Choose a commercial espresso machine by the number of groups your peak hour needs, one for a small cafe or office, two for a busy cafe, three for a line out the door, and then check the power, water line and drain your space can supply. The power question decides more than people expect: a single group machine can run on a standard 110 V outlet, while a three group machine needs a 220 V circuit.
Shop the equipment in this article: ES60 STILO 110V single group automatic espresso machine, ES70 STILO 110V second group automatic espresso machine and ES100 STILO 220V third group automatic espresso machine. Freight is included on every order.
Group count
A group is the head where the portafilter locks in and a shot is pulled. More groups means more shots at once, and on the machines we carry it also means a bigger boiler and more steam capacity.
- STILO ES60: single group, 1.1 gal boiler, 110 V, 1,600 W, 16.3 W x 21.1 D x 19.7 H in.
- STILO ES70: two groups, 1.3 gal boiler, steam wand, programmable hot water dispenser, 110 V, 23.4 W x 21 D x 19.7 H in.
- STILO ES100: three groups, 4.5 gal boiler, two steam wands, programmable hot water dispenser, 220 V, 5,400 W, 40.7 W x 21 D x 19.7 H in.
In common practice, one barista works one or two groups. If you plan two baristas on espresso at the peak, a two or three group machine keeps them from waiting on each other.
Automation level
All three STILO machines are automatic: the ES60 page lists programmable extraction, and the ES70 and ES100 pages list volumetric touch pads with 4 doses per group plus continuous. Volumetric dosing stops the shot at a set volume, which keeps drinks consistent across staff. The ES70 and ES100 also list auto fill with low water protection, and tall cup support up to 5.3 in. so shots go straight into to-go cups.
Power
This is where many installs go wrong.
- The ES60 runs on 110 V at 1,600 W. Its page says to give it its own outlet, because at 1,600 W it uses most of a 15 A circuit.
- The ES70 runs on 110 V. Its page says espresso machines need a water line, a drain and a dedicated circuit.
- The ES100 runs on 220 V at 5,400 W and needs a dedicated 220 V circuit.
Have a licensed electrician confirm the circuit before the machine arrives.
Water
Espresso machines are plumbed. Plan a cold water line with a shut-off, a drain for the drip tray, and filtration. The ES70 and ES100 pages say to use a water filter to protect the boiler from scale, and the ES60 page asks you to talk to us about the water connection and filtration before installation. Our guide to water filtration for ice machines and coffee equipment covers the options.
Grinder and accessories
The machine is half the station. You also need a commercial grinder, a knock box, pitchers, a tamper, cleaning tablets and brushes. Plan counter space for the grinder beside the machine. Many cafes also run commercial blenders for frozen drinks and one of our commercial ice machines for iced coffee.
Milk and refrigeration
Milk for drinks is a time/temperature control for safety food. The FDA Food Code (section 3-501.16, Virginia 12VAC5-421-820) requires it to be held at 41 F or below, so keep milk in an undercounter refrigerator next to the machine, such as the 27 in. True TUC-27-HC from our undercounter refrigerators, rather than on the counter. Your local health department has the final say on how the rule applies to your cafe.
Space and placement
Measure the counter width and depth, and leave room behind and above for the water, drain and power connections. The ES100 needs 40.7 in. of counter width on its own. Keep the cup warmer area on top clear of stacked supplies.
Daily cleaning
Backflush the groups, clean the portafilters and baskets, purge and wipe the steam wands after every drink, and empty and wash the drip tray, following the maker’s instructions. Scale is the main long term enemy, which is why filtration matters. Our guide on how to descale an espresso machine covers the deeper job.
Training
Consistent drinks depend on the grind, the dose and the tamp as much as the machine. Train every barista on the volumetric buttons, steaming and the cleaning routine, and write the routine down at the station.
Questions to ask before you buy
- How many drinks at the peak hour, and how many baristas?
- Is there a 110 V dedicated circuit, or a 220 V circuit for a three group machine?
- Where are the water line and the drain?
- What filtration will protect the boiler?
- Is there room for the grinder and a milk refrigerator?
Frequently asked questions
Can a commercial espresso machine run on a regular outlet?
The single group ES60 runs on 110 V, but its page says to give it its own outlet. The three group ES100 needs 220 V.
Does an espresso machine need a drain?
Yes, the drip tray needs a drain, and the ES70 and ES100 pages list a water line, a drain and a dedicated circuit.
One group or two?
One group suits a small cafe, office or restaurant with occasional espresso. Two groups suit a busy cafe where drinks queue at the peak.
What is the return window?
7 days from delivery for powered equipment. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, and items from 500 dollars can be financed. See all coffee and espresso equipment in our beverage equipment, and our commercial coffee brewer buying guide for drip coffee.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
ES60 STILO 110V Single Group Automatic Espresso Machine (model ES60)
- Brand: STILO
- ES60 STILO Single Group
- 110V, standard outlet
- 1.1 Gal Boiler
ES70 STILO 110V Second Group Automatic Espresso Machine (model ES70)
- Brand: STILO
- ES70 STILO 110V Second Group Machine
- Included Steam Wand
- 1.3 Gallon Boiler Capacity
ES100 STILO 220V Third Group Automatic Espresso Machine (model ES100)
- Brand: STILO
- ES100 STILO 220V Machine
- Second Group Espresso Machine
- Automatic, Programmable Dosage
True TUC-27-HC 27″ Undercounter Refrigerator, 1 Door (model TUC-27-HC)
- Brand: True
- The True TUC-27-HC undercounter refrigerator delivers reliable cooling from 33°F to 38°F in a durable stainless steel design.
- Featuring adjustable shelves, eco-friendly R290 refrigerant, and a self-cleaning condenser, it’s ideal for space-efficient commercial kitchens.
- Warranty: 7-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.