Can You Claim a Coffee Machine as a Business Expense? | A StafCo Guide for UK Offices

If you’re running a UK office and thinking about treating your team to great coffee, there’s a good chance you’ve asked:

• Can I claim a coffee machine as a business expense?

• Is a coffee maker considered office equipment?

• Are there tax benefits if I lease one instead of buying outright?

Let’s clear it up – and show you how to get the best deal (and tax perks) with low-cost leasing and package savings on bean-to-cup office machines.

✅ Quick Answer: Can You Claim a Coffee Machine as a Business Expense?

Yes, you can. HMRC allows UK businesses to claim coffee machines as a business expense if they’re used in the workplace to provide drinks for staff, guests, or customers.

That includes offices, studios, shared workspaces, clinics – anywhere with a team or regular visitors. Whether you buy or lease, it’s considered part of your office equipment or staff welfare costs.

☕ Is a Coffee Maker Considered Office Equipment?

Absolutely. A commercial or automatic coffee machine is typically classed under plant and machinery or office equipment, making it eligible for:

• Capital allowances
• Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
• Or, if you lease... 100% Corporation Tax Relief

Which brings us to the next big point...

💥 Why Leasing Your Coffee Machine Is Often the Smarter Move

At StafCo, more and more UK businesses are choosing to lease a bean-to-cup coffee machine instead of buying one upfront – and here’s why:

➤ Spread the cost with fixed monthly payments

No large initial outlay. Payments stay the same throughout the term.

➤ 100% Corporation Tax Relief

Lease repayments are fully deductible. That means you save on tax while keeping cash in the business.

➤ No VAT on lease repayments

Leasing is VAT-exempt for UK businesses – unlike purchases, which attract 20% VAT upfront.

➤ Flexibility

Upgrade or swap machines later, without being stuck with old kit.

👉 Want the full breakdown? Visit our Leasing Info Page.

🔗 Ready to Choose a Coffee Machine for Your Office?

Here are your best options depending on your team size, drink preferences and cleaning preferences:

☕ Fresh Milk Bean-to-Cup Machines

Barista-style results with real milk. Great for offices that want impressive lattes and cappuccinos.
🔗 See Fresh Milk Machines

☕ Soluble Milk Bean-to-Cup Machines

Lower maintenance, lower cost. Ideal for self-serve, fast-paced workplaces.
🔗 See Soluble Milk Machines

⚡ Save Even More with Our Office Coffee Machine Bundle Deals

Get everything you need – machine, milk fridge, filter, cleaning products and coffee – in one discounted bundle. Perfect for new offices or upgrading setups.

💰 Lease or buy, and save hundreds
🧼 Includes cleaning kit and setup
🚚 Fast delivery, install and training

🔗 See Bundle Deals & Package Offers

📌 Summary

Yes – you can absolutely claim a coffee machine as a business expense. And if you lease it through a provider like StafCo, it becomes a smart, tax-efficient way to look after your staff and visitors. You’ll keep cash in the business, avoid big outlays, and enjoy café-quality coffee in your own workplace.

🔍 Most Searched Questions – Answered

Can I lease a coffee machine for my office?

Yes – and for UK businesses, leasing comes with big advantages: VAT-exempt repayments, 100% tax relief, and no large upfront cost.

Is a coffee machine a business expense?

If it’s used in the workplace to serve staff or customers, yes – it counts as office equipment or staff welfare, making it an eligible expense.

What’s the difference between bean-to-cup and pod machines?

Bean-to-cup machines grind fresh coffee beans for every drink – much better flavour, lower waste, and cheaper per cup in the long run. Pods are convenient but expensive, less sustainable, and limited in drink choice.

Are bean-to-cup machines easy to clean?

They vary – but all our models include automated cleaning cycles, and our packages come with everything you need to clean properly.