The only coffee equipment checklist you’ll ever need

step-by-step-guide February 2026

The only coffee equipment checklist you’ll ever need

Opening or upgrading a café is exciting, but it also requires structure. Every decision you make about equipment affects speed, quality, and profitability. This checklist outlines what every coffee business needs to run efficiently and serve consistent coffee.

1. Espresso bar essentials

Your espresso bar is the heart of your café. It drives revenue, defines workflow, and shapes customer experience. Choose machines that are durable, stable, and easy to maintain.

Espresso machines

Grinders

The grinder determines flavor clarity and consistency. A poor grind can ruin even the best beans.

Accessories

2. Brewing and batch setup

Every café benefits from offering consistent filter coffee or cold brew. These options expand your menu and reduce espresso pressure during peak hours.

Brewers and systems

  • Marco SP9 – delivers reliable pour over quality at volume
  • Marco Jet 6 – high capacity batch brewer for large volume service

Grinders for filter coffee

Supporting tools

3. Water filtration and supply

Water quality defines taste and equipment life. Poor water leads to inconsistent flavor and frequent service issues.Filtration systems

Always check local water hardness before installation. Replace cartridges as scheduled to maintain stable flavor and prevent equipment damage.

Water boilers

4. Cleaning and maintenance

Clean equipment is non-negotiable. It affects both taste and machine lifespan. Build cleaning into every shift.

Daily tasks

  1. Backflush espresso machines after each service
  2. Purge steam wands and wipe portafilters immediately
  3. Empty knock boxes and rinse milk pitchers

Weekly tasks

  1. Deep clean grinders and hoppers
  2. Replace group gaskets if worn
  3. Sanitize drain trays and water lines

Brewing Gadgets carries cleaning supplies for all major brands along with spare parts and professional servicing support.

5. Workflow and layout tools

Good equipment placement reduces wasted time and fatigue. Every tool should be within arm’s reach of the barista.

Key items

  • Barista station layout that flows from grinder to machine to counter
  • Marco Taps for space saving water access
  • Adequate storage for cups, milk, and cleaning supplies

Design the bar so two baristas can work side by side without interfering. Efficiency is profit.

6. Staff training tools

Even the best equipment cannot fix poor technique. Training turns tools into results.

Essentials for staff training

Encourage regular calibration sessions so your team stays sharp and service remains consistent.

7. Service and spare parts

Plan for maintenance before opening day. A single broken part can halt operations.

Keep in stock

  • Extra portafilters and baskets
  • Group head gaskets
  • Cleaning brushes and backflush detergents
  • Replacement grinder burrs\

Brewing Gadgets provides spare parts and service support for La Marzocco, Victoria Arduino, Profitec, Mahlkönig and Eureka equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and services

A reliable espresso machine and grinder. They define speed, flavor, and customer satisfaction.

Schedule preventive maintenance every six months and perform daily cleaning.

Yes. Filtered water ensures consistent flavor and prevents costly machine repairs.

At least two. One for espresso and one for decaf or single origin offerings. Larger cafés may use separate grinders for filter service.

Keep essential spare parts on hand and train staff to recognize early warning signs like leaks or temperature drops.

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