Cast your beans.

A machine that does a real pot and a real espresso with a proper steam wand in one box, well, almost does not exist under a grand. Combos cheat. Either the “espresso” is a Nespresso pod, or the “pot” is a big mug.

So the real choice is: two honest machines, one convenient box, or one great machine and a stocked station.

• Drip / pot = coffee for the group. Look for a carafe, not 18 oz.
• Espresso = portafilter + steam wand. Learning curve. Better drinks.
• Pods = K-Cup or Nespresso. Fast, pricey per cup. We are not shopping for these, but one combo still has them.
• Supplies still count. Cups, lids, creamer, sugar, filters, beans, a knock box. A $700 machine with no mugs is not a coffee station.

Office translator

Pot loyalist: you want a pitcher on the table at 9:02.

Espresso head: you will wait 90 seconds for a latte if it is actually good.

Low-maintenance: you want a button, then you want to go back to Slack.

Anything: you will drink what is there. You still get a vote.

There is no wrong personality. There is a wrong machine for this hole in the counter.

What you are voting on

Combos, single machines with leftover supply money, or a write-in if you have a better idea.

Combos

1. Ratio Six + Barista Express
2. Ratio Six + Bambino Plus
3. Moccamaster thermal + Barista Express
4. Ninja Luxe Café Premier, one box
5. Cuisinart 4-in-1, one box, has pods if you want them

Singles (leftover goes to cups, creamer, beans)

1. Ratio Six only
2. Moccamaster only
3. Barista Express only
4. Bambino Plus only

Got something smarter? Pick write-in and put it in the note.

The AIRMSEN Amazon espresso clone was on the original list. We parked it. Thin reviews, office-unfriendly.

🫘

Bean jar fills as people vote.