Setting up a successful airport cafe comes with unique challenges. With high foot traffic, a diverse clientele, and a fast-paced environment, it’s crucial to have the right equipment in place. Whether you’re opening a cafe in the airport road area or aiming to make your mark in a bustling terminal, the right airport cafe gear is key to ensuring smooth operations and serving top-quality coffee.

In this post, we’ll explore the essential equipment every airport cafe needs to thrive,

1. What Makes a Successful Airport Cafe?

An airport cafe is different from other cafés. It serves a unique, often transient, audience: passengers rushing to catch flights, busy travelers with long layovers, and people seeking a quiet space to work. Successful cafes in airport road locations or those within terminals understand the balance between speed, quality, and customer service.

Key features of a successful airport cafe include:

• Quick Service: Travelers don’t have time to linger, so your airport cafe must be fast.
• Quality Coffee: You’re serving a mix of caffeine-deprived travelers and coffee connoisseurs. It’s important to consistently serve high-quality brews, from espressos to lattes, to keep customers satisfied.
• Efficient Layout: Space in an airport cafe is often limited. Streamlined service and efficient workflows are essential to manage the crowd.

2. Must-Have Equipment for Your Airport Cafe

If you want to take your airport cafe to the next level, it’s important to invest in the right commercial coffee equipment. Kaapi Machines, your B2B partner in supplying cutting-edge machines to cafés, has partnered with over 15 global brands to provide the best machines that are trusted worldwide.

Here are the essential equipment types you’ll need to create a top-notch airport cafe:

3. Why Choose Kaapi Machines for Your Airport Cafe?

When it comes to building a successful airport cafe, having the right equipment is crucial. That’s where Kaapi Machines comes in. We’ve partnered with 15+ international brands to provide businesses like yours with the finest commercial-grade espresso machines, grinders, and brewing systems.

Whether you’re opening a cafe in the airport road area or designing a full-service café within an airport terminal, Kaapi Machines offers everything you need to ensure your café delivers consistent, high-quality coffee to travelers every day.

Our services include:

• Consultation: Expert advice on the best equipment for your specific need
• Training: Barista training to ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge to make the perfect cup every time
• Maintenance: Ongoing support and servicing for long-term success

 Espresso Machines

Espresso is a cornerstone of any airport cafe’s menu. You’ll need a reliable machine capable of high-volume output without compromising on the quality of each shot.

For a café located in high-traffic airport road areas or terminals, here are some top espresso machines to consider:

• La Marzocco Linea PB
   The Linea PB is known for its reliability and consistency, making it a favorite in high-volume settings like airports. It delivers exceptional espresso with every shot and features advanced PID temperature control for superior consistency. Designed for durability and ease of use, this machine is a must-have in any busy airport cafe.
• La Carimali Bubble 1 Group
   If space is limited but quality cannot be compromised, the La Carimali Bubble 1 Group is a fantastic option. This compact espresso machine offers professional-level performance in a smaller footprint, perfect for cafes in airport road locations or tight terminal spaces. With its sleek design and impressive steam power, it provides high-quality espresso drinks quickly and efficiently.
• Carimali Bubble
   The Carimali Bubble line includes several models that cater to different needs. With modern styling and an intuitive interface, it’s designed for performance without compromising on aesthetics. Known for its durability and ease of maintenance, this machine is perfect for an airport cafe that needs reliability under pressure.
• Rancilio Classe 7
   The Rancilio Classe 7 is an excellent choice for cafés that want professional-grade equipment with user-friendly features. Its ergonomically designed work area ensures that baristas can work efficiently during peak hours. The machine delivers powerful performance, and its compact design makes it a good fit for an airport cafe where space is at a premium.
• Rancilio Classe 9 USB
   The Rancilio Classe 9 USB stands out with its advanced technology and consistent performance. This machine offers digital control for precise brewing and steam regulation, ensuring that every espresso shot meets the highest standards. Perfect for high-volume airport cafes, it combines technology with durability, ensuring that your café is always prepared for the next rush.
• La Marzocco Strada S
   The La Marzocco Strada S is a top-of-the-line machine that features a mechanical paddle for precise control over espresso extraction. This allows baristas to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the shot, giving them the ability to create customized espresso drinks. For an airport cafe, the Strada S offers unparalleled consistency and versatility, making it ideal for cafes that aim to serve a wide range of coffee beverages.

These machines are known for their durability, precision, and ability to perform under pressure—ideal for the fast-paced environment of an airport cafe.

 Grinders

A good airport cafe needs grinders that can handle the demand. Freshly ground coffee is essential for delivering that perfect cup of espresso

These grinders offer precision and consistency, ensuring that every cup of coffee tastes fresh and meets customer expectations. Whether your airport cafe is located on airport road or inside the terminal, having the right grinder can make a world of difference.

 Brewing Equipment

From pour-overs to batch brews, high-quality brewing equipment is essential for a diverse airport cafe menu. Whether you’re offering drip coffee, French press, or cold brew, having the right equipment ensures you can cater to all tastes.

• Chemex Brewer

These tools help create high-quality coffee quickly, which is key in an airport cafe where customers are always on the go.

 POS Systems

Efficient point-of-sale (POS) systems are crucial in high-volume airport cafe environments. Quick, error-free transactions improve customer experience and reduce wait times.

• Square POS
• Toast POS

By choosing a reliable POS system, you ensure that customers at cafes in airport road locations or inside terminals can grab their coffee and go with minimal hassle.

 Refrigeration and Display Equipment

With limited space and a diverse customer base, refrigeration and display equipment are essential in an airport cafe. You’ll want refrigerated units for milk, pastries, and pre-made sandwiches, as well as display units for showcasing items like grab-and-go meals.

• True Refrigeration
• Turbo Air Display Cases

Having the right refrigeration ensures that everything is kept fresh and readily available for busy airport travelers.

4. Example: The Barley and Grapes Cafe Airport

One of the most successful examples of a café in the airport cafe space is the barley and grapes cafe airport, which stands out for its excellent customer service, consistency, and use of high-end coffee equipment.

• Location: Strategically positioned in an airport cafe in the international terminal.
• Menu: Features specialty coffee drinks like flat whites, cold brews, and even signature cocktails in select locations.
• Equipment: La Marzocco Strada S ensure top-tier coffee quality.

5. Final Thoughts: Building a Thriving Airport Cafe

An airport cafe has to juggle a fast-paced environment, high customer expectations, and a diverse range of preferences. With the right equipment and efficient workflows, it can be a successful, profitable business. Investing in the best coffee machines, grinders, and brewing tools is the first step in creating a standout café.

Whether you’re planning to set up cafes in airport road or a premium airport cafe, partnering with Kaapi Machines ensures that you have access to the best machines, training, and support in the industry.