All Things Equipment: Coffee Cart Startup

Written By Liza Vinson

So what equipment do I need and when do I start buying everything?? I started making a running list of equipment needs months (almost even a year ago) but don’t worry if you haven’t started yet or don’t even know where to begin, I’ll post my supply list below! The reason I did this so far in advance was so that I could gauge what my budget for this project was going to be and to make sure I had enough funds available to buy the necessary equipment. 

Your biggest and most important expenses will be your espresso machine and grinder.  I budgeted around $10k for my cart and spent $5k of that on my espresso machine and grinder. That being said I have seen MANY coffee carts using Brevilles or affordable, at-home espresso machines and grinders and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! If saving up for a fancy espresso machine and grinder is what is holding you back, then opt for the Breville and just make it happen! As your business grows you can reinvest your money into better equipment down the line but the most important thing is to just START THE BUSINESS. 

I however, wanted to invest in high-quality equipment off the bat because I wanted to produce high-quality coffee that left people wanting to come back for a second cup (again not saying this isn’t possible with cheaper equipment, it’s just harder to achieve). I also knew that (by living at home and working full-time) I had the means to save up enough money to afford this. The funny thing about this is that while I spent a large chunk of my life savings on these machines, the suppliers I reached out to were telling me that I needed to spend more for a higher-quality result and I was like SIR $5K IS A LOT FOR ME PLS SHUT UP. 

Anyways, I ended up opting for a mini Lucca A53 Direct Plumb espresso machine from Espresso Parts. I had seen this used successfully on tons of other coffee carts and also love the look of the walnut side panels (however I am waiting to spend the extra $500 on that when I have more funds). They have a version of this machine that is not Direct Plumb, which means that it has a small water tank attached to the machine that you refill. Sadly, although it seems like the simpler option that hooking up to a water jug, it is not the smartest. The direct plumb machine allows you to produce more espresso shots at a faster rate, plus you don’t have to stop to refill the water tank. It is definitely worth it in the long run!


Now your grinder, honestly grinders still confuse me like ALOT. So I don’t want to pretend that I know what I’m talking about and say something stupid, but my advice is to research grinding by weight vs time and then pick a grinder that is in your price range and has good reviews. You can also reach out to specific suppliers and ask for recommendations. However, when I did this they did always suggest higher-end grinders that were somewhat out of my price range. I originally ordered the Lucca Atom 75 Grinder but it is on backorder for a few months so I need to research and pick a new grinder - I will keep you all posted! 


Now if you have a direct plumb espresso machine, you will need a water system to hook up to it. This was by far the scariest and most intimidating part for me because I have no clue how plumbing works but it is soooo easy. First, you should know that espresso machines are particular and only filtered water should be used. That being said you can buy an empty jug of water, refill it for every event, and fun it through a filtration system that you buy and add into your plumbing system. OR you can purchase one of those large, blue jugs of water from a store like Home Depot that is already filtered. This means that when you have an event you will have to take it to the store and buy a refilled one for around $5. I chose to start with this system and will add on a filtration system later if needed. Using this method, the water will go from the water jug, into a water pump, an accumulator, and then a pressure gauge before finally reaching your machine. I will write a whole separate blog on this system soon so stay tuned for that to learn more. 

Ok now that the big machines and your water system are taken care of, the rest of the equipment is standard coffee cart equipment that is fun to buy! I will list all of the items on my supply list below and you can click HERE for the links to the equipment I’ve bought so far! 

Big Equipment:

  • Espresso Machine

  • Grinder

  • Fridge

  • Pitcher Rinser

  • Knock Box

Water System:

  • Water Jug

  • Grey water jug

  • Water Pump

  • Accumulator

  • Pressure Gauge

  • Plumbing Tubes

Other Items:

  • POS System

  • Stir Sticks

  • Pitchers

  • Sink

  • Rags

  • Ice Bin

  • Ice Scoop

  • Tamp Mat

  • Thermometers

  • Squeeze Bottles

  • Menu Board

  • Tent (for events)

  • Extension Cord

  • Generator

  • Tamper

  • Straws

  • Straw Holder

  • Cups

  • Sleeves

  • Napkins

  • Napkin Holder

  • Shot glasses

  • Espresso Machine cleaner

  • Grinder cleaner

  • Whisks

  • Syrups

  • Cash drawer

Branding:

  • Stamp for hot cups

  • Cart Signage

  • Business cards


Liza Vinson
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Legality & Logistics: Coffee Cart Startup