Fireproof Mat for Coffee Machines: Is It Mandatory in the Office?

In many offices, the coffee machine runs all day. It gets hot and is always connected to power. As a result, a defect can start a fire. That is why a fireproof mat for coffee machines belongs in every office kitchen.

Here you can read which rules apply and which mat fits. This way, you are on the safe side at the next inspection.

Is a fireproof mat for coffee machines mandatory?

No law names the mat word for word. However, the rules of the German accident insurers and of property insurers are clear:

• DGUV Rule 115-401 (office sector): in the chapter on staff rooms, it says in essence: place coffee machines and kettles on a fireproof base. Read more in our article on the DGUV Rule 115-401.
• VdS 2015 “Electrical appliances and installations”: cookers and chargers must stand so that they do not set anything on fire.
• Insurer guidelines: many property insurers explicitly ask you to place coffee machines on a non-combustible base.

After a fire, or during an inspection, this is exactly what people ask about. With a tested mat, you show that you have taken precautions.

Proven in authorities, schools and nurseries

For years, authorities and public institutions all over Germany have relied on the FireMat. These include tax offices, schools and kindergartens. The reason is simple: the FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2.

So you can prove during an inspection that your mat is non-combustible. Fire safety officers and insurers ask for exactly this proof.

Tip for buyers: most institutions equip all devices at once. Often this means 30 to 50 mats: one for every coffee machine, kettle and microwave. So fire protection for the whole building is done with one order. You can order by invoice via our page for companies and authorities.

Why coffee machines are a fire risk

• They heat water and produce a lot of heat in the process.
• Many devices run constantly or stay on standby.
• Older devices age faster. Therefore the overheating protection can fail.
• In office kitchens, paper, paper cups or tea towels often lie right next to them.

A fireproof mat keeps a fire away from the table. In addition, it protects the surface from heat and water.

Which fireproof mat for coffee machines is suitable?

The key point: the mat must not burn. So look for tested proof. The FireMat is certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2. The standard tests how a material reacts to a flame. You can find the certificate on our certificates page.

The FireMat is made of Panox and para-aramid. It withstands up to 300 °C, has no melting point and extinguishes itself. You can read more about the material in our article fireproof fabric made of aramid fibres.

Version	Feature	Good for
Black Edition	many sizes from 19 x 19 to 70 x 100 cm	coffee machines, bean-to-cup machines, whole rows of devices
Silk-A Edition	water and oil repellent, non-slip	devices where water or milk gets spilled

Tile, glass plate or FireMat?

Many people put their coffee machine on a tile or a glass plate. This is better than nothing, but it has drawbacks:

• Tile: heavy, sharp-edged and often too small for a bean-to-cup machine.
• Glass plate: can crack from heat or a knock. Moreover, fire safety proof is usually missing.
• FireMat: light, available in a non-slip version, in many sizes and certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2.

You can find a detailed comparison in our article fireproof plate, tile or mat?.

How to find the right size

1. Measure the footprint of your coffee machine.
2. Add about 5 cm on all sides.
3. If several devices stand side by side, for example a coffee machine and a kettle, take one large mat for all of them.

For a small filter coffee machine, a mat of about 33 x 33 cm is often enough. Larger sizes fit bean-to-cup machines, for example 46 x 46 cm or 35 x 65 cm. For a whole coffee corner, there are 60 x 70 cm and 70 x 100 cm.

Bean-to-cup machines: what to look for

Bean-to-cup machines are large and heavy. Water or milk often gets spilled. That is why a water-repellent mat is very practical here. The Silk-A Edition can do this. However, keep the ventilation of the device free.

More than a mat: safe operation in the office

The mat is an important building block. For safe operation, however, there is more:

• Testing: electrical devices at work must be tested regularly by a qualified electrician (DGUV Regulation 3).
• Private devices: if staff bring their own machines, this applies to them too. That is why many companies only allow tested devices.
• Location: set up the machine securely and at a distance from the sink. Keep paper and other combustible items away.
• Switching off: switch devices off after work if possible.

More on this in our guide do you need a fireproof mat for electrical appliances?. General background on fire safety is also available on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Does this also apply to kettles and microwaves?

Yes. The DGUV rule explicitly names coffee machines and kettles. The same principle applies to other devices with a heating element. See also fireproof mat for kettles and fireproof mat for microwaves.

Is a mat from the DIY store enough?

What matters is that the mat is non-combustible and that you can prove it. So ask for a test according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2 or comparable proof.

Can companies and authorities order by invoice?

Yes. There are separate ordering options for companies, authorities, schools and public institutions. You can find all information on the page fireproof mats for companies and authorities.

How do I clean the mat?

Wipe off light dirt. Otherwise, wash the FireMat at 60 °C with liquid detergent. Details are in the washing instructions.

Conclusion

A fireproof mat for coffee machines costs little and protects a lot. It follows the DGUV rule and the wishes of many insurers. With the FireMat, certified by TÜV SÜD according to DIN EN ISO 11925-2, you are on the safe side at the next inspection.

For several devices, a set is also worth it. Read more under fire protection sets.