Astra SM Super Automatic Series User manual

ASTRA SUPER AUTOMATIC
TRADITIONAL (AUTOMATIC & SEMI-AUTOMATIC)
ESPRESSO MACHINES & STEAMERS
Issued: 2020, Version 2 Naperville, IL, USAASTRA MANUFACTURING
OPERATION MANUAL
ASTRA 2000
SM Series Super Automatic
Astra Traditional MEGA 1,2,3
Astra Pro Traditional
Astra G-Series Traditional
STP/ STS/ STA - Series Steamers

INTRODUCTION TO YOUR
ASTRA MACHINE
Congratulations on choosing
Astra for your espresso needs!
If you need any help or have any questions,
please call Astra for assistance.
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: 877 340 1800
[e-mail]
www.astramfr.com
Artfully engineered by an aerospace engineer using simple modular
designs, Astra delivers highly reliable, affordable machines that have
been produced in the United States since 1993. Designed for excellence,
Astra products are remarkably durable and exceptional at delivering
uncompromising espresso time after time.
With unmatched performance and top-of-the-line quality, Astra
machines are built with quality steel and metal parts and aerospace-
grade hosing and wiring components. Each machine is built to easily
install, operate, and maintain. Handcrafted in the USA with US-standard
parts, Astra machines are locally constructed with world class
standards. We are confident that you will love your Astra machine and
its high-quality espresso for years to come.
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 2
Read this ENTIRE MANUAL prior to using this product.
Failure to follow the important safety instructions and
warnings in this manual may result in serious injury or death.

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 3
Contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 04
SECTION 1: TRADITIONAL ESPRESSO 05
GOURMET AUTOMATIC GA021
GOURMET SEMI-AUTOMATIC GS022
MEGA I AUTOMATIC M1011
MEGA I SEMI-AUTOMATIC M1S016
MEGA II COMPACT AUTOMATIC M2C014
MEGA II AUTOMATIC M2012
MEGA II SEMI-AUTOMATIC M2S017
MEGA II COMPACT SEMI-AUTOMATIC M2CS019
MEGA III AUTOMATIC M3013
MEGA III SEMI-AUTOMATIC M3S018
SECTION 2: SUPER AUTOMATIC MACHINES 22
SUPER MEGA I / SUPER MEGA 2
ASTRA 2000
SECTION 3: STEAMER MACHINES 35
AUTOMATIC POUROVER STA1300
SEMI-AUTOMATIC POUROVER STS1300
SEMI-AUTOMATIC POUROVER STP1800
SEMI-AUTOMATIC STS1800, STS2400, STS4800
AUTOMATIC STA1800, STA2400, STA4800
WARRANTY INFORMATION 47

This Operation Manual contains important instructions, warnings, and safety procedures that
must be understood BEFORE using the equipment. Failure to review and understand the ENTIRE
MANUAL prior to use could result in serious injury or death.
OPERATIONAL SAFETY
BURN HAZARD. Espresso machines and steamers use compression and pressure to heat water to
a boiling point. They also utilize steam to heat milk under pressure. Because of this, there is risk of
burns from steam, hot liquids, and hot equipment components. Always use caution when operating
your Astra espresso machine or steamer.
Espresso machines hold heat for a period of time after use - beware of latent heat. Do not touch
hot surfaces, operators should use the handles and knobs only when is use. Always use caution
when powering up/down your machine. Never put ngers or foreign objects into the grinder
without rst unplugging the machine.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. Ensure the equipment is turned off before maintenance or
installation. Do not use an extension cord. If the power supply cord is too short, have a qualied
electrician or serviceman install an outlet near the machine. Service must be performed only after
consulting with manufacturer.
To protect against re, electric shock and personal injury do not immerse cord, plug or entire
espresso machine in water or other liquid. Do not operate any machine with a damaged cord or
plug or after the machine malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner.
CHILD SAFETY HAZARD. This product is not intended for use by persons (including children) with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, unless they
have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the product by a person responsible
for their safety.
ASTRA equipment must be installed in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and/or
local electrical and plumbing codes. The following safety checks should be carried out when
preparing to set up and use your Astra espresso machine.
•read the full operation manual before use
•equipment should be checked for any possible issues or damages before set-up
•the equipment should not be altered, amended or modied in any way
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SECTION 1
Traditional Espresso
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 5
GOURMET AUTOMATIC GA021
GOURMET SEMI-AUTOMATIC GS022
MEGA I AUTOMATIC M1011
MEGA I SEMI-AUTOMATIC M1S016
MEGA II COMPACT AUTOMATIC M2C014
MEGA II AUTOMATIC M2012
MEGA II SEMI-AUTOMATIC M2S017
MEGA II COMPACT SEMI-AUTOMATIC M2CS019
MEGA III AUTOMATIC M3013
MEGA III SEMI-AUTOMATIC M3S018
Contents
REQUIRED CONNECTIONS 06
FIRST TIME OPERATION 07
OPERATING: SEMI AUTOMATIC 08
OPERATING: AUTOMATIC 09
STEAM WAND OPERATION 10
FOAMING OR FROTHING MILK 13
REGULAR CLEANING 14
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST 15
SPECS & DIAGRAMS 17
TRADITIONAL ESPRESSO MACHINES

