What to buy for a coffee tasting

A coffee tasting needs more than coffee beans and cups. You will need separate sample glasses, reliable brewing equipment, scales and timers, plus enough water for brewing and drinking. Plan tableware for both the tasting and any snacks, and prepare pens, name badges and printed forms for registration and feedback. This checklist helps you shop early and avoid last-minute searches for extension cords, serving jugs or extra teaspoons.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Sample glassesqty 150
Water glassesqty 36
Coffee cupsqty 36
Platesqty 36
Teaspoonsqty 36
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Filter coffee makersqty 3
Coffee grindersqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee thermometersqty 3
Kitchen scalesqty 3
Coffee timersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4

Kitchen

Measuring cupsqty 4
Pitchersqty 6
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Storage binsqty 8

Decorations

Tasting station signsqty 6
Table signsqty 12
Name badgesqty 36
Pensqty 40

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Lighting

Table lampsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Ethiopian coffee beans - 500 gram
- Colombian coffee beans - 500 gram
- Brazilian coffee beans - 500 grams
- Guatemalan coffee beans - 500 grams
- Sumatran coffee beans - 500 grams
- Decaf coffee beans - 500 gram
- Paper Coffee Filters - 200 pieces
- Still water - 24 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilo
- Cane sugar - 500 grams
- Sweeteners - 100 pieces
- Black tea - 40 bags
- Herbal tea - 40 bags
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Plain cookies - 4 packs
- Oatmeal cookies - 4 packs
- Dark chocolate - 1 kilo
- Milk chocolate - 1 kilo
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 500 grams
- Mini croissants - 48 pieces
- Baguettes - 4 pieces
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Honey - 500 grams
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Coffee bean storage bags - 12 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Order the coffee beans early enough to confirm the supplier can deliver the required varieties before the tasting. Portion the beans in advance so each station is ready to brew without weighing during the session.
Allow at least one sample glass per participant, plus a few spares for breakage or rinsing. Keep water glasses separate so guests do not confuse drinking water with tasting samples.
Check every brewer, grinder, kettle, thermometer, scale and timer before setup day. Count extension cords as well; a tasting station that cannot reach a power socket will slow down the whole schedule.
Plan water in two ways: drinking water for guests and measured brewing water for the coffee. Prepare jugs or pitchers and measuring cups so staff can refill stations without carrying open containers across the tables.
Buy snacks that can be served without strong flavours competing with the coffee, and include plates, serving spoons, trays and cutting boards if food needs preparation. Shop for these at least one day before the tasting so missing groceries can still be replaced.

Frequently asked questions

How many tasting glasses do I need per person?: Plan for one sample glass per participant for each coffee being tasted, then add at least 10% spare glasses. For 20 guests tasting four coffees, that means 88 glasses as a practical minimum.
How much coffee should I buy for a coffee tasting?: Use the recipe planned for each coffee and multiply it by the number of participants, then add 10–15% for spills, retasting and setup. If you have not fixed the recipe yet, confirm the quantity with the coffee supplier before ordering.
What equipment is needed for a coffee tasting?: Each tasting station generally needs a grinder, kettle, brewer, scale, timer and thermometer, with measuring cups and pitchers nearby. Check the equipment at least one day before the event and test every electrical item with the extension cords you will use.
When should I buy supplies for a coffee tasting?: Order coffee beans and reserve tasting glasses as soon as the date and participant count are confirmed. Buy groceries, tableware and stationery at least one day before the tasting, then portion beans and prepare forms before setup begins.

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