Coffee Bar Equipment Guide: What You Need to Open Up Shop
It goes without saying that the drinks you make are only as good as the tools you use to make them. Sub-par simply won't do for something as important as a cup of coffee - that's why countless beverage enthusiasts consider BROOD's Nitro Cold Brew Machine as their go-to choice.
This intuitive, automated and visually stunning machine has been designed to make sure your cold brew coffee is of the highest quality with every single cup. Its high-pressure nitrogen delivery system enables you to enjoy a smooth and creamy cup of nitro cold brew that's right on track with your preferences. Learn how to open a bar the right way with our comprehensive guide & explore our comprehensive DIY bar plans for creating your dream home bar.
With our expertise when it comes to coffee bar equipment, we understand what you need. And that's why we want to share this essential equipment list for coffee shops for those with the same passion. Discover essential tips for successful bar management.
Understanding Coffee Bar Items
Pieces of coffee shop equipment work together to perform the various tasks involved in preparing a good cup of coffee. The espresso machine, grinder, filter brewer and milk steamer all need to be properly maintained and used together with quality beans for optimal flavor.
Of course, a coffee shop's list of equipment goes beyond just the machines. It should also include cups, filters, stirrers and thermometers to serve drinks hot and at the correct temperature.
Exploring Coffee Bar Essentials
The equipment needed in coffee shop environments ultimately comes down to the types of drinks on offer. A simple black cup of coffee will inevitably require less work than a nitrogen-infused latte. Start planning your stock by considering what you'll be brewing. From there, take a look at what coffee shop equipment is necessary to get the job done.
Espresso Machines
The first thing on the list of needed items for coffee bar setups of any kind is an espresso machine. It's important to invest in a high-quality unit that can deliver consistently potent cups. BROOD's espresso martini machine comes with nitrogen-infusion technology, plus tons of other flavor and brewing settings to get creative and experiment with.
Coffee Grinders
Even the absolute best coffee shop machines are ineffective when fed poor-quality ingredients. In this vein, it's worth making a special effort to get a coffee grinder for your setup. Doing so will ensure that you get the freshness and flavor of freshly ground beans, as well as the control over consistency that's needed to brew espressos.
Automatic Drip Coffee Makers
Instead of generic items for a coffee bar that can be found in the average kitchen, hardcore brewers might consider purchasing a larger professional-grade machine. Our nitro cold brew coffee maker is designed to produce bigger quantities of coffee with the same consistency that you would expect from a barista. A perfect option if you want to automate the process.
Water Filtration Systems
Next up on our coffee shop equipment list comes a water filtration system. While rarely discussed, water quality can have a big impact on the coffee you brew. Buying a good filter will remove any existing impurities and minerals from your tap water to let the pure taste of coffee beans shine through and make cups much more enjoyable.
Milk Frothers/Steamers
While some coffee shop machines do this, many coffee artisans prefer to froth milk separately. Having a frother or steamer on standby allows them to micro-foam the milk for each drink, giving the espresso a beautiful velvet texture which enhances its flavor. This is an absolute must-buy for anyone who plans on making lattes and cappuccinos at home.
Knock Boxes
Knock boxes are a lesser known entry on our list of coffee bar items, but are nonetheless important to maintaining a mess-free zone. You'll be able to use this handy bin for all kinds of disposal purposes, whether that's coffee grounds, spent portafilters, or other waste. A simple but practical organizational tool that every barista should have at the ready.
Scales and Timers
Here are two coffee bar essentials that can't be skipped: scales and timers. Both are necessary when making specialized brews, and really any time you want to ensure your drink turns out just right. They also give you better control over the composition of your cup, making it easier to experiment with ratios and brewing times to achieve perfect flavor.
Storage Containers
Every coffee shop equipment buying list should include a storage container - otherwise, you'll have some very stale beans on your hands. It's preferable to choose one with single-direction valves that release carbon dioxide while preventing oxygen from entering. Storage containers pair well with BROOD machines, as these are tankless - meaning no need for an additional vessel.
Cups, Saucers, and Glassware
Now for the fun part - coffee shop accessories. This is where the personality of your bar can really take center stage. Pick an aesthetic and stock up on espresso cups, cappuccino mugs, latte glasses, and other items that match it. Just be sure that you have the right vessel for every type of drink you plan on making.
Industrial Blenders
]While it might not be as high up on the list as other traditional coffee shop machines, industrial blenders can be a great addition to your arsenal of equipment. They are particularly handy when crafting smooth drinks like frappes and smoothies. Industrial blenders are more powerful than traditional coffee shop machines and can quickly crush ice for those thick drinks.
Cleaning Supplies
Lastly, you'll need to add cleaning products to your cart of coffee bar supplies. Brushes, detergents, and descaling agents are all just as important to beverage quality as the coffee machines themselves. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is the best way to reduce clogs, bacteria buildup, and other potential issues that could cause problems for you in the long run.
Enhancing The Experience - How to Stand Out
Now that we're all clear on the coffee bar items you'll need to create your own setup, let us introduce you to the best of the best in coffee bar equipment - BROOD's Nitro Cold Brew Machine. This powerful system has the capacity to pump out consistently tasteful cups of Joe with its unique nitrogen infusion technology. There's no better way to elevate the brewing experience for yourself or patrons. If you're looking for a simple, yet robust solution for nitrogen drinks, BROOD is definitely worthy among the list of equipment needed to start a coffee shop.
