Step into a good coworking space and you immediately get the sense that things just work. People are tapping away on laptops, chatting quietly, slipping in and out of meetings, brainstorming over flat whites. But what makes the difference between a forgettable space and one that feels like a second home? The answer, more often than not, lies in the details — especially the gear.
Coworking spaces are no longer just considered glorified libraries. They’re self-contained mini-ecosystems where comfort meets productivity and first impressions are everything. Whether you’re managing a shared office, upgrading your own creative studio or setting up a start-up hub, the appliances you choose say a lot. They signal to your members that you care about their experience.
So if you’re ready to level up your space, here are the top appliances worth the investment.
1. The Coffee Machine: Your Holy Grail
You can’t discuss office essentials without discussing coffee. It’s the unofficial currency of productivity, and the social glue of most Aussie workplaces. In a coworking space, where clients, freelancers and small teams mix, a solid brew station to make a perfect cup of coffee can make or break the vibe.
And no, a kettle and a bottle of instant coffee won’t cut it. Investing in quality coffee machines for business will ensure consistency, speed and flavour — all of which are important to your members. These professional-grade machines make cafe-quality espressos, and they give you the option to configure drinks to suit everyone, from the long black purists out there to the syrup-addicted cappuccino heads. Plus, there’s something undeniably slick about walking into a space and seeing the coffee setup look as serious as the work that’s being done.
Look for models that are easy to clean, resilient under pressure and ideally include a built-in grinder. Bonus points if they also provide milk alternatives or touchless options. If your space is more on the boutique side, consider machines that strike the perfect balance between design and function. People notice the details, and great coffee creates great first impressions.
2. High-Speed Multifunction Printers
Despite the rise of all things digital, printing hasn’t exactly died off. Contracts, mock-ups, shipping labels and onboarding packs are all still needed in 2025, and usually when someone’s in a rush. This is why a hardworking, high-speed multifunction printer will always be a must-have in any co-working space.
The key is not to settle for the budget one available at your local office store. You’re going to want something that can keep up with the daily grind without missing a beat. Find a model that scans, copies, prints double-sided and works wirelessly. A quality business printer should be fast, energy-efficient and smart enough to accommodate various user accounts or restricted access settings.
Also worth noting are the machine’s refill costs and maintenance. Try to get a machine that doesn’t consume toner like a teenager does snacks, and that’s easy to troubleshoot when it jams. Because it will jam. But with the right model, it won’t ruin anyone’s day or waste a whole roll of eye-rolls.
3. Smart Fridges & Kitchen Appliances
It’s no secret that shared fridges at coworking spaces can be a horror show. Forgotten lunches, science experiments in Tupperware, passive-aggressive sticky notes…we’ve all been there. But the right fridge setup actually encourages better habits. A smart, spacious, well-designed fridge can help keep things organised, respectful and most importantly, clean.
Smart fridges complete with transparent shelving, built-in cooling zones and even internal cameras (yes, really) make keeping food chilled and dinner-ready twice as easy. Some models even alert you when doors are accidentally left open or temps are wrong, which is especially helpful when you’ve got oat milk and client lunches at stake. Add to that a decent microwave, a fast kettle and perhaps even a sandwich press or blender, and suddenly you have a proper lunchtime zone — not just a grimy corner with a crusty toaster.
Having a mini kitchen setup also helps people stay in the space longer, which is a sneaky win for retention. If someone can warm up their leftovers or whip up a smoothie without having to haul themselves out the door, that’s one fewer incentive to leave the office early.
4. Modern Meeting Room Tech
Coworking is all about collaboration and that, in turn, means meeting rooms. But the bar has been raised. A dodgy screen and crusty whiteboard just won’t cut it anymore, particularly if you’re factoring in hybrid meetings and client presentations. You’re after a setup that is plug-and-play, not plug-and-pray.
A good meeting room appliance kit will have a high-res screen (ideally wall mounted), decent webcam, noise-cancelling mics and good speakers. Some of them even sync to booking systems or have a screen share option without cables, right from your notebook or phone. If you’re used to a more Spartan existence, it may all seem a bit over-the-top at first, but it’s increasingly becoming the new normal.
Try to think beyond the basics too: digital whiteboards, smart projectors or even acoustic panels can help keep conference days running smoothly and looking polished. Remember, this is where potential customers are sold, and where current members show off their work. It should feel impressive, not awkward.
5. Air Purifiers & Climate Control
This one often flies under the radar, but air quality and room temperature can have a major impact on how long someone stays in your coworking space and how engaged they are while they’re there. Have you ever tried to focus in a muggy room that smells like yesterday’s microwaved lunch and copier fumes?
That’s where smart air purifiers, dehumidifiers and climate control come in to save the day. Keep in mind: clean, cool air isn’t an indulgence — it’s your basic modern work space setup. Be sure to opt for a purifier with a HEPA filter and a low noise output, and complement it with ceiling fans or split systems that allow you to have control over zones (no more thermostat wars).
In the colder months, a quiet and low-energy heater will keep things nice and toasty. And if your coworking space has plants, good airflow will keep them (and your members) in good health.
6. Charging Stations & Power Hubs
Phones die. Laptops drain. People forget chargers. That’s just life. But you can win some huge brownie points by making charging as convenient as possible. One solution is to provide portable power hubs, charging lockers or even wireless pads in desks or common areas, which will make a world of difference to anyone using your co-working space.
No one wants to contort themselves under a bench or (heaven forbid) monopolise the only decent socket in the room. So, choose USB/Standard power boards with surge protectors and locate them in key touch points (hot desks, meeting rooms, communal lounges). If you want to go all out, you could even look into purchasing furniture with built-in charging ports. It’s a small touch, but it keeps people plugged in both literally and figuratively.
Key Takeaways
The very best coworking spaces aren’t just practical — they’re thoughtful, well-considered and flexible workspaces. It’s not about just filling every nook and corner of your space with fancy tech gadgets and gimmicks. Instead, it’s about purchasing appliances that can make people feel thought of, comfortable and equipped to do some serious work.
From quality business coffee machines to smart fridges and foolproof meeting tech, having the right gear shows that you’re more than just a desk rental. You’re building a community. And when people feel comfortable in a space, they’re more likely to stay (and maybe bring a few friends along).
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