Opening a coffee shop? Here is the list of equipment you will need. (2023)

Opening a coffee shop isn't easy, but a detailed coffee shop equipment list can set you up for success.

According to a July 2020 report byResearch and Shopping, the global coffee market is expected to be worth USD 237.6 billion by 2025. Coffee is the second most popular beverage in the world and has a great influence on our social life and daily habits.

To open a successful coffee shop, you should research the trends,find reliable wholesale partnersand order the best cafe accessories and supplies according to your budget.

For the latter, we offer a comprehensive list of coffee equipment to get you started.

Coffee equipment list

1. automatic coffee machines
2. A high quality espresso machine
3. Industrial coffee grinder
4. POS system and website
5. Curbside pickup supplies
6. unsavory
7. industrial blenders
8. ovens and toasters
9. refrigerators and freezers
10. Shelves
11. Tanks, pumps and storage
12. a security system

1. Automatic coffee machines

Price range: $40-$600

Since standard black coffee will account for a large portion of your shop's sales, you'll want the first item on your coffee shop equipment list to be a coffee maker that pulls its weight. Your coffee maker should be durable enough to produce a large amount of coffee per day, fast enough to meet demand at the busiest times of the day (usually in the morning) and large enough to produce large batches of coffee (so you're not always making coffee all day).

Coffee shops often have several coffee machines making different blends at the same time, but be careful not to push yourself too hard. Most successful coffee shop owners recommend keeping three or four blends available at a time.

Don't know where to start? Here is onelist of top automatic coffee makersto complete your cafe equipment list.

2. A high quality espresso machine

Price range: $500 to $30,000

Many standard coffee drinks contain espresso, so you'll need a great espresso machine. Unfortunately, the market for industrial espresso machines is expanding, and some of the higher-end machines can come as a shock. It is important to understand what makes a good espresso machine and how to get the best value when finding the right machine.

Here is a guide tohow to buy espresso machines, which explains what a high-quality espresso machine should be and what to look for when buying.

3. Industrial coffee grinder

Price range: $600-$4,000

Since most coffee shops use unground beans to make the freshest coffee, you'll want to add an industrial coffee grinder to your coffee shop equipment list. Investing in the right grinder can make all the difference to the flavor profiles and aroma of your coffee or espresso.

Check it out in depthreview of the best commercial coffee grindersto find one to add to your cafe equipment list.

4. POS system and website

Price Range: $0 - $2,000

A POS system does more than record sales. ONEPDV the cafeteriait can help you track your inventory, track your company's analytics and profits, manage employees and get paid on the go.

As a modern cafe, you will need a POS that allows you to sell on multiple channels. Whether that means integrations withthird party deliveryplatforms, onerestaurant e-commerce storetheonline ordering resources, you'll want a solution that's flexible for customers. Your POS should keep online, phone and in-person orders in sync so you never miss a sales opportunity.

Even better, a good POS system will come with easy-to-use tools to create your cafe's website and build an email list so you can start growing your digital presence.

For Table Rock Coffee Roasters owner and founder Chris Richard, what matters isusing a system that helps them improve customer service. "Anytime we can get a product or an order to a customer faster, that improves the customer experience, right?" explains Richard.

Lightspeed, Richard is able to customize his POS and order flow to match Table Rock Coffee Roaster's unique workflows. “We have a lot of control over the backend, which is good,” says Richard. They adjusted their order flows so that each button clearly indicates specific items. “I can say an espresso-based drink and create a button for that and then you press that button and it branches to an Americano and a latte and then you can change the button colors to blue for tea and red for smoothies, you know , as you want.

Staff can also easily take the POS out and take orders directly from the vehicles for the delivery service. “By the time [customers] get to the window, the drink is almost ready. It helps us speed up our window time and makes customers happier because they get their coffee earlier.”

5. Curb Pick Up Supplies

59% of consumers are more likely to use curbside pickupafter the pandemic. This means you'll need to have plenty of drink cases and paper bags on hand to ensure your customers can take their orders home.

6. Milk and water

We cheated a little on this one. While not technically 'equipment', the right liquids can make a huge difference in the quality of your drinks.

Milk: Different types of milk candrastically change the taste of your coffee. You should also consider stocking up on dairy-free alternatives such as almond or oat milk for those with dietary restrictions.

Water: You may need to add onegood filtration systemon your list to extend the life of your espresso machine and improve the taste of your coffee (which, by the way, is 98% water). If the mineral content of your water is too high, it can damage your equipment.

7. Industrial blenders

Price range: $100-$30,000

In 2019, oneconsumer researchfound that 38% of coffee customers order mixed drinks more often. You'll need at least one blender to take advantage of this trend.

Here is a buyer's guide.for the purchase of a high-quality blender for a coffee shop. Don't be shocked if the best blenders stretch your budget and increase the cost of your coffee shop equipment. It's best to buy equipment that won't break when your store starts churning out hundreds of frozen drinks every day.