Nitro Infusion Technology
BROOD's Nitro Cold Brew Machine tops our list of coffee bar essentials for many reasons, but texture is among the most important. Nitrogen has an indescribable ability to create a velvety mouthfeel and rich, frothy head in coffee. This adds a luxurious touch to cold brews - both from a perspective of taste and overall appearance.
Customizable Settings
Few coffee tools and equipment models are as versatile as BROOD's. Our Nitro Cold Brew Machine can be adapted to meet a range of taste preferences, taking into account factors like flavor, concentration, and temperature. Even flow rate is adjustable should you need to accommodate different brewing times or ratios. What other coffee machine can do that?
Interface and Maintenance
When people hear the words 'coffee shop equipment', they typically picture items like a traditional coffee machine or milk frother. BROOD's easy-to-use interface redefines what a coffee shop can be.
Durable
Any kind of equipment needed in a coffee shop should be ready to stand up to rigorous use. Our systems are designed to do just that, offering guaranteed, long-term consistency.
Multiple Equipment Pieces in 1
Remember all of those coffee shop essentials that we mentioned earlier? Many of them aren’t needed with a BROOD machine. DRNX DUO, for example, combines nitrogen infusion with flash-cooling and speed brewing capabilities.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coffee Bar Equipment
When shopping for coffee shop items, it's likely that you'll have no shortage of options to choose from. As tantalizing as all of the products out there may seem, not all are right for you. Consider your needs first if you want to set your coffee bar up for success.
Capacity and Output Requirements
Our coffee shop list of equipment said you need an espresso machine - but it didn't discuss capacity. This is a super important consideration, as it will essentially define how many cups of coffee you're able to consistently churn out. Take time to think about the volume and scale you're expecting from your shop in addition to the specific drinks it will serve patrons. Ideally, you want to buy a machine that can handle your peak hours with ease.
Budget Considerations
Shopping for a barista drink machine can be fun, but it can also be pricey. That's why it can be helpful to determine your budget before going in. Doing so can make the search process a whole lot easier. But at the same time, remember that you get what you pay for. While that $30 coffee machine may seem easier to buy now, investing in high-quality, reliable equipment will likely end up saving you more money in the long run.
Quality and Durability
Continuing from that last point, every piece of coffee shop equipment you invest in should be of high quality and durability. These are items that you'll be using multiple times a day, every day, and it's important that they don't break down easily or cause any problems. Look for equipment made from durable materials such as stainless steel and be sure to read product specifications and reviews to gauge how well a product is likely to last.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Coffee bar items ought to be powerful, but they also need to be easy to maintain. After all, without maintenance, any piece of equipment is as good as garbage. It's best to prioritize systems with simple designs and interfaces that aren't a matter of rocket science to understand. Intricacy simply opens the door for more things to go wrong, not to mention creates more nooks and crevices to clean.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Any equipment for coffee shop use - whether it's an espresso or cold brew machine - ought to come with positive reviews to back it up. You can't cheap out on an investment as important as this, especially considering the fact that both your operations and reputation are on the line. Do some research to understand what products come as advertised, as well as to gauge which brands offer the best support to their customers.
Setting Up Your Coffee Bar with BROOD's Nitro Cold Brew Machine
Despite being very advanced, BROOD's coffee bar equipment is surprisingly easy to set up. We've purposely built our machines with simplicity in mind, meaning you won't have to worry about much during installation time. Take a look at the breakdown below for a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works. Just a few small considerations are all that stand between you and unfettered brewing power.
Placement and Installation Tips
Coffee shop equipment can't just be installed anywhere on a countertop; you'll want to be strategic with placement. For the best results, consider where customers and baristas will be standing and walking. The location should make it easy for both parties to access the equipment. You may also want to avoid areas with a lot of traffic or congregation.
Workflow and Processes
The coffee bar essentials we've listed in this article don't create great cups of coffee by magic alone - they require proper processes when it comes to nitrogen infusion, serving time, and bar flow. So be sure to consider this when setting things up! The best coffee bars are ones that are as efficient as they are well-equipped.
Training Staff
With all of the necessary coffee bar items in place, it'll be time to train staff on how to use them. Ensure they understand the machines' functionalities, including how to set up brewing stages and adjust nitro levels. Troubleshooting any issues that may arise ahead of time is key to avoiding long-term problems and hiccups down the road.
The Nitro Cold Brew Experience
We've already explained why our Nitro Cold Brew Machine is a coffee shop essential. With this high-capacity piece of equipment, you'll be empowered to not only craft delicious drinks, but also provide baristas and drinkers alike with the modern and sophisticated experience they crave. There are tons of techniques worth learning here, so make an effort to do so.
Start Pouring!
Coffee bar equipment is one of those things that you should never compromise on. It's too important to the experience of customers and efficiency of your shop. From its high-capacity output to modern design, BROOD's Nitro Cold Brew Machine exceeds standards in every way imaginable. Learn more about all that this revolutionary machine has to offer today.