Search found 9 matches

by MikeyDo
October 20th, 2011, 12:02 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 11
Views: 1784

New Astra Pro - trouble dialing it in

Enjoying reading about your Astra Pro. I came soooo close to buying one. It is still high on my list when upgrade fever hits
by MikeyDo
July 6th, 2011, 3:47 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

And it looks like I bought this setup in the nick of time. Today I see all the major vendors selling the Silvia for $699!
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by MikeyDo
July 4th, 2011, 5:31 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

I ended up getting the Silvia/Vario combo from SCG. When you subtract the cost of the Vario and the other tools that are included that I would have to buy anyway, it made the Silvia pretty cheap, around $500 or so. My thinking was that this would be a good start for me, and my exposure on the
by MikeyDo
June 22nd, 2011, 7:14 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 4
Views: 2253

Buying a used Astra Pro

Jim, A conventional shower head answers one of your concerns, but can you explain a bit more about the differences in the heat exchanger and thermosyphon system? What are the specific Astra differences from other E61 clones?
by MikeyDo
June 1st, 2011, 10:45 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

Guys, Another issue I see that I need to clarify is that I would like to be able to make 3 two-shot 12oz. lattes in a short period of time. This gets the family out the door. Even better, to do 3 three-shot 16oz. lattes. So steam power and quick rebound is important. I've added Oscar and
by MikeyDo
May 31st, 2011, 3:15 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 22
Views: 4172

Espresso machines with stainless steel boilers

The Astra Pro has a 2.6 liter stainless steel boiler. Don't own it, but it's on my short list for near future purchase, so I'm compiling data and opinions
by MikeyDo
May 29th, 2011, 5:41 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 4
Views: 1409

American espresso machines: Astra & Salvatore, how do they compare?

Watching this thread with interest. I, too, have been haunting the forums and youtube trying to gather as much information as possible about the American machines
by MikeyDo
May 21st, 2011, 8:55 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

Grinder will probably be a Baratza Vario unless I find a screamin' deal on ebay for some other used machine like a Super Jolly. The lack of a water tap is a negative but not a deal breaker. Comments about customer service like Joel B's makes the Astra sound nice, but I also hear nice things
by MikeyDo
May 21st, 2011, 2:18 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 7229

Astra Pro vs. Salvatore SES vs. Bezzera BZ07 for first espresso machine

Narrowing my choices down. Not many Astra Pro users on the forum. A few more for the Salvatore and quite a few for the Bezzera. Just seeing if anyone had a fresh perspective for someone considering these three "bang for the buck" machines. I have an opportunity to buy the Pro for around $1,100. I