8. Ovens and toasters

price ranges

Commercial Heat Oven: $7,000-$30,000

Commercial Stove and Gas Stove: $2,000 to $30,000

Toasters: $200 to $5,000

If your cafe has a small selection of hot food,where the search was foundapplies to at least 60% of coffee shops, you'll need a reliable way to prepare your food quickly.

Most cafes serve breakfast sandwiches, or at least bagels and pastries, which means you'll need either a portable toaster oven or a pop-up toaster oven. A complete commercial toaster buying guide can be found here.here.

If you have frozen breakfast sandwiches similar to big chains like Starbucks, you'll want a fast but compact oven (or two) that baristas have easy access to. here are somethe fastest ovensin the current market.

9. Refrigerators and freezers

Price range: $1,000 to $14,000

When opening your coffee shop, you need to find a way to keep your food and dairy products fresh. Refrigerators and behind-the-counter refrigerators are a must.

Remember that fridges are a big part of your cafe's design, so they should look stylish and match the overall atmosphere of your cafe. If you need design inspiration,Pinterestit's a great place to look.

Likewise, you'll probably need freezers in two places: behind the counter and in the back where the stock is stored. Frozen foods that can be quickly baked in the oven should be stored in advance so baristas have easy access to orders. Since frozen foods are easy to store and have a long shelf life, you should keep extras in the back so you don't run out.

For a guide to commercial freezers,check out this guide. If your inventory is larger, you may also need one.walk-in fridge or freezer.

10. Shelves

Shelves aren't the only storage space you should have. Boxes and crates are also useful for storing your grain and other supplies. The pump and containers are essential for storing all syrups and toppings.

Without an organized storage system, your business won't run as smoothly, reducing profits in the long run. We suggest working with a local or trusted restaurant supply dealer to carefully plan your system.

11. Containers, pumps and storage

Since coffee shops require the use of a large amount of beans and a wide variety of beverage toppings, you must have the equipment to use and store these items efficiently. This means pumps for all your syrups, boxes and cases to conveniently store your coffee beans close to your coffee machines and simple answers to all the storage problems that plague some coffee shops.

If you don't have an efficient storage system, your business will run less efficiently, driving you and your employees crazy and reducing your profits in the long run. Work with a local or trusted restaurant supply retailer, buy in bulk and design your system carefully and efficiently.

12. A security system

Price Range: $1,000 to $2,500 on average

Every business needs a security system to prevent crime and keep employees and customers safe. This may include security equipment such as cameras and burglar alarms (both in the cafeteria and at the front and back doors). For even more security, invest in employee management tools to prevent your staff from withdrawing money from the till.

There are many different security systems out there, so you'll want to find a company that has years of experience. Loss of profit from theft is something you should not have to deal with when opening your new store.here is a guideon what to consider when creating a security plan for your business.

Buying new equipment versus used

When opening a new coffee shop, a critical decision is whether to purchase new or used equipment. While many restaurants will likely want to purchase new, there may be instances where used equipment can actually be beneficial. This choice can significantly affect the financial health, operational efficiency and long-term success of your business.

Buying new coffee shop equipment offers many advantages. First, you'll get the latest product on the market, ensuring efficiency and reliability. New machines often come with warranties, providing peace of mind and protection against unexpected repairs or replacements. Newer models can also offer advanced features and greater energy efficiency, reducing long-term running costs.

The biggest downside to buying a new one? The cost. For the new coffee shop owner, the expense of purchasing new machinery can be a significant financial burden. This expense can affect the availability of funds for other key aspects of the business, such as marketing, staffing or decorating.

On the other hand, buying used coffee equipment can be a cost-effective alternative. Used equipment is usually available at a lower price, allowing you to allocate more resources to other critical areas. In some cases, older equipment may even be made of higher quality materials and last longer. Buying used equipment can be beneficial if you plan to test different ideas or are unsure about the long-term viability of the business. It allows you to reduce your initial investment and test the market before committing to expensive new machinery.

The biggest downside to used equipment, however, is that it can get damaged or not last as long. Carefully inspect the condition of each item and make sure it is working properly. Consider potential repair and maintenance costs, as older equipment may require more frequent attention. Also, used equipment may not have warranty coverage, increasing your financial risk should a problem arise.

Ultimately, the decision between buying new or used coffee shop equipment comes down to your specific circumstances and priorities. Consider your budget, long-term plans, and risk tolerance. It can be beneficial to strike a balance by investing in new equipment for critical areas such as espresso machines, while buying used items for less critical tools.

What to do after completing your cafe equipment list

Once you've completed your coffee shop equipment list, you're free to focus on the other things that go along with starting a business:hiring your cashiers and baristas,designing the floor plan of your cafeand merchandise and creating a recognizable brand.

With the right tools and equipment, your coffee shop will have a solid foundation to become successful. If you want to know more about how Lightspeed can help you run your coffee shop with ease,talk to one of our experts.

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