A Buyer’s Guide To Second Hand Bean-to-Cup Machines

So you’re on the hunt for a second hand coffee machine. A bean-to-cup machine might be your best option if you’re looking for a dependable, hassle-free machine that will deliver a good cup of coffee at the press of a button. Not sure what this kind of machine is? Don’t worry about it, we’ve got you covered. In fact, the tips found in this guide should give you an idea of what you should be looking out for as you embark on the hunt for the perfect second hand coffee machine in the coming weeks. You’re welcome!

What is a Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine? 

In the simplest of terms, a bean-to-cup coffee maker is one that handles the grinding of the coffee beans for you. This happens right before they are used, meaning you get a fresh taste with every single cup. The grounds are essentially mixed with preheated water and dispensed into the cup as if you had just ground up the beans yourself, and depending on the machine make and model, all of this tends to happen within the space of just a couple of seconds. This is nothing short of heavenly, especially if you have a hectic schedule and don’t have the time to commit to cultivating your inner barista in between Zoom meetings. Easy to use and affordable, these machines are simply awesome.

Buying Second Hand: The Importance of Doing Your Research First

Now that you know just how wonderful bean-to-cup machines are, you should probably also know that getting your hands on a good second hand one requires you to do a bit more research than when you’re buying one out of the box. Start by knowing what your price range is, so you won’t waste time on listings or offers that fall outside of this on your process of finding a new machine. Start by signing up to newsletters and enabling notifications on price alerts for stores that sell second hand machines. That way, you’ll always be on the cusp of the best deals before others who are also eagerly awaiting the best possible deal. 

Don’t Be Shy About Asking (The Tough) Questions

When buying something pre-owned, the last thing you can be is shy about the product. Ask about the quality of the machine, how long it has been used, when it was bought, where it was bought, whether it is still in warranty, and anything else that might give you a sense about what you’re getting into before parting with your hard earned cash. Avoid just banking on images of the coffee maker. Ask the seller if it would be possible to jump on a video call for you to see the machine, and perhaps even to see it make a cup of coffee, so you can get a sense of how well it is working. This might seem like some effort, but you’ll be thankful after you’ve avoided being scammed.

Weighing Up All Your Options

If you think you’ve found the right machine, or if you’re thinking about maybe investing the money you would have spent on a second hand machine on a monthly rental, getting some expert advice can only help your cause. Places like Aquaspresso offer advice, purchase and rental options, and are out to help connect people from all over South Africa with machines that cater to their lifestyle needs. A rental might even be a more affordable option than the second hand machine you’re after, and you’ll be getting service support with the machine too by going down that route. The key is to explore your options, and before you know it, you’ll be paired with the right machine for you. Your next bean-to-cup (or similar) coffee machine is right on your doorstep. Good luck on the hunt!