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 6
Plumbed machines are provided with the 1/4” male are beverage connection underneath
the machine. The user must provide a 3/8” appliance water line. The machine operates best
when the water supply is at least 20 PSI. A water pressure regulator is suggested if water
pressure exceeds 50 PSI.
WATER
PLUMBED MACHINES
Pourover machines are provided with a water tank. Fill the tank before initial operation. The
water reservoir cover is located on top of the machine. Remove the lid and ll with water. Do
not completely tighten the cap or the water will not be able to drain out of the tank due to
negative suction. Water can be added at any point of the operation. An alarm will sound if the
water falls too low. Extended operation with an empty water container can cause component
damage inside the machine and the machine will fail to operate.
POUROVER MACHINES
NOTICE: Do NOT use pure distilled water and do NOT overll the water container.
REQUIRED CONNECTIONS
It is highly recommended that plumbed machines be used in conjunction with a water
softener in order to prolong the life of the individual components of the machine. The water
treatment system must be periodically serviced (regenerated or replaced) based on the
manufacturer recommendation. Distilled or reverse-osmosis water can be corrosive if it is
not treated with minerals post-process. Find Astra-recommended water softener at
www.astramfr.com.
WATER QUALITY

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 7
All Astra machines must be connected according to the local and national electrical and
plumbing codes. For a 110-volt machine, a dedicated circuit with ground is required. A
220-volt machine must be connected to a single-phase power (2 hot and ground) and the
equipment must be grounded.
NOTICE: All ASTRA equipment must be installed in accordance with all
applicable Federal, State and/or local electrical and plumbing codes.
POWER
This process is important to follow upon rst use or any time the boiler has been
completely drained, such as during repair or cleaning. Open any steam valve and leave
it open by turning the knob counterclockwise. If your model has no knob on the front
panel. Place the switch to manual position and turn on the machine. The pump will start
to push the water into the boiler. If both indicator lights do not light shortly after the pump
stops, this means that the water has not yet reached the proper level. Leave on for about
1 minute. Toggle ‘Off’ for 15 seconds. During very rst use, you may have to do this 3-4
times as the pump continues to ll the boiler. When both indicator lights come on and
stay on; the machine is in heating mode.
Ensure that the steam valve stays open. Once the steam begins to disperse from the
steam wand, close the valve. You can do this by turning the knob clockwise or turning the
switch back to “Automatic” if yours has no knob. The warm-up process can take 10 to 20
minutes. When the “Boiler Pressure” arrow on the gauge is between 15 and 17 PSI, the
machine is ready to be used. The amber light will go on and off throughout operation as
the heating element cycles to maintain the internal temperature.
FIRST TIME OPERATION
PRIME THE MACHINE

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 8
SEMI-AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Astra machines come with self-tamping group heads, it is NOT necessary to tamp the
portalter. Once coffee is ground and leveled in the portalter, simply insert into group head.
To put the portalter on the group head, hold the handle level at 7 o’clock and lift it up into
the group head. Make sure the portalter wings t into the slots and turn the handle to the
right to create a tight seal.
Make sure that both of the portalter wings are securely aligned and that the portalter 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 portalter 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 portalter. Push the brew On/Off switch to the “On”
position. Espresso will begin to be extracted and once the cup is lled 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.

