What Coffee Shop Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Starting a coffee shop is a dream for many entrepreneurs, but turning that dream into a profitable business begins with the right equipment. Whether you're opening a cozy café or a modern espresso bar, investing in essential coffee shop equipment ensures smooth operations, consistent quality, and a professional customer experience.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping coffee shop owners protect their investments with tailored insurance solutions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-have equipment to buy first—and how to safeguard it with the right coverage.
1. Espresso Machine: The Heart of Your Coffee Shop
Your espresso machine is the centerpiece of your café. It’s responsible for crafting the drinks your customers love—lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and more.
Choose between manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic machines.
Consider capacity, durability, and ease of use.
Brands like La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, and Breville are popular choices.
📌 Read more: Link to espresso machine buying guide.
2. Coffee Grinder: Consistency is Key
A high-quality burr grinder ensures consistent grind size, which is crucial for flavor and extraction.
Invest in a commercial-grade burr grinder.
Look for models with adjustable settings and easy maintenance.
3. Brewing Equipment: Beyond Espresso
If you plan to offer drip coffee, pour-over, or cold brew, you’ll need:
Drip brewers (e.g., Bunn or Fetco)
Pour-over stations (e.g., Chemex, Hario V60)
Cold brew systems
These allow you to diversify your menu and cater to different customer preferences.
4. Refrigeration and Storage
Proper refrigeration is essential for milk, syrups, and food items.
Undercounter refrigerators
Display fridges for pastries
Dry storage shelving
📌 Read more: Commercial refrigeration options.
5. POS System and Payment Processing
A reliable point-of-sale (POS) system helps manage orders, track inventory, and process payments.
Choose systems like Square, Toast, or Clover.
Look for features like mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and analytics.
6. Furniture and Fixtures
Create a welcoming atmosphere with:
Tables and chairs
Bar stools and counters
Lighting and décor
Your layout should reflect your brand and encourage customer comfort and flow.
7. Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies
Health and safety are non-negotiable. Stock up on:
Dishwashers or sinks
Cleaning chemicals
Trash bins and recycling stations
8. Equipment Insurance: Protect Your Investment
Your equipment is a major financial investment. At Wexford Insurance, we help coffee shop owners protect their gear with specialized coverage, including:
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries and property damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance – For delivery or mobile coffee services.
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your building and contents.
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required if you hire staff.
Equipment Insurance – Covers breakdowns, theft, and damage to espresso machines, grinders, and more.
Conclusion
Choosing the right coffee shop equipment is the first step toward building a successful cafe.. From espresso machines to POS systems, each item plays a role in your daily operations and customer experience. And as you invest in your business, make sure you protect it with the right insurance coverage.
Starting a coffee shop?
Contact Wexford Insurance today at 317-942-0549 to get a quote and learn more about our coffee shop insurance programs tailored to your needs.
