Astra Mega I

[harryho]

Are these things any good?

http://www.astramfr.com/mega1.html#1

[mp]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

[harryho]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

[mp]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

For me ... yes ... would not buy it at full retail ... but for $500 or less ... would be a good deal.

 

[Tex]

It looks like a well built machine, and it has all the right components. I'm curious about the "kit" that lets you convert it to a 2-group machine!

I always advise folks to check for parts availability before buying any machine. Some makers use proprietary parts that usually carry a high price tag. This doesn't bother some folks, but for a frugal person like myself, it's anathema!

[Tex]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

For me ... yes ... would not buy it at full retail ... but for $500 or less ... would be a good deal.

Now Mike, maybe Harry is another peter and not averse to paying full price?

[peter]

 

[mp]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

For me ... yes ... would not buy it at full retail ... but for $500 or less ... would be a good deal.

Now Mike, maybe Harry is another peter and not averse to paying full price?

That's true ... I must stop assuming that everyone is frugal like us.

 

[Tex]

That's true ... I must stop assuming that everyone is frugal like us.

 

One day I might even buy a new espresso machine.

[mp]

That's true ... I must stop assuming that everyone is frugal like us.

 

One day I might even buy a new espresso machine.

I wouldn't want to place any odds on that.

 

[harryho]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

For me ... yes ... would not buy it at full retail ... but for $500 or less ... would be a good deal.

 

Still doesn't make sense.......

I wanted to know if these machines are any good. If I get it used or brand new, it will not change how the machine is built.

They are local to me. I might drive out there next week to check out their manufacturing operation.

[Tex]

Commercial machine ... are you getting new or used?

 

Does it make a difference?

For me ... yes ... would not buy it at full retail ... but for $500 or less ... would be a good deal.

 

Still doesn't make sense.......

I wanted to know if these machines are any good. If I get it used or brand new, it will not change how the machine is built.

They are local to me. I might drive out there next week to check out their manufacturing operation.

When you do would you please shoot some pics of the group and boiler assembly?

[Warrior372]

In my experience they are not horrible, but I would not say they are great either. I would definitely not go out of my way to buy one. There are too many other brands of machine, whether new or used, that I would much rather purchase. I have read to many negatives in regards to their reliability and with so many used machines on the market, personally choose to avoid them.

I was very interested in them myself at one point, as I will usually go out of my way to buy things that are made in America, but after doing my homework I am glad I have avoided them. So, I would look elsewhere. Just my 2 cents.

[Tex]

In my experience they are not horrible, but I would not say they are great either. I would definitely not go out of my way to buy one. There are too many other brands of machine, whether new or used, that I would much rather purchase. I have read to many negatives in regards to their reliability and with so many used machines on the market, personally choose to avoid them.

I was very interested in them myself at one point, as I will usually go out of my way to buy things that are made in America, but after doing my homework I am glad I have avoided them. So, I would look elsewhere. Just my 2 cents.

One of the local coffee houses had Astra machines - they were OK except for the electrics. Funny, being 'merican made I expected better from them.

I did like their stand alone Astra steamer!

[harryho]

In my experience they are not horrible, but I would not say they are great either. I would definitely not go out of my way to buy one. There are too many other brands of machine, whether new or used, that I would much rather purchase. I have read to many negatives in regards to their reliability and with so many used machines on the market, personally choose to avoid them.

I was very interested in them myself at one point, as I will usually go out of my way to buy things that are made in America, but after doing my homework I am glad I have avoided them. So, I would look elsewhere. Just my 2 cents.

Now, that was what I was looking for. Thanks......