Running a thriving café business is no walk in the park, but operating with the right equipment is one hell of a good start.
“But how do I know what equipment to use, and where do I source it?”, you ask. You’ve come to the right place.
Here is CoGoGo’s whistlestop run-down of the major pieces of equipment you’ll need and where to find them.
“What equipment will I need, and how much will it cost?”
Are you creating a coffee-focused grab-and-go spot or a cosy neighbourhood café for the local retirees? Let your business model guide your equipment priorities—whether it’s investing in a top-notch espresso machine to draw in commuters or focusing on ovens and ranges for your grandma’s bread and soup recipes.
As for your total asset bill, this will depend on spec, capacity, brand, and the new/used status of the equipment you’re buying. Remember: while buying used equipment can save you money initially, it could lead to higher maintenance and repair costs down the line, so always do your research.
If equipment costs are giving you “sticker shock” (as they say across the pond), you may want to look into rental or lease options.
Chef Leasing, for instance, is a specialist lender that offers financing for a variety of catering equipment and refurbishment projects. Additionally, vendors like Rental+ provide comprehensive solutions, including supply, rental, and maintenance of essential refrigeration and catering equipment.
Some key items
A high-quality espresso machine
The industrial espresso machine market can be overwhelming, and many of the top-tier machines come with hefty price tags. To make a smart investment, it’s crucial to understand the key features of a quality espresso machine and how to get best value for money.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want a semi-automatic, automatic, or manual machine, whether you want a two-group head or a three-group head, what boiler capacity you want, and whether top-tier quality is a priority.
It’s undeniable that higher spending often leads to better consistency in espresso quality, especially when dealing with high volumes.
Nevertheless, there are quality machines available that prioritise performance over design, allowing you to produce excellent coffee at a more affordable price.
Major marketplaces include Nisbets, Verde Coffee, Liquidline, and Beanmachines Coffee Co. You can also buy high-quality reconditioned espresso machines for a fraction of the price of a new one from a variety of vendors, such as Logic Vending and eBay.
A POS system
A modern POS system does far more than simply process transactions. For a coffee shop, it can also track inventory, analyse business performance, manage staff, and accept payments from multiple channels.
Some highly-rated POS system makers include Epos Now, SumUp, Square, TouchBistro and lightspeed. SumUp generally tops the rankings for the most affordable POS, Square generally comes out on top for cafes reliant on multichannel selling, and lightspeed is generally rated as the best all-round POS with ordering add-ons.
POS systems typically cost several hundred pounds for the hardware, with ongoing monthly fees ranging from £30 to £50.
Our advice? Determine your budget and what you expect from your POS system – whether that means integrations with third-party delivery platforms, online ordering capabilities, customisability, or a simple run-of-the-mill way to process card transactions – and see which provider is best-suited to your needs.
Ovens and toasters
If your café offers a selection of hot dishes, you’ll need a reliable way to prepare your food quickly.
You’ll need to choose between a commercial convection oven, high speed oven or a combination oven that suits your baking needs and fits within your café’s kitchen.
Convection ovens use circulated heat to ensure even baking and reduce bake times. Combination ovens, on the other hand, combine heat and steam, making them ideal for baking crusty bread or steam-roasting vegetables and aromatics. Combi ovens are generally the most advanced and powerful cooking appliance that you’d find in the professional kitchen.
A high speed oven, on the other hand, might be better suited if you’re planning to operate a fast-paced “while-you-wait” establishment.
Commercial ovens can range in price from £200 to over £3,000, depending on factors like size, brand, and features.
Some online marketplaces to look at include ECatering, Next Day Catering, and Nisbets. If you think a reconditioned oven would be more within your budget, check out CaterQuip.
Refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerated display cases and counter fridges behind the counter are must-have items for your café. Remember: shopfloor fridges play a significant role in your shop’s design, so choose ones that are sleek and complement your overall aesthetic.
You’ll likely also need freezers in two locations: behind the counter and in the back for inventory storage. Keep frozen items that can be quickly baked in the oven up front for easy access, while extra stock can be stored in the back for long-term use. If you manage a larger inventory, you might also consider a walk-in cooler or freezer.
Again, there are a vast array of marketplaces offering commercial refrigerators, including Nisbets, Redbrain, Nextday Catering Equipment, and even B&Q and Amazon.
Furniture and décor
Tables and chairs, bar seating, outdoor furniture, menu displays, interior/exterior lighting, wall art, audio systems… The list goes on.
Fortunately, none of this need cost an arm and a leg. Second-hand furniture is notoriously cheap – and would be especially well-suited if you’re aiming for a shabby-chic style. Wall art, audio systems, and lighting could also be sourced second-hand from marketplaces like Facebook, Gumtree or eBay.
If your budget will stretch that far, you may even want to seek out talented local artists who can give your establishment an injection of pizzazz.
A security system
Every business needs a security system to prevent crime and ensure the safety of employees and customers. This may include equipment like cameras and burglar alarms for both the coffee shop and entrances.
Our advice? Opt for a local provider who can manage the procurement, installation and management of the security system. This means you’ll avoid any complications or downtime and will be given advice on correct use.
Some parting words…
One of your best resources will be other café-owners. This may be your café’s previous custodians or those that populate the pages of UK Business Forums. They’ll be able to share first-hand their experiences with different manufacturers and vendors, and the appropriate equipment for the kind of establishment you wish to run.
