Coffee Shop Equipment Needed To Open a Coffee Shop
What Equipment Do You Need to Open a Coffee Shop?
The Ultimate Guide for Coffee Shop Equipment
Starting a coffee shop has many moving parts. An essential element of your coffee business will ultimately be deciding on the type of equipment that makes it possible to serve your customers.
Since commercial coffee shop equipment is not cheap, it's best to do most of the research before you actually buy anything.
Getting a real handle on your coffee shop equipment choices that stay within your coffee shop budget is an important aspect of successfully opening any coffee shop business.
Fortunately, you don't have to waste your money on your coffee shop equipment. Developing your coffee shop concept, codifying your concept in a coffee shop business plan, and making smart coffee equipment decisions will help you stretch out the money you will need to set up your coffee shop.
Your Coffee Shop Equipment Questions:
Our Complete Coffee Shop Startup Kit contains a one-hour streaming audio interview discussing various aspects concerning coffee shop equipment that you will want to hear.
What coffee equipment do I need to start a coffee shop?
Answer:
Your coffee shop equipment decisions should be based on your coffee shop menu, budget, and concept.
What kind of food and beverages do you plan to serve your customers? Will you serve breakfast and lunch? Will you offer ice cream and sandwiches? Baked goods?
Regarding your coffee equipment decisions, your coffee shop menu board decides everything.
It's no secret that your location will also play a key role in what you decide to serve your customers.
Different customers have different needs. Consider that coffee shop chains or fast-food restaurants change their menu slightly depending on where they are located to meet the local customers' needs.
You must serve what your customers want to maintain your month-over-month sales goals.
Sometimes, it's not always going to be easy to figure out what they like. You have to do the research, ask them, and listen.
I recently met one cafe owner who spent three months baking different cakes, tarts, and scones to see which products her neighbors and local community members liked the best. She used this opportunity to decide what she wanted to bake.
One of the biggest mistakes made by coffee shop owners is building a coffee shop business concept based on a menu that isn't appealing to their customer base.
So, to determine what your coffee shop menu will be… you have to know your customers.
Spending on coffee brewing or cooking equipment to prepare, store, and serve your menu items can be expensive, especially if they can't pay for themselves through sales.
Doing the necessary research, such as asking your would-be customers what they like to eat, is a great start. It's not rocket science. It just takes work and a lot of listening. We have a detailed coffee equipment list below.
Developing Your Coffee Shop Equipment List
Your Coffee Shop Menu Will Determine Your Equipment Needs
Your coffee shop menu will ultimately determine your coffee equipment needs, which will often have a ripple effect on other areas of the start of your coffee business.
This includes elements such as space for your desired cafe design and layout.
For now, let us assume that you have decided on what menu items will be to move forward.
Depending on what you serve, it will necessitate certain equipment that the health department expects you to store and safely serve your customers. This is why, generally, before your health permit approval, you must submit your menu items, often along with specific ingredients and how your menu is prepared, stored, and served.
Undoubtedly, your menu and equipment consequently impact the design of your coffee shop as well. After all, if you need at least three sinks, a prepping table, a commercial-grade refrigerator, a freezer, an ice maker, a grease trap, etc., how will that impact your need for space?
How will these factors impact your decision to sign your coffee shop property lease, choose the perfect coffee shop location you want, alter your original business concept, or adjust your changing budgetary needs?
Additional changes to your coffee shop menu, business concept, and coffee equipment must consider your customers' ultimate needs. Regardless of what you decide to serve, there are a few important things to address regarding your coffee shop equipment.
Let's list some of them below.
But First, Your Coffee Shop Menu
Your Coffee Shop Menu is The Lynchpin
As you can see from the illustration above, your coffee shop equipment needs will be based on your menu. Your menu ultimately depends on your customers. Therefore, knowing your target market and satisfying your needs in the marketplace will help you determine your coffee shop equipment needs.
Additionally, the type of coffee business will also play a role in your decision-making. For example, if you have a drive-thru coffee stand or coffee truck, your equipment choices must consider the plumbing, water supply, and available power supply.
