The cafe’s equipment affects the business’s success as they are used for preparing food and beverage items for its customers. Therefore, to ensure a smooth start in a new venture, thorough planning is required in acquiring restaurant equipment and setting them up in the new location.
Cafe owners should think carefully before finalizing an equipment list since they determine the style and quality of food that can be served and what kind of seating facilities they can provide.
For this reason, cafe owners make a complete checklist plan before setting up a new cafe. Here is a list of equipment needed in a cafe start-up:
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Seating
Tables, chairs, and other furniture are needed to provide customers with seating in a cafe. Cafe owners can also purchase outdoor furniture if they have an outdoor seating area.
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Cooking Equipment
One of the most critical equipment pieces in a cafe is the cooking equipment. It would include ovens, stovetops, microwaves, fryers, grills, waffle makers, and all the necessary pots, pans, trays, and utensils. It’s essential to have a good variety of cooking equipment to create different menu items. The oven should fit at least two baking trays simultaneously, and the stovetop should have four burners.
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Sandwich Toaster
A sandwich toaster is necessary for any cafe that serves sandwiches and paninis, which are very popular amongst customers looking for healthy fast food alternatives that can provide them with proteins and fibers from the vegetables or meats used in these sandwiches.
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Mixer
A mixer is an appliance used to mix ingredients for baking or cooking purposes. It has a bowl placed on the top where the ingredients are placed and a set of beaters that rotate around it to combine them. Mixers come in different sizes, but the most common ones have a capacity of 4.5 liters or more.
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Refrigeration
All cafes need refrigeration to store food items. There are a few different types of refrigeration that can be used in a cafe: commercial refrigerators, reach-in refrigerators, and under-counter refrigerators. A commercial refrigerator is a large unit that sits on the floor and has enough space to store many food items. A reach-in refrigerator is similar to a residential refrigerator and is perfect for small cafes. Finally, an under-counter refrigerator is installed underneath the counter to store milk, juice, soda, and other beverages.
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Dishwasher
A dishwasher is used to clean dishes after customers use them, and it should be big enough to store a dish rack and accommodate everyday dishes. A dishwasher also needs a hot water connection to run efficiently.
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Cash register
A cash register is needed to process transactions from customers who pay for items with cash or credit cards at the counter of a cafe. Some cafes have tablet systems that allow customers to pay without interacting with someone at the front counter.
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Display Fridge
A display fridge is the most eye-catching piece of equipment in a cafe since it’s usually located at the front and has glass doors for customers to see what snacks and desserts are available inside it. It’s perfect for small cafes that do not have enough space to install several counters throughout the shop to display food items on top of them.
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Coffee Maker
Coffee makers are seen along the counter in a cafe, but some cafes prefer to have several coffee makers around the shop so customers can get their coffee quickly at any time.
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Espresso Machine
Espresso machines make the most popular coffee-based drinks sold in cafes worldwide, and it creates a rich flavor with less acidity than drip coffee has. Many customers who visit cafes prefer it for obvious reasons.
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Coffee Grinder
A grinder is an appliance that’s often used in combination with espresso machines since it grinds coffee beans just before the machine uses them to brew a beverage. This method produces better tasting beverages because fresh ground beans are always guaranteed.
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Steamer
A steamer is another appliance that every cafe needs because it’s perfect for making milkshakes, smoothies, hot chocolate, soups, and other beverages. It needs to be big enough to fit a good amount of milk or water.
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Blender
Blenders are used to make milkshakes, smoothies, and other blended beverages that customers often order after they eat their main course or dessert at a cafe. Many cafes use them instead of steamers since they can save space in their kitchens and provide similar results regarding making blended drinks.
Conclusion
Starting a cafe can be a daunting task, but it can be easier with the right equipment. If you’re still not sure what you need or have specific questions about equipment, be sure to reach out to a trusted supplier for more information. They’ll be able to help you find the right items for your cafe and answer any questions you may have about them.
