Don't buy any machine that has less than a 200 psi pump in it. All machines that have dual vac motors can keep up with that kind of pressure. On the other hand I would not buy any machine that had a 500 psi pump in it unless it also had at least 2 - 3 stage vacs in it either. You need to keep the vac power and pump power in balance with each other.

PSI pump pressure and the heated water temperature degree tend the vary.  What's the minimum/ideal PSI and Heated Water Temp the machine should have?

 

Are there other things I should make sure the machine has so I don't kick myself in the butt for buying a "weak" cleaner?

the Blitz a 10gal 2x2 stage 100psi for $695.

 

Also depends which country you are in.

 

In Canada I would buy a Ninja from Kleen Kuip, the owner of this site. Will cost you $2000 or so but will last for years and be a very good investment.

 

In the USA I would have to say our Titan Mojave X2 is the best machine. It also comes with our New Power-Dri System built-in to get the carpets you clean dry in 10 min. I would post a link for you but that is not permitted under board rules so you would have to look under my profile to see it. Mytee machines are also a very good deal as well if the Power-Dri feature does not interest you.