A few points to note:

All these machines can produce espressos, cappuccinos, lattes - in fact any espresso-based product can be produced on a conventional espresso machine.

They also all use coffee beans which are ground before use, usually in a grinder located to the side of the machine.

All of these machines are available as 1, 2, 3, or even 4 group machines allowing you to make between 1 and 8 cups of coffee simultaneously.

All these machines use fresh milk and they can also be fitted with an automatic milk frother in place of a steam arm.

Coffee pods can also be used on any of these machines with a minor adaptation.

There are 3 types of espresso machine to consider: manual, semi-automatic and electronic.  For a fully automated, bean-to-cup machine, look at Bean-To-Cup Machines.

We can supply the following makes of machine:  Astoria, Bezzera, Brasilia, Cimbali, Elektra, Gaggia, Magister, Pavoni, Rancilio, Rex Royal, San Marco, Simonelli, Spaziale, VFA Expres, Vibiemme (VBM), Wega.  If you’re thinking of purchasing any of these machines, give us a call first: we would recommend some above others, and we will tell you the reasons why....

Manual
These machines are operated by pulling down a spring-loaded lever. On releasing the lever, water is allowed to enter the cylinder and is then pressure-driven through the coffee. When there is enough coffee in the cup, the cup must be removed manually as the flow from the piston cannot be stopped until the cycle is complete. 
Although wonderfully theatrical, these machines are for experienced baristas and not for the faint-hearted.  If you have no electricity this machine, heated by gas, is the one for you.
Prices range from £1,200 to £3,500. 

Semi-Automatic
Experienced baristas are comfortable with these machines as they have full control enabling them to produce a variety of coffees. The water pump is turned on by a button switch or lever and switched off by the operator when the required amount of coffee is in the cup (in the case of a lever, there is no electrical solenoid on the group, eliminating service in this area).
Don’t get distracted when operating one of these machines or you will find that your cup is overflowing..........
Prices range from £1,000 to £4,000.

Electronic
These are the most popular choice as they offer automatic coffee dosage:  they can be programmed for different sized cups. The operator is able to turn their back on the machine knowing that it will stop at the right time, guaranteeing a consistency of product every time.
Electronic machines should also be fitted with a semi-automatic feature as well.
Prices range from £1,250 to £5,000.

To Summarise:

You need to choose a machine that suits the level of experience of those operating the equipment.

The size of machine you buy will be determined by the number of coffees you need to produce at a time. A 1 group machine will produce one or two cups at a time so an experienced operator could produce 4 cups a minute.

The difference in price between a 1 and 2 group or 2 and 3 group machine is approximately £400 to £500.

Don’t forget to factor in the amount of hot water you expect to be able to take off the machine.  For example, if you make a lot of teas, you will need a bigger boiler!

In hard water areas, we always fit a water softener as standard with our machines.  This eliminates the vast majority or service problems which are often caused by limescale.