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Astra Gourmet Automatic
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The Astra Gourmet Automatic espresso machine features a rotary pump, is available as a pour-over or plumbed-in model and comes with your choice of colored side panels.
Just like the semi-automatic, the Astra Gourmet Automatic is an American-made, commercial duty, one group HX machine that has "workhorse" written all over it. It can produce 180 cups of espresso per hour and has an incredible steaming capacity that allows you to easily brew and froth at the same time, and many back-to-back times.
What’s behind this much muscle? The Astra Gourmet weighs in at 95 lbs., (15lbs. more than the semi-auto) houses a huge 4.2 liter nickel plated copper boiler, a 2,000 watt heating element and a Procon rotary vane pump driven by an Ulka motor. These are the same components found in the larger Astra machines. The Atra Gourmet Automatic has an E61 type brew group, a commercial grade Sirai pressurestat, nickel-plated copper steam and hot water wands, a stainless steel frame and nickel-plated brass flare fittings inside. The Astra Gourmet does well in light commercial settings and is one very serious home machine.
Steaming and Brewing:
With Astra Gourmet’s 4.2 liter boiler and 2,000 watt heating element, you may never max out the steaming capacity. You’ll have no problems creating gorgeous microfoam either. The steam knob operates smoothly, simply turn the knob. It’s made from nickel-plated copper and sports a 6-hole tip. Imagine turning 10 ounces of milk to microfoam in under 20 seconds. The Astra Automatic features an electronic touch panel on the top of the machine, near the front. Push a button and brewing commences. When the proper amount brews, the Astra Automatic will stop. No need for you to flip a switch to stop it. It maintains very good temperature stability and produces unbelievably good espresso with amazing consistency.
Tamping:
All Astra espresso machines feature a self-tamping brewing mechanism. This means, it is not necessary for you to tamp. The machine will do this for you. (This part caught my attention. I was concerned for the mental health of all those who spent years meticulously perfecting their tamping techniques.)
Pods:
All Astra machines operate with ground coffee and/or pods interchangeably. The Astra comes equipped to use ground coffee, however, no additional accessories are needed to use pods.
Pour Over/ Plumbed In:
The Astra Gourmet Automatic is available as either a pour over machine or a plumbed in machine. Simply select the model you prefer at no additional cost. The pour over model is equipped with a self-contained tank. It's is a snap to setup and is ideal for use in catering because it remains portable. Just plug it in and add water. The plumbed in models are designed for connection to a pressurized water supply. Plumbing instructions arrive with the machine and the modular construction makes Astra easy to install. If you aren’t the handy type or don’t have the time, a plumber can easily install the machine. The benefit of the plumbed in model is that you never have to refill the tank.
The featured photo here is of the pour over model with silvertone side panels. The thumbnail photo is of the plumbed in model. Notice the differences between the tops of the machines.
** Only the plumbed in model is available in a 110 volt setup or a 220 volt setup. If you select the 220 volt set up, note that the 220 volt selection DOES NOT COME WITH A PLUG. You and/or your electrician will select the plug of your choice. A 220 volt machine must be connected to a single phase power (2 hot and ground) and the equipment must be grounded.
Side Panels
The Astra Gourmet Automatic comes standard with stainless steel side panels. However, the designer in you can opt for different colored side panels. Select from: stainless steel, silvertone, coppertone, black, red or blue.
Astra Gourmet Safety Features:
ETL Listed to NSF-4, UL 197 and CSA C22.2 No. 109.
Astra places no electrical components beneath the drip tray. This helps avoid electrical hazard and costly future repairs.
All models house an internal oversized power breaker for added safety.
All models also feature an automatic shut off if water does not reach the machine.
The Astra Gourmet models house a microprocessor-controlled diagnostic system for quick troubleshooting.
When the Astra is turned “ON”, the heating element will not engage unless there is enough water in the boiler.
Warranty/ Maintenance:
The American manufacturer, Astra, provides a 2 year limited warranty on all major components if they are defective from the factory. The warranty excludes wear and tear items like gaskets, valves, etc. For items found defective, they provide a 1 year warranty on labor. Like most manufacturers, Astra will not cover costs associated with damage caused by water, neglect in cleaning or faulty electrical connections. In fact, this type of damage voids the warranty. Knowing that hard water causes a lot of maintenance and repair problems, we strongly recommend using a water softener. In addition, we can not emphasis enough the importance of reading the instruction manual and adhering to the recommended cleaning schedule.
The Astra Gourmet Automatic espresso machine ships with a single and double filter basket, a group brush, Puly Caff (backflushing detergent), instruction manual and a warranty card. When purchased at Better Espresso, the Astra Gourmet Automatic also comes with free shipping. If you have any questions about the Astra Gourmet Automatic, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Specifications |
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| Boiler | 4.2 liter | |
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| Volts | 110, Plumbed in model is available in 110V or 220V | |
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| Amps | 20 | |
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| Watts | 2,000 | |
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| Weight | 95 lbs. | |
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| Dimensions | 17" H x 20" D x 13" W | |
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| Production Capacity | 180 Cups per hour | |
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