What to buy for a barista competition

A barista competition needs more than espresso machines and coffee beans. Each station also needs accurate scales, grinders, knock boxes, milk jugs, cloths, water, and a reliable way to serve drinks. Plan separate supplies for competitors, judges, staff, and guests so shared items do not disappear during a round. This shopping list helps you cover the coffee bar, judging table, registration desk, refreshments, and venue setup before competition day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 70
Bar stoolsqty 8
Bollardsqty 6

Equipment

Espresso machinesqty 4
Coffee grindersqty 5
Kettlesqty 3
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Digital scalesqty 6
Stopwatchesqty 6
Water filtersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8

Kitchen

Milk jugsqty 16
Tampertjesqty 6
Knock boxesqty 6
Dispensing traysqty 12
Barista clothsqty 30
Thermometersqty 6
Serving traysqty 12

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Small platesqty 80
Water glassesqty 80
Cake platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Water dispensersqty 2
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 8
Groceries
- Espresso beans - 8 kilogram
- Filter coffee - 1 kilogram
- Decaffeinated coffee beans - 500 grams
- Whole milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Soy milk - 3 liters
- Almond milk - 3 liters
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Cocoa powder - 500 gram
- Vanilla syrup - 2 bottles
- Caramel syrup - 2 bottles
- Chocolate syrup - 2 bottles
- Tea bags - 4 boxes
- Cola - 24 cans
- Cola Zero - 24 cans
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 crates
- Still mineral water - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mini croissants - 80 pieces
- Mini muffins - 80 pieces
- Butter cookies - 3 kilograms
- Brownies - 60
- Mini sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 2 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Coffee machine cleaner - 2 packages
- Descaler - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces

Decorations

Welcome banner
Competition postersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6

Other

Clipboardsqty 12
Pensqty 30
Name badgesqty 80
Bib numbersqty 20
Jury formsqty 80
Trophiesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4

Tips

Allow at least one complete set of station tools per active competitor: an espresso machine, grinder, digital scale, thermometer, milk jug, tamper, knock box, cloths, and a dispensing tray. Add one spare set if the schedule has little time between rounds.
Buy more coffee beans than the recipes require. A competitor may need several attempts for practice, dialling in, and the judged drink, so confirm the number of competitors before ordering beans.
Plan water in two streams: filtered water for espresso equipment and drinking water for guests. Set up water filters, dispensers, glasses, and thermos flasks before the first briefing so competitors are not sharing service points.
Use separate serving supplies for judges and spectators. Count coffee cups, water glasses, small plates, cake plates, cutlery sets, and serving trays for the expected audience, then add a buffer for breakage and replacements.
Check power supplies before buying or bringing equipment together. Espresso machines, grinders, kettles, refrigerators, and other appliances can overload one circuit, so prepare extension cords and power strips only after confirming the venue’s available power.

Frequently asked questions

How much coffee should I buy for a barista competition?: Calculate the planned dose for every judged drink, then add enough for practice and dialling in. As a practical starting point, allow 500 g to 1 kg of beans per competitor, depending on the format and number of rounds.
How many espresso stations do I need for a barista competition?: Provide one complete station for each competitor working at the same time. Each station should include an espresso machine, grinder, scale, kettle, tamper, knock box, milk jug, thermometer, and barista cloths.
How many cups and glasses are needed for the competition?: Count the judges, competitors, staff, and expected guests separately. Buy at least two coffee cups and two water glasses per person, then add 10% for breakage, spares, and drinks used during setup.
When should I buy milk and other chilled supplies?: Buy or collect perishable groceries close to the event, ideally within 24 hours of the first round. Keep milk and other chilled items in refrigerators or coolers until service, and check the storage temperature before setup.

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