Opening your own coffee shop will be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. You’ve nailed down a concept, picked a great location, and finalized your business plan.
But do you have everything you need? There’s a lot of stuff to buy. And finding out you forgot to buy a knockbox on opening day can turn into quite the headache.
Whether you're opening a café in Seattle or Florida, this coffee shop equipment list will help you hit the ground running and achieve success on your first day of business.
It will help
- Get everything you need to thrive from day one.
- Nail that first impression with your customers.
- Build a sustainable coffee business.
Let’s get this right from day one!
How to Choose the Best Coffee Shop Equipment
Everyone knows a good espresso machine is the workhorse that drives your business, including handling your coffee beans, but missing and forgotten accessories can slow down service and disrupt the customer experience. Here’s everything you need to keep the espresso workflow going.
Espresso Machines: What to Look For
An espresso machine will run you anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, so it’s important to go over your requirements carefully. Do you need an automatic machine with pre-programmed drink settings? Or semi-automatic that puts your barista in the driving seat as brewing conditions change? We love helping new shops identify the right machine, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Espresso Grinders: Why a Dedicated Grinder Matters
Standard commercial grinders can’t deliver the fine, consistent grind espresso demands. Espresso needs uniform grounds to create the right resistance for proper extraction — too coarse and it’s sour, too fine or uneven and it’s bitter or clogs your machine. A dedicated espresso grinder uses precision burrs, fine-tuned adjustments, and a powerful motor to produce fluffy, consistent grounds for rich flavor and perfect crema. It’s the best way to get the most from your beans and maintain true café-quality espresso every time.
Essential Espresso Accessories Checklist
- Frothing Pitchers
- Steaming Thermometers
- Espresso Shot Glass
- Knockbox
- Tamper
- Tamp Mat
- Espresso Scale
- Timers
⭐Your espresso equipment will be your largest investment into gear, but you don’t have to buy at sticker price. Sign up for a business account to get wholesale pricing on everything you need to run your shop—including your espresso machine.
Batch Brew Coffee Equipment: Choosing the Right Setup
Batch brew coffee is often the primary reason a casual customer becomes a regular. A high-quality batch brewer, grinder, and other coffee shop accessories will ensure you always have a hot, consistent cup ready to go when a customer walks through the doors.
Here's what you'll need;
- Batch Brew Coffee Maker
- Batch Brew Grinder
- Batch Brew Filters
⭐Make sure you get the right filters for your machine using our filter guide. - Thermal Pitchers
- Cold Brew Batcher Brewer
⭐Before investing in a large cold brew system, be sure you have enough cold storage space for the finished brew. In many cases, using two smaller brewers is more practical and easier to fit in standard refrigerators. - Cold Brew Filters
Manual Brewing Gear: Should You Add It to Your Café?
Manual brewers show your customers that you and your baristas are willing to put the time and effort into preparing coffee by hand. It can be a signal to some customers that your staff has an atypical attention to detail.
- Manual Coffee Brewer
⭐Common favorites are the French press, pour-over drippers, and the AeroPress. - Decanters
- Hot Water Dispenser
- Gooseneck Kettles
- Brewer Filters
Choosing Serveware and Porcelain for Your Café
You only get one chance to make a first impression, and high-quality branded serveware is one of the first things customers notice when they walk into your café. A great cup of coffee always comes first, but creating a memorable presence is a close second. Make that espresso something they’ll come back for by investing in premium, custom serveware that reflects your brand.
- Cups & Mugs
⭐Make a list of all the drinks you plan to serve and pair each one with the right cup size. A typical lineup might include 2 oz, 4 oz, 6 oz, and 12 oz espresso cups, plus 10 oz standard coffee mugs. If you plan to offer tea in dedicated teacups, be sure to include those too.
- Glassware (iced drinks)
- Trays
- Cutlery
- Napkins
- Straws
⭐Be aware of local rules regarding reusable straws. Some shops opt to sell reusable straws instead of giving away free plastic straws. - Takeout Cups
- Takeout Cup Carriers
- Water Pitchers & Glasses
⭐A pleasant way for customers to serve themselves water at the table.
Cleaning Equipment for Coffee Shops: Complete List
Regular preventative maintenance and cleaning keep your equipment performing at its best for longer. Skipping cleaning protocols can lead to costly repairs or force you to replace your coffee machine sooner than expected.
Here's what you'll need;
- Pitcher Rinser
⭐This rinses shot glasses and pitchers quickly without having to go to the sink. Install it wherever it’s needed.
- Milk Frother Cleaner
- Steam Wand Brush
⭐It can be a lifesaver for cleaning hard-to-reach places or quickly spot cleaning something.
- Coffee Tool Brush
- Espresso Machine Cleaner
⭐Clogged pipes are the most common cause of espresso machine maintenance issues. Keep a dedicated espresso cleaner on hand for daily upkeep to prevent backups.
- Backflush Disk
- Grinder Brush
- Grinder Cleaning Tablets
⭐Running cleaner tablets through your grinders soaks up the oils that build up over time.
- Microfiber Cloth Towels
Water Management Systems: Why They Matter in Cafés
Optimal coffee equipment performance depends on water with balanced mineral content—neither too soft nor too hard. Most municipal water sources fall outside this ideal range. Implementing a water treatment system conditions the water to precise specifications, protecting your equipment from scale and corrosion while preserving the coffee’s flavor integrity.
- Water Filtration System
- Replacement Water Filters
- Water Test Kit
⭐Coffee is only as good as the quality of water you’re putting in it. So, it’s worth testing your water supply from time to time.
- Water Pumps
⭐A high-quality pump moves water through an espresso machine and improves machine performance.
FAQs
Q: What is the most important piece of equipment for a new coffee shop?
A: The espresso machine is the core of any café’s beverage program. Investing in a reliable, high-quality machine ensures consistent drink quality and fast service.
Q: How much should I budget for essential coffee shop equipment?
A: Expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for all major equipment, depending on your menu and shop size. This includes espresso machines, grinders, brewers, and refrigeration.
Q: Do I need both a batch brewer and manual brewing gear?
A: Most cafés benefit from having both. Batch brewers provide speed and consistency during busy hours, while manual brewing gear (like pour-over) allows for specialty offerings and showcases barista skills.
Q: What cleaning equipment is required to maintain my coffee shop gear?
A: Essential cleaning equipment includes a pitcher rinser, steam wand brush, grinder cleaning tablets, and dedicated espresso machine cleaner. Regular cleaning prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life.
Q: What’s the hopper capacity?
A: The large 1.6 kg transparent hopper means fewer interruptions to refill beans.
Q: Is it noisy?
A: Not at all. The MDXS uses the latest sound dampening tech to keep grinding much quieter than typical commercial grinders.
Final Steps Before Your Café Grand Opening
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach for opening a cafe. The needs of an espresso bar in downtown Manhattan are going to be widely different from a drive-thru coffee shop in Texas. You’ve got to figure out what’s right for you.
Feeling overwhelmed? We’ve been helping people set up their coffee shops for over thirty years now, and our café wholesale program gives new shops access to wholesale pricing instead of sticker prices.
If you have any questions about setting up your first coffee shop, our team of coffee industry experts is here to help every step of the way.
Need Help Choosing Equipment? Contact Our Experts
Our team of coffee industry experts can guide you through choosing the right equipment, designing your bar flow, and picking the perfect accessories for your concept. Whether you’re opening your first shop or expanding your current space, we’re ready to work with you every step of the way.
