I think I want a PV Lusso and looking at the price, there doesn't seem to be more than a couple of hundred bucks between the two group (black) and the one (only available in polished ss). Is there any reason not to go with the two group?

I would go with the two group. The pressure from a lever pull needs to dissipate on it's own after a shot is pulled on a lever machine before you can unlock the portafilter, which usually takes around a minute. There are odd ways around this, but if you had two groups you could just move from one group to the other when making multiple drinks during a session without a delay. That is the main reason I would go with a 2-group over a single group.

Agreed, from first-hand experience. The 2nd group is really helpful when I make drinks for two or more. The only downside, to get nitpicky, is the placement of the steam & hot water wands (they're angled outward to allow for the 2nd group). Though the power switch is water-resistant, I only bleed off steam pressure into a cup or mug. No worries.

Ciao,
Wayne

Definitely two groups. For the difference in price it is well worth it. Very good to make two coffees simultaneously- or if you want to make a super double shot.

The two group gives you the choice...

and the piston seals in are unlikely to go in both at once, so you will never miss out on coffee while waiting to find the time to change them...

But what really tempts me about the 2 group, since I never bother splitting to double on a domestic levers, is being able to make a coffee for me and my love to drink at the same time .... gushy, I know....

I've got a single group, wish I had a 2 group. Same reasons as already mentioned above.

Only argument I've ever heard against the 2 group is that it can be crowded. That was something I read, not something I have experienced.

Two group for sure. Apart from the value, like most two group levers it looks more balanced than the single.

thanks, everyone.
would there be any down side to two? Would it take longer to warm up or cause any other complications not found with the single? how is the thermo syphon routed? do both heads require a flush to get the syphon working if you are only going to use one group?

I have the two group, and an extended family member has the one group. I know both well. If you are generally only going to produce one espresso at a time - and you like small espressos/ristrettos - then there is really no need for the two group. But if you are going to produce more than one at a time pretty regularly, then you will find the 2 group makes life undoubtedly easier, consistent with the opinions given here already. The steam and water taps are bent to accommodate the groups, but that really isn't an issue both at a performance level or aesthetically.

Another possible reason for your small price differential is because some retailers charge more for the stainless steel panels than the standard colour ones. If you were comparing consistent panels you may find the price differential to be a little greater - if that bothers you. If you want to go bottomless, then you will need to two PF's cut which will add further to your cost margin. And more baskets if you want a few of those spare.

To answer your questions specifically, the warm up time is the same. The groups share a common thermosyphon loop, with the top loop splitting into both groups and then rejoining back into a shared bottom loop. You can make espresso simultaneously on both groups (well at least to your lock and load speed) and if you are only going to use one group, you don't have to flush the other.

I cannot see any significant downsides to the 2 group, apart from cost and a few more gaskets and lube to service on the rare times you need to do this. You will still need to bleed false pressure and you will find all the other PV quirks and charms in equal measure.