How to Choose the Right Vending Machine for an Office of 20–50 Staff

How to Choose the Right Vending Machine for an Office of 20–50 Staff with Westways Vending

Choosing the right vending machine for your workplace might seem like a small decision, but for an office of 20–50 staff, it can have a surprisingly big impact. The right vending solution boosts convenience, keeps your team energised, supports wellbeing, and even strengthens your workplace culture. With so many machine types and service options to choose from, the key is understanding what will work best for your team’s size, habits, and environment.

At Westways Vending, we specialise in helping businesses pick the perfect vending machine for their space. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the right choice for a small to mid-sized office.

1. Understand Your Team’s Needs and Habits

Before you start exploring machine options, take some time to think about the people who’ll be using it. Every workplace is different, and staff preferences will influence which machine makes sense.

Consider questions such as:

• Do staff often snack between meetings?
• Are healthier choices popular in your workplace?
• Is hydration a priority—do people frequently buy bottled water or soft drinks?
• Would a coffee or hot drink machine be a morale booster?
• Do employees stay on-site for lunch or tend to go out?

In offices with 20–50 people, the most in-demand option is usually a combination of snacks and chilled drinks, although some workplaces also appreciate having a coffee machine alongside.

Taking a quick survey or simply observing habits can help you choose a machine your team will love and use regularly.

2. Choose the Best Type of Vending Machine for Your Office

Once you have a sense of what your employees want, it’s time to explore the main types of vending machines available.

Snack Vending Machines

Ideal for busy offices, snack machines offer everything from crisps and chocolates to sweets, protein bars, and biscuits. These machines work well if staff frequently reach for quick, convenient snacks.

Drink Vending Machines

If your team consumes a lot of bottled water, soft drinks, or energy drinks, a dedicated cold drinks machine may be the best option. These machines also cool drinks efficiently and ensure a constant supply.

Combination Machines

A popular choice for offices with 20–50 employees, combination machines deliver both snacks and drinks in a single unit. They save space, are cost-effective, and provide variety without requiring multiple machines.

Frozen Food Machines

For workplaces where staff don’t usually leave the office for lunch, frozen food machines can offer added convenience. These can be stocked high quality frozen meals, designed to keep people fuelled and well-fed during their working shift. They require higher turnover due to short shelf life, so they work best when staff numbers are stable and demand is consistent.

Coffee and Hot Drink Machines

If your staff rely on caffeine to get through the day, a hot drink machine can transform your breakroom. Options range from simple instant-coffee machines to premium bean-to-cup systems that serve café-style drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and hot chocolate. These machines often improve workplace morale and reduce trips out of the office.

3. Consider Space, Placement, and Power Requirements

Even the best vending machine needs the right home. Before choosing, think about:

• Available floor space
• Nearby plug sockets
• Ventilation requirements
• Foot traffic and accessibility

In many offices of 20–50 people, breakrooms or reception areas are the most convenient locations. Slimline or combination models are ideal for smaller spaces. Westways Vending can assist with assessing your layout and recommending suitable machine placements.

4. Pick a Machine with the Right Payment Options

Today’s workplaces expect modern, flexible payment methods. To maximise usage and convenience, look for machines that accept:

• Contactless card payments
• Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Chip and PIN
• Traditional coins and notes (optional)

Cashless payments tend to be faster, more reliable, and reduce maintenance issues. They’re especially useful in offices where staff may not carry cash.

5. Decide on the Level of Service You Need

One of the biggest decisions is whether your business wants to manage the machine yourself or choose a fully managed vending service.

Self-managed machines

You handle:

• Stock replenishment
• Machine cleaning
• Maintenance and troubleshooting

For most workplaces, this can be time-consuming.

Fully managed vending

Westways Vending handles everything, including:

• Regular stock refills based on your team’s preferences
• Professional machine cleaning
• Breakdowns and technical support
• Product rotation for freshness
• Tracking product popularity

This option is ideal for smaller offices that want hassle-free convenience.

6. Choose a Supplier That Understands Your Office Size

A good supplier makes all the difference. For an office with 20–50 staff, you need a partner who offers:

• Responsive customer service
• Machines that suit smaller or mid-sized workplaces
• Flexible restocking schedules
• A wide variety of products
• Expert advice based on real workplace experience

Westways Vending provides tailored vending solutions built specifically around your team’s size and needs.

Selecting the perfect vending machine for an office of 20–50 employees doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your staff’s preferences, considering space and payment options, and choosing the right service level, you can create a vending setup that enhances workplace satisfaction and productivity.

If you’d like personalised guidance or want to explore vending options tailored to your office, Westways Vending is here to help from installation to ongoing service. Speak to us and discuss the best vending machines for your workplace. You can also call us at 0800 195 3170 or email sales@westwaysvending.co.uk