Dreaming of your own home coffee bar but not sure where to start? No worries! This ultimate coffee bar essentials list has got you covered. Find all the must-have items and accessories you need right here in this post.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking to elevate your home coffee experience, you’re in the right place!
Get ready to transform your space with the essential coffee bar equipment and accessories.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the must-have items that will help you create your very own home coffee bar.
Let’s dive in and turn your coffee corner into a cozy spot where you can feel like a home barista, perfect for enjoying your morning cup of coffee!
1. Coffee Bar Cart
You have two great options for setting up your own coffee station: either on your kitchen counter or using a chic bar cart.
Both are perfect for organizing all your coffee essentials and work great for small spaces too! No matter which you choose, the items on this list will work perfectly for either setup.
2. Choose the Coffee Maker of Your Choice
Next up on our list: coffee makers! There are a few different types to choose from, so I’ve put together a mini guide to help you find the perfect fit for your coffee needs.
Espresso Machines
- What It Is: Machines designed for making espresso. They come in various styles, from convenient pod machines to classic stovetop models. Some even double as regular coffee makers, though they’re not as good at making espresso.
- Perfect For: Espresso lovers who want rich, concentrated shots of coffee or fancy drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.
- Top Picks: Casabrew Espresso Machine; Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL; Nespresso Vertuo POP+ Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville
Cold Brew Coffee Makers
- What It Is: These brewers make smooth, less acidic coffee by steeping grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. It’s a bit of a wait, but you can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge.
- Perfect For: If you’re a fan of iced coffee and want to have a refreshing cold brew ready to go.
- Top Pick: Hario “Mizudashi” Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Drip Coffee Makers
- What It Is: The classic coffee maker that brews multiple cups at once by dripping hot water over ground coffee. Many have features like programmable settings and brew-strength control.
- Perfect For: Those who want to customize their coffee and brew a whole pot to keep it hot throughout the day.
- Top Pick: Gevi 10-Cup Coffee Maker with Grinder
Manual Brewers
- What It Is: Manual brewers like French presses, pour-overs, and stovetop Moka pots. They don’t need electricity, just hot water, so you’ll need to boil water separately.
- Perfect For: Coffee lovers who like the hands-on brewing process or need a portable option for camping and travel.
- Top Picks: ESPRO – P3 French Press; Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker; Bialetti – Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker
Single-Serve Machines
- What It Is: These compact machines brew one cup at a time using pods or capsules. Super easy and quick!
- Perfect For: Anyone who wants a single cup of coffee or espresso without any hassle.
- Top Pick: Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker
3. Coffee Beans or Pods
Of course, no coffee bar is complete without these essentials here: beans or pods. Depending on your machine, you’ll need one or the other.
There are so many types of beans out there, so it might take some time to find your favorites.
As for pods, always make sure to buy the ones that fit your machine. Simple as that!
4. Coffee Grinder
For the perfect cup of coffee, a grinder is key!
You’ve got a few options to choose from to level up your coffee game:
- Blade Grinders: These use blades to chop up your beans, they’re easy on the wallet and get the job done quickly. Perfect for those who just want a simple, no-fuss way to grind their coffee. -> KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder; Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Blade Coffee Grinder
- Burr Grinders: With a burr grinder, your beans are crushed between two surfaces, giving you a consistent grind size every time. If you’re serious about your coffee and want top-notch quality and precision, this one’s for you. (Great for making espresso) -> OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder; Cuisinart Coffee Grinder
- Manual Grinders: Manual grinders need a bit of elbow grease as you grind the beans yourself. If you enjoy the hands-on process or travel a lot, this one’s a great pick. -> 1Zpresso J Manual Coffee Grinder; Manual Coffee Grinder by Alpaca Ventures
- Electric Grinders: These bad boys do all the work for you with just a push of a button. If you’re always on the go and want your coffee done quick and easy, an electric grinder is the way to go. -> Breville Smart Grinder Pro
5. Kettle
Especially when making pour-over or French press coffee, you’ll need an electric kettle to boil water. It’s an important tool for these types of coffee. Here’s a great option that’s also really affordable.
6. Scale
While you don’t absolutely need a scale for your coffee routine, having one can make a real difference.
It helps you get that ideal coffee-to-water ratio, ensuring you get that perfect brew every time. Here’s a great coffee scale you might like.
7. Milk Frother
If you love cappuccinos and lattes, a milk frother is a must-have! It lets you create creamy, frothy milk that adds that café-quality touch to your coffee right at home.
