Essential Equipment for a Barista Station
Don’t know where to start? No worries, that’s why we’re here. We design beverage programs that provide your business with all the equipment and products it could ever require. Before beginning our beverage program, it's best to familiarize yourself with the essential equipment needed for a barista station.
Espresso Machine
The centerpiece of every coffee shop is the espresso machine. This essential machine is needed for creating lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, americanos, and of course, plain espresso.
When it comes to the espresso machine… size matters. We recommend purchasing a machine with two or more group heads, making it easy for baristas to work side by side without running into each other. Be sure to purchase a traditional espresso machine. Sometimes machines will come with digital built-in scales, or small grinders, etc. It’s best to stick to the traditional machine. A group head and a steam wand are all you’ll need.
Grinders
A quality grinder is one of the most valuable investments for your barista station. The distinction between freshly ground coffee and pre-ground coffee is significant. Coffee tends to lose its aromatic qualities ten times faster once it’s ground. So, it’s important to have a grinder in-shop so that you can ensure you’re putting your best cup forward.
A French Press
A station without a fresh press is simply incomplete. These are ideal for any coffee requiring a coarse grind. They also double as a great tool for brewing tea. French presses are very durable and will likely stay with you for some years before you need to replace it. Therefore, if you’re considering indulging in a splurge, this is the item worthy of the investment. If you’re new to the French press, you should opt for a larger one. Sometimes, the smaller ones can be difficult to navigate.
A Digital Scale
Depending on the size of your station, you’ll likely need more than one scale. The digital scale is used to weigh and measure coffee beans and grinds. It should be positioned by the grinder for measuring coffee before and after grinding. The scale doesn’t need to be large. In fact, it should be compact and suitable for weighing small amounts. We also recommend getting one with rubber to prevent it from slipping off the counter.
Kettle
Kettles don’t really need much consideration. There’s two main types you should familiarize yourself with:
#1 The Gooseneck Kettle: This kettle is primarily used for pour-over coffee methods like Chemex. Because these methods require precise water pouring techniques for brewing, the gooseneck kettle provides the flexibility needed.
#2 Regular Kettle: The regular kettle is ideal for French press use, making tea, and other various purposes. Whether electric or stovetop, both are equally effective.
One Last Tip Before We Go
Optimize your countertop space. Once you’ve gauged your available space, you can start your search for barista equipment. Remember, we’re just a call away, prepared to tailor a beverage program that perfectly aligns with your needs.