La Marzocco - Strada (EE, MP, EP, AV, ABR)

Second on Eversys. They actually produce some quality shots but definitely require routine maintenance.  Mavam also makes a super auto machine.  If efficiency is what you’re after, you’re gonna need a grind by weight grinder (Mahlkonig GbW), automatic tamper (puqpress), and a machine with consistent volumetric or gravimetric capabilities.  Look at the La Marzocco KB90 as an alternative to the Strada. Strada is probably overkill for a restaurant. 

I can get milk thats 95% as good as when I was a barista on a full size La Marzocco on my bambino - the power helps, but your technique is what matters.

I can share my personal experience. I used a spice grinder for 3 years. Lol then went to Capresso conical burr grinder. That made a night and day difference! Then I went to Ode Gen 1. Another massive jump from Capresso to Ode. Recently switched out Gen 1 to Gen 2 burrs. Noticeable difference in cup quality, but the jump was much much smaller than the previous two jumps. Same for espresso - had a Turin Legato Gen 1 for 1 year and went to Profitec Pro 400. I am willing to blame my lack of skills for poor espresso quality on Turin. I didn't quite know how to pull good shots maybe, but PP400 is a huge step up from Legato. I never was able to pull a sweet shot. Espresso always tasted sour, despite having a PID. Recently tried a coffee I use at home at a coffee shop which uses La Marz professional machine. Honestly couldn't tell the difference between my PP400 and La Marz. Price point is probably a bad way to capture where you hit diminishing returns. For me, Ode Gen 2 is where you start hitting diminishing returns on pour overs. For espresso, a decent temp controlled machine (Profitec Go/ Pro 400) is where you'll hit a plateau. For grinders, I'd say Niche/ Specialita is where you'll hit the plateau.

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.

https://preview.redd.it/i99orcugfh8g1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=50740c06066328000afcf4e739e0fb18ee173c43 Hoping the picture would increase my credibility when I say this. Having a La Marzocco in no way saves you money. Between heating the machine, water, maintenance, etc. You'll be lucky to break even after 5-7 years. With that said, it is a single joy of my life; I wake up every day looking forward to pulling a shot. I made a deal with my wife for the next 10 years; she doesn't need to get me anything, no birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc. Let's say that's a great deal. I'm a picky person to get gifts for, and this saves her and me time and effort. Best of luck with your decision.

I bought one and sold it less than a year. Didn’t like the machine.

Everything… except steam power is stunning.

Espresso and coffee are essentially two different products if that’s what you’re asking. If I’m understanding correctly, the original comment you made is asking why is making espresso better than making coffee? Well one machine makes espresso, while the other makes filter coffee. The LM would be better if you want espresso because it’s the only of the two that actually makes espresso.

Cool looking machines but I could never get good espresso out of mine. Ended up switching to a Pasquini livia, and then kept going until my current La Marzocco. Would have saved me money to start with La Marzocco

There are indeed certain manufacturers that have built a reputation and thrive with brand loyalty. La Marzocco can be considered as a modern day Apple having a cult following. Olympia Cremina is another product which is overpriced despite being a LaPavon in disguise! However a Vantro X1 is definitely different from other prosumer machines like an ECM/Profitec or a QuickMill or a Lelit Mara. I wouldn't compare them. More than flavor it is the durability, reliability and longevity of the parts fitted inside these machines.The thing that is often overlooked is the maintenance involved with espresso machines. I am not talking about the usual grouphead cleaning, decalcifying etc. but replacing gaskets, tubes, springs etc. Modern day machines have too much electronics built into it (chips with software) and they never last. How many times do our laptops/mobiles become non-responsive and need hard reset?! Likewise at some point, the parts (LCD screen, touch sensor etc.) would fail and when you look for repair services, it would be like repairing a budget laptop under 10k. Repairing would cost you the same as a new one or even more! Replacement of parts would be most economical but non-standard parts would be difficult to find. The classic machines are fully mechanical and have only electrical components like diodes, relays etc. The parts of patented E61 machines which first appeared in the market in 1961 are still being produced and are abundantly available. The cool thing is, if you know how to fix a tap in your home, you can easily disassemble the whole machine yourself and replace parts easily with a wrench and screwdriver set. I say this from my experience. These machines are built for easy maintenance and to last another world war unlike those cheap ones out there.