Making bubble tea at home doesn't require a commercial-grade setup, but having the right equipment makes the process easier, more enjoyable, and yields better results. From the absolute essentials to nice-to-have upgrades, this guide covers everything you need to create cafe-quality boba in your own kitchen.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to upgrade your home boba station, we'll help you understand what each piece of equipment does and why it matters.
The Non-Negotiables: Must-Have Equipment
These items are essential for making bubble tea at home. Without them, you'll struggle to achieve good results.
1. Wide Boba Straws
Regular straws won't work for bubble tea—the tapioca pearls are too large to pass through. Boba straws are typically 12mm in diameter, wide enough for pearls to travel through comfortably.
- Disposable plastic: Most affordable, convenient for parties
- Reusable stainless steel: Eco-friendly, easy to clean, includes brush
- Reusable silicone: Softer mouthfeel than metal, dishwasher safe
- Glass: Premium option, great for aesthetics
If you're making bubble tea regularly, invest in a set of reusable stainless steel or silicone straws. They pay for themselves quickly compared to buying disposables, and they're better for the environment.
2. Cooking Pot
You need a pot large enough to cook tapioca pearls with plenty of room for water. Remember the golden ratio: at least 10 parts water to 1 part pearls. A 4-5 litre pot is ideal for most home use.
- Stainless steel or non-stick works well
- Heavy bottom helps with even heat distribution
- Wide enough to stir without spilling
3. Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer
A slotted spoon or spider strainer is essential for stirring pearls during cooking and for draining them afterward. The holes allow water to drain while keeping the pearls contained.
4. Tea Brewing Equipment
You likely already have this in your kitchen. For bubble tea, you'll need:
- Kettle or pot for boiling water
- Teapot, French press, or infuser for brewing (or just use tea bags in a heat-safe container)
- Measuring cups for consistent results
5. Containers for Storage
You'll need containers for:
- Storing dried tapioca pearls (airtight, keeps moisture out)
- Keeping cooked pearls in sugar syrup (glass or food-safe plastic)
- Storing brewed tea in the refrigerator
You can get started with under $30 by using a pot you already own, buying a pack of boba straws, and repurposing existing containers. The only essential purchase is the wide straws.
Highly Recommended: Level Up Your Setup
These items aren't strictly essential, but they significantly improve your bubble tea making experience and results.
1. Cocktail Shaker
Professional bubble tea shops use specialised shaker machines, but a cocktail shaker works brilliantly for home use. Shaking your tea does several things:
- Creates the frothy "bubbles" that give bubble tea part of its name
- Thoroughly mixes tea, milk, and sweetener
- Chills the drink quickly when shaken with ice
- Aerates the tea for a lighter, more refreshing texture
A 700ml Boston shaker or cobbler shaker is ideal. Stainless steel holds up well and doesn't retain flavours between uses.
2. Simple Syrup Bottle
Sugar doesn't dissolve well in cold liquids. Having pre-made simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) allows you to sweeten drinks evenly. A squeeze bottle with measurement markings makes adding consistent amounts easy.
3. Long Handled Spoons
When you're mixing drinks in tall glasses or cups, short spoons are frustrating to use. Long bar spoons or bubble tea spoons make stirring and scooping pearls much easier.
4. Bubble Tea Cups
While you can use any tall glass, dedicated bubble tea cups enhance the experience:
- Reusable cups with dome lids: Look like shop-bought drinks, great for on-the-go
- Double-walled glass cups: Keep drinks cold longer, beautiful presentation
- Disposable cups with sealing lids: Perfect for parties or sharing
5. Kitchen Scale
Precision matters in bubble tea making, especially when you're trying to replicate recipes or control sweetness levels. A simple digital kitchen scale helps you measure pearls, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.
Nice-to-Have: Advanced Equipment
For the dedicated home boba enthusiast, these items take your setup to the next level.
Cup Sealing Machine
If you've ever wanted that satisfying peel-off seal on your bubble tea, you can actually buy home-use sealing machines. They use heat to apply a plastic film over the cup. These are a fun addition for parties or if you're making bubble tea to transport.
Electric Frother
A handheld milk frother or immersion blender can create foam tops for drinks, replicate cheese foam textures, or mix powdered ingredients more smoothly than shaking alone.
Thermos or Thermal Carafe
If you brew tea in advance, a thermal carafe keeps it hot for hours. Alternatively, a cold brew pitcher in the refrigerator can store chilled tea for multiple drinks throughout the day.
Pearl Warmer
As mentioned in our storage guide, keeping cooked pearls warm extends their usable life. Small warming devices designed for sauces or chocolate can serve this purpose. A slow cooker on its lowest setting can work too.
Advanced equipment is only worth it if you make bubble tea frequently enough to justify the cost and counter space. Most home boba makers do perfectly well with the essential and recommended equipment.
Equipment Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of your equipment and ensures hygienic drinks:
Straws
- Clean reusable straws immediately after use with the included brush
- Soak in warm soapy water if residue has dried
- Sanitise occasionally by boiling (for metal/silicone) or using bottle sterilising tablets
Shakers
- Wash immediately after use to prevent milk residue from souring
- Occasionally deep clean by shaking with hot water and baking soda
- Dry completely before storing to prevent mould
Tea Equipment
- Rinse teapots without soap to preserve seasoning (if using clay)
- Descale kettles regularly if you have hard water
- Replace tea infuser mesh if it becomes clogged or damaged
Setting Up Your Boba Station
If you make bubble tea regularly, consider setting up a dedicated area with everything you need:
- Storage area: Dried pearls, tea, sugar, and toppings within easy reach
- Prep zone: Space for your shaker, measuring tools, and containers
- Straw holder: Keep reusable straws organised and accessible
- Syrup station: Brown sugar syrup, simple syrup, and any flavoured syrups you use
Having an organised setup makes spontaneous boba sessions quick and enjoyable rather than a scavenger hunt through your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of making bubble tea at home is that you can start simple and upgrade over time. Begin with the essentials—wide straws are really the only thing you absolutely must buy—and gradually add equipment as you discover what enhances your experience.
Remember that the most expensive equipment doesn't guarantee the best bubble tea. Technique, quality ingredients, and practice matter far more than fancy tools. Many experienced home boba makers produce excellent drinks with a basic pot, a cocktail shaker, and reusable straws.
Whatever equipment you choose, the goal is the same: creating delicious bubble tea moments in the comfort of your home. Happy brewing!