Resources

1. Pick your service company before you pick your machine:
The right service partner will guide you away from unsupported machines and protect you long after the sale.

Not all espresso machines are easy—or affordable—to maintain. Some look great on paper but are difficult to service because parts and technical support are limited. A local service company can help you avoid these machines and guide you toward manufacturers that support technicians and stand behind their products. Find a local service provider here 

2. Choose features that make daily work easier:
The right features improve consistency, reduce training time, and keep staff confident during busy hours.

Features like shot timers, digital displays, and automatic steam wands help staff work faster and more consistently, especially during peak periods. They also simplify training. If you expect your business to grow, starting with a feature-rich machine can help you avoid needing an upgrade too soon.

3. Don’t pay for technology you don’t need—yet:
Simple, well-matched equipment often performs better than expensive machines with unused features.

Some machines offer advanced temperature control and multiple boilers. While these features are valuable in certain cafés, they aren’t necessary for everyone. If you’re not serving highly temperature-sensitive or single-origin coffees, a simpler machine can still produce excellent results—without stretching your budget.

4. Size the machine to how you actually operate:
Machine capacity should support your workflow—not slow it down.

Machine size should match how you serve customers. For example, a three-group machine often makes sense for a double-window drive-through. It gives two baristas enough space to work side by side without getting in each other’s way, helping you move customers through more efficiently.

5. Don’t buy from a retailer who doesn’t include a free annual maintenance:
Free maintenance is a sign of long-term support, not a sales gimmick.

It’s tempting to focus on getting the best price and assume you can handle maintenance later. But a complimentary annual maintenance allows a service company to inspect your equipment before the warranty expires and catch issues you may not notice during daily use. It also helps you, the equipment owner, better understand how your equipment will wear over time.

Retailers who include annual maintenance are committing to your success beyond the sale. If it’s not offered, it’s often a sign that long-term support isn’t part of the relationship.

ESN-Aligned 

At Espresso Service Network, we believe great espresso starts with great service. When service, maintenance, and long-term support come first, equipment lasts longer, costs less to operate, and creates fewer surprises. A service-first approach isn’t just smarter—it’s how you build confidence, consistency, and a strong foundation for your business.