Choosing the Right Coffee Equipment For Your Workplace

Posted on by Granville Harlow

Over the past 20 months your workplace has likely seen a decrease in the number of people coming to work in person, followed by perhaps an increase, albeit maybe slow, of people returning to work in person. Depending on your industry, you may have not seen any difference, or maybe you even saw an increase. This is a great time to reevaluate how many people are drinking coffee in your facilities each day. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right coffee equipment for your workplace. 

Start With A Head Count

Take a count of how many people you currently have using your breakroom, and then take a look at your equipment. Does it seem to line up? Maybe you have no idea- so here are some general guidelines for equipment based on how many people you have in your workplace.

Small Volume: Under 50 People

If your workplace has fewer than 50 people, then you are considered ‘small volume.’ We have the perfect small volume coffee brewers for your needs. Just because you don’t need to brew hundreds of cups each day, doesn’t mean you should sacrifice any of the bells and whistles offered on some of the machines designed for larger volume workplaces. And more importantly, you should not have to sacrifice on taste! 

Some options to consider:
  • The Newco ACE models: a versatile brewer line that is low profile (meaning it will fit under most low cabinets), a water level detection system to eliminate evaporation, brew safety lights, and even has a gravity-fed hot water faucet for teas and soups!
  • Single Cup: You can never go wrong with the single cup machine. Maybe you have some non-coffee drinkers in your office (we don’t understand these people, but suppose they deserve to have quality drinks too!) and you’d like to provide some other options for them. Or there is a great debate over which type of coffee to make (Decaf! French Roast! Starbucks! Caribou!), so instead of battling it out every morning, let your employees decide what they want. The two options we offer are Keurig and Flavia, and both have hundreds of choices of coffees, teas, hot chocolate, etc. 

Medium Volume: 50-100 People

If your business has 50-100 people, you will find yourself needing five or six pots of coffee at one time. We have brewers that ensure the last cup is consistently as good as the first! 

You’ve got some options: 
  • Single Cup: You can’t go wrong with the single cup makers, either on their own or to supplement your other machines. 
  • 20:1 Airpot Brewing Systems: These brewers fit a low clearance area while still brewing into our new thermals. These systems offer all the features you’re looking for, built into a stainless steel cabinet for long term durability. 

Large Volume: 100 plus people

Large volume workplaces have over 100 people. Multiple offices. Multiple locations. Could have a cafeteria, or serve customers, patients, etc. We’ve got you covered! 

  • Dual Commercial Barista: This brewer is the ultimate in versatility. Choose your flavor profile. Brew into two different size dispensers. Have two different strengths at the same time with the same machine. Brew high volumes of coffee easily with the six gallon reservoir. Use the gravity-fed hot water switch to make soups and teas. Seriously, what can’t this thing do? 
  • Single Cup: Even for large volume offices, these are still a great choice. Likely as a supplement to the Dual Commercial Barista, they are an easy and effective way to add some variety to your workplace. 

With Coffee Mill, There’s No Wrong Choice! 

Coffee Mill can help you with the daunting task of choosing the right coffee equipment for your workplace! Let our helpful, experienced team come up with a plan that is tailor made for your unique needs. And when you use Coffee Mill, you not only get the best equipment, but you also get service and maintenance, with periodic equipment exchanges. Get in touch today!  

Coffee Myths And Facts

Posted on by Granville Harlow

There’s a lot of information out there about coffee, and it’s hard to know what to believe. Read on as we sort out fact from fiction in these coffee myths and facts.

Coffee Makes You Smarter

TRUE! (Well, sort of.)

The caffeine in coffee blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.  This allows the release of norepinephrine and dopamine which enhances the firing of the brain’s neurons. This has been shown to improve many aspects of the brain’s working including memory, mood, attention levels, reaction times and overall mental functioning. While a cup of coffee alone won’t help you pass a history test, a cup right before the test can help you to remember what you learned and give you the energy and patience to get an A!

Coffee Stunts Your Growth

FALSE! 

We aren’t sure where this myth came from, but don’t believe the hype. Drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages has no effect on a person’s growth. While it’s probably not the best choice to give a child a bunch of caffeine, it will have no effect on their overall growth and development.

The Most Expensive Coffee Comes From Dung

TRUE!

That’s right. As gross as it sounds, Black Ivory Coffee, made from elephant dung, costs more than $500 a pound. To make this questionable beverage, elephants in Thailand eat coffee cherries. From there, the elephants’ digestive enzymes somehow transform the compounds in the beans. Shockingly, this is not the first coffee in history made from poop.

Coffee Helps You Lose Weight

TRUE… AND FALSE…

Studies show that caffeine has been found to increase a person’s metabolic rate by as much as 11%, and improve performance when exercising or playing sports. Other reports show that moderate coffee intake helps burn fat, by as much as 10% in obese individuals and by 29% in those with lower body fat levels. However, experts also say that caffeine alone isn’t enough to make a noticeable difference on its own without diet and exercise.

All Coffee Has The Same Amount Of Caffeine

FALSE! 

