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Espresso: Espresso Machines
Inside the Astra Gourmet

LavAzza Espresso Machines

Awesome capsule espresso machines. Perfect for home, office and restaurant applications.
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Discussions > Espresso > Machines > Inside the Astra...

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rbh1515
Senior Member

Joined: 15 Feb 2003
Posts: 1,273
Location: Milwaukee
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: LM GS3
Grinder: Mahlkonig/VersalabM3
Vac Pot: have one
Drip: no
Roaster: got that too/never use it

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 8:45pm Subject: Inside the Astra Gourmet

I thought I would post a few pics of the inards of my new Astra since there isn't much info on this machine. This first pic is after removing 2 screws that attach the cup warmer. There is easy access to the pressurestat: Rob (Click for larger image)

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 8:48pm Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

After removing 6 acorn nuts from the front, the side/back panels come off as one piece and you have very easy access to most components of the machine. Note the Procon rotary pump below the water reservoir. I think the water reservoir should be fairly easy to insulate. Rob (Click for larger image)

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 8:50pm Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

View from the other side with the panels off: Rob (Click for larger image)

spinnaker007
Senior Member

Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Posts: 1,783
Location: Chicago!
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 9:11pm Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

Rob, I see you have already opened this baby up. It sure looks organized, and easy to work with. I have not even tried to look inside of my Tea, the only thing I have removed so far is the top cover to add water...LOL... Keep those excellent latte art coming! Steve

jim_schulman
Senior Member

Joined: 19 Dec 2001
Posts: 3,772
Location: Chicago
Expertise: I live coffee

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 9:59pm Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

It's a beautifully organized machine, with all the parts readily accessable. The rotary pump limits the water tank size, but otherwise it looks like a brilliant catering-class machine. So, are you considering plumbing options?

Jim Schulman www.coffeecuppers.com

IronBarista
Senior Member

Joined: 13 Mar 2004
Posts: 708
Location: Rapid City, SD
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Ginsu Silvia
Grinder: Ginsu Super Jolly & Rocky
Vac Pot: Ginsu Nada
Drip: Ginsu Melitta (pourover)
Roaster: Ginsu Behmor

Posted Wed Aug 25, 2004, 11:03pm Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

I like the machines logical layout. Looks like the water tank has a quick disconnect. I can't think of why because to remove it would require panels to be removed. It'll make it easier to directly plumb it though.

I drink espresso so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso, so I can work longer, so I can make more money, so I can drink more espresso...

gourmetguy
Senior Member

Joined: 10 Dec 2002
Posts: 111
Location: Atlanta
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: All kinds of stuff
Grinder: Various in my day
Drip: You name it I've had it
Roaster: just an iRoast

Posted Thu Aug 26, 2004, 4:11am
Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

rbh1515 Said:

View from the other side with the panels off:
Rob

Posted August 25, 2004 link

Sweet. This is my next machine. Thanks for posting.

Posted Thu Aug 26, 2004, 7:52am Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

So far after a couple of days using the machine, I'm really liking it. I keep reaching for the nonexistent lever to activate brewing (like on my Isomac)--the switch will take some getting used to. The water tank is a bit smaller than on my Isomac. I don't plan on plumbing it in any time soon. I like having a pourover at this point. I just add cold water before starting to brew. Steve, I'm amazed you have never had to take the cover off of the Tea. I have lost track how many times I had to get inside the Millenium. Rob

spinnaker007
Senior Member

Joined: 24 Apr 2003
Posts: 1,783
Location: Chicago!
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Thu Aug 26, 2004, 8:00am Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

Hi Rob, I am the type who can take things apart, but have no clues to put them back together, and there is always an extra part sitting around! LOL... Jim, We missed you at the Intelligentsia's in-house barista competition. I hope that I'll get to meet you in person at the GLBC in October. Okay, I better get back to work as my promise to brokencup. : ) Steve

gourmetguy
Senior Member

Posted Thu Aug 26, 2004, 6:05pm
Subject: Re: Inside the Astra Gourmet

rbh1515 Said:

So far after a couple of days using the machine, I'm really liking it. I keep reaching for the nonexistent lever to activate brewing (like on my Isomac)--the switch will take some getting used to.
The water tank is a bit smaller than on my Isomac.
I don't plan on plumbing it in any time soon. I like having a pourover at this point. I just add cold water before starting to brew.
Steve, I'm amazed you have never had to take the cover off of the Tea. I have lost track how many times I had to get inside the Millenium.
Rob

Posted August 26, 2004 link

Does it cut off if the water level runs low? I heard running a rotary pump on empty is the deathknell of it...

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