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 9
1. Press and hold the Start/Stop button for 5 seconds. All the lights will start ashing,
indicating that you are in program mode.
2. Load the portalter with coffee and lock it to the machine. Press the key you would
like to program. The machine will start to dispense. Once you have enough extraction,
press “Start/Stop” button. The machine will stop and the specic button has now been
programmed.
3. Repeat step 2 for all other buttons that you wish to program.
4. Press “Start/Stop” button to exit the program mode.
5. For a multi-group machine, if you wish to copy the stored program from one touchpad
to the other touchpad, follow the steps below:
A. Press and hold the “Brew/Stop” button on the touchpad you like to program for 10
seconds. All the lights will start to ash.
B. Press the “Brew/Stop” button again, all of the lights will go out indicating that the
program has been copied.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Astra machines come with self-tamping group heads, it is NOT necessary to tamp the portalter.
Once coffee is ground and leveled in the portalter, simply insert into group head. To put the
portalter on the group head, hold the handle level at 7 o’clock and lift it up into the group head.
Make sure the portalter wings t into the slots and turn the handle to the right to create a tight
seal.
Make sure that both of the portalter wings are securely aligned and that the portalter 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 pressure could escape from the group head
causing burn injuries. NEVER remove a portalter 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.
Programming the Shot Duration & Extraction

Steamer is hot!
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 10
STEAM WAND OPERATION
• Move the wand down toward the tray.
• Turn the control knob counterclockwise and let the steam blow out for a few seconds
• Turn the control knob clockwise to cease steam.
• Insert the steam wand into the desired amount of milk.
• Turn knob counterclockwise to open the valve and begin using. Frothing tips are laid
out on pg. 13.
• Once the milk has reached the proper temperature, turn knob clockwise to cease
steaming.
• Remove the steam wand from the milk.
• Open valve again for a few seconds; this will clear the milk inside
of the steam wand. Use damp cloth to wipe down the steam wand.
• With the steam wand facing toward the drain tray, turn valve to the
right until it stops to turn the steam wand off.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC
USING THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC STEAM FUNCTION
(SEMI-AUTOMATIC STEAM WANDS ARE STANDARD FOR TRADITIONAL MACHINES)
AUTOMATIC
• Face the steam wand toward the drain tray.
• Move the switch located underneath the display to the “Manual” position to displace
condensation.
• Let the steam blow out for a few seconds.
• Move the switch to the “automatic” position, this will turn the steam wand off.
• Insert the steam wand into the desired amount of milk.
• Press “Start” and begin using. Frothing tips are laid out on pg. 13.
• Once the milk has reached the proper temperature, the steam wand will automatically stop.
• To stop the automatic steaming at any time, press the “Stop” button.
• Remove the steam wand from the milk.
• With the steam wand facing towards the drain tray, press the “Manual” button and hold for a
few seconds; this will clear the milk inside of the steam wand. Use damp cloth to wipe down
steam wand.
• Move the switch to the “Automatic” position to turn the steam wand off.
USING THE AUTOMATIC STEAM FUNCTION

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 11
1. Setting the Desired Temperature
(The goal temperature for the beverage)
• Press the “Set” button on the display.
• Display will read “Set.”
• Press “Set” button again.
• Display will read “165°F”.
• If you would like to change this pre-set temperature, press the up arrow to raise the
temperature. Press the down arrow to lower the temperature.
• Once you have selected the desired temperature, press the “Set” button.
• The display will show the sensor’s current temperature.
• Face the steam wand toward the drain tray.
• Move the switch located underneath the display to the “Manual” position.
• Let the steam blow out for a few seconds.
• Move the switch to the “Automatic” position; this will turn the steam wand off.
• Place a desired amount of milk under the steam wand.
• Move the switch to the “Manual” position.
• Once the milk has reached the proper temperature, move the switch to the “Automatic”
position.
• Remove the steam wand from the milk and face it towards the drain tray.
• Press the “Manual” button for a few seconds, this will clear the steam wand. Use a damp
cloth to wipe down the steam wand.
• Move the switch to the “Automatic” position to turn the steam wand off.
USING THE MANUAL STEAM FUNCTION WITH AN AUTOMATIC WAND
When boiler pressure on the gauge is between 15 and 20 PSI, the machine is ready to be put
into program mode. This procedure is used to program the desired temperature for automatic
steam wands.
Your machine comes pre-programmed with the factory-suggested setting. This is 165 degrees
Fahrenheit. Ensure that the machine is ON and LED displays the current temperature. Each
steam wand can be programmed and operated INDEPENDENTLY as follows:
PROGRAMMING THE AUTOMATIC STEAM WAND

