German Police Coffee Machine Purchase
A €14,600 coffee machine purchased by German police has drawn sharp criticism after auditors flagged its price as “excessive.” The device, installed at a high-tech police Innovation Lab in Duisburg, was defended by officials who said it meets “gastronomic standards” for hosting up to 500 visitors monthly. The La Cimbali S20 model, bought in 2021, was highlighted as a standard coffee machine capable of high-volume service.
Authorities argued the machine’s cost reflected its ability to guarantee high coffee quality during events. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of maintaining freshness and flavor to meet the expectations of high-profile guests. However, budget scrutiny intensified as auditors questioned why taxpayer funds were spent on such a premium appliance.
Officials justified the pricey machine as essential for event coffee quality; auditors blasted spending taxpayer funds on luxury appliances.
The Innovation Lab, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to develop future policing solutions. It hosts meetings and workshops for officers and external experts. Officials claimed the machine’s capacity and specialty features were necessary to handle large groups.
But critics pointed to other pricey expenses in the facility, including two €6,000 chairs and €35,000 kitchen renovations. Combined, these costs fueled accusations of lavish spending.
State auditors expressed outrage at the purchases, citing a lack of cost-effectiveness. Local media and opposition parties criticized the expenditure as wasteful, especially amid broader debates about public sector budgets. The interior ministry defended the lab’s expenses, arguing the facility required “premium standards” to reflect its innovative mission.
They noted the coffee machine wasn’t just for staff but for up to 500 monthly visitors, including international delegations. News of the purchase spread widely in German and international media in August 2025. Reports framed it as a symbol of bureaucratic excess, sparking discussions about government spending priorities. The story’s coverage aligned with broader media bias trends, where center sources accounted for 52% of reports, often balancing critiques of spending with the lab’s innovative aims. While officials stressed the lab’s role in preparing police for future challenges, public backlash focused on perceived mismanagement. Many questioned whether expensive amenities aligned with the core duties of law enforcement.
The controversy highlights tensions between modernization efforts and fiscal accountability. Supporters argue investing in high-quality facilities attracts talent and fosters collaboration. Critics, however, say such spending undermines public trust, particularly when basic policing resources face shortages.
As debates continue, the €14,600 coffee machine remains a flashpoint in discussions about balancing innovation with responsible budgeting.
