Linea Classic MP 3 Group (also available as AV/EE)

Currently running an LM Classic after upgrading from a Mini. Thinking about parting ways with the Mini soon, even though it’s still a beast.

I’ve only used home machines a handful of times but have worked in coffee, either as a barista or roaster, for a decade. If I ever buy a home machine, it’s going to be a mini or micra. I learned on a Linea Classic 3 group and they are *tanks*. Reliable machines without the bells and whistles that inevitably go wrong.

I’d continue saving more. 5 grand for a commercial capable setup is gonna get you some haggard nuova simonelli or la spaziale that’s seen better days. You can find rebuilt La Marzocco linea classics (assuming you have access to 220 volt) for 6-10 grand. Have a tech run through it and tune it up. Grab a mazzer Kony/ super jolly or major used for another grand and you’ll be dialed with workhorse gear for 10-12 grand based on your budgeting.

Get a linea classic and a mazzer Kony or robur. You’ll be dialed.

Contrary to the other commenter I highly recommend La Marzocco. Linea classic EE will easily work at the capacity you need all day long, every day of the week, and ask for more. It'll keep up as your demand grows. If you can find one used you can save a decent chunk as well. This and a good grinder are going to be the beating heart of any cafe, I would 100% not cheap out on that.

Yeah, I worked in a place that had a commercial La Marzocco and the amount of absolute slop that came out of that machine was awful to watch. Very few cleaned up after use etc and the grinder was never dialed in. Shame really but just not fit for general office life

If OP is looking to do 500 cars / day using an EE would get real old real fast. If you're going La Marzocco, OP, spend the extra cash and get an AV rather than an EE.

There is a major gap between the assorted Baratzas I’ve used (Preciso, Vario, Sette) and my Mignon XL for espresso (though the Baratzas are better when you want one grinder for both brew and espresso), but there are plenty of other products in between that might be where the diminishing returns kick in. If I had the choice between my mom’s Bambino Plus + my Mignon XL, or the LM Linea I’ve used at the office + a Sette, I’d get better coffee out of the Bambino+Mignon XL. I haven’t used any of the DF54/DF64, Niche, or cheaper Mignons, so I don’t really know where the tipping point is there. I bought the Mignon XL because I had been eyeing an Atom for years (and had demoed it at Clive), and then the Mignon XL launched with something very close to an Atom in more countertop-friendly form factor while I was separated from my setup for a while. Going from hand grinding to electric… well… the returns on that are obvious.