Start from peak cups per hour
Price is not the first question. Ask how many shots you pull at peak. Under 80 cups a day is fine on one group. Past 150 cups you want two groups minimum so the barista is not the bottleneck.
Boiler type is where the difference shows
- Single boiler: cheapest, but you cannot pull and steam at once.
- Heat exchanger: the practical café default — simultaneous brew and steam with solid stability.
- Dual boiler: independent brew and steam control for high-volume specialty work.
Pressure stability beats a “9 bar” label
Every machine claims 9 bar. What matters is holding it for a full 25-second shot. Rotary pumps are quieter and steadier than vibration pumps — and that shows in the cup when the bar is busy.
Confirm spare parts before you sign
A cheap machine with no local gaskets or shower screens can shut you down for weeks. Ask about service and parts before purchase, not after.
Practical takeaway
Size for throughput, pick the boiler system that matches it, then verify service. The right machine is the one you can fix quickly — not the most expensive on the floor.
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