Whether your company requires employees to work from the office full-time or operates on a hybrid model, right now it might be more important than ever to ensure that workplaces feel welcoming, comfortable, and supportive in order to both recruit and retain talent. That might be reflected through bigger policies and amenities, like wellness programs and nursing rooms, but sometimes it’s all about the little things — like free coffee. With 62 percent of Americans consuming coffee daily, typically just over three cups per day, it’s reasonable to want this available at work; and it’s reasonable to think employers might provide it, especially because consuming coffee is shown to increase productivity. But if you’re already thinking about offering that extra perk for onsite workers, you might find yourself at a common crossroads: iced coffee vs. hot coffee.

Here’s what you need to know about how to choose between iced and hot coffee plus some tips on how to choose the best bulk coffee for the office:

What’s the difference between iced coffee and hot coffee?

Iced coffee is exactly the same as hot coffee, except for its temperature and how it’s served. In fact, it starts out as hot coffee (brewed at 195°-205° Fahrenheit) that is then cooled down to room temperature or below and served over ice. At work, this means that it will take more forethought and preparation to ensure coffee is regularly brewed in advance so that it has time to cool. (But you also need to ensure it’s not brewed and stored too far in advance; sealed in the fridge, hot coffee is only good for three or four days.) It also means that larger quantities of ice might need to be available at your office — you might even need a dedicated ice machine or freezer in the break room.

Is iced coffee the same thing as cold brew?

It’s important to note that iced coffee is not the same thing as cold brew. Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for long periods (an optimal length is 18 hours), rather than by boiling them quickly; though some people serve cold brew over ice, many aficionados prefer not to dilute the finished product. For your office, this means there would still be some storage and preparation considerations — unless you have a fully automated tap system installed — but you might have fewer concerns about ice making.

Does iced coffee have the same effect as hot coffee?

No matter how good it tastes, many people drink coffee for practical purposes in the pursuit of physiological results: alertness, energy, and focus. The good news is that iced coffee and hot coffee have almost the same amount of caffeine (which is an average of 95 mg per cup). The main difference is that brewed coffee becomes diluted when it’s poured over ice, and therefore, a 12-ounce mug would ultimately deliver less caffeine if it contains iced coffee (coffee plus ice) than if it holds hot coffee. Then again, the same thing can be said if you add milk or creamer to dilute the hot coffee. 

Is iced coffee better than hot coffee?

Some people are iced coffee loyalists, drinking it even in the depths of winter. However, hot coffee drinkers often consider iced coffee both diluted and delayed — and therefore not worth the end experience, even on the hottest day. As with most things, it really comes down to a matter of preference. 

High-quality, freshly ground, well-made hot coffee might still be considered “better” than a poorly done iced coffee, even to those who consider themselves loyalists … and vice-versa. That being said, the most important thing to do is commit to quality products. That does include the coffee beans or grounds themselves, of course, but it also includes the equipment.

Basic items to consider: a grinder for the beans, the drip machine itself to boil the grounds, and potentially a milk steamer to add variation on hot drinks — in addition to that ice machine or freezer mentioned above. Dedicated iced coffee dispensers are available as well, including portable models. (By the way, if you’re now curious about cold brew, too, you’d need to order a dedicated system for your break room — but there are plenty of options available, including cold brew on tap.) Cups, carafes, and other storage and serving choices can impact taste and experience for each option, as well.

Iced coffee and hot coffee options for the office

The good thing about iced coffee being made the same way as hot coffee — to start out, at least — is that you don’t necessarily have to worry about iced coffee vs. hot coffee. One less office rivalry! You can, likely, have both. That way, everyone is happy — even those who like to mix it up seasonally — which is a total win for coffee lovers, not to mention office morale.