Creating a cafe-quality espresso in your own home generally costs thousands of dollars and requires barista-level expertise. You can have absolute command and a finely brewed espresso with little effort using a Flair espresso machine.
In 2016, Flair stirred up the coffee industry by releasing their innovative manual espresso machine. You need to operate it by hand: pour in the hot water in the brewing head and move the lever down to make espresso. The style of the design is both classic and uncomplicated, and their portability is ideal, making them an excellent deal.
Flair has five models. Once you have gone through the experience of using a Pro 2 model, I’ll explain each of them to you so you can decide which type of Flair espresso maker is best for you. I suggest either the basic Neo (in addition to a pressure reader) or the top-tier Flair 58, which is nearly fully automated.
About Flair
Flair was launched in 2016 through a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Sergio Landau, a Brazilian mechanical engineer, desired to make espresso brewing simpler by returning it to its fundamental form and eliminating the intricacy of expensive espresso machines. He invented fully manual espresso machines that were modelled after the lever-driven espresso machines used by Italian baristas from the 1940s until the 1960s, when the emergence of powered electric machines began.
At this point in time, there are five Flair espresso machines with a strong resemblance in terms of their uncomplicated design. A device that applies pressure to push water through a tightly packed puck of coffee grounds in order to brew espresso. You need to have an alternative way of making hot water, like a kettle.
The Flair espresso machine utilizes a heavy-duty, stainless steel head and a firm shell that does not inflate during pressure, creating a regular and flavorful espresso each time. The Flair espresso machines have a cylinder holding up to 90 ml of water, allowing users to adjust the extraction time in between 30 and 45 seconds. You, rather than the machine, determine the amount of force used when making your brew.
Flamboyant espresso machines are cheaper than semi-automatic and super-automatic machines. They are also easy to move around, usually weighing around five pounds. They come in a bag so you can take them everywhere, whether it be on a getaway, a camping trip, or wherever, just as long as you can warm up water.
A five-year limited warranty is included, promoting a sense of security especially when compared to other more costly machines that usually have a one- or two-year warranty.
Key Features Of The Flair Espresso Maker
All Flair espresso machines are similar with few variances (apart from the Flair 58 model). If you comprehend one, you comprehend them all, therefore here is a breakdown of their structure, purpose, and worth.
Design
The look of Flair espresso makers is clean and stylish, featuring a streamlined, contemporary appearance. The Flair espresso machine originally came with all the necessary components to produce an espresso of cafe-level quality, without any extra features. The following versions keep to this plain style, which demonstrates you don’t need a lot of items to make a great espresso drink.
The builds of the models differ in the additional features and add-ons they have, but they all possess superior construction. These espresso machines consist of cast aluminum for the base and stainless steel for the group head, lever, and portafilter holder. These two metals are very resilient and can handle being utilized over an extended period. The leader of the pack had adhesive rubber liners which did not permit any leakage, no matter which version of Pro 2 I used.
These manual espresso machines are lightweight and can be easily carried around, with weights ranging from 5 to more than 5 pounds, while they are constructed with stainless steel.
Every model consists of a base, a handle, and a brewing chamber which can be taken apart quickly for transportation. The majority of Flair espresso machines include a tank which can contain a maximum of 60 ml of water, while the Flair 58 can store up to 90 ml. You are in charge of the pressure rather than the brew head.
All five of the models share a design aesthetic of graceful curves that look almost like a work of art. The design is a matter of personal preference, but I was extremely pleased to have this piece on my counter and did not want to pack it away between usages (In my opinion, the Signature and Pro 2 models have spectacularly beautiful copper-plated group heads).
Using The Flair
I won’t deceive; making espresso with Flair coffee machines necessitates a time of acclimatization, especially concerning arrangement and tidying up.
It would benefit you if you warm up the brewing chamber before taking a shot, which takes some effort.
Here are the basic steps to use a Flair espresso machine:
- Preheat the brew head with hot water (more below).
- Grind the coffee beans, fill the portafilter, and tamp. Put the dispersion screen on top of the coffee puck. The dispersion screen is important!
- Place the cylinder on top of the portafilter, and place it on the base.
- Add water (temperature should be between 194 to 204 degrees).
- Put the pressure gauge on top.
- Press the lever down so the water goes through the coffee puck.
- Keep an eye on the pressure gauge. You want to start with a low-pressure pre-infusion for a few seconds, then increase pressure, so it’s reading 5-10 bars.
The Flair espresso maker is designed for brewing one serving of espresso at a time; if you want to make multiple shots, you’ll need to invest a considerable amount of time (it usually takes three minutes to make just one shot, after practicing).
You will need to practice and try different techniques in the beginning to learn about coffee making and how to get the perfect espresso. If your pressure gauge indicates that the amount of pressure is more than 10, use a thicker grind. If the shot takes sub-20 seconds, grind finer. Once you have grasped the concept of how to make a shot to your liking, it is an easy process.
I’m an experienced barista when it comes to making espresso, however, it was not until my fifth attempt that I was able to hit the desired flavor. It took a while to determine the coarseness of the grind, and I used 17 grams of coffee. Ensure that the puck shield is pushed downward in order to keep it in its position. Otherwise, it will not stay tight, so it will be harder to get the puck out effectively.