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 12
2. Accuracy Tolerances, Adjusting (Not Recommended)
(How close you want the set temperature to be when steaming ceases.
ex. Tolerances ±3°F)
It is not recommended to adjust the accuracy tolerances. Adjustment may affect
the espresso quality and/or machine performance and so should be left on the
recommended factory settings.
3. Setting the Differential Temperature (Not Recommended)
(Adjustment for inconsistencies based on environmental factors)
• Press and hold the “Set” button.
• Display will read “Dlf”
• Press “Set” button again.
• Adjust the temperature between 2-40 degrees Fahrenheit using the up or down arrows.
• Once you have selected the desired temperature, press the “Set” button.
• The display will read “St.2”
• Press “Set” button again.
• Display will show the selected temperature from Step 1.
• Press “Set” button to record the change.
4. Setting the Upper Limit Parameters (Not Recommended)
(Boiler internal highest temperature)
• Press and hold the “Set” button.
• Display will read “St.H” (setting the highest temperature).
• Press “Set” button again.
• Adjust the temperature between 0-950 degrees Fahrenheit using the up or down arrows
(suggested temperature is 250 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Once you have selected the desired temperature, press the “Set” button to record the
change.
• The display will show the room temperature and programming is nished.
AUTOMATIC STEAM WAND PROGRAMMING, cont.

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 13
5. “A0” Settings 1-4 (Not Recommended)
(Programming settings only intended for technicians)
• To skip past these settings, press the “Set” button several times until you return
back to the home screen.
• Do NOT change these values unless you have the qualied information to do so.
• If you accidentally change these values, the factory default values are: A01-0, A02-0,
A03-0, A04-1.
Foaming milk can be divided into three basic steps:
1. Fill a 32 oz. steaming pitcher 1/3 full of cold milk. Place the tip of the steam wand
1/2” below the surface of the milk.
2. Open the steam valve just enough to create turbulence to produce foam.
3. As foam begins to rise, lower the pitcher so that the tip of the wand is always
about 1/2” below the surface of the milk. As foam nears the top, insert the wand
into the milk to bring the product to proper temperature.
Milk foams better when cold. After making drinks, it is important to return the unused
milk to the refrigerator right away.
* For quality, it is suggested not to use the milk again once it has been heated once.
FOAMING OR FROTHING MILK

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 14
1. BACKFLUSHING
Backushing with detergent is recommended at the end of each day for commercial
operations. For lower volume operations, backushing with plain water is still recommended
any day the machine is used and backush with detergent at the end of any week that the
machine is used.
Remove the lter basket from the portalter. Replace with a blank lter (also referred to as
a blind lter). Make sure the blank lter is pressed all the way into the portalter. Put less
than 1/8 teaspoon of Astra group cleaning detergent into the portalter. Insert the portalter
into the group head. With the blank lter, nothing will dispense from the portalter and the
cleaning powder will escape at the relief valve under the group head thereby cleaning the
brewing mechanism.
After the portalter is placed on the machine, press the Brew/Stop button to ‘ON’ position for
3-5 seconds then turn off. Repeat this process 4 more times. Do NOT add cleaning solutions
each time, just repeat pushing the Brew/Stop button for 5 seconds duration each time.
After the fth time, remove the portalter and rinse it out to make sure there is no remaining
cleaning solution.
Insert the portalter back into the group head and repeat the process WITHOUT any
cleaning powder. When the backush water becomes clear, remove the blank lter and
replace it with a regular lter. If you have a two or three-group machine, repeat this process
with each group. Backushing is an important maintenance step and must be done a
minimum of 3 times a week and even daily with high volume machines.
2. PORTAFILTER
The portalter should be kept on the group head at all times to keep it hot. After
knocking grounds into the knockout box, there will be some grounds left in the lter. Before
inserting the portalter back into the group, push the Brew/Stop button to dispense hot
water from the group to purge the group.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO PLACE YOUR HANDS OR FINGERS UNDER OR ON THE GROUP HEAD.
The hot water will rinse off any remaining grounds. Push the Brew/Stop button to stop.
REGULAR CLEANING

