Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Iβm Just Researching
Get straight answers on costs, support, supplies, warranties and everything you need to decide if OBC is right for your teamβno fluff, no hard sell
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Can we just try it without meetings and sales calls?
Yes. Send a few photos of the spot you have in mind, and weβll install a 7-day trial so your team can decide in real lifeβno pressure, no fuss. Book your free trial here
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A quick guide to team size, milk options, and plumbed vs tanked New
We group machines by team size to keep choices simple:
- Small Teams of up to 15 people.
- Medium (Teams of up to 35 people.
- Large Teams of over 35 people.
Pick the milk style you prefer
- Fresh milk for coffee shop-style lattes/flat whites
- MooFresh Gold (100% milk) soluble for super-easy upkeep with great consistency.
Then choose water supply:
- Plumbed-in if you can (no refilling, ideal for steady volume)
- Tanked if plumbing isnβt practical (just top up the tank during the day).
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Do you offer a free trial?
The 7-day free trial (book trial here) beats a quick taste test because your team can use the machine in real life, try the drinks, and see how it fits your workflowβwithout a salesperson hovering.
Our installers sets everything up, shows you the basics, and leaves you with ingredients for the week. After 7 days, you can keep the machine, swap to a different model, or weβll collect itβno pressure.
We started this during lockdown and kept it because it works: itβs like a car test-drive, but for office coffee. If there are any costs or deposits for your site, weβll confirm them up front.
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How do we figure out which machine is right for our team? Popular
Start with team size
- Small (up to 15 people),
- Medium (15β35)
- Large (35+).
Next, think about location (counter space, power, and whether plumbed-in or tanked makes sense).
Shortlist the drinks you need
- Decaf
- Multiple bean options
- Hot chocolate
- Milk type (fresh or 100% natural soluble)
- Hot water for speciality teas
Finally, decide whoβll βownβ the machine day-to-dayβtopping up beans, milk and water is a bit like looking after a photocopier.
Weβll recommend a shortlistβand your 7-day trial confirms the choice in the real world.
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Plumbed-in vs tanked: which do you recommend, and when?
Simple rule: if you can plumb it in, doβno refilling and best for steady or higher volumes. If plumbing isnβt practical, a tanked machine works brilliantly; youβll just top up the water tank during the day. Taste and reliability are excellent on both when paired with the right filtration. As a guide, plumbed-in suits busy kitchens and 30+ cups/day; tanked is great for smaller teams, meeting rooms, or hot-desking spaces. Not sure? Weβll set up your 7-day trial and youβll know within a week.
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Why have you chosen these machines for office use?
We pick models that are workhorses: reliable in busy office settings, easy to use, simple to clean, and with parts/servicing readily available in the UK. They produce coffeeshop quality drinks consistently and have sensible running costs. In shortβsuitable for offices, not catering businesses.
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Do you price match?
Yes. If you have a like-for-like quote from an official UK supplier (same machine, configuration and service/warranty terms), weβll match itβand explain any differences so you can choose with confidence.
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Lease-hire or buyβwhatβs best?
Lease-hire keeps cash flow predictable and typically bundles the top support tier; buying is a one-off outlay. If youβre unsure, weβll quote both so finance can compare apples with apples.
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Are these machines noisy?
They grind beans, so youβll hear a short burst during drinks and cleaning cycles. Most teams place them in the kitchen or a social space; if yours is a quiet zone, weβll suggest the best models/placement to keep things comfortable.
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Is fresh milk better than soluble milk?
Both have their place. Fresh milk is the classic latte/flat-white experience; our MooFresh Gold (100% milk) soluble option is fuss-free, consistent and brilliant for busy teams who want speed and simplicity. We can demo both in your trial.
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Plumbed-in or tankedβwill we regret the choice later?
No. If you can plumb in, doβit removes refilling. If you start tanked, you can still plumb later; weβll advise on a spot that keeps both options open.
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Do you cover the whole UK?
We serve UK offices and can support multi-site rollouts. Tell us your locations and weβll confirm coverage and logistics.
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What warranty tiers do you offer (names, duration, whatβs included)?We keep it simple with three tiers: Popular
* Standard β 12 months: phone/WhatsApp support, parts and labour for faults, engineer visits as needed.
* Priority Care β 24 months: everything in Standard, plus faster engineer scheduling and proactive health checks.
* Total Care+ β 36 months: all-inclusive coverβpriority phone/video support, parts, labour and engineer callouts includedβwith the quickest response times.
