Opening a new coffee shop in Australia requires careful planning, especially when it comes to your equipment. This guide outlines the most important pieces of coffee equipment you'll need to get started.
Read the official guide to starting a café in Australia

We'll cover everything from the commercial coffee machine and grinder to refrigeration and payment systems. A smart investment in the right gear sets you up for consistent quality and smooth operations from day one, helping you build a successful Australian cafe.

Build a successful Australian café with our freshly roasted coffee beans

The Core of Your Coffee Program

The heart of any Australian cafe is its coffee. Before you think about anything else, your focus should be on the two machines that will produce your main product. 

The quality and reliability of your espresso machine and grinder directly impact every single cup you serve. Investing wisely here is the first step towards building a reputation for excellent coffee. 

As a consistent supplier, we understand that dependable machinery is the foundation of your daily operations.

The Commercial Coffee Machine

Your commercial coffee machine is the centrepiece of your entire operation. It's the engine that drives your business, and its performance will define your workflow and the quality of your coffee. When choosing an espresso machine for a cafe, you need to consider your expected customer volume. 

A two-group head machine is a common starting point for most small to medium-sized cafes in Australia, allowing two baristas to work simultaneously during busy periods. Look for machines from reputable brands known for their durability and consistent temperature stability, such as La Marzocco or Wega. 

A reliable machine ensures you can produce consistently delicious espresso, shot after shot.

The Commercial Coffee Grinder

A top-tier commercial coffee grinder is just as important as your espresso machine. You can have the best machine in the world, but it won’t matter if your coffee grounds are inconsistent. For commercial use, a burr grinder is the only option. 

Unlike blade grinders that smash beans inconsistently, burr grinders mill the coffee to a uniform size, which allows for an even extraction and a balanced flavour. 

Look for grinders from trusted brands like La Marzocco or Anfim. Having a dedicated grinder for your main espresso blend is standard practice, and many cafes have a second grinder for decaf or single-origin offerings.

Supporting Beverage and Food Preparation

While coffee is the star, other equipment is needed to support your menu and ensure smooth service. These items play a vital role in protecting your main machinery, maintaining food safety standards, and allowing you to expand your offerings beyond a simple flat white. 

From filtered water to fresh milk and simple food items, this supporting cast of equipment is essential for a well-rounded cafe.

Follow Australian food and hygiene standards

Water Filtration System

Coffee is over 98% water, so the quality of your water directly affects the taste of your final product. Australia's water varies in hardness and mineral content from city to city. A high-quality water filtration system is non-negotiable. It removes impurities that can create off-flavours in your coffee. 

Water Quality Association, Understanding water hardness and filtration standards.

It also prevents scale buildup inside your expensive espresso machine, protecting your investment from damage and costly repairs. A simple carbon filter or a more advanced reverse osmosis system will ensure taste consistency and machine longevity.

See why water quality is essential to great coffee flavour. 

Refrigeration

Proper refrigeration is a cornerstone of any food service business. You will need commercial-grade fridges to keep your milk, alternative milks, and any food ingredients at safe temperatures. 

An under-counter milk fridge is a must-have for any barista station, providing easy access during busy service. You might also consider a glass-front display fridge to showcase cold drinks, sandwiches, and cakes, which can encourage impulse purchases from customers waiting in line. 
Explore café starter kits and supplies, all in one place. 

Blenders, Ovens, and Toasters

Expanding your menu with food and other drinks is a great way to increase your revenue per customer. A powerful commercial blender allows you to add smoothies, frappes, and milkshakes to your menu, which are especially popular during the warmer Australian months. 

Similarly, simple countertop ovens or commercial toasters allow you to offer a basic food menu, such as toasted sandwiches, croissants, and warmed pastries, without the need for a full kitchen setup.

The Tools of the Trade and Operational Essentials

Beyond the large machines, a collection of smaller tools and systems is required to run your cafe efficiently. These are the items your baristas will use every day to craft drinks and the systems that will process payments and keep your space clean. Paying attention to these details ensures a smooth workflow, accurate order taking, and a hygienic environment.