The amount of caffeine in a cup of Joe varies greatly! Check out this information about how much caffeine is in different restaurant chain coffee. Then, plan your day accordingly. What can we say- there are some days that just might call for a cup of Deathwish Coffee!

Coffee Dehydrates You

FALSE!

While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, the fluids in coffee are likely enough to offset any effect you feel.

Coffee Boosts Your Mood

TRUE!

If you’re searching for a safe and natural mood enhancer, it doesn’t get much better than coffee. When you drink a cup of coffee, the caffeine affects the central nervous system by stimulating your brain and major nerves. This then leads to enhanced cognitive functioning. The caffeine decreases mental fatigue, improves your concentration and enhances your alertness. All of that increases your motivation and helps to prepare your for the day or task ahead.

Coffee Mill Delivers The Best Coffee To Your Office!

TRUE!

There may be a lot of coffee myths and facts out there, but one thing you can be certain of is that Coffee Mill delivers only the best coffee to your workplace! Get in touch today and find out how we can help you provide delicious beverages and snacks for your employees!

 

Coffee Trends In 2021

Posted on by Granville Harlow

After the crazy year we’ve all been through, we can’t help but look to what 2021 will have in store. There’s a collective feeling of optimism as we get out our crystal ball and look at the year ahead. Since we at Coffee Mill are more than a little obsessed with coffee, we obviously have our gaze set on what we’ll see in the coffee world over the next year. Read on to learn about some projected coffee trends in 2021.

Drive-Thru Coffee Shops

As we all continue our masked and socially distanced lives, expect drive-thru coffee shops to remain a popular choice for people seeking a coffee shop cuppa. Despite the fact that vaccines are now available, it will be some time before people feel comfortable enough to return to “normal.”

Did you know… the first drive thru coffee shop, Motor Moka, started in 1990 in Oregon? Guess what their first customer ordered? A hot dog! He had no idea what a drive-thru coffee shop was and assumed they were selling food, not coffee!

Environmentally Friendly Packaging

The past year has been filled with takeout, single use packaging, and a reduction in recycling. Many companies put any thoughts of sustainable packaging on the backburner and used whatever was available to keep up with their orders. 2021 is the year for packaging design to once again focus on sustainable options. Expect to see coffee packaging that is compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Read more about sustainable coffee packaging here.

Ready To Drink

Expect to see ready to drink coffee, also called RTD, rise in popularity this year. RTD is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy cold brewed coffee on the go. It’s typically a smart alternative to sugary beverages like sodas and bottled/canned coffees.

Coffee Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes have become really popular over the past years. Clothing, cosmetics, toys and games… You name it, there is a subscription box for it. Expect to see coffee subscription boxes become one of the most popular coffee trends in 2021. It’s a great way to try a variety of coffees from companies you may not otherwise be exposed to. Some boxes also include unique snacks and other beverages to try. Not to mention, you’ll never run out of coffee when it’s delivered every month. These make great gifts for vendors, family and friends, and of course, to treat yourself!

Delicious Coffee Delivered To Your Workplace

Remember, Coffee Mill continues to deliver great coffee, beverages and snacks to your office or workplace, even during the pandemic. More and more companies make plans for returning to work, and we are ready to bring the coffee! Get in touch today for a customized plan, tailored specifically for your workplace.

 

 

3 Holiday Coffee Recipes to Make This Year Brighter

Posted on by Granville Harlow

If you’re like us, the first thing you need Christmas morning is a big cup of hot delicious coffee. Whether you’re looking for new holiday coffee recipes for yourself and your family, or easy holiday coffee gifts for friends and coworkers, we’ve got you covered.

Christmas Coffee

This super simple recipe is not only yummy, it’s a great gift for the coffee lovers in your life. If you’re all about smells, this one is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, even if your kids wake you up at 5AM.

Ingredients
  • 1 ¼ cup ground coffee
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 10 cups of water
  • Whipped cream
  • Sprinkles for fun
How to make it

In a bowl mix together the coffee grounds, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Pour your water into the coffee maker and add your special coffee ground mix and brew as usual. Pour your coffee and top with whipped topping and sprinkles for holiday cheer.

Want to give this as a gift? Put the special coffee ground mix into cellophane bags or jars and just add a bow!

View the full recipe here.

 

Eggnog Latte

We know eggnog isn’t for everyone, but if you love it, you definitely need to try this recipe! Creamy eggnog, coffee, whipped cream…yum!

Ingredients
  • Espresso or strong coffee
  • Milk of your choice
  • Eggnog
  • Nutmeg
  • Whipped Cream
How to make it

Prepare your espresso or strong coffee. Heat your eggnog and milk together in the microwave for about 1 minute. Froth your milk/eggnog mixture using a milk frother, or pour the mixture into the blender and blend for 30 seconds. No blender? Put the mixture into a jar and shake vigorously for about 1 minute. Pour espresso into your favorite Christmas mug, top with milk and eggnog mix, and add nutmeg and whipped topping!

View the full recipe here. 

 

Irish Coffee

If you enjoy a late night coffee or want to relax after dinner, Irish Coffee may be just what you need. Sweet, rich, and just the right amount of kick.

Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 4 ounces of strong hot coffee
  • 1 ½ ounces irish Whiskey
  • 1 ounce heavy cream (lightly whipped – vigorously whip the cream with a whisk or fork until light and fluffy)
How to make it

Place the brown sugar into a warm coffee glass or mug. Add the coffee and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Next, add the whiskey and stir again. Finally, add the lightly whipped heavy cream – the preferred method is to float the cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon. Do not stir! Instead, drink the Irish Coffee through the delicious cream. 

View the full recipe here. 

 

Bring Some Holiday Cheer to Your Office!

Delight your employees and coworkers by bringing in some of these delicious holiday coffee recilpes for them to try (maybe save the Irish Coffee until after work!). Coffee Mill has a fantastic selection of premium coffees as well as other breakroom services! Give us a call today, we’d love to help you create a custom office beverage program for your employees. 

Coffee Spotlight: Dunn Brothers Coffee

Posted on by Granville Harlow

If you’ve visited your local Dunn Brothers Coffee shop, you already know how delicious their coffee tastes. If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore this Minnesota born coffee roaster, you are in luck! Coffee Mill is the leading provider of Dunn Brothers coffee for Twin Cities office break rooms. 

Who Are The Dunn Brothers?

Created in 1987 by brothers Dan and Ed Dunn, this coffee venture has grown from a few local shops to a nationwide affair. Because of their belief in small batch roasting, serving the freshest brew and keeping the community at the core of their business, the majority of their coffee shops are independently owned by members of the community across the country. 

Whether you are ordering a fresh crafted coffee from your local barista in store, or brewing a fresh pot at the office, you can count on the same taste and quality from every cup. And if you are looking for fresh, they brew small batches of coffee every day in their stores which keeps their brew rich, bold, and flavorful. 

Community and Environment Focused

This community coffee shop is always looking to give back to local neighbors in need. For this reason, Dunn Brothers stores donate to local food shelves as well as other community collaborations. 

Dunn Brothers teams up with respected certifiers of sustainably grown coffee, such as the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade USA. They visit many of the farms where they purchase coffee to ensure environmental standards are being met. Doing so also strengthens existing relationships with farmers, and provides transparency to customers. 

Coffee Mill and Dunn Brothers

Coffee Mill is proud to partner with this community focused coffee roaster. Reward your employees and bring the smiles to your morning meetings with Dunn Brothers Gold Label premium office coffee. Whether you use drip coffee or single pods, you can count on a fresh, enjoyable cup of java every time. Ready to set up your Twin Cities office beverage service? Give Coffee Mill a call today and let’s start designing your perfect break room service!

 

6 Crazy Facts About Coffee You Won’t Soon Forget

Posted on by Granville Harlow

If you love coffee, you probably know some great facts about this delicious beverage. But, we like to dig deep here at Coffee Mill and we’ve discovered some very interesting and fun coffee info we can’t wait to share with you. Get ready for coffee trivia, because here are 6 crazy facts about coffee you won’t soon forget!

 

1. Coffee inspired the first webcam

It all started in the 1990’s when someone brewed a pot of coffee at the University of Cambridge. mbridge and they were blown away by how fast people drank it. To ensure everyone had a fair chance at fresh java, they set up a camera on the coffee pot that everyone could view from their desks. This coffee pot webcam eventually made it to the World Wide Web where people from around the world watched the $100 coffee maker brew.

 

2. Brazil produces nearly one-third of the world’s coffee

In 2018 alone, Brazil produced a staggering 3.6 billion kilograms of coffee beans. That’s nearly double the amount of any other country. And, from 1800-1852 Brazil went from producing almost nothing to being the number one coffee producer in the world –  a title they’ve had for about 168 years. 

 

3. The world’s most expensive java comes from dung

That’s right. As gross as it sounds, Black Ivory Coffee, made from elephant dung, costs more than $500 a pound. To make this questionable beverage, elephants in Thailand eat coffee cherries. From there, the elephants’ digestive enzymes somehow transform the compounds in the beans. Shockingly, this is not the first coffee in history made from poop. 

 

4. Bach once wrote a comic opera all about coffee

Famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach wrote a comic opera in 1732 called Coffee Cantata. This miniature opera tells the story of a disgruntled father who tries to break his daughter’s coffee addiction. 

 

5. Our beloved Cappuccinos gets its name from Friars

Cappuccino got its name from members of a larger Franciscan order of monks founded in Italy during the 16th century called Capuchin friars. The color of espresso mixed with the frother milk resembled the color to the Capuchin robe. 

 

6. Wives could divorce their husbands in Constantinople because of coffee

Coffee shops could be found everywhere in Constantinople by the late 15th century. Because it was such a huge part of Turkish culture, legend has it there was a law stating that a woman could divorce her husband if he neglected to give her enough coffee.

Looking for more coffee fun? Check out the Coffee Mill blog. Want to share these crazy coffee facts with the office? We’d love to help you create the perfect office beverage service, give us a call today to get started.