I'm looking to purchase a semi commercial machine that I could one day use in a future business but would primarily be in my home for the next half/full year. 2 groupheads would be nice but not necessary at this point. I would like to be able to pull shots and steam milk at the same time if possible or shortly afterwards. Something aesthetically appealing as well as built like a tank. If I leave it on 24 hours a day or start using it quite a bit more than usual I don't want to have to replace gaskets and other parts all the time. I don't really have a set price range set but something under $6000 would be great.
let me know what you guys think.

No luck!

Ericg13 wrote:No luck!

You would need to provide a lot more information about your future business model in order to receive good feedback on this question. At the suggested price point there would be a number of options, but the question is not sufficiently focused to be able to answer it.

Sorry about that, basically i would be keeping the machine in home use until I get my business up and running. The business is going be a record store first and then slowly turn it in to a record store and coffee shop. I don't imagine there is going to be a high output of espresso/caps/latte's for the first year or even two. perhaps 15-50 a day. Eventually if there is more demand I would upgrade as needed. I would like to have a leg up on all the competition with the quality of my espresso drinks. There are really only a handful of places that make a real quality espresso. anyways i hope that helps a bit

That's what I was thinking. It seems as though the GS/3 might be out of my price range and isn't all that much better than the Vivaldi II. I've already got a cimbali jr. grinder so I guess I am halfway there.
Thanks for the help

Agreed on the Appia. As a matter of fact there was an Aurelia on Craigslist in Seattle several months ago for less that $4,000, so very high quality machines can be had from time-to-time at good prices.

I wouldnt be opposed to buying used if it was something in great shape that I wouldn't have to do any work to. Also something easily serviceable is a good idea. I think the LM linea might take up a bit too much space but then again I would likely never need to upgrade.