Cafe Fit Out Checklist: Complete Equipment Guide (2026)
Fitting out a cafe in Australia? Whether you're opening your first venue or refreshing an existing one, this checklist covers every piece of equipment and every decision you need to make — from espresso machine to branded fridge. A typical cafe fit out in Australia costs $80,000–$250,000 depending on size, location, and finish level. Equipment alone runs $30,000–$80,000.
We've worked with cafes, bars, and hospitality venues across Australia on branded fridge installations. Below is the complete equipment checklist we've refined from those conversations — plus where a branded bar fridge fits into your cafe setup.
Jump to: Budget Overview · Coffee Equipment · Refrigeration · Food Prep · Front of House · Compliance · Branding & Merchandising
Cafe Fit Out Budget Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee equipment | $8,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$50,000+ |
| Refrigeration | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Food prep & cooking | $2,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Front of house & POS | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$25,000 |
| Fit out & renovation | $20,000–$40,000 | $40,000–$100,000 | $100,000–$200,000+ |
| Total | $36,000–$72,000 | $72,000–$169,000 | $169,000–$325,000+ |
Leasing vs buying: Many cafes lease their espresso machine through their coffee supplier (common with brands like Toby's Estate, Campos, Allpress). This drops upfront costs by $15,000–$40,000 but locks you into a bean contract. Factor this into your total cost comparison.
Coffee Equipment Checklist
Coffee is 60–70% of revenue for most Australian cafes. This is where you invest the most and cut the least.
- Espresso machine — 2-group for small cafes (< 100 cups/day), 3-group for medium (100–300). Brands: La Marzocco (industry standard), Synesso, Victoria Arduino, Slayer. Budget: $8,000–$25,000 new, $3,000–$10,000 refurbished.
- Grinder(s) — At least two: one for espresso, one for filter/batch brew. Mazzer, Mahlkönig, Eureka. $1,500–$4,000 each.
- Batch brewer — For filter coffee service. Moccamaster, Fetco, Curtis. $500–$2,000.
- Knock box, tamper, milk jugs, scales — The small stuff that adds up. Budget $300–$600 total.
- Water filtration — Non-negotiable for espresso quality and machine longevity. Everpure or Brita systems: $300–$800 installed.
- Cup warmer — Built into most commercial machines, or standalone ($200–$500).
Refrigeration Checklist
Cafes need multiple refrigeration types. Here's the full picture:
- Under-bench prep fridge — 2-door or 3-door. Holds milk, sauces, sandwich fillings within arm's reach. $2,000–$4,000 commercial-grade.
- Upright display fridge (cold drinks) — Glass door, customer-facing. This is where a glass door bar fridge shines. Displays bottled drinks, juices, and cold-pressed items. $800–$2,000 depending on size.
- Cake / pastry display fridge — Counter-top or floor-standing with glass on 3+ sides. $1,500–$4,000.
- Walk-in coolroom — For larger cafes doing full food service. $5,000–$15,000 installed.
- Ice machine — Essential if you serve cold drinks or smoothies. Under-bench models: $1,500–$3,000.
Branded drinks fridge — the merchandising opportunity most cafes miss
Your cold drinks display is prime retail real estate. A generic white fridge says nothing. A branded fridge with your cafe's logo does three things:
- Brand reinforcement — Every customer who walks past sees your brand, not a generic appliance.
- Higher perceived value — Branded displays signal professionalism. Customers pay more from a branded fridge than a plain one.
- Social media content — A branded fridge with your logo is Instagram-ready. Customers photograph it. Free marketing.
($1,185) — Popular cafe choice. 370L capacity, glass door, LED lighting. Add a custom wrap with your cafe branding from $490.
Food Prep & Cooking Equipment
- Sandwich press / panini grill — $200–$600 commercial-grade.
- Toaster (conveyor or pop-up) — $300–$800 commercial.
- Blender — For smoothies and frappes. Vitamix or Blendtec: $800–$1,200.
- Microwave — For reheating pies, soups, toasties. Commercial: $300–$600.
- Oven / combi oven — If baking in-house. Rational, Unox, Turbofan: $3,000–$15,000.
- Prep bench — Stainless steel, with shelf underneath. $500–$1,500 per section.
