If you love to start your day with a coffee, we are sure you would know that you cannot do without it. However, some coffee aficionados’ want to take it to the next level, and open up their own café. How do you go about it then? For one, buying the right equipment from kitchen equipment suppliers in UAE could seem a tad bit difficult.
How To: Buying The Best Commercial Coffee Equipment for Your Café?
Opening a cafe is definitely taxing but an exciting business idea. Once you are done selecting your location and collecting funds, the next step is to purchase a commercial coffee machine and other equipment. The equipment is going to be your most important investment because only when it will help you create high quality drinks, your customers will keep coming.
What all will you need?
It might come as a shock but you need seven equipment to make one cup of coffee. These include espresso coffee grinders, commercial coffee grinder, coffee brewer, commercial blender, refrigerators, dishwasher, and a water purifier. Even the slightest carelessness in selecting any one of the machines might get you into serious trouble.
Points to remember while selecting these seven machines.
- Espresso coffee grinders
Since espresso and latte drinks are going to drive in majority of your business, you need an espresso coffee grinder that grinds the coffee beans into fine, equal-sized particles.
- Commercial coffee grinders
You will need a commercial coffee grinder for those who love plain black coffee for their daily caffeine intake. Aroma is what counts, so make sure you purchase one that brings out the flavor and fragrance of the coffee beans. Go for an automated coffee grinder as you can make multiple cups of coffee at a time, unlike manual grinder, which also needs your complete attention.
- Coffee brewer
One coffee brewer is enough for your coffee shop as no more than 30 percent customers will ask for regular drip coffee.
- Commercial blender
Frozen espresso coffee drinks have become go-to drinks in today’s time, so you’ll need at least a couple blender for making them. Make sure to buy blenders with covers as they reduce noise considerably.
- Refrigerators
Choose any type of refrigerator you want between one or two door, commercial, and under the counter refrigerator but make sure it is approved by National Sanitation Foundation. Also, keep a commercial refrigerator in the pantry or storage room for storing milk.
- Dishwasher
A dishwasher is one of the most essential coffee equipment because people prefer to drink espresso and latte out of a real coffee mug and not paper cups. Keeping a 15-years old on salary for constantly washing the cups is expensive in the long run, so invest in a heavy-duty dishwasher.
- Water purifier
If your water has high amounts of minerals, you’ll espresso machine will be ruined beyond repair. First test the water quality and buy a purifier accordingly.
Where to find these equipment?
You can buy all the equipment from two places - supply store and second hand electronics store. The first option is obviously the best one because you get fresh machines with at least two years of warranty. You will find everything you need at one place.
However, if you are low on capital, you will have to go to the second hand electronics store. Unfortunately, there will be no warranty or guarantee on these equipment and you should know that you are literally buying a time bomb. It can break down any time and the repair might cost you more than the amount at which you bought the machine. The choice is completely yours and whatever you buy, make sure that the machines make the best coffee in town.
Things to remember while selecting the coffee equipment
- Customer service
When you buy a brand new coffee equipment, you get 12 months of warranty and 12 free, check-ups. Some companies offer special features when you buy during the festive season, which include free one-year servicing as long as you don’t need part replacement.
- Repairing and service cost
In case you are buying a second hand model, you need to check with the store how much servicing costs. Normally, it costs between $150 to $200 for each machine. Ask yourself if you are ready to pay Around $1500 every three months for servicing.
- Cleaning routines and techniques
New machines come with a manual that tell you how to clean them but if you are buying a second hand one, ask your supplier about it. If you think the technique is too long or the routine is too frequent, you might need to reconsider your decision.