With that said, there are a few basic things that you will need to serve your coffee and satisfy the needs of local agencies like the health department.
With your menu and your coffee shop equipment decided upon, you'll need to find the appropriate space for your coffee business. Your space must accommodate all of the sinks, prep tables, commercial refrigerators, storage, grills, etc.
Finally, your coffee equipment decisions will always depend on your budget. Your coffee equipment is what makes it possible to run your coffee business, so you want to invest in quality products that won't break down on you when you need them the most.
Further Reading: Requirements to Open a Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop Equipment List
Your Budget and Your Coffee Equipment
When shopping for your coffee equipment, you will undoubtedly be thinking about your budget in the back of your mind.
“Can I afford this espresso machine?” and “Do I really need that type of grinder?” Or “Can I save by going with a different refrigerator?”
What's the right decision?
The ultimate budget for your coffee shop will have to align with your concept and your menu ideas. If they don’t align appropriately, then some adjustments to your concept or menu will be needed.
Never compromise on the quality of your tools to make money. With that said, is there a way to save on your coffee equipment? Yes, but it takes planning and requires you to consider what you want to accomplish with your coffee business.
While you may not need a shiny new refrigerator or a sparkling toaster oven, you will need dependable coffee grinders and an espresso machine. New coffee equipment likely conserves energy and is more eco-friendly overall.
Give yourself enough time to shop for good equipment deals, find discounts, and/or negotiate with existing businesses or suppliers for coffee equipment.
For more on how to open an eco-friendly coffee shop, please read How to Start a Sustainable Coffee Shop.
Coffee Shop Equipment List
General Coffee Equipment List
| Equipment |
|---|
Commercial Espresso Machine |
| Commercial Coffee Grinders |
| Drip Coffee Brewers |
| POS System (Point-of-Sale) |
| Scales |
| Toasters, Ovens |
| Blenders |
Ice Machines |
| Shelving/Storage |
Display Case |
| Dishwasher |
Froth Pitchers |
Syrup Pumps |
Porcelain Mugs |
Cup, Lid & Straw Organizer |
Paper (Includes paper cups, take out carriers, napkins, toilet paper, etc.) |
Hot Water Dispensers |
Furniture (Tables, chairs, & stools) |
Small Wares (Knives, spoons, frothing spoons, etc.) |
| Knock Box |
| Refrigerator |
| Water Heater |
| 3-Compartment Sink and Hand washing Sink |
| Commercial Mop Sink |
| Exterior Decoration Lighting |
| Menu Boards |
| Commercial Grease Trap |
| Milk Pitchers/Thermometers |
| Microwave |
| Syrup Racks/Pumps |
| Water Purification System |
| Cold Brewing Systems |
| Freezers and Fridges |
| Hot water dispenser |
| Decanters |
| Airpots |
This is not a complete coffee shop list. Your complete list depends entirely on your menu, concept, coffee shop budget, and space. However, these coffee shop equipment items mentioned above will help you get started.
Coffee shop equipment you may need:
The coffee equipment listed below is for a typical brick-and-mortar standard coffee shop. Let's take a closer look at them in no particular order:
Your Coffee Shop Espresso Machine:
There are various espresso machines that you could use for your coffee shop. But since your espresso machine will be the heart of your coffee-producing venture, choosing the appropriate one will be important.
You must have a quality espresso machine to meet your business's highest daily demands. Depending on your sales volume throughout the day, you may consider having a “2-group” or “3-group” espresso machine. These groups refer to the number of portafilters a machine has.
Generally, I recommend against having just a “one group” espresso machine. However, you may be limited on space as well as other factors. However, with that said, I like the idea of planning for growth.
You want to choose an espresso machine that will work efficiently to address your coffee business's peak daily times and fit within your space and budget.
Each espresso machine requires some plumbing and a certain amount of energy. This is particularly important for drive-thru coffee stands, mobile coffee trailers, and coffee kiosks.
Commercial Coffee Grinders:
You most likely need two grinders (one for your espresso and the other for decaf or drip brewing). Professional coffee grinders are important for several reasons, including the consistency and superior quality of your coffee.
