same question as every other newbie

[cup2go]

Looking to open a small drive thru. What machine is the most reliable and parts are readily available in case (when) it breaks down. What are the top of line names ? Buying new is best, but is buying used just asking for trouble? Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[javahill]

Buying used is not necessarily asking for trouble. But... start with a good machine. Buy it from a dealer/service tech with a good reputation for working on the kind of machine you bought (they would have done the refurb).

You can check with espresso equipment companies for a list of authorized service techs in your area - they would be able to get parts if you need them. From the service tech, you could ask for references from his/her clients.

Best of luck to you.

 

[cup2go]

javahill,
I do appreciate the advice, but am in the norhwest corner of Illinios and am not sure how to find the right vendor in my area, any ideas? Would love to have several ideas to bounce around but no other comments from any other contributors?

 

[javahill]

start here

http://www.coffeeuniverse.com/resource? ... =&country=

set industry sector to Espresso Equipment Commercial and state to IL

You'll get some names to start with. Tell them what you are looking for. They can probably help or point you toward someone who can.

You can also go to the web sites of manufacturers like La San Marco

http://www.lasanmarco.it/jsps/dealer.js ... e2=AMERICA

http://www.esiespresso.com/ is the distributor for La Marzocco. They are in Washington, but should know about service organzations nationwide.

 

[cotmac]

Best machine on the market for the money are the GENSACO professional Espresso machines.

www.gensaco.com/commuse.html

 

[ElPugDiablo]

Looking to open a small drive thru. What machine is the most reliable and parts are readily available in case (when) it breaks down. What are the top of line names? Buying new is best, but is buying used just asking for trouble? Thanks in advance for the advice.

To me these are the top espresso machine names,

La Marzocco
La Cimbali
Synesso

However, you might want to find speak with a few local coffee roasters first, share you ideas with them, develop a menu, then look into equipment that will fit your requirement. Intelligentsia in Chicago is one of the best roasters out there.

http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/

 

[DavesLT]

Looking to open a small drive thru. What machine is the most reliable and parts are readily available in case (when) it breaks down. What are the top of line names ? Buying new is best, but is buying used just asking for trouble? Thanks in advance for the advice.

It's a difficult area that you live in, but If you are close to the Quad-Cities area there are at least some service agents there. Look at the info on my website and contact me if you have any more questions. In any case, good luck.