The coffee shop industry has been a trend lately, growing more and more in popularity as people now consider coffee to be a staple beverage that people need everyday. Coffee is actually the world’s second most popular beverage, and it has a significant impact on everyone’s social lives and daily routines. People have started to build these shops as a means of sharing their love for coffee, and for exploring more of the industry as well. For this reason, there are countless other factors that contribute to coffee shops’ enduring popularity. From the location, design, and marketing plan, to all the coffee equipment that will be used for the coffee making process, all are vital to look after, to provide the best products and service for your customers.
Opening a coffee shop is not that easy. It is important to realize that the coffee equipment in your shop will be the lifeblood of your business, since you cannot actually start without any of them, and not produce quality coffee that you will serve to your customers. For this reason, they may not return if you are unable to prepare a great cup of coffee.
A few of the basic coffee equipment that you must invest in for your coffee shop would be espresso machines, drip coffee makers, industrial coffee grinders, commercial blenders, and refrigerators and freezers too. These machines required to brew a nice cup of coffee are certainly essential when starting a coffee shop using equipment.
Naturally, the preparation of coffee beverages and food is at the heart of your business. Thus, you will need a wide range of coffee equipment to ensure you can provide your customers with the coffee flavors they want. If you carefully check off each of these details before opening your doors to the public, you will realize that you will be far better off than if you just went for it without doing the legwork first.
Espresso Machines
Espresso is found in most coffee drinks. And for this reason, you will need to get a good commercial espresso machine. There are actually three main types of espresso machines — manual, semi-auto, and super-automatic. Manual espresso machines are part of the classic coffee equipment, but they seem to be complicated to operate. They require the user to push the water through the coffee manually, which typically creates an inconsistent final product. Generally, these are not ideal for coffee shop use. Semi-auto espresso machines, on the other hand, are one of the most popular types of machines that most people use today. They are equipped with an electric pump, maintaining consistent pressure and offering automated boiler temperature controls.
Lastly, the best type of espresso machine would be the super automatic ones. These machines include built-in grinders as well as all the bells and whistles. Super-automated machines are convenient, but they are also costly and can detract from the whole barista experience. The best machine for your shop will be determined by what you plan to serve. Because semi-automatic machines are more cost-effective while still requiring a barista, most coffee establishments employ them.
Take your time in selecting an espresso machine for your shop. Find one that fits your budget that delivers a fantastic espresso shot. Without an espresso machine, you cannot have a comprehensive set of coffee equipment. An espresso machine is a significant investment, but it is certainly essential for a coffee establishment.
Drip Coffee Makers
Apart from espresso machines, make sure that you also invest in a commercial drip machine, as you might encounter some customers that will order a plain old cup of coffee. Because plain black coffee will account for a significant amount of your store’s sales, you will need a coffee machine that can keep up. Your coffee maker should be sturdy enough to brew a big amount of coffee every day, quick enough to fulfill demand during the busiest times of the day, which are usually mornings. Moreover, large enough to create huge quantities of coffee so that you are not constantly producing coffee.
These are actually less expensive and more affordable than commercial espresso machines. This type of coffee equipment is durable, and is capable of handling big volumes in your shop. Drip coffee makers can also be beneficial if you want a machine that can swiftly brew large amounts of coffee, eliminating the need to constantly brew coffee throughout the day.
Industrial Coffee Grinder
Another important coffee equipment that is required to own for setting up a coffee shop would be an industrial coffee grinder. Using freshly-ground beans for coffee-making is definitely a key to having a great cup of coffee. The flavor profiles and scent of your coffee or espresso can be greatly improved by investing in the correct grinder. Thus, you must ensure a quality and consistent grind to deliver tasty coffee to your customers. This is possible with the right choice of coffee grinder.
There are actually two main types of grinders — burr and blade. Blade grinders tend to be more sharp, thus, are mainly responsible for cutting the beans. This may appear to be a time-saving method for grinding coffee. But keep in mind that the blades hit the beans very forcefully. The ultimate result is an uneven grind, with some fine particles and others chunky lumps. With this, the longer your grind, the finer the grind will be. Blade grinders are inexpensive, but their uneven grind makes them unsuitable for espresso and Turkish coffee.
Burr grinders, on the other hand, have two burrs. One burr stays on while the other one rotates. They crush the beans rather than cut them up. The impact force is dispersed evenly across the beans, resulting in a more level ground. As a result, many coffee establishments, especially those that provide espresso drinks, employ burr grinds. To achieve the greatest flavor, espresso requires a very fine, even grind. The only disadvantage is that they can be fairly costly. If you think that a burr grinder is the perfect tool for your shop, you will have to choose between flat and conical models. Conical burr grinders are popular among shop owners because they can be changed in degrees.
Commercial Blenders
Consumers enjoy blended coffee drinks as well as blended fruit drinks. For this reason, you will need a few high-quality industrial blenders if you want to add these dishes to your menu. To produce frozen espresso-based drinks like iced lattes, frappes, and macchiatos, you’ll need a blender with a sound shield. The sound shield allows you to use the blender without disrupting the environment of your establishment, which is especially useful in small establishments where the drink prep area and the seating area are close together. For a smoother consistency and speedier service, use a high-powered blender. Alternatively, you might buy a granita machine to provide a constant supply of iced or frozen coffee and tea.
Key Takeaway
A coffee business requires a lot of coffee equipment, but once you have discovered high-quality machines and small wares to match, then you are almost ready to open. You may concentrate on the other aspects of running a business. This may include employing cashiers and baristas, designing your coffee shop’s floor layout and goods, or developing a distinctive brand. Your coffee business will have a strong foundation for success if you have the correct tools and equipment in place.