Essential Barista Tools

The small tools a barista uses are vital for maintaining quality and speed. Equipping your team with the right gear is a small investment that pays off in consistency. Your list of essential barista tools should include: Stock up on barista tools to maintain quality and speed.

• High-quality tampers for consistent coffee puck compression.

• Milk frothing jugs in various sizes for different drink orders.

• Knock boxes to cleanly and quickly dispose of used coffee grounds.

• Digital scales for accurately weighing coffee doses and monitoring extraction yield.

• Thermometers to ensure milk is steamed to the correct temperature.

• Cleaning brushes, cloths, and specialised detergents for machine maintenance.

Point of Sale (POS) System

An efficient POS system is the brain of your front-of-house operations. Modern POS systems do much more than just take payments. They help you track sales data, manage inventory, and handle customer orders seamlessly.

In a fast-paced cafe environment, a user-friendly system that is quick and reliable is key to keeping the queue moving and preventing errors. Many systems designed for Australian cafes can integrate with payment terminals and accounting software.
See our guide on streamlining cafe operations.

Dishwashing and Cleaning

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is a legal requirement and essential for customer trust. Depending on your council regulations, you may need a commercial-grade dishwasher that can wash and sanitise dishes at high temperatures. 

At a minimum, a three-compartment sink setup for washing, rinsing, and sanitising is often required. You will also need specific cleaning chemicals designed for your espresso machine to perform daily backflushing and cleaning routines, keeping your machine in top condition.
Use espresso machine cleaners daily to protect your equipment. you can explore cleaning products here.

Get The Essential Coffee Shop Equipment List for Australian Startups

Your journey to opening a successful cafe begins with the right equipment. Focusing on a high-quality commercial coffee machine and grinder sets the standard for your core product. Supporting this with essential gear like water filtration, refrigeration, and a reliable POS system builds a foundation for efficient operations.

These smart investments are a key part of your cafe fit out and budget. Choosing a partner who can be a consistent supplier of coffee shop supplies and equipment is key to ensuring your business runs smoothly from the very first day.

For expert advice on the right residential and commercial coffee equipment for your new venture, Contact us. Coffee Hero is your partner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Coffee Shop Equipment

What Equipment Is Needed To Start A Coffee Shop?

A new coffee shop needs a commercial espresso machine, a high-quality grinder, a water filtration system, refrigeration units, a POS system, and essential barista tools like tampers and milk jugs. Depending on your menu, you may also need blenders, an oven, and a commercial dishwasher.

How Much Does It Cost To Set Up A Cafe In Australia?

The cost to set up a cafe in Australia can range significantly, typically from $100,000 to over $500,000. This variation depends on factors like location, the extent of the cafe fit out, and the quality of the equipment purchased.

What Are The 3 Most Important Pieces Of Equipment In A Coffee Shop?

The three most critical pieces of equipment for any coffee shop are the commercial coffee machine, the commercial coffee grinder, and a reliable refrigeration unit. These items are the foundation for serving high-quality coffee and ensuring food safety.

How Do I Start A Small Coffee Shop In Australia?

Starting a small coffee shop in Australia involves creating a solid business plan, securing funding, finding a suitable location, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, sourcing high-quality coffee equipment and supplies, and hiring skilled staff.

What Makes A Coffee Shop Successful In Australia?

Success in the Australian coffee market is often determined by consistent, high-quality coffee, excellent customer service, a welcoming atmosphere, a strategic location, and efficient operations, which are all supported by reliable coffee equipment.

Do Cafes Make Good Money In Australia?

Yes, cafes can be profitable in Australia, but success depends on managing costs effectively, maintaining a strong customer base, and having efficient systems in place. Profit margins can be tight, so careful planning of expenses, including the initial equipment investment, is important.

Get started!

Looking for reliable coffee equipment suppliers in Australia? Coffee Hero offers wholesale café equipment, barista tools, and freshly roasted beans delivered nationwide. Explore our range today.