All five models have a similar aesthetic of smooth curves, almost resembling a sculpture. Design is a matter of preference, but I felt this was a showpiece for my counter, and I didn’t want to store it away between brews (Signature and Pro 2 models have copper-plated group heads that I felt were especially gorgeous). Using The Flair Flair 58 is a good choice if you want something that gets close to a semi-automatic espresso machine but where you can control the pressure. Opt for this if you have the budget. I used a brew temperature calculation model to investigate things further. It turns out that the difference in thermal mass between the two brew heads calls for rather different approaches. This shouldn’t be a big surprise since the Pro is almost double the weight. (This model doesn’t factor in the two respective baskets. Including this weight, the results would be even further apart.)

WDT required: Properly loading the full 20g is challenging, especially when not tapping and using Weiss Distribution Tool (WDT) only. I'll definitely write up on WDT in a future blog as that has also improved the espresso game a lot. Finally, there’s a five-year limited warranty, which inspires confidence, especially considering most more expensive machines only have one or two-year warranty. Key Features Of The Flair Espresso Maker Flair Pro 2 also has a built-in pressure gauge, which is especially useful in the beginning. I liked the silicone grip on the handle for easier operation, a removable portafilter spout, and a stainless steel tamper. This model has a bottomless portafilter which lets you see every bit of the extraction process. The Uniterra Nomad is also not the most portable device, though it is smaller and lighter than the Flair. It puts that heft to good use by looking like a little piece of metal art sitting on your desk while cranking out an excellent, creamy espresso.

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It takes time to get up to speed and dial in the perfect shot, but once you do that, you’ll have consistent espresso results. Value Flair manual espresso maker has a stainless steel brewing head and a rigid container that doesn’t expand with pressure, so it makes a consistent cup of delicious espresso every time. Each Flair manual espresso maker has a cylinder with a maximum water capacity of 90 ml, so it’s easy to control the extraction time between 30 and 45 seconds. Your arm controls how much pressure you apply and not the machine’s brew head.

Using water straight off the boil would still land me a brewing temperature of 89.5°C / 193°F according to the model. For a medium to dark roast, that would yield a decent result. This review will assess the things that make a Flair espresso maker stand out from the crowd, as well as how to operate it. We will also make a comparison between the NEO and the more expensive Flair PRO.

Advantages of Flair Signature coffee machine

After a rough start, loads of practice and falling deeply in love with the PRO 2, I can safely say this wonderful machine exceeded all my expectations. Did you say "rough start"? If you only drink espresso and want a durable, manual espresso maker that won’t break the bank, the Flair espresso maker could be a perfect choice. We love manual, portable, non electric espresso, at CoffeeGeek. The ability to make a true espresso shot at your weekend cabin, or while travelling and staying at hotels, is a bit of a quest for us. For the longest, time you had to rely on “faux” espresso devices — like moka pots, both electric and stovetop — to get anything close to that experience while out and about; then in the mid ‘aughts (around 2005), a device called the Handpresso was introduced, which essentially was a bicycle pump espresso maker. It had problems. The first variant only used ESE pods (an older espresso pod system developed by Illy). The next let you use your own ground coffee, but you could barely get 7 grams into the basket, resulting in a very weak, tepid shot.