A fully equipped coffee shop requires $20,000–$80,000 in equipment, with the core coffee setup (espresso machine, grinders, brewers) accounting for $8,000–$50,000 of that total. At minimum, you need an espresso machine ($5,000–$20,000), at least one quality grinder ($1,500–$3,500), a batch brewer ($500–$3,000), refrigeration ($3,000–$10,000), a point-of-sale system ($1,000–$3,000), and various smallwares ($1,000–$3,000).
This guide breaks down every piece of equipment you need, organized by category with price ranges and recommendations for different budgets. Use this as your planning checklist.
Equipment Budget Overview
Before the detailed breakdown, here’s what to expect by budget level:
| Budget Level | Total Equipment Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $20,000–$35,000 | Kiosks, minimal menus, tight budgets |
| Standard | $35,000–$55,000 | Small-medium cafés, full espresso bar |
| Premium | $55,000–$80,000+ | High-volume, food service, in-house roasting |
Your actual needs depend on your menu, volume expectations, and whether you’re serving food.
Coffee Brewing Equipment
This is your core product—don’t cut corners here:
Espresso Machine
The heart of your operation. Budget based on your expected volume:
| Volume Level | Machine Type | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (under 100 drinks/day) | 1-group semi-auto | $5,000–$8,000 | La Marzocco Linea Mini, Rancilio Classe 5 |
| Medium (100–250 drinks/day) | 2-group semi-auto | $10,000–$18,000 | La Marzocco Linea PB, Nuova Simonelli Aurelia |
| High (250–500 drinks/day) | 2–3 group commercial | $15,000–$25,000 | La Marzocco GB5, Synesso MVP |
| Very High (500+ drinks/day) | Multi-group or multiple machines | $20,000–$35,000+ | Modbar, Slayer, multiple units |
Key specifications to consider:
- Group heads: More groups = more simultaneous drinks
- Boiler type: Heat exchanger vs. dual boiler (dual offers more stability)
- Volumetric vs. manual: Volumetric ensures consistent shots
- Steam power: Critical for milk drink volume
Pro tip: Buy the best espresso machine you can afford. It’s the one piece of equipment customers notice most, and it directly affects drink quality and barista efficiency.
Espresso Grinders
You need at least one high-quality grinder—many shops use two (one for espresso, one for decaf):
| Grinder Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Entry commercial | $1,500–$2,500 | Low-volume, backup grinder |
| Mid-range commercial | $2,500–$4,000 | Most cafés |
| High-end commercial | $4,000–$8,000 | High-volume, premium quality |
Top recommendations:
- Mahlkönig E65S or E80 ($2,500–$4,000)
- Mazzer Major or Robur ($2,000–$3,500)
- Nuova Simonelli Mythos ($3,000–$4,500)
- Eureka Atom Specialty ($1,800–$2,500)
Critical features:
- Flat vs. conical burrs (flat for espresso clarity)
- Burr size (larger = cooler grinding, better for high volume)
- Dosing consistency
- Speed vs. heat management
Buy two grinders if: You serve decaf, offer different espresso options, or want backup for equipment failure.
Batch/Drip Brewer
For drip coffee service and larger orders:
| Brewer Type | Price Range | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Standard commercial | $500–$1,500 | 1–2 gallon batches |
| High-end batch | $1,500–$3,000 | Better temperature control |
| Specialty (Fetco, Curtis) | $2,500–$5,000 | Programmable, consistent |
For specialty-focused shops, consider investing in a Fetco or Curtis brewer that meets SCAA brewing standards.
Pour-Over & Manual Brewing
If you offer single-cup pour-overs:
| Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hario V60 setup (drippers, servers, scales) | $200–$500 |
| Chemex setup | $100–$300 |
| Pour-over stations (Marco SP9, Curtis Seraphim) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Gooseneck kettles | $100–$300 |
| Scales (Acaia, Hario) | $100–$300 |
Cold Brew System
If serving cold brew (increasingly expected):
| System Type | Cost | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Toddy/immersion | $100–$500 | 1–5 gallons |
| Commercial cold brew (Brewista, Toddy Pro) | $500–$1,500 | 5–20 gallons |
| Nitro system (keg + tap) | $1,000–$3,000 | Adds nitrogen |
Coffee Roasting Equipment (Optional)
If you want to roast in-house—increasingly popular for differentiation and cost savings:
| Roaster Type | Equipment Cost | Installation Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample roaster | $3,000–$8,000 | Minimal | R&D only |
| Small gas drum (1–3 kg) | $15,000–$30,000 | $25,000–$80,000 | Production + education |
| Electric ventless (Bellwether) | $22,000–$27,000 | $700–$2,500 | Cafés without gas/exhaust |
Electric ventless roasters are designed specifically for café environments, with compact footprints, standard commercial electrical requirements, and fully automated operation. For most cafés, in-house roasting reduces coffee costs by 30–50% and creates a unique customer experience. Electric ventless roasters make this feasible in locations where traditional gas roasters can’t operate.
Key advantages of electric ventless roasting:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) batch capacity
- 3–4 roasts per hour
- No gas lines or exhaust required
- 200–240V, 30A electrical (standard commercial power)
- Fully automated operation—no roasting experience required
For most cafés, in-house roasting reduces coffee costs by 30–50% and creates a unique customer experience.
More than a roaster
Everything you need to roast, brand, and sell
From sourcing to packaging, Bellwether gives you a complete coffee program. Launch faster, with fewer mistakes, and predictable margins from day one.