You can choose between a handheld frother, which is great for frothing directly in your cup with just a quick spin.
Or, if you want something a bit more hands-off, an electric one can effortlessly handle multiple servings with ease.
Either way, it’s a simple way to take your at-home coffee bar to the next level!
8. Coffee Canister
Well, we need a place to store our or coffee grounds and beans, right? That’s where a coffee canister comes in handy. It’s a stylish and cute way to keep your coffee fresh.
I found this adorable canister that even has “coffee” written on it, so it’s easy to spot.
And if you have a pod machine, this lazy Susan is perfect for holding all your pods and making them super easy to access!
9. Syrup Dispensers
If you love adding syrups to your coffee, you’ll definitely want to have them on your coffee bar setup!
I’m a big fan of these from Amazon because they look gorgeous and add a nice touch to your setup. Plus, each pump gives you half a teaspoon, which is handy to know.
And if you like your coffee with a bit of sugar, having some cute jars for it is a must-have, too!
10. Cute Coffee Mugs
Cute mugs really make everything more enjoyable, whether you’re a coffee or tea lover.
So, definitely stock up on some mugs that match your kitchen’s style or are just plain adorable.
Make sure you have the right mugs for your favorite drinks – like taller glasses for lattes, small cups for espresso, and so on.
Also, a mug tree can really elevate your coffee bar or countertop.
Not only does it add a stylish touch, but it’s also great for organizing your mugs and keeping them in a designated spot.
11. Use a Tray
A tray might not be the first thing you think of for coffee bar essentials, but it’s a game-changer.
It brings everything together and gives your items a place to live – plus, it looks super nice and instantly elevates your setup.
Just pick one that fits your aesthetic and watch how it makes a difference!
(Also, almost anything can be a tray – yes, even a cutting board!)
12. Use a Mug Rack
If you’re setting up a countertop coffee station, a mug rack is perfect for organizing and showcasing your mugs while making the most of that vertical space.
It’s also a great spot to add a touch of decor. Like a plant, just like she’s done in her coffee station. It adds a bit of life and charm to your setup.
13. Floating Shelves
Another great way to boost functionality is by adding floating shelves above your kitchen counter or bar cart.
Open shelves give you extra storage space and a perfect spot for some cute decor.
It’s a great way to make your coffee station feel more cozy and uniquely yours. Plus, you’ll love having that extra space for mugs, syrups, or even a little plant!
14. Drawer Organizers
For your countertop coffee station, drawer organizers are a must-have for keeping everything tidy.
You can repurpose them to hold your coffee essentials like scoops, stirrers, and pods. This way, everything is close at hand and neatly organized.
15. Coasters
Don’t forget to add some coasters to your coffee bar essentials!
They not only protect your surfaces from pesky coffee rings and spills but also add a touch of style to your setup.
Coasters come in all sorts of materials like cork, wood, or silicone, and in so many styles. Just find ones that match your aesthetic.
16. Napkins
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Just like coasters protect your surfaces, napkins are key to keeping your coffee bar clean and welcoming.
They’re definitely a must-have on your coffee bar essentials list!
They come in handy for spills, wiping up drips, and adding a touch of style to your setup.
17. Coffee Prints
Adding some coffee-themed prints is a good idea to really bring your own coffee bar to life!
Whether you choose fun quotes, a stylish coffee menu for a professional vibe, or just some cute coffee prints, they’ll all add a personal touch to your coffee bar.
18. Coffee Table Books
Whether you use coffee table books for inspiration or just as a stylish addition, they’ll definitely make your coffee station look even more chic.
They’re a simple way to add a touch of personality and make your coffee bar station stand out.
19. Add a Small Table Lamp
You might not think to add a lamp to your coffee bar, but trust me, it makes a difference.
Especially in the morning, having a soft glow from a table lamp while you enjoy your morning coffee creates a really cozy vibe. It’s just so much better than those harsh overhead lights!
Alternatively, you could use LED strips under your shelves or cabinets for that nice, warm glow.
It’s a small touch that makes your coffee routine feel even more special.
So, it might be worth considering for your coffee bar essentials list.
I hope this coffee bar essentials list has helped you find everything you need to set up the perfect coffee bar in your own kitchen!
With all these coffee bar accessories and equipment on this list, you’re ready to go.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to decorate and set up your space, whether you prefer a countertop setup or a stylish bar cart, check out the posts below for some extra inspiration!
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