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 the dominant revenue driver 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.
($1,247) — 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 the dominant revenue driver 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.
($1,247) — 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.