- Sink(s) — Minimum one handwash sink and one prep/wash sink. Regulations vary by state — check your local council requirements.
Front of House & Service
- POS system — Square, Lightspeed, or Kounta (now Lightspeed Restaurant). Budget $50–$150/month plus hardware ($500–$2,000).
- Counter / service bench — Custom joinery: $2,000–$8,000. This is your brand's first impression.
- Menu boards — Chalkboard ($50–$200), digital display ($500–$1,500), or printed ($100–$400).
- Seating & tables — Budget $100–$300 per seat. Cafe chairs and tables from commercial suppliers (TCS, Direct Business Furniture).
- Lighting — Warm, inviting. Pendant lights over counter, ambient throughout. Budget $500–$2,000.
- Signage — External A-frame, window decals, illuminated sign. A custom light box with your cafe logo works brilliantly as window or wall signage.
Compliance & Regulations
Australian cafes must comply with food safety, building, and health regulations. Requirements vary by state and council. Here's what to budget for:
- Food business registration — Required in all states. Usually through your local council. $200–$500/year.
- Food safety supervisor certificate — At least one certified person on shift at all times. Course: $100–$200.
- Commercial kitchen fit out — Must meet the Food Standards Code (FSANZ). Requirements include: stainless steel surfaces, handwash sinks, grease traps, commercial exhaust, pest-proof construction.
- Building and planning permits — If changing use class (e.g., retail to food). $1,000–$5,000 depending on scope.
- Insurance — Public liability ($600–$1,500/year), product liability, business insurance. Non-negotiable.
- Grease trap — Required in most states for any kitchen with a fryer or dishwasher. Installation: $1,000–$3,000. Ongoing pump-outs: $200–$400/quarter.
Branding & Merchandising
Your cafe's brand extends to every touchpoint. The equipment itself is a branding opportunity that most cafes ignore.
- Branded fridge — A custom branded fridge with your cafe logo at the counter or entrance. It's functional (cold drinks display) and promotional (brand visibility). Custom wraps from $490.
- Custom signage — Light boxes for window display, metal signs for interior walls.
- Branded merchandise — Cups, keep cups, tote bags, loyalty cards — all reinforcing your brand identity.
- Consistent visual language — Match your fridge wrap, signage, menu boards, and social media to one colour palette and logo treatment.
Get a free mockup — see your cafe brand on a fridge →
Cafe Fit Out Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: Secure lease, engage designer/builder, lodge council applications
- Weeks 3–6: Demolition and construction. Plumbing, electrical, gas, exhaust.
- Weeks 7–8: Equipment delivery and installation. Counters, fridges, coffee machine.
- Week 9: Final inspection, food safety registration, staff training
- Week 10: Soft launch
Lead times to watch: Espresso machines (2–8 weeks if ordering new), custom joinery (4–8 weeks), council permits (2–6 weeks). Order your branded fridge 2–3 weeks before fit out completion.
FAQ: Cafe Fit Out
- How much does a cafe fit out cost in Australia?
- Budget cafes: $36,000–$72,000. Mid-range: $72,000–$170,000. Premium: $170,000–$325,000+. Equipment alone runs $30,000–$80,000. The biggest variable is renovation/construction scope.
- What refrigeration does a cafe need?
- At minimum: one under-bench prep fridge, one glass door display fridge for cold drinks, and an ice machine. Larger cafes add a cake display fridge and walk-in coolroom. A branded display fridge doubles as merchandising.
- How long does a cafe fit out take?
- 8–12 weeks from lease signing to soft launch is typical. Construction takes 4–6 weeks. Council permits can add 2–6 weeks if you need change-of-use approval.
- What permits do I need to open a cafe?
- Food business registration (council), food safety supervisor certificate, building/planning permits (if changing use class), and insurance (public liability + product liability). Requirements vary by state and council.
- Can I brand my cafe's fridge with my logo?
- Yes. KingCave makes custom branded fridges with your cafe logo on a 3M vinyl wrap. Popular with cafes for cold drinks displays, point-of-sale, and entrance branding. From $490 for the wrap.
