Originally posted by highlands
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Some pointers that may help.
1) Always power it and plumb it in from below. At least one "computer hole" for the plumbing (amazing how much quieter my 2 group La Pavoni was when the rotary pump was under the bench!) and another quite separate one (or two - I hate messy cords on a bench) for the power. The only working alternative I have seen is to have a gap all along the back - and then watch everything fall down there... In my case I had the extra plumbing for a second machine added at the time - and needed it far more often than I thought I would.
2) Have a sink nearby or (ideally) integrated into the setup. That was my main mistake at that time... ouch! Ditto a bar fridge near / underneath the setup for the milk (I got that right).
3) The best finish I used was granite with a Lamipanel backdrop (the thick version of Laminex) which you could write on with a whiteboard marker and rub off with a single wipe from a rag. Looking at JamesM setup, I reckon Caesar Stone and glass would be at least as practical if not better looking.
4) Always allow plenty of space above the setup. It is amazing how many times I needed to fill some new bit of gear up from above and lacked adequate "top access" to do it. I am tall enough to have a high, narrow cupboard next time or perhaps a narrow "open display" setup. I will never have deep cupboards just above the setup again: a constant PITA plus the odd bruised head...
5) I had full width, quite deep (150mm) drawers directly under the setup: They really worked well for spare baskets, tampers, cups, glasses etc. I used dividers, however that is simple to add later.
6) Allow more width than you think you need. Even if nothing else, there is always a fellow CSr who drags in their new xxx machine for you to try.
7) An island bench works well if you wish to converse with your guests and (perhaps, or is that hopefully) show them how to make better coffee.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
TampIt



Seriously, she wants to spend almost as much on the ovens as I want to spend on the coffee equipment!!!
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