I've heard a couple good things about this machine and wanted to ask how you all like it. It's in my price range and is supposed to be very well built though I don't really like the looks that much.

Look, most e61hx look the same: ss boxes on legs. The Astra strays very far from that, it's all curves, and quite beautiful to look at. As an aside, the curves make it very stiff, so there's little to no flex in the frame when you pick it up or lock in the pf. But still, it's what's under the hood that counts, and there Astra rocks it.

Man, just found out it doesn't have a hot water spout. It would be amazing if it had one!

Well, astra has to make money somewhere, haha. I don't drink americanos or tea, and if I did, a kettle or microwave provides hot water just fine, so I've never missed it. The astra gourmet has a hot water spout, along with a load of other upgrades (including price)...