1. If your machine is plumbed, please ensure that the water treatment system has been
replaced or regenerated according to its maintenance schedule. For systems purchased
from Astra, recharging the softener every 6 months is recommended. For high volume
locations, recharge every 3 months.
2. Replace the following parts annually for best performance::
a) Group Gasket (A10040 - #8)
b) Infusion Spray/Orice (A10020)
c) Group Mesh Filter (A10021)
d) Shower Screen (A10060)
e) Group Electrovalve (A10110 for 110V or A10111 for 220V)
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 15
On a weekly basis, ll the sink with hot water, add cleaning powder/solution, and mix
thoroughly. Remove the basket(s) from the portalter(s). Place both parts into water and let
the part(s) sit overnight if possible. Next morning, using the cleaning brush, scrub and rinse
the lter and replace back into the portalter. Ensure that when you replace the baskets, the
single lter basket is inserted into the single portalter, and the larger double lter basket is
inserted into the double portalter.
3. STEAM WAND
Wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth and purge it after every use. To purge,
place the wand tip down toward the tray and open the valve for several seconds to allow
steam to clear out the tip of the wand. For a clogged steam wand, soak the end of the wand
in milk frother cleaning solution for about 30 minutes. For any remaining buildup, turn off
the machine and allow it to cool. Then gently clean the pinholes on the end of the wand with
a small cleaning brush.
4. LONG-TERM SEDIMENT BUILDUP
For long-term sediment buildup, review the maintenance list below.

Inspect the following parts annually. Replace as needed:
f) Inlet Water Electrovalve (A10360 for 110V or A10361 for 220V machines)
g) Steam Pivot Rebuild Kit -Spring, Brass Seat, & 2 O-Rings (A10469)
h) Steam Valve Kit, No Wand- (A10440) or Complete Kit w/ Steam Wand- (A10441)
*Parts can be ordered on www.astramfr.com
3. Check the pressure-stat:
a) Open the steam wand and at the same time look at the amber light and the gauge
b) The amber light must be lit when the pressure drops to 12 - 13 PSI
c) If it does not the pressure-stat must be replaced (A10170)
4. Make sure that the vacuum valve on top of the boiler is not stuck in the up position. If it
is, it must be replaced.
5.Turn the machine OFF, UNPLUG the machine and make sure that ALL of the electrical
connections are tight and secure and that there are no signs of burn damage to the
electrical connections or plugs.
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 16

FIGURE 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
GA021-1 GA021 M1011-1 M1011 M2C014-1 M2C014 M2012 M3013
Cups/hr 180 180 180 240 360 360 480 720
Watts 2000 2700 2000 2700 2000 2700 4500 5500
Volts 110 220 110 220 110 220 220 220
Amps 20 20 20 20 20 20 30 30
Water Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed
Boiler Capacity (L) 4.2 4.2 7 7 7 7 12.5 17
Width (in) 13 13 19.25 19.25 19.25 19.25 27.25 35.5
Depth (in) 20 20 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5
Height (in) 17 17 22 22 22 22 22 22
Portalters
(single/double) 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3
Certications ETL listed to NSF-4, UL 197, and CSA C22.2 No. 109
GS022-1 GS022 M1S016-1 M1S016 M2CS019-1 M2CS019 M2S017 M3S018
Cups/hr 180 200 180 240 270 360 480 720
Watts 2000 2700 2000 2700 2000 2700 4500 5700
Volts 110 220 110 220 110 220 220 220
Amps 20 20 20 20 20 20 30 30
Water Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed Plumbed
Boiler Capacity (L) 4.2 4.2 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 12.5 17.0
Width (in) 13 13 19.25 19.25 19.25 19.25 27.5 35.5
Depth (in) 20 20 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5 19.5
Height (in) 17 17 22 22 22 22 22 22
Portalters
(single/double) 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/1 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/3
Certications ETL listed to NSF-4, UL 197, and CSA C22.2 No. 109
AUTOMATIC
SEMI-AUTOMATIC

Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 18
FIGURE 2: SEMI AUTOMATIC MEGA 1,2,3
FIGURE 3: AUTOMATIC MEGA 1,2,3

FIGURE 4: SEMI AUTOMATIC GOURMET
FIGURE 5: AUTOMATIC GOURMET
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 19

FIGURE 6: SEMI AUTOMATIC ASTRA PRO
Astra Operation Manual: Espresso Machines & Steamers p. 20