Preparing for an Espresso Pop-Up with the Linea Mini

build the next step in your espresso journey from the ground up

We hear from home baristas dreaming of sharing their espresso beyond the kitchen all the time. Any why not? This video and post guides you through setting up in diverse environments—from garage pop-ups to outdoor adventures. Learn to adapt your Linea Mini setup, streamline your workflow, and delight with exceptional espresso, anywhere. This installment is your blueprint for turning espresso dreams into memorable experiences for you and your community.

Let’s see how we might lay the foundation for taking our Linea Mini and setting it up… well, anywhere!

We want to make a mobile espresso bar, but where to start? The espresso machine is ready for action but now we need the bar. Our setup may evolve as the journey progresses but there is so much to learn that keeping it simple and flexible is the best way to get things going.

what are the basics?

Before we can look at making drinks there are some foundational elements to consider.

Table. Our equipment first needs a place to sit. While professionally built carts are an option, any sturdy base can work!
Cord management. Ideally, we would put a hole that is 6 centimeters (about 2 inches) into our table for the cords to go down into or we can manage as best we can.
Water Reservoir. When it comes to water, using the reservoir is the best option for quick service. Keep portable containers of filtered water on hand. If we fill the tank as soon as the blue light starts to blink the machine won’t skip a beat.
Plumb-in kit. Some people want to plumb-in their Linea Mini which always comes with the reservoir installed. It can be converted to plumb-in with a kit sold separately. It is recommended to work with a local espresso technician to complete this transformation because there are a lot of small details involved. If the machine has been connected to a water line, it must be connected to a drain hose as well. In other words, if we plumb in, we need to plumb out as well.
Undercounter water system. Only needed if our machine is plumbed in. This consists of a freshwater tank filled with filtered water, a larger wastewater tank and an external pump to keep the line pressure stable going to the machine.
Hand and dish washing stations. We will need to have washing stations and a bump bucket close by. Quick rinses can be done by the machine’s hot waterspout and everywhere will be different; we can still plan.