Booking a barista with or without a machine
By Daniël MartinaPublished 3 min read
In short
If an espresso machine is already at your location, or you rent one, you book me directly as a freelancer. If there is no machine, I work as a partner of Barista Company, who provide the machine. I pass your request on to them, they contact you and schedule me in.
There is a machine already: book directly
If there is an espresso machine at the location, or you rent one yourself, I come as a freelancer. You send your request to me and you hear from me whether I am available and what I propose.
Good espresso and milk drinks need a professional espresso machine with a steam wand, plus a grinder. A bean-to-cup machine is usually not suitable: it makes its own milk foam and does not allow latte art. If you are unsure, give the brand and type in your request. Then it is quickly clear whether it fits.
There is no machine yet: through Barista Company
If there is no machine, I work as a partner of Barista Company. They provide the machine. I pass your request on to them and they contact you to schedule me in. In the form you choose "No, not yet" under "Is there a machine?".
I have worked at events of Barista Company before, including North Sea Jazz, Liquicity and in Madrid.
The two routes side by side
| Topic | There is a machine | There is no machine |
|---|---|---|
| How you book | You send your request to me | I pass your request on to Barista Company |
| Who contacts you | I do, with a proposal | Barista Company, to schedule me in |
| Who provides the machine | The location, or a rental company you arrange | Barista Company |
| Who stands behind the bar | I do | I do |
Not sure yet whether there is a machine?
Choose "Not sure yet" in the form. In the meantime, ask the location whether there is a professional espresso machine and which power and water are available. Without those answers you cannot judge well what is needed.
What to arrange around the machine
- a sturdy table or bar with room for the machine, the grinder and the milk
- a power connection close by, with enough capacity for machine and grinder together
- water on the spot, or an agreement about how water gets there
- a place for waste water and coffee grounds
- cooling for the milk if it runs for more than a short time
The starting point for the whole setup is in Hiring a barista in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a machine myself and book you?
Yes. If you rent a machine yourself, you book me directly.
Does the booking always go through Barista Company when there is no machine?
Yes. Without a machine the booking goes through Barista Company. I pass your request on to them and they contact you to schedule me in.
Who provides the beans and the milk?
I arrange all kinds of milk and decaf myself. The beans and the rest of the setup, the machine included, you discuss in the proposal, so it is clear beforehand who arranges what.
Is a bean-to-cup machine enough?
Usually not. Steamed milk and latte art need an espresso machine with a steam wand. Give the type in your request and it is quickly clear what is possible.
Also read
- Hiring a barista in Amsterdam: how to go about itWhat to arrange when you hire a barista for an event, office or party in Amsterdam: the machine, how many baristas, what it costs and what a good request contains.
- A barista at the office: party, opening or permanent coffee barA barista for your office, once for a party or client day or on set days. What to decide beforehand and how to handle the morning rush.