Related Guides
Cafe Fit Out Checklist: Complete Equipment Guide (2026)
Fitting out a cafe in Australia? Whether you're opening your first venue or refreshing an existing one, this checklist covers every piece of equipment and every decision you need to make — from espresso machine to branded fridge. A typical cafe fit out in Australia costs $80,000–$250,000 depending on size, location, and finish level. Equipment alone runs $30,000–$80,000.
We've worked with cafes, bars, and hospitality venues across Australia on branded fridge installations. Below is the complete equipment checklist we've refined from those conversations — plus where a branded bar fridge fits into your cafe setup.
Jump to: Budget Overview · Coffee Equipment · Refrigeration · Food Prep · Front of House · Compliance · Branding & Merchandising
Cafe Fit Out Budget Overview
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee equipment | $8,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$50,000+ |
| Refrigeration | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$20,000 |
| Food prep & cooking | $2,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$15,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Front of house & POS | $3,000–$6,000 | $6,000–$12,000 | $12,000–$25,000 |
| Fit out & renovation | $20,000–$40,000 | $40,000–$100,000 | $100,000–$200,000+ |
| Total | $36,000–$72,000 | $72,000–$169,000 | $169,000–$325,000+ |
Leasing vs buying: Many cafes lease their espresso machine through their coffee supplier (common with brands like Toby's Estate, Campos, Allpress). This drops upfront costs by $15,000–$40,000 but locks you into a bean contract. Factor this into your total cost comparison.
Coffee Equipment Checklist
Coffee is 60–70% of revenue for most Australian cafes. This is where you invest the most and cut the least.
- Espresso machine — 2-group for small cafes (< 100 cups/day), 3-group for medium (100–300). Brands: La Marzocco (industry standard), Synesso, Victoria Arduino, Slayer. Budget: $8,000–$25,000 new, $3,000–$10,000 refurbished.
- Grinder(s) — At least two: one for espresso, one for filter/batch brew. Mazzer, Mahlkönig, Eureka. $1,500–$4,000 each.
- Batch brewer — For filter coffee service. Moccamaster, Fetco, Curtis. $500–$2,000.
- Knock box, tamper, milk jugs, scales — The small stuff that adds up. Budget $300–$600 total.
- Water filtration — Non-negotiable for espresso quality and machine longevity. Everpure or Brita systems: $300–$800 installed.
- Cup warmer — Built into most commercial machines, or standalone ($200–$500).
Refrigeration Checklist
Cafes need multiple refrigeration types. Here's the full picture:
- Under-bench prep fridge — 2-door or 3-door. Holds milk, sauces, sandwich fillings within arm's reach. $2,000–$4,000 commercial-grade.
- Upright display fridge (cold drinks) — Glass door, customer-facing. This is where a glass door bar fridge shines. Displays bottled drinks, juices, and cold-pressed items. $800–$2,000 depending on size.
- Cake / pastry display fridge — Counter-top or floor-standing with glass on 3+ sides. $1,500–$4,000.
- Walk-in coolroom — For larger cafes doing full food service. $5,000–$15,000 installed.
- Ice machine — Essential if you serve cold drinks or smoothies. Under-bench models: $1,500–$3,000.
Branded drinks fridge — the merchandising opportunity most cafes miss
Your cold drinks display is prime retail real estate. A generic white fridge says nothing. A branded fridge with your cafe's logo does three things:
- Brand reinforcement — Every customer who walks past sees your brand, not a generic appliance.
- Higher perceived value — Branded displays signal professionalism. Customers pay more from a branded fridge than a plain one.
- Social media content — A branded fridge with your logo is Instagram-ready. Customers photograph it. Free marketing.
($1,185) — Popular cafe choice. 370L capacity, glass door, LED lighting. Add a custom wrap with your cafe branding from $490.
Food Prep & Cooking Equipment
- Sandwich press / panini grill — $200–$600 commercial-grade.
- Toaster (conveyor or pop-up) — $300–$800 commercial.
- Blender — For smoothies and frappes. Vitamix or Blendtec: $800–$1,200.
- Microwave — For reheating pies, soups, toasties. Commercial: $300–$600.
- Oven / combi oven — If baking in-house. Rational, Unox, Turbofan: $3,000–$15,000.
