Opening a cafe is an exciting venture, and setting up the perfect espresso bar is crucial for success. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of essential espresso bar equipment, based on years of experience working with cafes. We'll cover recommended equipment, their features, benefits, and Australian pricing (including GST & based on prices in January 2025), helping you make informed decisions and create a high-performing and efficient setup.
Essential Espresso Bar Equipment
Let's break down the key components of a professional espresso bar:
Grinding Excellence: Anfim SP2 & Acaia Scales
- Anfim SP2 Grinder: This 75mm titanium flat burr grinder offers exceptional flavor and durability, capable of grinding 2.5 tons of coffee before burr replacement. Its fast grind time (5-7 seconds) and easy cleaning make it ideal for busy cafes. Price: $3,749 AUD. Note: This model is being discontinued, so exploring alternatives is recommended.
- Acaia Scales: While pricier at $445 AUD, Acaia scales offer unmatched speed, accuracy, and sensitivity, crucial for consistent dosing and recipe adherence, especially during high-volume periods. They are USB rechargeable and water-resistant.
- Scales Tray: This handy scales tray attaches to your Anfim SP2 and keeps your Acaia scales, dosing pot, and other tools organized. Price: $119 AUD.
Consistent Tamping: Cinoart PT2 Tamper
The Cinoart PT2 automatic tamper ensures consistent tamping pressure, improving shot consistency and reducing the risk of RSI for baristas. Its non-stick coating prevents coffee from sticking to the tamper. Price: $999 AUD.
Distribution is Key: NCD Distributor
The NCD coffee distributor significantly impacts extraction by ensuring even coffee distribution in the portafilter, leading to better saturation and more consistent shots. Price: $139.99 AUD.
Efficient Milk Handling: Rhino Jug Rinser
A simple and powerful Rhino jug rinser provides efficient milk jug cleaning. Its deep well minimizes spills, and its powerful rinse ensures quick cleaning. Price: $299.95 AUD.
Reliable Refrigeration: Bromic Fridge
A reliable fridge is essential for storing milk and alternative milk options. This Bromic two-door fridge offers ample space and convenient features like large wheels for easy cleaning. Price: $395 AUD.
Expanding Your Menu: Brew Bar Equipment
Diversifying your menu can attract a wider customer base:
Versatile Grinding: Mazzer ZM Grinder
This secondary grinder is ideal for single origins, decaf, and various brew methods. Its digital interface allows for precise grind adjustments and programmable settings. It’s a single-dose grinder, perfect for workflows with pre-weighed coffee. It is recommended for experienced staff due to the more complex settings.
Batch Brewing: Breville Precision Brewer
The Breville Precision Brewer offers a convenient way to feature single-origin coffees and other brews without tying up the espresso machine. It's easy to use, requires less coffee than individual brews, and is highly profitable. Price: $499 AUD.
Controlled Pouring: Stagg Kettle
This temperature-controlled kettle allows for precise water temperature for long blacks and other brewing methods, enhancing the customer experience. Price: $329 AUD.
Cold Brew Options: Cold Dripper
Adding cold brew to your menu is easy with a Bruer Cold Dripper. This cost-effective system allows for preparing and bottling cold brew in advance for quick service. Price: $119 AUD.
The Heart of the Espresso Bar: La Marzocco Linea PB
The La Marzocco Linea PB is a renowned espresso machine known for its reliability, performance, and longevity.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Dual Boiler: Allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- Consistent Temperature Control: Ensures even extraction.
- Durable Construction: Built for long-term use and easy refurbishment.
- High Resale Value: A solid investment.
- Easy to Service & Maintain: Parts are readily available, and many baristas are familiar with this machine.
- User-Friendly Design: Easy to program and adjust settings.
- App Connectivity: For advanced control and data tracking.
Price (Three Group): $26,895 AUD.
Total Setup Cost & Conclusion
The total cost for this comprehensive espresso bar setup comes to just over $43,000 AUD. This investment provides a high-quality, efficient, and versatile setup that can handle high volumes and diverse menu offerings. It also prioritizes barista comfort and ease of use, leading to better coffee and happier staff.
This setup is designed to provide the best possible experience for both your staff and customers. It allows you to expand your menu, offer retail options, and ensure consistent, high-quality coffee day in and day out.
If you're setting up a cafe and need assistance with equipment selection, quotes, or any other aspect of your espresso bar setup, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you make the right decisions from the start.
