How to choose a professional espresso machine for a café
Updated 2026-10-28
A professional espresso machine is a long-term purchase, and the right choice depends less on brand than on how many drinks you serve in a busy hour, how much counter and power you have, and who will operate it. This guide walks through the decisions in the order they matter.
The machines below are the ones we stock. Specifications follow the manufacturers' published datasheets.
1. Number of groups
A group is the head where one portafilter locks in. One group serves one espresso at a time, so a second group is the simplest way to add capacity for a busy counter. Most cafés start at two groups; a single-group machine suits small venues, food trucks and mobile catering where space is tight.
Steam matters as much as groups. A separate steam boiler lets you pull shots and texture milk at the same time, which is what keeps a milk-heavy menu moving.
2. Thermoblock or boiler
Thermoblock machines heat water as it flows, are ready quickly and keep the water circuit small. Boiler machines hold a larger reserve of hot water and steam. The Ascaso Barista T Plus and Big Dream T use an individual thermoblock per group with PID temperature control within ±0.5 °C, plus a dedicated 8.5 l steam boiler.
The Astoria Storm uses a multiboiler design: an 8.5 l steam boiler and a 1.2 l coffee boiler for each group. The Brugnetti Luna is a single-boiler machine with a 10 l boiler and manual push-button control, the simplest entry into professional equipment in our range.
3. Compare the models
Key figures from the datasheets:
| Model | Groups | Heating | Steam boiler | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascaso Baby T Plus | 1 | Thermoblock + separate steam boiler | 2.5 l | 35 kg |
| Ascaso Barista T Plus | 2 | Thermoblock per group | 8.5 l | 71 kg |
| Ascaso Big Dream T | 2 | Thermoblock per group, PID ±0.5 °C | 8.5 l (11 l optional) | 71 kg |
| Astoria Storm Barista | 2 | Multiboiler, 1.2 l coffee boiler per group | 8.5 l | 85 kg |
| Brugnetti Luna | 2 | Single boiler | 10 l boiler | see product page |
4. Power supply
Two-group machines draw far more power than a household appliance: the Barista T Plus and Big Dream T list 1000 W per group plus a 3500 W steam boiler and run on 380 V three-phase or 220–240 V single-phase. Check what your site offers, and have an electrician confirm it before ordering. The Baby T Plus is a single-phase 230 V machine.
5. Water quality and protection
Hard water scales up boilers and group heads, which is the most common cause of avoidable repairs. A water filter in front of the machine protects it, and a leak-stop valve on the inlet limits damage if a hose fails.
6. Do not forget the grinder
The grinder affects the taste in the cup at least as much as the machine. Budget for a good espresso grinder alongside the machine; see our guide to choosing an espresso grinder.
Frequently asked questions
- How many groups does a café need?
- Two groups is the usual starting point for a café with a steady milk-based menu. One group suits small venues, food trucks and mobile catering. A second group is the simplest way to add capacity, and a separate steam boiler lets you steam milk while pulling shots.
- Do I need three-phase power for a two-group machine?
- Not always. The Ascaso Barista T Plus and Big Dream T run on 380 V three-phase or on 220–240 V single-phase, but a 3500 W steam boiler plus 1000 W per group is a heavy load, so have an electrician confirm your supply before ordering.
- Does One Stop Coffee deliver espresso machines across the EU?
- Yes, to business customers in all EU countries except Denmark, Italy and Spain. Prices are in euro excluding VAT, and machines ship as pallet freight.
Questions about a specific setup? Write to [email protected]. We sell to businesses in the EU, excluding Denmark, Italy and Spain; prices are in EUR excluding VAT.