Hot Beverage Machines reviewed

Franke · Hot Drink Machines

8.7Very good

The Franke A600 positions itself as a versatile fully automatic coffee machine for demanding offices, canteens and large sites with daily demand of up to 200 cups. Through its 10.4-inch touchscreen, modular brew groups and a powerful milk system, the machine is designed for both attended dispensing and pure self-service. Businesses with 60 to 200 employees particularly benefit from the high hourly throughput (e.g. 240 espressos/hour) and central fleet management via FrankeConnect. Weaknesses lie in non-publicly accessible purchase prices in Germany for the new generation and in the complexity of cleaning with IndividualMilk or CleanMaster variants. The investment pays off for locations with a broad hot beverage range, high dispensing frequency and digitalized administration. In used condition, a classic A600 is available from approximately 4,000 € net; for the current generation, German dealers do not quote list prices. The range stated here of approximately 9,700 to 10,800 € comes from two British dealers, applies to the classic A600 and has been converted at the ECB reference rate. Lower total cost of ownership results primarily through central control and reduced downtime during malfunctions or service.

Franke · Hot Drink Machines

8.7Very good

WMF · Hot Drink Machines

WMF 9000 S Plus

8.7Very good

With a recommended daily output of up to 350 cups and excellent configurability, the WMF 9000 S+ is designed for enterprises and high-traffic locations requiring coverage of 80–250 employees per machine. Its core strengths include a robust stainless-steel brewing system (up to 19 g per extraction), a 10-inch touch display for flexible self-service workflows, and a milk system delivering seven foam variants (cold and hot). The machine supports parallel dispensing of coffee, hot water, and steam, integrates via CoffeeConnect with central management systems, and simplifies error-free continuous operation through dynamic brew monitoring. Limitations stem from the high acquisition cost: €17,860 net for a new unit with two grinders, Dynamic Milk and powder dispenser; remanufactured models from €4,980 net; and the required maintenance commitment for the milk system. Energy efficiency ranks mid-field compared to some competitors. For high-traffic cafeterias, bakeries and retail environments requiring output above 200 cups per day, the investment amortises over the machine's operating life provided maintenance and cleaning supply costs are systematically budgeted.

ab 17,860 €

No longer available Animo OptiBean XL Touch (V2)

Animo · Hot Drink Machines

Animo OptiBean XL Touch (V2)

8.6Very good

The Animo OptiBean XL Touch delivers 120 cups per hour, a 1.5 kg bean hopper, and dual instant modules, targeting mid-sized offices, clinics, and educational facilities with approximately 50+ employees. Strengths include high throughput, flexibility for multiple hot beverages, and a freely programmable 7-inch touchscreen. The optional MDB interface enables coin payment and change dispensing but is not standard-fit; cashless payment requires an additional module. Milk supply relies on instant powder only, which sets taste limits in clinical and premium office settings. List price in 2024 ranged from €4,060–4,470 net—for the machine alone without base unit or options. In comparison, the OptiBean offers a robust stainless-steel brew group with Ditting ceramic grinder, though telemetry is available only as an option without remote configuration. Service intervals align with practical use, requiring a maintenance kit after >25,000 vends. For high-volume sites dispensing ≥80 beverages daily, the investment yields mid-term returns; operators prioritising fresh-milk capacity, app payment, or remote service support will find broader feature sets in competing models.

ca. 4,064 – 4,468 €

Schaerer · Hot Drink Machines

Schaerer Coffee Soul

8.6Very good

The Schaerer Coffee Soul addresses operators who require flexible configuration, reliable hygiene processes and an extensive beverage range at daily capacities up to 250 cups. Particularly in office, hotel and food-service settings, it impresses with modular configuration: up to three bean varieties and two milk options, optional syrups and telemetry integration make it, according to the manufacturer, the machine for sites with 60 to 200 employees. Operating comfort benefits from a large touchscreen display (10.4" or 12.1") and variable outlet heights. Practical limitations remain: cleaning costs amount to approximately 288 € annually, as both a coffee cleaner and milk cleaner are required for daily system maintenance. An external milk and syrup cooler occupies counter space. Net acquisition costs range between 12,340 and 15,520 euros (depending on configuration), which is economically justified for large offices or high-traffic hotels — solid engineering and an extensive beverage range partly offset the investment. Weaknesses emerge in the need for a service contract and complex accessory management.

ca. 14,720 – 15,520 €

Franke · Hot Drink Machines

Franke A800

8.6Very good

The Franke A800 sets a new standard as a modularly configurable professional fully automatic coffee machine for sites serving approximately 100 to 250 users. Three independently controlled boilers deliver coffee, milk and hot water simultaneously—enabling large offices, hospitals and retail outlets to achieve up to 250 vends per day during peak hours. A 10.4-inch touchscreen and remote maintenance via FrankeConnect streamline operation and service, while the brew module capable of handling up to 29 g of coffee and the ultrasonic-controlled FoamMaster milk system deliver espresso-bar quality even at high throughput. The investment of €12,330 to €15,020 net (depending on configuration) becomes economical where high volumes of specialty coffee drinks are required daily and labour costs for machine operation are to be minimised. Weaknesses include high electrical demand (7.4–8.8 kW connected load) and technician-dependent initial setup. For sites with highly variable user numbers or small headcounts, the machine is oversized. Overall, the A800 offers operators a low-maintenance, future-proof system that becomes economically viable at approximately 120 cups per day.

ca. 12,330 – 15,021 €