Another important point is the arm strength needed. The amount of pressure used will depend on how firmly you are pressing, the coarseness or fineness of the grind, and how you tamp it down. I noticed a major change when I increased the level of pressure from five to six bars to nine to ten bars. Achieving a steady espresso often requires nine to ten levels of pressure. Plus, you’ll get your arm workout in.
Models Of Flair Manual Espresso Makers
Since its inception, Flair has released multiple models of espresso machines and currently offers the following coffee makers.
Flair Classic
The original Flair model was launched in 2016. This Classic espresso machine features an ordinary brewing head that is designed for 12 to 18 grams of coffee and has a minimalist design.
Flair Signature
This model is based on the Classic, and it also has a temperatur and pressure meter. The design of the brew head is the same as the one on the Classic model, but it looks even more attractive.
Flair PRO 2
The PRO, Flair’s most prestigious product, was released in 2018 and features a larger brewing head than earlier models and includes the capability to use between 16 and 24 grams of coffee.
Flair NEO
This item was introduced in 2020, featuring a unique pressure-infused brewing system and an uncomplicated structure. It’s the cheapest in Flair’s range.
Flair 58
The Flair 58 is the latest offering in the collection and will be available in 2021. This one has a unique layout in comparison to the other models and is larger. The workflow represents the most considerable change.
The Flair 58 includes a 58-millimeter portafilter which can be fastened in and an electronically warmed group head.
This tool increases the effectiveness of making espresso by hand, though it is considerably more expensive.
Flair NEO Review
The Flair NEO is a lever espresso machine that can be operated manually and is good for people who are on a tight budget. Put simply, this is an espresso machine that is affordable enough for beginners to use in order to learn the nuances of making espresso without having to spend a lot of money right away.
Design
The Flair NEO comes in two shades – white and grey. Flair’s previous output has been matched in terms of creation and aesthetics by this device.
The Flair NEO is slender and long-lasting, composed of aluminum with a round base and an elegant handle flowing downward from the peak. At the center is a flashy red portafilter underneath a shiny stainless steel cylinder. This product is subtle, small, and stylish, and provides a strong look and feel.
What Is Included With The Flair NEO?
A few items come with the Flair NEO. The brew head splits into four distinct sections: a water tank that holds 60 grams, a piston, a filtering screen, and a pressurized portafilter and brew basket that can accommodate up to 18 grams of coffee.
There are also extra features available, like a cup for measuring which can also be used as a tamper, a band to help stop spills, and a tray that can be taken off.
Other models are advertised with a smooth metal pressing device or a carrying bag. Even though the Flair NEO doesn’t have these items, they are not necessary, so you can still make espresso without them.
Ease Of Use
In order to make a shot of espresso with a Flair machine, there are several steps that need to be taken: get the portafilter ready by preheating it, measure then grind the coffee beans, connecting the brew head, put in the water, and eventually pushing the lever.
The Flair NEO is incredibly convenient because it does not require electricity. Another advantage is its relative affordability. Despite this, it takes a longer amount of time to make a single shot of espresso.
Whenever you desire to make espresso, it is necessary to disassemble the appliance and reassemble it again from the beginning. When you are done, make sure you have preheated it and have done some cleaning.
What Sets The NEO Apart From Other Flair Manual Espresso Makers?
The NEO has important distinctions from other Flair items. A pressurized portafilter is more accommodating to varying degrees of fineness, which makes the NEO a great choice for those just starting out with espresso brewing.
When using a default portafilter, the hot water will filter its way through the ground coffee and eventually end up in the cup. Despite the application of pressure in the coffee baskets, the water is still prevented from leaving quickly as it first has to move through the coffee before being blocked at a small exit hole. As you hold down the plunger, coffee gets stuck in the exit hole and exits gradually. Therefore, the espresso is given a topping of artificial cream through adding air.
A flow-control portafilter such as that of the NEO enables even beginner baristas to craft a mouth-watering espresso with an attractive crema layer – all without paying for an expensive espresso mill. Generally speaking, pressurized portafilters give leeway for mistakes, as well as permitting the use of coarser grounds.
Upgrade Accessories
The Flair NEO has many of the same features as more expensive manual espresso makers. However, you can make improvements with some add-ons too.
One example is the portafilter. You can also select to purchase a non-pressurized version that has no base. Before making a decision, remember you need to have a good grinder.
We also suggest buying the pressure gauge kit. This is a wonderful item for keeping an eye on the tension while you’re making coffee.
There is a range of other add-ons available too. You can buy the NEO even if you are a novice, and as you become more experienced, you can improve it without needing to purchase a pricier espresso machine. However, if you would prefer to have a new machine, the PRO already has all those extra features.
Flair NEO v Flair PRO
You will need to look at various types of espresso machines before determining which one is best for you. We will examine the distinction between the NEO and the PRO since they are the most popular Flair machines and they differ greatly in cost.
The PRO 2 has been improved over the previous model with features such as a more sophisticated bottomless portafilter, a removable spout, a comfortable silicone handle for better handling, and a gauge guard to add more resilience.
The Flair NEO is the most inexpensive product that the company offers and is attractively priced. As we wait for the Flair 58 to come out, the PRO2 model is the priciest in the Flair lineup. Considering the fact that they have a drastically different cost associated, let’s take a closer look into what their differences are.