Want that favorite coffee shop feel every time you wake up in the morning? Or perhaps you want a dedicated space to make delicious coffee for yourself and your guests. You don't need a big space or an elaborate set up to create those perfect brew vibes. Whether you're filling in that little corner of your kitchen you thought would never get used, or repurposing an existing piece of furniture in unexpected ways, here are 6 things to consider when setting up your home coffee bar.
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Easy access to running water. Running to the kitchen sink to get water for your brewer or electric kettle and to rinse mugs can be a drag. Having your coffee bar accessible to either a sink or having a carafe ready to fill your brewer or kettle with water can cut some time out of the brew process. Bonus: Having a Brita-type water pitcher or a filtered water faucet nearby can make a difference in the flavor of your fresh brew as well as extend the life of your kettle or coffee brewer.
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Transform old furniture. If you don't have a lot of kitchen counter space, consider transforming other furniture into a free standing or moveable coffee bar. Refresh your sideboard, buffet, bar cart, or an old desk with access to an outlet. A dresser can also be a versatile furniture piece that gives you "countertop" space to brew your coffee, and massive drawers to keep all your gear, accessories, coffee beans, and cups organized.
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Get the right tools. In addition to your coffee brewer and/or electric kettle, there are other tools that are essentials for any home coffee bar. Using freshly roasted coffee beans and grinding them right before brewing is strongly recommended for the best flavor. As a result, having a coffee grinder as part of your bar set is ideal. And whether you are using a coffee brewer or are manually brewing, applying the same ratio of water to coffee grounds each time you brew will result in a more consistent cup of coffee. Using a scale to weigh your coffee is the best way to stay consistent, and would be a great complement to your coffee bar.
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Gather your supplies. Get a really good bag of coffee beans. The quality of roasted coffee you use has a great impact on the brewed coffee’s flavor. Pro tip: we recommend using coffee that was roasted in the last 14 days for optimum flavor. Stock up on coffee filters — and to round out your coffee bar, include containers of sugar, honey, cinnamon, and other extras to enhance your coffee-making experience.
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Storage solutions. If you have the budget for storage, airtight containers are the best options to help extend the lifespan of your coffee beans. You can also consider canisters for sugar and tea to keep them fresher, and to have them within reach of your coffee brewer or electric kettle.
- Display your wares. Whether on the countertop or on a shelf, find a little bit of space to display all of your beautiful wares, mugs, glassware (for iced coffees and cold brews), tea towels, and spoons to entice you to a good morning every morning.
