Coffee corner at home: how to set it up and what to keep in it

A coffee corner at home: where to begin

A coffee corner is a dedicated spot at home that holds the machine, the cups and the coffee.

For many people such a spot makes the daily routine simpler, because everything needed to prepare coffee is in one place.

In the morning there is no need to look for cups or capsules, and in the afternoon it is easier to prepare coffee for guests.

Such a corner can take up part of the kitchen worktop, a chest of drawers in the living room or a small shelf.

Every home offers different possibilities, so the solutions can differ considerably from one another.

When planning the space, it helps to consider your own habits: how often coffee is drunk at home, how many people drink it and whether guests visit.

People who drink coffee mainly in the morning may value quick access to the machine, while for others space for cups and accessories may matter more.

In this guide we look in turn at choosing the place, a machine suited to household habits, storing coffee and capsules, cups with accessories, and everyday tidiness.

All the suggestions are ideas that can be adapted to your own home and your own tastes.

We work with coffee every day, so we are glad to share some ideas that may help in setting up such a spot.

In this way the coffee corner can become a pleasant place where the daily coffee is made calmly and without searching for things.

Where to set up the coffee corner

The first question usually concerns where the machine will stand.

It is useful to have a socket nearby, because the machine needs power.

Many people also appreciate having water close by, which makes filling the tank and washing the cups easier.

This is not always possible, and the tank can also be filled elsewhere in the home.

A stable, level surface also matters, so that the machine stands firmly while it works.

A worktop, a chest of drawers or a wide shelf can be a good choice, provided it withstands moisture and drops of water.

It is also worth keeping the machine away from the stove and the oven.

Heat and direct sunlight are not good for coffee, so a shaded spot may be a better choice for those who keep their coffee in the corner.

It is good when the corner is easy to reach but not in a passage where someone might knock into it.

Enough room should also be left to open the lid and remove the water tank comfortably.

The power cable is best arranged so that it does not hang over the edge of the worktop or get in the way while coffee is being made.

In a small kitchen a little kitchen trolley can help, as it can be moved wherever it is needed at the time.

For people who like to have coffee close at hand, a spot near the table where coffee is usually drunk can be a good solution.

A machine suited to household habits

The choice of machine depends above all on how coffee is drunk at home.

Each type of machine has its own character and may suit different habits, and there is no single best machine for everyone.

Capsule machines can be a good choice for people who value simple preparation and the possibility of choosing between different flavours.

ESE pod machines may suit people who like coffee made from a ready portion in a paper pod.

The moka pot can be a good choice for people who enjoy the Italian tradition of making coffee on the hob.

In this case the coffee corner can serve as a place for the moka, the coffee and the cups, while the coffee itself is made at the hob.

Automatic machines often grind the beans just before brewing and can be a good choice for people who want to prepare coffee from beans with a single appliance.

It also helps to consider how many people at home drink coffee and how much worktop space can be given to the appliance.

Some households combine several ways of making coffee, because different moments of the day may call for different solutions.

The different machines can be browsed in our coffee machines section, where everyone can find a solution in line with their own habits.

If the machine is also meant for guests, simple operation can be useful, so that everyone can make their own coffee.

For those considering capsules, our guide to capsules and traditional coffee at home may be worth reading.

Before buying capsules it is worth checking which system the machine is made for.

Storing coffee and capsules

When arranging the corner, it is useful to plan a permanent place for the coffee and the capsules.

Coffee is generally kept in closed containers, in a dry and shaded place.

Light, heat and humidity can affect the aroma of coffee, so it is good when the corner offers it a quiet place.

We have collected more detailed tips in our article on how to store coffee and capsules.

Capsules can have their own place in a drawer or in a dedicated holder, so they are close at hand and not left loose.

The everyday supply can be kept within reach, and larger supplies in the pantry or in a cupboard.

In our capsule and pod holders section you can find different ways to keep supplies in order.

Such a holder can be a good choice for people who want to see which flavours they have at home and choose a capsule quickly.

If whole bean or ground coffee is drunk at home, the same principle applies to the packs: a closed container in a dry place.

The choice between beans and ground coffee depends on habits and on the machine, and both forms can work well.

Holders with a simple shape fit into many interiors and help to keep things orderly.

For people who often change flavours, a few compartments or drawers can help to sort the capsules by type.

Our guide to whole bean and ground coffee may help.

Cups, accessories and something sweet

Cups and saucers give the corner its character, and at the same time they are objects used every day.

Small cups may suit people who like espresso, while larger ones may suit those who drink coffee with milk.

Many people like to place the cups on a shelf or a tray, so that they are visible and easy to reach.

Saucers protect the surface from drops and make it easier to serve coffee to guests.

It is also handy to keep teaspoons and sugar close by, in a sugar bowl or a closed container.

For guests it is useful to have a few more cups than are usually used day to day.

People who enjoy cappuccino and other coffees with milk may choose a milk frother.

These and many other small items can be found in our coffee accessories section.

Coffee is often served with something sweet, especially when guests are at home.

A jar or small bowl of little Italian sweets can be a pleasant addition to the coffee corner.

The composition of sweets depends on the product and allergens such as milk, gluten or nuts may vary, so it is always advisable to read the label.

The corner can be completed with a tray or mat holding the cups, sugar and sweets, which helps to keep the worktop orderly.

People who limit caffeine may also keep decaffeinated coffee in the corner. The decaffeination process greatly reduces the amount of caffeine, but does not remove it completely.

Keeping the coffee corner tidy and cared for

A coffee corner stays comfortable to use for a long time when it is kept tidy.

Wiping the surface after making coffee removes drops and crumbs before they dry.

For daily wiping a soft, slightly damp cloth is usually enough.

It is worth emptying the drip tray regularly, because water and coffee residue collect in it.

In capsule machines it is also worth emptying the used-capsule container regularly.

The water tank can be rinsed from time to time and filled with fresh water.

Minerals in the water can build up in the machine over time as limescale, so many people use descaling products according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Suitable products can be found in our filters and descalers for coffee machines section.

Grounds from a moka pot or an automatic machine do not have to go in the bin, as they can be reused, for example in the garden.

We have described ideas for reusing them in our article on what to do with coffee grounds.

Regular care also helps the corner keep its good appearance and makes it more pleasant to use every day.

A coffee corner can take many forms, from a small shelf to a dedicated worktop, and how to arrange it depends on the space, the habits and personal taste.

If you have questions about machines, capsules or accessories for your own corner, contact us: the Maracatú team is always happy to help you choose.