External Width for Coffee Bar Cabinets: How to Choose Yours

How do I measure the correct External Width for my space?

To establish your required External Width, you must measure the physical boundaries of the intended installation site. Use a metal tape measure to record the distance between the two points where the cabinet will sit, such as the distance between two walls or the space between a refrigerator and a pantry.

Measuring wall-to-wall clearances

Measure the horizontal distance between your side walls or adjacent furniture. Subtract at least 1 in. from this total to account for the cabinet doors or hardware. This ensures the unit can be positioned without rubbing against the surrounding structures.

Make sure you also consider the proper external depth for your layout.

Locating the width on product specifications

The External Width is usually listed in the product’s technical specifications as the first dimension provided (Width x Depth x Height). Look for the measurement in inches (in.) to confirm the total footprint of the unit including the side panels.

Accounting for door swing and clearance

If your coffee bar cabinet features swinging doors, ensure the width of the cabinet does not prevent the doors from opening fully. Measure the arc of the door swing to confirm that the cabinet width allows for a 90-degree or 180-degree opening without hitting nearby walls or appliances.

What happens if the External Width is too small or too large?

Choosing an External Width that is too small creates a functional bottleneck where the coffee bar becomes difficult to use. If the unit is too narrow for your specific equipment, you may find yourself forced to place items on the floor or on top of the machine, which creates a cluttered and less efficient workspace.

Limitations of an under-sized width

A narrow cabinet may lack the surface area required for a comfortable workflow. For example, if a double-group espresso machine requires 15 in. of clearance on either side for portafilter extraction and tamping, a cabinet with a total External Width of only 24 in. will leave insufficient room for these movements.

How does an oversized External Width impact the room?

An External Width that is too large can disrupt the flow of your kitchen or room and may physically block access to other items. If the cabinet protrudes too far into a walkway, it creates a safety hazard and makes the surrounding area feel cramped.

You can learn more by exploring different material types for your cabinetry.

Spatial obstruction and layout issues

When the External Width exceeds the available clearance, the cabinet may prevent doors or drawers of neighboring furniture from opening. This is a common issue in kitchens where a coffee station is placed too close to a dishwasher or a pantry door.

What should I do if I fall between two External Widths?

If your available space falls between two standard External Widths, you should prioritize the smaller of the two options. Choosing the smaller width ensures the unit will fit in the space, while the larger option risks being un-installable or obstructing the room.

Prioritizing fit over surface area

It is easier to supplement a smaller cabinet with a small adjacent shelf or a countertop extension than it is to modify a cabinet that is too wide to fit into its designated spot. If you are between a 30 in. and a 36 in. option, select the 30 in. unit to guarantee a proper fit.

Considering depth as a secondary factor

When choosing between two widths, consider if a deeper cabinet can compensate for a narrower width. If you need more surface area but have limited width, a cabinet with a greater depth may provide the necessary workspace without protruding further into your walkway.

Reviewed by the Hevan editorial team. Hevan writes these guides from the 200 most-reviewed coffee bar cabinet listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.