Refrigeration Equipment
You need reliable cold storage:
Under-Counter Refrigeration
| Unit Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-door under-counter | $2,000–$4,000 | Behind bar, milk and prep |
| 3-door under-counter | $3,000–$5,000 | Higher volume |
| Single drawer | $1,500–$2,500 | Point-of-use |
Reach-In Refrigerators
| Size | Price Range | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-door reach-in | $1,500–$3,000 | Small café, limited storage |
| 2-door reach-in | $2,500–$4,500 | Standard café |
| Walk-in (if serving food) | $5,000–$15,000 | Food service, high volume |
Display Cases
| Type | Price Range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pastry display (refrigerated) | $1,500–$4,000 | Perishable pastries |
| Pastry display (dry) | $800–$2,000 | Shelf-stable items |
| Grab-and-go cooler | $2,000–$5,000 | Bottled drinks, pre-made items |
Ice Machine
Essential for iced drinks:
| Production Rate | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 50–100 lbs/day | $1,500–$2,500 | Small café |
| 100–200 lbs/day | $2,500–$4,000 | Medium volume |
| 200+ lbs/day | $4,000–$8,000 | High volume, hot climate |
Don’t forget: Ice bin (often sold separately) and water filtration.
Food Service Equipment
If you’re serving food beyond grab-and-go:
Cooking Equipment
| Equipment | Price Range | For |
|---|---|---|
| Convection oven | $3,000–$10,000 | Baking, heating |
| Panini press | $300–$1,000 | Hot sandwiches |
| Microwave (commercial) | $300–$800 | Reheating |
| Toaster (conveyor) | $500–$1,500 | High-volume toast |
| Flat grill | $1,000–$3,000 | Breakfast items |
Food Prep
| Equipment | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prep table (refrigerated) | $1,500–$3,000 | Sandwich assembly |
| Prep table (standard) | $500–$1,500 | General prep |
| Food processor | $300–$800 | Prep work |
| Commercial blender(s) | $300–$600 each | Smoothies, frappes |
Dishwashing
| Option | Cost | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial undercounter | $2,000–$5,000 | Standard for most cafés |
| High-temp undercounter | $4,000–$8,000 | Faster, no chemicals |
| 3-compartment sink only | $500–$1,500 | Lower cost, more labor |
Most health codes require either a commercial dishwasher OR a 3-compartment sink. Many cafés have both.
Point of Sale & Technology
Your tech stack affects efficiency and customer experience:
POS System
| System | Hardware Cost | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | $0–$800 | 2.6%+ per transaction | Startups, simplicity |
| Toast | $0–$1,500 | $69+/month | Restaurants, full features |
| Clover | $500–$2,000 | $14+/month | Retail + food |
| Lightspeed | $500–$1,500 | $69+/month | Multi-location |
| Revel | $1,000–$3,000 | $99+/month | High-volume |
Key features for coffee shops:
- Speed of transaction (seconds matter)
- Tip management
- Modifier handling (milk options, size, etc.)
- Inventory tracking
- Online ordering integration
- Loyalty programs
Other Technology
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi router (commercial grade) | $200–$500 | For customer WiFi |
| Network switch | $50–$200 | If multiple devices |
| Digital menu boards | $500–$2,000 | Optional but professional |
| Security cameras | $500–$2,000 | 4–8 camera system |
| Music system | $300–$1,000 | Speakers + source |
| Card readers (backup) | $50–$200 | For when POS fails |
Smallwares & Essentials
The little things that make operations work:
Barista Tools
| Item | Cost | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Tampers | $30–$150 each | 2–3 |
| Knock boxes | $30–$100 | 1–2 |
| Milk pitchers | $15–$50 each | 4–8 |
| Shot glasses | $5–$15 each | 4–6 |
| Thermometers | $15–$30 each | 2–4 |
| Timer | $20–$50 | 2–3 |
| Scales | $50–$300 | 1–2 |
| Cleaning brushes | $10–$30 | Several |
| Barista cloths | $2–$5 each | Dozens |
Barista tools subtotal: $500–$1,500
Service Items
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic cups & saucers | $5–$15 each | For dine-in |
| Glassware | $3–$10 each | Iced drinks |
| Utensils (customer-facing) | $200–$500 | Spoons, knives |
| Condiment stations | $100–$300 | Sugar, cream, lids |
| Bus tubs | $20–$50 each | Several |
| Trays | $10–$30 each | Several |
Back-of-House
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage shelving | $200–$800 | Wire shelving units |
| Food storage containers | $100–$300 | Various sizes |
| Sanitizer buckets & solution | $50–$100 | Health code requirement |
| First aid kit | $30–$100 | Required |
| Fire extinguisher | $50–$200 | Required |
| Cleaning supplies (initial) | $200–$400 | Chemicals, mops, etc. |
Furniture & Customer Space
Create an inviting atmosphere:
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tables (8–15) | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| Chairs (20–40) | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Bar seating | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Lounge seating | $500–$2,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Outdoor furniture | $1,000–$3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
Where to buy: Restaurant supply stores, used equipment dealers, IKEA (budget), custom furniture makers (premium).
Equipment Checklist by Category
Coffee Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Espresso grinder(s)
- Batch brewer
- Pour-over setup (if applicable)
- Cold brew system
- Blender(s)
- Coffee roaster (optional)
Refrigeration
- Under-counter refrigerator(s)
- Reach-in refrigerator
- Display case
- Ice machine + bin
Food Service (if applicable)
- Oven/heating equipment
- Prep tables
- Food storage
- Dishwasher or 3-compartment sink
Technology
- POS system + terminals
- Credit card processing
- WiFi equipment
- Security system
- Music/speakers
Smallwares
- Barista tools
- Serving ware
- Back-of-house supplies
- Cleaning equipment
Furniture
- Tables
- Chairs
- Bar seating
- Outdoor seating (if applicable)
Ready to build your coffee brand?
Take control of your margins
Save up to 50% on coffee costs with in-house roasting. Break even in month one, payback in six. Talk to our team about launching your roastery.