onetime Senior Member Joined: 12 Jul 2012 Posts: 10 Location: east coast Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 10:42am Subject: astra gourmet need some help
Hi I have a Astra Gourmet and its a long story..... I am a private person not a restaurant bar... So, I got this machine as more or less a barn find. It looks brand new, big parts are still in the original stainless foil and the filters are still wrapped. I think the machine was standing at least for 5 years.
I tried to hook up the machine, it heats up, steam is coming from the steam valve and hot water (at least some) from the hot water valve. Also the pump on the brewer part (middle) works. My problem is that the dial (in the midlle) shows no boiler pressure it shows pump pressure tough. Now, there is a pretty fat boiler in that machine and I look Mythbusters ;-)
Here my question, does anyone of you know someone who works on Astra machines in the subrubs of Philly? I found one company, but he does only service at my place and wanted 300$ ONLY for coming to my house, plus any parts and actually worked hours.
I am really not a handy man...so DIY is not a good idea.
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 11:58am Subject: Re: astra gourmet need some help
onetime Said:
Hi I have a Astra Gourmet and its a long story..... I am a private person not a restaurant bar... So, I got this machine as more or less a barn find. It looks brand new, big parts are still in the original stainless foil and the filters are still wrapped. I think the machine was standing at least for 5 years.
I tried to hook up the machine, it heats up, steam is coming from the steam valve and hot water (at least some) from the hot water valve. Also the pump on the brewer part (middle) works. My problem is that the dial (in the midlle) shows no boiler pressure it shows pump pressure tough. Now, there is a pretty fat boiler in that machine and I look Mythbusters ;-)
Here my question, does anyone of you know someone who works on Astra machines in the subrubs of Philly? I found one company, but he does only service at my place and wanted 300$ ONLY for coming to my house, plus any parts and actually worked hours.
I am really not a handy man...so DIY is not a good idea.
Sounds like your gauge is bad. If everything works, the gauge is sorta useless though. If you still have a need to replace it, they can usually be had for $60-100, and are easily installed with a few turns of the crescent while the machine is off and unplugged. You can contact Astra for parts with the below info.
Astra Manufacturing, Inc. 21520 Blythe Street Canoga Park, CA 91304-6609
onetime Senior Member Joined: 12 Jul 2012 Posts: 10 Location: east coast Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 12:11pm Subject: Re: astra gourmet need some help
Hi
I spoke to Richard at Astra before, he said someone should look at it. Maybe the gauge has a problem, but maybe there is a bigger bug.
My problem is, that this machine is 100% to big for me and what I need.
I was thinking about selling it online, but I feel bad selling something that may have a problem. After that get a small semi pro machine. But still I would like to have it checked out.
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 12:24pm Subject: Re: astra gourmet need some help
onetime Said:
Hi
I spoke to Richard at Astra before, he said someone should look at it. Maybe the gauge has a problem, but maybe there is a bigger bug.
My problem is, that this machine is 100% to big for me and what I need.
I was thinking about selling it online, but I feel bad selling something that may have a problem. After that get a small semi pro machine. But still I would like to have it checked out.
From the sounds of it, the problem is minor, but you could always sell it and just disclose your suspicions to the buyer. Personally I would check google maps in your area for a Commercial coffee equipment supplier/service company and if you can't find one of those, then a "Beverage Equipment" supplier. They will be able to give you a quote/diagnosis on the repair, or just buy the machine from you outright upon their inspection.
onetime Senior Member Joined: 12 Jul 2012 Posts: 10 Location: east coast Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 1:50pm Subject: Re: astra gourmet need some help
i tried that, but Philly seems to be a black spot on the map. the one guy I found wanted 300$ only for coming to my house.... that was a bit drastic in my eyes. I offered to bring it there he siad straight, no...
I found another company about 60 miles out, I will take the machine there, but I have the feeling the guy wants to offer me an exchange deal against a full automatic saeco.....not sure if that is a good deal.
problem is I really dont know what is a good deal. I just feel like a 4.5 liter boiler espresso machine for a 2 person household is overkill
i think i take it there, ask them to check what is wrong first, let him make me a exchange offer, ask for some days time and ask you guys what you think about his offer.
Would you huys be ready to give me advice once I got the offer?
Posted Wed Jul 18, 2012, 2:21pm Subject: Re: astra gourmet need some help
onetime Said:
i tried that, but Philly seems to be a black spot on the map. the one guy I found wanted 300$ only for coming to my house.... that was a bit drastic in my eyes. I offered to bring it there he siad straight, no...
I found another company about 60 miles out, I will take the machine there, but I have the feeling the guy wants to offer me an exchange deal against a full automatic saeco.....not sure if that is a good deal.
problem is I really dont know what is a good deal. I just feel like a 4.5 liter boiler espresso machine for a 2 person household is overkill
i think i take it there, ask them to check what is wrong first, let him make me a exchange offer, ask for some days time and ask you guys what you think about his offer.
Would you huys be ready to give me advice once I got the offer?
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