Café Equipment Checklist: Kitchen and Bar Equipment You Need Before Opening

Equipment is the biggest technical decision in any café fit-out. Order too small and you struggle at peak times; order the wrong voltage and nothing works on opening day. This checklist covers what most cafés need and what to specify for each item.

1. Coffee station

• Espresso machine — the number of groups (heads) depends on how many coffees you make at peak. Two groups suit most small and medium cafés; busy venues often need three.
• Grinder — at least one dedicated espresso grinder; many cafés add a second for decaf or filter.
• Knock box, milk jugs and tampers — small items that are easy to forget.

2. Refrigeration

• Under-counter fridges — keep milk and ingredients within reach of the barista.
• Upright fridge or freezer — for back-of-house storage.
• Display fridge or cake cabinet — for cakes, pastries and drinks; curved glass cabinets are popular on the counter.
• Bottle display fridge — if you sell cold drinks.

3. Ice

• Ice maker — essential if you serve iced coffee or cold drinks. Size it by how much ice you use on your busiest day.

4. Baking and heating

• Oven — a convection oven for reheating and light baking, or a deck oven if you bake bread and pastries on site.
• Panini press or toaster — if you serve hot food.

5. Front of house

• Bar counter with storage and space for the equipment above
• Shelving for cups, beans and retail items
• Seating — tables, chairs, booths and bar stools sized to your floor plan

What to specify for every item

When sourcing equipment from China, include these details so items arrive ready to use:

• Voltage and plug type for your country — this is the most important point
• Capacity — groups, litres, kilograms of ice per day, number of oven decks
• Dimensions — measure the space where each item will stand, including clearance for doors and ventilation
• Finish — stainless steel, black or a custom colour for front-of-house pieces
• Water and drainage needs — for coffee machines and ice makers

Plan equipment with your layout

Work out equipment positions on your floor plan before you order. Power outlets, water supply and drainage all need to be in the right places — your builder or plumber will want this information early.

Consolidate with the rest of your fit-out

Equipment usually travels with furniture, lighting and finishes for the same café. Consolidating everything into one container means one delivery to plan around before opening.

Read our café fit-out preparation guide, see our commercial kitchen equipment, or send us your menu and floor plan — we will suggest suitable equipment and quote within 48 hours.