Did you know that nearly 3 in 4 Americans drink coffee every day? Surprising, right? I was equally surprised when I first learned this staggering statistic. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably daydreamed at least once about opening your very own coffee shop. With such a vibrant coffee culture out there, it’s no wonder so many aspiring entrepreneurs want to jump into this bustling market.
But turning that dream into reality isn’t just about your love for brewing coffee. It also takes careful planning and investment in the right equipment.
In this guide, I’ll share:
- The must-have tools every coffee shop needs to succeed
- My top product recommendations after hours of research
Let’s start with:
- Espresso Machine
First things first, invest in a high-quality espresso machine! Great coffee will be the cornerstone of your business, and to achieve that, you definitely need a reliable machine. Look for well-known brands with excellent reviews that fit your budget. I recommend the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Wave Semi-Automatic 3GR Espresso Machine - 220V. It’s a perfectly sized commercial espresso machine that has been tested and proven to deliver the best results.
- Regular Coffee Grinder
Next thing on our list is a regular coffee grinder.
Not every customer is going to order an iced caramel latte with oat milk and extra caramel drizzle. That’s why, a standard commercial coffee grinder is important for preparing beans for both regular and decaf drip coffee. Since demand for these drinks will likely be lower than for your espresso drinks, one grinder should be enough.
- Commercial Blender:
Blender, blender, blender. I always say this is so essential. If you’re planning to expand your menu to include smoothies or frappes, you need to invest in high-performance blenders. Look for those that provide the creamy consistency we all love and can blend quickly to keep up with your customers' demands.
- Water Filtration System
Many new coffee shop owners overlook the importance of a good water filtration system. It’s easy to get caught up in the beans, roasting process, and the espresso machine. I understand. But keep in mind that a regular cup of coffee is made up of 98% water, and its quality can impact the flavor of your coffee.
That’s why, invest in a reverse osmosis system that removes impurities while remineralizing the water. Alkaline water is also gaining popularity, as it helps balance the intense acidity of coffee.
-
Ice Machine
All frappes, smoothies, and iced drinks need ice, and nowadays, chilled beverages are more popular than ever. You’ll want to have ice readily available to keep up with the demand for your drink offerings. A reliable ice machine that meets your café’s needs means you can serve up your best cold drinks without a hitch. Check out the Atosa YR140-AP-161 23.7" Ice Machine with Built-In Ice Bin, capable of producing 142 lbs/day—before it’s out of stock!
-
Drip Brewer
Depending on the type of coffee shop you’re starting, an industrial drip brewer might be worth it. While these machines have become less popular recently due to the rising demand for espresso-based drinks and alternative brewing methods like French press and pour-over, a reliable drip brewer can be a real lifesaver if you expect a high volume of morning customers in a hurry. They are typically much more affordable than espresso machines and can still brew a fantastic cup of coffee.
Wrapping up:
Congrats! Your little coffee shop dream is not just a dream now, it’s becoming a reality. But there are still plenty of important coffee tools we haven’t discussed yet. If you’re interested in seeing another part that covers these must-haves, let us know in the comments.