All tiers require in-date water filtration and basic cleaning. Consumables (beans, milk, chocolate, filters) and accidental damage arenβt included. If you lease-hire with us, weβll normally bundle Total Care+ for the term so budgeting stays neat.
Choosing a Machine (and Free Trial)
See which models fit your team size, drinks and space. Learn how our 7-day trial works so you can test it properly in your office, pressure-free.
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Do you offer a free trial?
Yesβour 7-day free trial beats a quick taste test because your team can use the machine in real life, try the drinks, and see how it fits your workflowβwithout a salesperson hovering. Our installer sets everything up, shows you the basics, and leaves you with ingredients for the week. After 7 days, you can keep the same machine, swap to a different model, or weβll collect itβno pressure. We started this during lockdown and kept it because it works: itβs like a car test-drive, but for office coffee. If there are any costs or deposits for your site, weβll confirm them up front.
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How do we figure out which machine is right for our team? Popular
Start with team sizeβSmall (up to ~15 people), Medium (15β35), and Large (35+). Next, think about location (counter space, power, and whether plumbed-in or tanked makes sense). Shortlist the drinks you need: decaf, multiple bean options, hot chocolate, milk type (fresh or 100% natural soluble), and hot water for speciality teas. Finally, decide whoβll βownβ the machine day-to-dayβtopping up beans, milk and water is a bit like looking after a photocopier. Weβll recommend a shortlistβand your 7-day trial confirms the choice in the real world.
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Whatβs the point of a 7-day trial vs a tasting session? Popular
Real life beats showroom sips: your team uses the machine for a week at your cups, cups sizes, and rush hoursβno salespeople, no pressure. Youβll know if it fits before you commit.
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What exactly happens on trial day? Popular
We install, calibrate drinks, show you the basics, and leave ingredients for the week. You make coffee as normalβthen decide to keep, swap or return.
Installation & Site Prep
Power, space and waterβwhatβs needed, whatβs optional, and how we keep disruption to a minimum. Photos weβll ask for, timelines, and what happens on the day.
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Whatβs the typical installation timeline from order to first cup? New
We keep disruption to an absolute minimum. On the day, installation usually takes under an hour: we position the machine, connect power (and water if plumbed), run the setup and calibration, and load ingredients. Weβll give a quick handover so your team knows the basics, then pour the first drinks before we leave. If anything needs tweaking (drink size, strength, milk), we dial it in there and then.
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Do you help with a site survey or pre-install check? New
Yesβwe keep it simple to minimise disruption. Instead of a full site survey, we ask for a few clear photos (the intended location, nearby power socket, any water feed if plumbed-in, and a quick shot of access like stairs/lifts/parking). From that, we confirm suitability, listen to what you need, and then drop off a machine for a 7-day trial. If anything looks borderline (space, electrics, plumbing), weβll flag it and suggest easy fixes before delivery.
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What are the power and space requirements?
Most machines need a standard UK 230β240V, 13A socket. Allow a typical footprint of around 30β60cm wide, 45β70cm deep, and 45β80cm high, with a little clearance at the back/sides for ventilation and cleaning (weights range roughly 15β60kg depending on model). At most, weβll need two socketsβone for the machine and one for a milk fridge if you choose fresh milk. If youβre going plumbed, weβll need access to a nearby cold-water feed (usually under a sink), but we can normally route from elsewhere if needed. Weβll confirm final dimensions when we recommend your shortlist.
Water, Filters & Limescale
Great coffee starts with great water. Filters improve taste and prevent limescaleβthe top cause of avoidable breakdowns.
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Do we need a water filter? How often is it changed and who does it? Popular
Yesβalways. A filter improves taste and protects the boiler and pipework from limescale (which isnβt covered by manufacturer warranties). In hard-water areas we change filters every 6 months; in softer water itβs typically every 12 months. We size the filter to your usage, set the schedule, and send reminders. Our engineer supplies and fits the filter at install and at each changeβeither included in your support plan or as a simple fixed-price visit.
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Is limescale damage covered under warranty?
Yesβprovided you stick to the filter-change schedule we agree at install. Limescale is the enemy of coffee machines; without proper filtration you will get scale, and that type of damage isnβt covered. Keep filters up to date (6 months in hard-water areas, 12 months in softer areas) and weβll stand behind you with full cover.
Daily Use & Cleaning (The Easy Bits)
Quick, practical routines for fresh milk vs MooFresh Gold, weekly cleans, and βwhat to do ifβ¦β tips. Short videos and one-page checklists included.
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What daily/weekly cleaning is required?
