If you're in the market for a new commercial espresso machine, chances are you've asked the big question:
Should I invest in a two group or a three group machine?
It’s a fair question — and a decision that could shape your coffee offer for years to come.
At Bridge Coffee Roasters, we’ve helped hundreds of hospitality businesses navigate this choice. And while three groups might sound like the better option, the answer isn’t always as straightforward as more = better.
Here’s how to think it through.
What Do Group Heads Actually Do?
Let’s start with the basics.
A group head is where the espresso extraction happens — the bit of the machine that pushes water through the coffee. More group heads mean more coffees brewed at once. So on paper, a three group machine should speed things up.
But the real question is:
Will that extra group actually improve your workflow?
3 Group Heads, Worth the Extra Cost?
Three group machines typically cost around 30% more than their two group counterparts.
That’s before you even factor in higher running costs from the bigger boiler, additional components, and increased power demands.
We’re not just talking about price tags here — we’re talking about smart investment.
Could that budget deliver better returns elsewhere?
In many cases, upgrading to a second grinder, investing in an automated tamper, or improving your barista training programme can unlock more speed, consistency, and profitability than an extra group head ever could.
Why a Third Group Doesn’t Always Mean Faster Drinks
Here's one key thing to highlight: Three group machines aren't automatically faster.
Why? Because the real bottleneck in most busy cafés isn’t the espresso shots — it’s the milk steaming.
Both two and three group machines usually come with the same number of steam wands. So while you can technically pull more espresso shots at once, the drink still can’t go out until the milk’s ready.
The only real speed advantage comes in espresso-heavy menus — like black coffees, americanos, or during breakfast service at high-volume hotels.
It's Actually About Workflow
During busy shifts, most sites run with two baristas per machine — one on espresso, one on milk.
Whether you’ve got a two or three group machine, this two-person system works the same way. The third group doesn’t magically add another set of hands.
Yes, it gives you more space to work. But in practice, your output is still limited by how quickly you can steam and serve milk.
Space and Power Considerations
A three group machine isn’t just more expensive — it’s bigger, heavier, and more power-hungry.
Expect to need an extra 20–30cm of counter space, plus a sturdier worktop and potentially an upgraded power supply.
Yes, you get a bit more workspace and a longer cup warmer. But in
Surely an Extra Group Head Would Reduce Downtime?
Some operators argue that a three group machine gives you a backup if one group head fails. While that’s true in theory, the reality is this: Most major faults (boiler issues, electrical faults, etc.) will take down the whole machine — not just one group head.
If redundancy is important to you, a better solution might be two smaller machines side by side. More expensive, yes — but far more reliable in high-stakes operations. This is why you'll very commonly see high volume coffee shops using two espresso machines.
How to Decide: Ask Yourself These Questions
Before making the call, consider:
- What’s your drink mix — mostly milky drinks or mostly espresso?
- Do you have space and power to accommodate a larger machine?
- Could your budget be better spent on workflow, additional gear, or training improvements?
- Would your baristas ever really use more than two groups at once?
Our Recommendation
In most cases — cafés, restaurants, garden centres, and even some busy hotels — a two group machine is more than enough.
It’s only in extremely high-volume settings (like corporate breakfast rushes or airport lounges) where a three group becomes a sensible investment.
The Correct Upgrade Path
At Bridge, we typically recommend this upgrade path: Start with a two group machine. If you’re scaling up, move to a two group multi-boiler before jumping to a three group single boiler.
A great entry-level single boiler machine like the Sanremo D8 will do most businesses just fine. For those needing extra capacity, rather than selecting a 3 group version, upgrading to an F18 Single Boiler will provide significantly greater performance benefits.
Why?
Because multi-boiler machines offer better temperature stability, faster recovery, and superior steam performance — all of which directly improve drink quality and consistency.
Invest in the correct gear with our free downloadable guide!