- Prep bench — Stainless steel, with shelf underneath. $500–$1,500 per section.
- Sink(s) — Minimum one handwash sink and one prep/wash sink. Regulations vary by state — check your local council requirements.
Front of House & Service
- POS system — Square, Lightspeed, or Kounta (now Lightspeed Restaurant). Budget $50–$150/month plus hardware ($500–$2,000).
- Counter / service bench — Custom joinery: $2,000–$8,000. This is your brand's first impression.
- Menu boards — Chalkboard ($50–$200), digital display ($500–$1,500), or printed ($100–$400).
- Seating & tables — Budget $100–$300 per seat. Cafe chairs and tables from commercial suppliers (TCS, Direct Business Furniture).
- Lighting — Warm, inviting. Pendant lights over counter, ambient throughout. Budget $500–$2,000.
- Signage — External A-frame, window decals, illuminated sign. A custom light box with your cafe logo works brilliantly as window or wall signage.
Compliance & Regulations
Australian cafes must comply with food safety, building, and health regulations. Requirements vary by state and council. Here's what to budget for:
- Food business registration — Required in all states. Usually through your local council. $200–$500/year.
- Food safety supervisor certificate — At least one certified person on shift at all times. Course: $100–$200.
- Commercial kitchen fit out — Must meet the Food Standards Code (FSANZ). Requirements include: stainless steel surfaces, handwash sinks, grease traps, commercial exhaust, pest-proof construction.
- Building and planning permits — If changing use class (e.g., retail to food). $1,000–$5,000 depending on scope.
- Insurance — Public liability ($600–$1,500/year), product liability, business insurance. Non-negotiable.
- Grease trap — Required in most states for any kitchen with a fryer or dishwasher. Installation: $1,000–$3,000. Ongoing pump-outs: $200–$400/quarter.
Branding & Merchandising
Your cafe's brand extends to every touchpoint. The equipment itself is a branding opportunity that most cafes ignore.
- Branded fridge — A custom branded fridge with your cafe logo at the counter or entrance. It's functional (cold drinks display) and promotional (brand visibility). Custom wraps from $490.
- Custom signage — Light boxes for window display, metal signs for interior walls.
- Branded merchandise — Cups, keep cups, tote bags, loyalty cards — all reinforcing your brand identity.
- Consistent visual language — Match your fridge wrap, signage, menu boards, and social media to one colour palette and logo treatment.
Get a free mockup — see your cafe brand on a fridge →
Cafe Fit Out Timeline
- Weeks 1–2: Secure lease, engage designer/builder, lodge council applications
- Weeks 3–6: Demolition and construction. Plumbing, electrical, gas, exhaust.
- Weeks 7–8: Equipment delivery and installation. Counters, fridges, coffee machine.
- Week 9: Final inspection, food safety registration, staff training
- Week 10: Soft launch
Lead times to watch: Espresso machines (2–8 weeks if ordering new), custom joinery (4–8 weeks), council permits (2–6 weeks). Order your branded fridge 2–3 weeks before fit out completion.
FAQ: Cafe Fit Out
- How much does a cafe fit out cost in Australia?
- Budget cafes: $36,000–$72,000. Mid-range: $72,000–$170,000. Premium: $170,000–$325,000+. Equipment alone runs $30,000–$80,000. The biggest variable is renovation/construction scope.
- What refrigeration does a cafe need?
- At minimum: one under-bench prep fridge, one glass door display fridge for cold drinks, and an ice machine. Larger cafes add a cake display fridge and walk-in coolroom. A branded display fridge doubles as merchandising.
- How long does a cafe fit out take?
- 8–12 weeks from lease signing to soft launch is typical. Construction takes 4–6 weeks. Council permits can add 2–6 weeks if you need change-of-use approval.
- What permits do I need to open a cafe?
- Food business registration (council), food safety supervisor certificate, building/planning permits (if changing use class), and insurance (public liability + product liability). Requirements vary by state and council.
- Can I brand my cafe's fridge with my logo?
- Yes. KingCave makes custom branded fridges with your cafe logo on a 3M vinyl wrap. Popular with cafes for cold drinks displays, point-of-sale, and entrance branding. From $490 for the wrap.