More and more coffee lovers are ditching takeaways and building their own café-quality setups at home—and with good reason. With the right equipment and a little know-how, you can enjoy rich, barista-level coffee every single day without leaving the house.
Whether you're a seasoned home barista or just starting your journey, here’s everything you need to create your perfect coffee corner—complete with gear suggestions and layout ideas.
1. Start with a Real Espresso Machine
For classic Italian flair and professional-level performance, we recommend an espresso machine from La Pavoni or Elektra. These are beautifully built machines designed to last and capable of delivering that perfect crema-topped shot every time.
Manual lever or semi-automatic?
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Go manual (like the La Pavoni Europiccola) for a hands-on, tactile experience.
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Prefer consistency and speed? A semi-pro La Pavoni Mini Cellini offers a balance of control and ease.
- We also do Refurbished La Pavoni Home Coffee Machines and Grinders, we offer them at a great price and back them with a 2 year warranty.
💡 Tip: Consider your space—most domestic machines will fit on a standard kitchen counter, but check the height if you plan to use a grinder alongside it.
2. Get a Grinder That Matches Your Machine
A quality espresso machine is only as good as the grinder paired with it.
Look for a burr grinder designed specifically for espresso. This gives you control over grind size, which is essential for good extraction. We recommend models from Eureka, Elektra or La Pavoni—brands trusted by professionals and home users alike.
Budget options like the Eureka Mignon Manuale offer incredible value, while stepping up to something like a Eureka Mignon Libra gives you a lot more control.
3. Use Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans
Freshly roasted beans make all the difference. We stock a range of options from brands like Lucaffé, Lavazza, Our own Barista Special and Superb Coffee Co.
Whether you prefer something smooth and chocolatey or bright and fruity, there’s a roast for every taste. Always store beans in an airtight container away from light and heat—freshness drops quickly after opening.
🔁 Pro tip: Buy little and often. Coffee peaks around 7–14 days after roasting and starts to fade soon after.
4. Don’t Forget the Accessories
The right tools can transform a good shot into a great one. Here’s what we suggest:
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Tampers – Essential for compressing the coffee evenly in the portafilter.
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Tamping mats – Protect your surfaces and help with stability.
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Knock boxes – Dispose of used grounds easily.
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Milk pitchers – Ideal for steaming and pouring. Stainless steel jugs with sharp pouring spouts are best for latte art.
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Thermometers – Keep your milk at the sweet spot (60–65°C) for silky foam.
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Scales – For precision brewing. Measuring your dose and yield ensures consistency.
5. Keep It Clean: Maintenance Must-Haves
To keep your setup running like new, regular cleaning is essential. Here's what to stock:
Taking 5–10 minutes a week for routine cleaning keeps flavours crisp and your equipment performing at its best.
6. Set the Scene: Designing Your Home Coffee Bar
Now that you've got the gear, it's time to build your space.
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Choose a dedicated corner of the kitchen or utility room—somewhere close to a plug socket and water source.
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Add shelves or drawers for storing beans, cups, and tools.
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Use trays or mats to group items visually and keep things neat.
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Decorate with café-style touches: glass jars, a chalkboard, or even a small houseplant.
🪑 Bonus tip: Add a couple of stools nearby—this isn’t just a coffee station, it’s your new favourite hangout spot.
Final Thoughts
With a quality espresso machine, a proper grinder, fresh beans, and the right accessories, you can enjoy café-style coffee without stepping out your front door. Whether you're perfecting your morning flat white or pulling a shot for guests, your home setup can be just as satisfying as any high street café.
Ready to start building your coffee bar?