Fresh-milk machines need a quick daily milk-line clean (about 5 minutes). If you use our MooFresh Gold (100% milk) soluble milk, the milk clean is even easierβtwice a week is fine. Either way, itβs simpleβjust donβt let fresh milk sit; leave it too long and itβll turn to cheese! Do a weekly machine clean in-office (weβll show you how), and we can train a colleague, your cleaner or FM team. Weβre also happy to jump on WhatsApp video for on-the-spot help any time.
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Do you provide the cleaning consumables and a simple schedule/checklist?
Yesβweβll train you on exactly what to do and what to watch out for. During the free trial youβll see how quick it is, and weβll leave you with a simple one-page routine (daily/weekly) so anyone can follow it. Weβll also show you which cleaning consumables you need and how to re-order from us in seconds. Itβs genuinely easy once youβve seen it done.
Warranty, Care Plans & Response Times
Whatβs covered at each tier, how fast we attend, and how filter changes keep your cover valid. Simple, honest terms in plain English.
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How fast is support/engineer response on each tier?
Youβll get rapid phone/WhatsApp help on all tiersβmost issues are fixed remotely within the call. If we need to attend, Total Care+ targets same-day or next business day on-site. Priority Care is typically within 1β2 working days, and Standard within 2β3 working days. We keep parts in stock for next-day dispatch, and weβll always give you a clear ETA.
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How fast is support/engineer response on each tier?
Youβll get rapid phone/WhatsApp help on all tiersβmost issues are fixed remotely within the call. If we need to attend, Total Care+ targets same-day or next business day on-site. Priority Care is typically within 1β2 working days, and Standard within 2β3 working days. We keep parts in stock for next-day dispatch, and weβll always give you a clear ETA.
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Why have you chosen these machines for office use?
We pick models that are workhorses: reliable in busy kitchens, easy to use, simple to clean, and with parts/servicing readily available in the UK. They produce cafΓ©-quality drinks consistently and have sensible running costs. In shortβbuilt for offices, not just showrooms.
Ingredients, Ordering & Deliveries
Beans, milk and hot chocolate choices, how to re-order in seconds, delivery times, and how to keep your teamβs favourites in stock.
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What ingredients do you supply?
Freshly roasted coffee (whole beans for bean-to-cup), MooFresh Gold (100% milk) soluble milk, and Cocoa Luxe premium hot chocolate. Decaf options available too.
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Which coffee do most offices pick to start with?
Our βDouble Aβ house coffee is the safe, crowd-pleasing choiceβsmooth, consistent, and works brilliantly on milk drinks and americanos.
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Is there a shelf life on ingredients?
With a minimum 6-month shelf life, you can order in bulk to spread delivery costs and reduce environmental impact.
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How do we re-order quickly?
Use our online storeβtwo minutes and done. If youβre on account, just log in and check out; card checkout is available too. Need help? Call or WhatsApp and weβll place it for you.
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Is there a shelf life on ingredients?
With a minimum 6-month shelf life, you can order in bulk to spread delivery costs and reduce environmental impact.
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Do you offer decaf or non-dairy options?
Yes. We stock decaf coffee and can provide guidance on non-dairy milks for compatible machines (or how to serve them neatly alongside).
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Whatβs the usual delivery time?
Next working day to most UK addresses with tracked DPD. Youβll get live tracking and a delivery window on the day.
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Can we set up regular deliveries so we donβt run out?
Absolutelyβtell us your average weekly cups and weβll suggest a simple repeat schedule (monthly or bi-weekly). You can pause or tweak any time. And soon you will be able to just set up a subscription (we are working on this now)
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What happens if something arrives damaged or short?
Snap a quick photo of the parcel and label, message us, and weβll sort a replacement straight awayβno fuss.
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Do you ship outside the UK?
Day-to-day we serve UK offices. If youβve got multiple sites (including ROI/EU), tell us the locations and weβll advise whatβs possible.
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Can our cleaner/FM team handle re-ordering?
Sureβgive us a name and email, and weβll set them up with the right access and a one-page βhow much, how oftenβ guide.
Getting Help & Troubleshooting
All the ways to get supportβphone, WhatsApp video, emailβplus quick fixes, part replacements and when weβll roll an engineer.
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How fast is support/engineer response on each tier?
Youβll get rapid phone/WhatsApp help on all tiersβmost issues are fixed remotely within the call. If we need to attend, Total Care+ targets same-day or next business day on-site. Priority Care is typically within 1β2 working days, and Standard within 2β3 working days. We keep parts in stock for next-day dispatch, and weβll always give you a clear ETA.