the machine. Leasing also allows for new equipment to be purchased every six years or so. Customers will usually frequent a modern looking coffee vending machine vs and antiquated version. Old coffee vending machines do have good residual value, however, and are often bought and sold.