For many business owners, upgrading to a high-quality espresso machine feels like a major investment. Whether you’re running a café, restaurant, bakery, office, or luxury hospitality space, today’s customers expect exceptional coffee—and they expect it fast. Yet the cost of a commercial espresso machine, especially a super-automatic model designed for high-volume environments, can be considered significant.
What many operators don’t realize is that the U.S. tax code offers a smart, business-friendly incentive that can dramatically reduce the financial burden of this purchase. It’s called Section 179, and according to Vinnie Lisi, CEO of Espresso Mio, it has become one of the most powerful tools owners can use to modernize their beverage program without straining their cash flow.
What Section 179 Means for Espresso Equipment
Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment—such as espresso machines—in the same tax year the equipment is purchased and placed into service. Instead of depreciating a machine over five to seven years, the entire investment can be written off immediately.
For operators, that means instant savings.
A typical commercial espresso machine ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, while advanced super-automatics—like the ones Espresso Mio distributes—can exceed $30,000. With Section 179, the potential tax savings can be substantial, often reducing the effective cost by 20–40%, depending on the business’s tax bracket.
“It’s one of the smartest financial moves an owner can make,” Lisi explains. “If you’re thinking about upgrading your machine, Section 179 can turn a major investment into a manageable one, especially for small and mid-sized businesses.”
Why Espresso Machines Qualify
The IRS classifies commercial equipment—everything from industrial kitchen appliances to business-use electronics—as qualifying for Section 179. Espresso machines clearly fall under this umbrella, making them eligible for a full deduction as long as they’re operational before the end of the tax year.
Qualifying items include:
- Commercial manual or semi-automatic espresso machines
- Super-automatic machines such as Thermoplan, Eversys, and La Cimbali
- Coffee grinders and brewers
- Water filtration and installation equipment
- Bundled service or installation costs (in many cases)
For a café looking to improve workflow, a restaurant launching a coffee program, or an office adding an in-house café station, Section 179 effectively lowers the barrier to entry for top-tier equipment.
Vinnie Lisi: “Section 179 Helps Businesses Think Bigger”
As a second-generation family business owner, Vinnie Lisi has spent years helping cafés, restaurants, and hospitality groups excel by upgrading their coffee programs. Through Espresso Mio—a leader in commercial espresso machine sales, wholesale coffee, and service—he’s seen firsthand how Section 179 can change the way businesses approach equipment purchases.
“A lot of owners assume that top-of-the-line machines are out of reach,” Lisi says. “Once they understand Section 179, they realize they can invest in better technology, improve consistency, and increase revenue without the financial stress.”
Machines distributed by Espresso Mio are engineered for reliability and speed, making them ideal for:
- Hotels and airport lounges
- High-volume cafés
- Restaurants and bakeries
- Co-working spaces
- Corporate office installations
- Multi-location operators
Many clients, Lisi notes, use Section 179 to upgrade from traditional machines to super-automatic systems that reduce labor needs and standardize the quality of every drink.
The Espresso Mio Difference
Espresso Mio has earned its reputation by combining premium equipment with personalized support. From sales to installation to long-term service, the company provides a turnkey experience built around each customer’s operational needs.
Their offerings include:
- High-end espresso machines from leading global manufacturers
- Super-automatic systems that produce café-quality drinks with minimal training like Thermoplan
- On-site installation and staff training
- Wholesale coffee programs
- Preventive maintenance and service plans
- Expert consultation on financing and Section 179 deductions
For businesses seeking consistency and speed—without sacrificing taste—Espresso Mio helps design a system that elevates quality while reducing daily operational headaches.
How to Use Section 179 to Purchase an Espresso Machine
Taking advantage of Section 179 is surprisingly simple:
- Select qualifying equipment — Most commercial espresso machines qualify.
- Place the equipment into service — The machine must be installed and operational before December 31.
- Save your documentation — Keep all invoices and purchase records.
- File Form 4562 — Your accountant will include this form with your annual tax return.
- Speak with a tax professional — Every business is different, and proper guidance ensures maximum savings.
For many operators, Section 179 becomes the key that unlocks the ability to invest in a higher-grade machine—reducing repair costs, improving drink quality, and increasing revenue.
A Strategic Upgrade for 2025
If your business is considering adding or upgrading an espresso machine, Section 179 may significantly reduce your cost while improving your overall beverage program. With customers demanding better coffee experiences across all industries, now is an ideal time to take advantage of the incentive.
As Vinnie Lisi puts it:
“Coffee is one of the highest-margin items in the hospitality world. Section 179 makes it easier to invest in better equipment—and better equipment makes your business more profitable.”
Ready to explore your options?
To learn more about upgrading your espresso system—and how to apply Section 179 to your purchase—contact Espresso Mio for a consultation. Their team will walk you through machine selection, installation, and how to make the most of this tax advantage.
