Espresso Maker Buying Guide

Which Flair Model Is Right For You?

Flair Espresso has four different models of manual espresso makers to fit the needs of anyone, but choosing the right model is an important first step. 

Watch our buyers guide video to get the low-down on each model and what features are offered. Or continue reading below.

The Flair 58 brew head features an industry standard 58 millimeter portafilter with a wooden barista handle. The Flair 58 comes standard with an 18 gram basket that can accept a dose between 16 and 20 grams. But because of the compatibility of the 58 millimeter portafilter, users can purchase alternate baskets that accept anything from seven to 28 grams dose. 

Inside of the brew group rests our three-tiered preheat temperature control system, which allows users to preheat their brew head electrically for consistent heat management. And the Flair 58 offers a stainless steel retractable plunger and custom pressure gauge. Components of the 58 have no compatibility with other Flair models.

The FLAIR 49 PRO  introduces a 49mm espresso basket, a classic design originally popularized in the 1960s and now making a strong comeback among specialty coffee enthusiasts.

Benefits of the 49mm espresso basket design include:

• More forgiving grind size – The deeper basket allows greater tolerance when dialing in your coffee grind, reducing the impact of small inconsistencies.

• Reduced channeling – A narrower coffee puck improves extraction consistency and helps prevent channeling.

• Ideal for lower doses – Easily brew balanced shots using 12–14 grams of coffee.

• Richer espresso body – Increased resistance and contact time can produce espresso with more body and mouthfeel.

This design makes the Flair 49 PRO a powerful choice for anyone looking to improve manual espresso extraction quality.

The Flair Classic and Flair Neo Flex brewhead features the no-preheat Thin Cylinder - 100 grams were removed from the existing brew head, reducing the thermal mass enough to waive the preheating step. The new thin cylinder ensures a quick and easy workflow. Just add your grounds, boiling water, and lower the lever for delicious espresso. Similar to the standard brewhead, it can accept the Flow-Control Portafilter or the Bottomless 2-in-1 Portafilter with the same 60ml reservoir, dose range of 12-18 grams, and yield of upto 45ml.

FLAIR NEO FLEX vs FLAIR CLASSIC

Both models come with a pressure gauge, flow-control (pressurized) and bottomless portafilter. The pressurized basket means you can get crema and acceptable espresso even with less-than-ideal grind or puck prep (even pre-ground coffee works). That makes it much more forgiving and beginner-friendly. Once you have good quality burr grinder, you can move into using the bottomless portafilter to have full control and potential for higher quality shots.

The main difference between the two models is the build and material for the lever and base.

The Neo Flex uses a polycarbonate frame (high strength plastic), which makes it lighter and more portable. We recommend this model for home and personal use only.

The Flair Classic lever and base is made of die-cast aluminum that makes it more robust, heavier and feels more premium. Due to its durability, the Classic can be used for home or a small business/cafe. Take note that the Classic is also capable of upgrading to the PRO3 brew head, which makes it future-proof.