So you’re planning to open a café in 2025. You’ve nailed the concept, finalised the name, and maybe even found your location. Now comes the tricky part: setting up your café kitchen. 

What equipment do you really need? What’s non-negotiable, and what can wait? 

As someone who’s helped countless café owners plan their kitchen setup, let me guide you through the must-have café kitchen essentials for a modern, efficient, and profitable café. Whether you’re going for a small commercial setup or a mid-size outlet, this guide will help you invest smartly from day one. 

Why Equipment Planning Is So Important 

A great café doesn’t just depend on great coffee beans. It runs on: 

• Consistency of output 

• Speed of service 

• Low downtime and maintenance 

• Smart workflow and energy efficiency 

All of that depends on choosing the right equipment from the beginning. Skipping this step often leads to high repair costs, delays in service, and wasted ingredients. 

Let’s break it down. 

✅ Café Kitchen Essentials: Your 2025 Checklist 

1. Espresso Machine – The Core of Your Coffee Business 

If you’re serious about coffee, don’t compromise here. 

Choose a commercial espresso machine that suits your expected footfall and barista workflow. For most small cafés, a 2-group machine with dual boilers is ideal. 

Must-have features: 

• Programmable dosing 

• Steam wand pressure control 

• Energy-saving modes 

Tip: Don’t forget water quality. Hard water can damage the machine. Install an RO filter with pre-set TDS levels. 

2. Coffee Grinder – Where Flavour Starts 

Even the best espresso machine is only as good as the grind. 

You’ll need a commercial burr grinder that allows precise grind adjustments for different brews. 

What to look for: 

• On-demand grinding 

• Hopper size (500g or more) 

• Stepless grind control 

Tip: Use separate grinders for signature blends and decaf beans to avoid flavour contamination. 

3. Blender & Mixer – For Shakes, Smoothies & More 

Your cold coffee menu and frappés need a heavy-duty blender. 

Go for one with: 

• Noise reduction features 

• Variable speed and preset cycles 

• Safety lock jars 

If you plan to bake in-house, invest in a planetary mixer (5L–10L capacity is ideal for a small commercial setup). 

4. Undercounter Refrigerator & Display Chiller 

You’ll need undercounter fridges at the barista station for milk, cream, and perishables, and a display chiller to showcase desserts and grab-and-go items. 

Choose models that offer: 

• Digital temperature control 

• Low power consumption 

• Glass-front designs for merchandising 

A combo of vertical chillers and compact freezers ensures you’re ready for bulk prep and quick access. 

5. Sandwich Grills & Prep Stations 

If you’re offering snacks like grilled sandwiches, wraps, or breakfast plates: 

• Use a contact grill or panini press 

• Add a prep table with sink and storage 

• Keep a toaster or mini combi oven for quick bakes 

These compact appliances are perfect for a café offering light meals without needing a full commercial range. 

6. Water Purification & Plumbing 

Most café owners overlook this—until their coffee starts tasting off or machines break down. 

Your café needs: 

• RO system with 75–100 LPH capacity 

• Proper drainage and wastewater trap 

• Food-grade plumbing fittings 

7. Barista Counter Setup & POS System 

Smooth workflow = happy customers. Design your counter with: 

• Grinder → Espresso Machine → Milk Frother → Serving Counter flow 

• Built-in waste chute and towel dispensers 

• Touch-based POS system with inventory tracking 

Modular counter systems by HAKS are a good investment—customisable and easy to clean. 

8. Storage Shelves, Trolleys & Racks 

For a clutter-free, efficient café: 

• Use vertical racks for dry storage 

• Trolleys for ingredient movement 

• Overhead cup and tool holders near the barista station 

Every square foot counts in a small commercial setup. Go vertical where possible. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Buying household appliances instead of commercial-grade 

• Underestimating electricity load or plug point planning 

• Not accounting for noise, especially in small café spaces 

• Ignoring after-sales support or warranty terms 

Starting Small? Here’s Your Mini Setup Plan 

If you’re launching with a lean team and a focused menu, here’s a simplified café equipment bundle: 

Don’t make guesses—plan with confidence. 

Your café is only as efficient as the kitchen it runs on. The right equipment pays for itself through better service, happier customers, and fewer breakdowns. 

At HAKS, we don’t just sell café equipment—we help you design a smart, scalable kitchen that grows with your brand. 

📞 Need help with your café kitchen layout, equipment pricing, or space planning? 
Visit www.haks.co.in or book a free consult with our team. 

📍 Contact Us 

HAKS Experience Centre – Delhi 

 B-56, 1st Floor, Naraina Industrial Area Phase-2, New Delhi – 110028 

📧 Email: info@haks.co.in, sales@haks.co.in 

 📞 Phone: +91-9810571068, +91-9560085328 

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