Astr
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8
SEMI-AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Astra machines come with self-tamping group heads, it is NOT necessary to tamp the
portafilter. Once coffee is ground and leveled in the portafilter, simply insert into group head.
To put the portafilter on the group head, hold the handle level at 7 o’clock and lift it up into
the group head. Make sure the portafilter wings fit into the slots and turn the handle to the
right to create a tight seal.
Make sure that both of the portafilter wings are securely aligned and that the portafilter has
created a tight seal with the group head gasket. If a tight seal is not created, a potentially
dangerous situation exists as hot water under high pressure could escape from the group
head causing burn injuries. NEVER remove a portafilter from the group head while it is under
pressure and brewing. Push the Brew/Stop button to stop brewing or wait until the brew
cycle stops.
Place an espresso cup under the portafilter. Push the brew On/Off switch to the “On”
position. Espresso will begin to be extracted and once the cup is filled to the desired level,
press the same switch to the “Off” position.
While the machine is extracting espresso, the arrow on the left side of the gauge will read
approximately 135 PSI. On the front panel there are two lights: green and amber. The green
light indicates that the machine is “On” while the amber light indicates when the heating
element is operating. The amber light will go “On/ Off” while the machine is “On” regardless
of whether it is in use or not.
