If you could build a dream coffee bar what would you include? We are going to move my espresso setup to a dedicated or multipurpose coffee bar, what are the must haves? With a KafaTek MC5 grinder I just picked up Friday I am moving to single dosing, bottomless filters, and an Acaia Lunar Scale that I'm very new at.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum to ask for input on having a coffee bar built. This is my wife's project. I was happy with the way things were. Her goal is to clear her kitchen countertops of appliances and clutter, especially the espresso machine and grinder. She is working with a couple contractors to replace the existing desk and cabinets with a coffee bar. She will also find plenty of non-coffee items to use the space for.

I should be able to easily plumb water to the Izzo Alex Duetto IV Plus. I don't think I'll bother with plumbing a drain. She is debating adding either shelves or cabinets with or without glass doors above the bar, and/or the tall cabinet she is undecided on.

What are the most important things to consider for my espresso set up and occasional drip coffee? The drip machine will be stored except for entertaining drip coffee drinkers. Easy access drawers and/or cabinets with convenient storage organization would be nice since she prefers to have everything possible stored in drawers and out of sight. I'm not sure about a knock box. I usually just dump the puck in the garbage under the sink next to where the machine is now. I would need to either get a very nice one to sit on the desk or store it between use. There may also be some accessories that add rather than subtract aesthetics. Our ideas for that are likely different than my wife but nice cups for example might be acceptable on shelves above the bar. Cabinets with or without glass doors is an option as well.

Thank you.

Midway wrote:I don't think I'll bother with plumbing a drain.

½ of the biggest convenience, direct plumb & drain and you're designing that out?

I suppose I could plumb a drain. There is a bathroom on the other side of the coffee bar if it is easy to tap into the sink drain. There may be drain pipes in the crawlspace under the bar as well. For a project I didn't think we needed, and how quickly bids go up in price, I just prefer to delete options, not add them but that is probably one of the smaller budget items. Thanks.

You won't be sorry you added that option, you'll only regret that if you didn't - when you had the chance to do it when it was easiest.

I would also suggest running a dedicated 120v 20amp circuit for your espresso machine and grinder. I'd also at the same time recommend running a 20amp 240v dedicated circuit line for the future, just in case. We used to have an Alex Duetto as well - and never planned on having a 240v machine. You just never know.

HH wrote:Oh my goodness absolutely you should plumb in a drain. Why wouldn't you? If you can I would say it is a must.

That aside, I would also suggest a pitcher rinser to quickly clean out your portafilter and milk jug, as well as an opening in the counter surface for a knock box (ie a chute going down to a bin hidden under the counter top). I'd also like some storage for single-dose bean vials, and perhaps an integrated undercounter fridge/freezer for milk/bean storage depending on how far away you are from your main fridge.

Under-counter beverage center, refrigerator is in the plan. It will not have a freezer but we have one nearby and in the garage. I just need to figure out the height of the single-dose vials if I decide to use them. I haven't minded weighing beans right before I grind. Something to use as a quick rinse pitcher I can store after use is a good idea. I can still use the kitchen sink for final cleanup. Thank you.

BaristaBoy E61 wrote:I would also suggest running a dedicated 120v 20amp circuit for your espresso machine and grinder. I'd also at the same time recommend running a 20amp 240v dedicated circuit line for the future, just in case. We used to have an Alex Duetto as well - and never planned on having a 240v machine. You just never know.

At a minimum I'll have it wired in and down to a box in my crawl space. I ran some to my basement theater myself and it runs right below in the crawl space and while it is safe and works, it is not a very clean install. Not sure I want to tap into the existing circuit but my breaker box is getting full. Getting to it could easily be done later . Thanks.

Espressmyself wrote:Just went through this myself. Plumbed in, a drain, a RO system under counter which I need in SoCal, dedicated 20A lines for both espresso machine, grinders, Stagg EKG and Moccamaster - these are game changers. Also drilled pass-through holes in the granite for power cords for a clean look. Have both a freezer and fridge under counter too which is nice and convenient. Best of luck with the project!

I like the idea of the pass through holes and my wife likes it even more. I commented on dedicated circuits in a prior response as I did on our plan to have a beverage center refrigerator but not a freezer.. Good ideas. My water is pretty good as is and I don't think I need a filter and they aren't required. Thank you.