Buying an espresso machine is about more than looks or price. In this post, we break down four of the biggest factors people overlook before purchasing equipment: serviceability, water quality, expected drink volume, and workflow. Whether you’re building a home setup or opening a high-volume café, asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands in repairs, downtime, and frustration later on. From South Florida to East Tennessee, we’ve seen firsthand what works long term and what doesn’t.