Astra espresso machines are a top-of-the-line brand for commercial businesses and individual consumers who take their espresso very seriously. As American-made machines, the Astras are designed for 110 volts, which puts them at an advantage over many European machines.
There are two features that really set Astra espresso machines apart: the coveted Sirai pressure switch and the Procon rotary pump, which is much quieter than the vibration pumps that are installed in most espresso machines. Plus, there’s heavy-duty wiring, quick-on / off hot water and steam valves, and the machines work with both ground coffee and espresso pods. Another good thing about purchasing the Astra espresso machine is that the company is willing to customize it for you if that is what you want. For example, you have an automatic milk frother or pump pressure gauge installed.
You can order your choice of standard panel colors, or the company will match any color upon request; If you want to paint your kitchen chartreuse and purple, your espresso machine can be created to match. The Astra’s boxy shape gets mixed reviews. The few exceptions to the basic aluminum case can be found in its classic lineup, which features options like brass, hammered copper, and gold plating, not to mention a decorative eagle that appears to fly over the top of the coronation dome.
The Gourmet series machines are compact, but contain a 4.2 liter boiler, resulting in a virtually infinite supply of dry steam. They can produce up to 180 espresso shots per hour. Customers report that the steamer takes less than 20 seconds to steam the milk to make a large latte. The excellent broth tip can easily steam small amounts of milk with control. The astras can be attached to existing pipes or to a water reservoir, such as a five-gallon jug. The shower screen is easy to remove and clean, which is not always possible on many other espresso machines without removing the gasket from the group head. Astra Gourmet machines are popular with small businesses and also with home buyers who are serious about their espresso.
The Astra Pro is highly rated by individual consumers. It produces an excellent and reliable espresso and a dark, thick crema. A note of caution: it takes a little while to heat up, over twenty minutes. The machine can get very hot if it is used for a while, making it a poor choice for households with pets and small children. The self-tamping system takes a while to master. After mastering this machine, it is worth the effort. The Astra Pro has a single pressure gauge that shows both the boiler pressure and the pump pressure. It fits in an 18 “space, unlike many of its competitors.
From the many reviews of these machines available on the web, it seems impossible to find a complaint about the Astras durability. The manufacturer offers a two-year limited warranty on parts and a one-year limited warranty on labor. In general, the company is very helpful over the phone, even for buyers who bought their machine second-hand. If you decide to buy an Astra, you will get the best value by buying it directly from the company or from a second-hand source like eBay.