Hi Blueridger,
I'm based in the UK but get asked to same question regularly - not easy to answer.
A quick look at ebay or similar and I see plenty of used machines that I personally wouldn't touch for a few good reasons.
Most manufacturers make several different models, 1 group, 2 group compact, 2,3 and maybe even a 4 group, high group versions to help when using taller take away cups, auto (dosed) or semi auto, PID systems, external/internal pumps, one or two steamers, hot water with or without economiser valve... The list of options is long
Guess what, they change these models regularly and when you consider there are 300+ manufacturers all doing the same, ordering spares can be hard work at the least.
Most cheap machines are cheap for a reason.
CCafe was right, find a local repairer and see what they recommend. If you find a local coffee company with their own engineer, this can be a good thing too - they want you to have a reliable machine so you buy more coffee.
A good 2 group, auto, high groups if you are intending a lot of take away trade with a decent size boiler/matched element should provide decent hot water output unless you want a separate boiler? A 3 group at a good price can be ok too but generally need a bigger power supply and honestly, even in a busy cafe, you rarely see all 3 groups running at the same time so don't worry too much.
I used to work with Cimbali and would say that their older machines are easy to fix and spares are not too hard to find. Trouble is the groups get a bit hot if left a while and some parts can be expensive.
Older Gaggia machines, Faema, CMA (Astoria), Fiorenzato - most of these "big" names are ok for spares.
My personal favourite - Rancilio. Well made, an established company with a good website that has downloads for spares, tech info, owners manuals...
Another consideration: How long do you intend being in business? You will have a machine that (with a little skill and a decent set-p) turn 7 grams of coffee at a few cents into a cup of coffee worth a few dollars... Do the math (for those of you in the UK, maths!). We buy our coffee in Kilo bags because we are all European and stuff and generally use around 7 grams per shot of espresso, so 1 kilo = 1000g (2.2lbs) divide that by 7g and you could potentially get 142 or so shots. You won't because you'll waste some but you can see where I'm going with this...
In short, the profit on two or three cases of coffee might well pay for a new, swanky machine?
You are welcome to go buy a second hand machine if you don't have the cash and take the risk if you prefer but give a thought for us engineers just for a moment.
I get calls every day from people with machines that they bought second hand:
1. No I don't have a touchpad for a 1976 Faema, I can get one but not before next month.
2. Your customers won't wait that long.
3. You have a coffee shop, no coffee.
4. Do I call out with the limited spares I have to see what I can do and give you an invoice although I can't repair it (oh I'm soooo popular then) or do I go and see the other client that paid for their new machine because their friend recommended us?
5. I have to listen to people pleading with me to help fix their horrible old machine. It's sad and I like to be helpful but really don't do it.
6. Even if I fix it, it will go wrong again next week then you'll be on the phone again and I'll be sad.
So, you wanted a name, a size, a recommendation...
A 2 year old Rancilio Classe 9 (Xcelsius if possible) 2 group auto, high group with regular steam injectors, not the auto milk frother is what I would go for. Oh, make sure it hasn't been used much (people lie) and has a full service history by a factory trained technician. Good luck.
Or a new one, from your local supplier... With a warranty... set-up... staff trained for free? For the extra cost of the profit on a case or two of coffee!
