Is It Better to Buy a Used Espresso Machine or a New a Espresso Machine?

Is It Better to Buy a Used Espresso Machine Or A New One For My Coffee Shop?

Choosing the right espresso machine for your café, restaurant, or home setup is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Beyond just brand or model, there’s a big question every buyer faces: should you buy a brand-new espresso machine or invest in a used one?

This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of each option, cost considerations, and expert advice to help you make the right choice.

Here's the pro's and cons:

The Benefits of Buying a New Espresso Machine

When you buy a new espresso machine, you’re getting a machine straight from the manufacturer — untouched, unblemished, and (usually) with a full warranty. Here’s why many café owners choose to go new:

1. Manufacturer Warranty and Support - New machines typically come with a one-year (or sometimes two-year) manufacturer warranty. This means you’re covered for major repairs or replacements if something goes wrong early on.

2. Latest Technology and Features - If you want the newest features — like pressure profiling, automatic shot timers, or advanced energy-saving modes — a new machine is often the way to go.

3. Peace of Mind-Buying new means no surprises. You don’t have to wonder how the previous owner treated the machine, how often it was maintained, or if it has hidden damage.

The Advantages of Buying a Used Espresso Machine

Buying a used commercial espresso machine can save you thousands of dollars and still give you the same quality cup of coffee. For many café owners, this is the smarter choice.

1. Significant Cost Savings - A refurbished or pre-owned machine can cost 30–60% less than its brand-new counterpart. This frees up budget for other essentials like grinders, furniture, or hiring staff.

2. Tested and Proven Reliability - A properly refurbished espresso machine has already been “broken in” and then rebuilt by professionals — meaning many weak points have already been addressed. At Coffee Machine Depot, for example, every machine goes through a 24-point inspection process before it hits the showroom floor.

3. Faster ROI (Return on Investment) - With a lower upfront cost, it’s easier to reach profitability faster. A used espresso machine can often pay for itself within months, especially if you have a steady flow of customers.

A Walk Through our Refurbishment Process:

Buying used is only smart if you know the machine has been properly rebuilt and tested. At Coffee Machine Depot, we refurbish machines daily — taking them apart, descaling every line, polishing all the parts, repainting when necessary, and giving each machine a brand-new life.

If you’d like to see what this process looks like, watch this video on our YouTube channel for a behind-the-scenes look at how we restore commercial espresso machines to like-new condition.

Side-by-side Comparisons:

If you're still having trouble deciding what's right for you, contact us. That's what we're here for.

If you’re ready to upgrade or open your café, explore our current inventory of refurbished commercial espresso machines. Or better yet, call us today — we’d love to walk you through the process and help you choose the perfect machine for your business.