Commercial coffee grinders are really good at insulating the coffee from the heat caused during the grinding process, impacting the flavor. But even more importantly, it impacts the consistency of the size of each coffee granule.
The size of your coffee grind is important for extracting the perfect espresso shot. Choosing a commercial coffee grinder that allows you to perfectly “dial in” your coffee and delivers the perfect shot will be an important factor in the quality of coffee you serve.
Such commercial coffee grinders can be very sophisticated and help you achieve the perfect amount of espresso before you tamp it.
You may also want a third coffee grinder for your drip coffee brewer. Your drip coffee makes black drip coffee, a staple in many coffee shops.
Other Coffee Brewing Devices:
In addition to your espresso machine and commercial drip coffee brewer, you may also have other brewing devices. They may include items for pour-over drinks, manual espresso makers, an Aeropress, and siphons.
A Three-Compartment Sink:
A three-compartment sink is absolutely vital to your café or coffee shop. The reason is that you will always have to wash dishes, rinse them, and sanitize them.
Additionally, you will need a separate hand-washing sink to ensure you and the employees can wash their hands. This is usually required for most cafes or brick-and-mortar coffee shops.
Depending on your menu, it may also require a food/coffee truck and drive-thru espresso stands. Be sure to check with your local health department code to verify your needs. While these may not be the most expensive items, your sinks' placement will impact your workflow and needs for space.
A Mop Sink/Closet:
A mop sink is a special sink with a drain on the floor. It is made for you to use a mop that you will clean the floor with. The health department wants you to ensure that you have a mop sink that drains well and can quickly clean up any spills that may occur or be used in the natural course of maintaining a clean business. For the obvious reasons of hygiene and illness prevention, you cannot use a hand-washing sink or food prep sink as your mop sink.
Certain minimum and maximum water temperatures may also be required for your mop closet use, so be sure to check with your local health department.
Remember: A kitchen mop should never be used in the sinks you are using to wash or sanitize your utensils or dishes.
A Grease Trap:
Fats, oils, and grease ruin municipal sewers and your plumbing systems. Many city and county governments want you to open up your business but do not want you to ruin the sewers. Often, a grease trap will be required. Grease traps are small traps that collect fats and grease before leaving your business.
A Commercial Water Heater:
Your access to hot water will be important. A commercial-grade water heater that fills up quickly can provide hot water for all of your needs (washing your hands, dishwashing).
A commercial water heater or hot water tank will ensure that you have enough hot water to last throughout the day at an appropriate temperature level.
A Commercial Refrigerator:
A good commercial refrigerator that keeps the temperature constant while being opened and closed continuously throughout the day is important.
The steady temperature of your milk and other foods and condiments will be a requirement for your health department.
Depending on your space and needs, your refrigerator's size will vary. You may have smaller, under-the-counter refrigerators to large walk-ins.
Commercial Ice-Maker or Freezer:
Ice is a key ingredient for many of your drinks. You will be surprised how much ice a coffee shop uses – even in winter. There are a variety of ice-makers that come in different sizes. Like refrigerators, they require a certain amount of space, power, and a plumbing system.
Your Coffee Shop Equipment Needs
Other Coffee Equipment You Might Need
Commercial Blenders:
Commercial blenders will help you create smoothies, frappes, and other beverages. From fruit to espresso beverages, you will certainly use your blenders.
Commercial Dishwasher:
Commercial dishwashers are practical and needed to clean and sanitize your utensils and dishes.
Water Filtration System:
Installing a water filtration system is both necessary and practical. You will need a filtration system depending on where you serve coffee and the local water quality. A filter system that removes debris and bacteria will be needed to satisfy various health departments.
Cafe Work and Food Prepping Table:
If you prepare your own food, including sandwiches, bagels, salads, or paninis, you may need a prepping table separate from your other items.
Your food prepping table is a table for just that – preparing your food. They aren't places to hold your cash register or espresso machine. Some municipalities may be pickier than others, so consider doing some homework.
These are just a few of the items you will need for your café. If you buy an existing café, ensure you have the equipment purchased individually itemized in writing. Be sure what items are included with the sale of the business.
If you are starting from scratch, meaning that you will not have any coffee equipment, be aware of the menu decisions and how they will impact your bottom line, the equipment needed, design necessities, and space requirements.
Cafe Small Wares & Miscellaneous items:
If you make coffee, you will need some required items such as stainless steel pitchers, twisted frothing spoons, shot glasses, tampers, knock boxes, thermometers, syrup pumps, condiment organizers, and other items.
You will also need cups or ceramic ware to serve the coffee. Small wares and miscellaneous items are important to make your coffee shop work, but the “big ticket” purchases can overshadow them. So, be sure to budget for these items as well.
A Point-of-Sale System:
Coffee shop POS systems are essential for processing sales transactions. Without a reliable Coffee Shop POS system, you will find it difficult to generate money. Fortunately, there are various good coffee shop POS systems available to choose from, depending on your volume of sales and data collection needs.
Cafe Furniture & Fixtures:
While furniture and fixtures are not generally considered “coffee shop equipment,” you will need to factor in furniture and fixtures' costs. Items like chairs, stools, tables, and counters may be needed. Additionally, you might need to buy outdoor furniture as well.
A sugar and creamer station may also be required or recommended to be purchased and installed. Fixtures include interior and exterior lighting.
Your Cafe Point-of-Sale Equipment Needs
And what about your POS cash register?
Another important coffee shop element is your coffee shop's Point-of-Sale register or POS. A coffee shop POS is essentially your cash register.
As you start planning your coffee shop, you should consider looking for your Point-of-Sale system early, as there are many different options.
Every year, more and more iPad or tablet-based POS registers seem to be available.
Of course, each has its pros & cons for your particular coffee business. Your point-of-sale system will be an important coffee shop equipment you will depend on.
But which is the best POS system is best for your cafe?
Read our in-depth article and Coffee Shop POS recommendations here.
Coffee Shop Equipment Regulations
Now that we’ve talked in general about the coffee shop equipment you will need, you should also be aware that not all equipment is created equal. Since the equipment you need will be used to prepare and serve customers, your equipment will often need to be commercial-grade.
For example, your refrigerators or ice machines may need to be commercial, which allows them to stay cold at a certain temperature when they are being opened and shut all day.
Setting up the appropriate infrastructure to “house” your equipment will also be important. For example, your espresso machine may likely require a 220V outlet and power source and plumbing (if it does not already exist).
Additionally, some excellent quality espresso machines are built for “home use.” This can mean that the materials that it is made from are different. Some commercial machines have different standards that ensure certain chemicals don’t leach into the water. So this may (or may not) impact your coffee equipment decisions.
With these variables in mind, you should contact your county health department for any specific regulations. Additionally, you should contact your local building department. Most building departments offer pre-written guidelines for food establishments.
These additional regulations are placed for safety reasons and are often vigorously enforced before getting your health permit. So, keep them in mind as you move forward with your coffee equipment purchases.
Bringing It Together…
In Your Coffee Shop Business Plan
Developing your coffee shop concept, coffee shop menu, and coffee shop budget will help you make your coffee equipment choices. It will provide you a framework on which to base your next steps. Having a coffee shop business plan will be important for your ultimate business success (And it will save you money too!)
Be sure to start writing your coffee shop business plan. Our Complete Coffee Shop Startup Kit contains a coffee shop business plan template and explanations that you will need if you need help. Our business plan will save you approximately 12-15 hours of research time.
A coffee shop business plan will…
- Organize your thoughts
- Make sure you thought everything through
- Develop your budget
Are You Ready To Get Started?
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Coffee Shop Startups
Based in Seattle, Washington, USA, Coffee Shop Startups is dedicated to providing you with the most relevant information on how to start a coffee shop business successfully. Over the last 11 years, we've helped thousands of aspiring coffee business owners worldwide. We harness the experience, wisdom, and knowledge of many successful coffee shop owners to help you increase your chances of success and profits. We support business owners who want to start a coffee business by providing them with valuable information on starting their coffee business successfully.
