Flair UPDATED PRO 3 (Black) - All manual lever espresso maker with a stainless steel brew head, pressure gauge, and a shot mirror

As an espresso enthusiast venturing into the world of home brewing, my exploration led me to the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 – a beautifully designed marvel, as much a piece of art and conversation starter as it is a tool, that has redefined my perception of what's achievable in the realm of home espresso. This espresso maker not only delivers world-class results with the right effort but also stands out as an exceptional value that has surpassed my global espresso experiences. Seriously - you'd have to pay 10x as much, or more, to make equal quality espresso with an automatic machine.Incredible Value Unveiled:From the outset, the Flair PRO 2 establishes itself as an extraordinary value proposition for those willing to invest the time and attention it deserves. As I delved into the world of home espresso, the PRO 2 became a beacon of affordability without compromising on the quality of the brew. Its manual lever operation may seem like a challenge initially, but the rewards it offers in terms of espresso quality make it a worthwhile journey for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional bang for their buck.Unlocking World-Class Espresso:The Flair PRO 2 transcends its price tag when paired with the necessary equipment, transforming my home into a haven for world-class espresso. My journey to espresso mastery was paved with the understanding that additional tools are not mere suggestions but prerequisites for unlocking the full potential of the PRO 2. A high-quality burr grinder, a temperature-controlled kettle, a distribution tool, and an accurate scale are indispensable companions on this quest for perfection.My Perspective on Espresso Excellence:Having tasted espresso from renowned establishments around the US and Italy, the Flair PRO 2 has set a new standard in my home. The manual lever operation allows me to connect with the brewing process, turning each shot into a personal masterpiece. The stainless steel brew head, pressure gauge, and adjustable features empower me to experiment and tailor each cup to my exacting standards.The Learning Curve:While there is a learning curve, particularly for a beginner like myself, the Flair PRO 2 becomes a patient mentor, guiding me through the nuances of tamping, extracting, and refining my technique. The journey is not just about brewing espresso but about mastering the craft with hands-on experience. Remember, refine your technique, take notes (mental or otherwise), and you will blow yourself away with the quality of your end result.Conclusion:In conclusion, my journey with the Flair Espresso Maker PRO 2 has been nothing short of transformative. From unlocking incredible value to crafting world-class espresso, this manual lever espresso maker has elevated my home brewing experience to new heights. For those willing to invest the effort and embrace the learning process, the Flair PRO 2 isn't just a machine; it's a ticket to an espresso adventure that rivals the best around the globe.

Let's get the bad outta the way... What do I not like?It was expensive when I bought it at $275, and even more so now that it jumped by $50 to $325!It's super time consuming, and you'd benefit from having a second brew chamber. That's mostly where it ends tho.The build quality is excellent. All machined Aluminum and stainless steel. It's a little wobbly tho. Not because of the quality itself, but because of the stability. That could easily be addressed by the manufacturer, or maybe a third party developer.It makes a STELLAR shot of REAL Espresso. Not that half hearted stuff like the Aeropress, or the Nespresso, for which I still both like. It's because of those two machines that inspired me to go legit.The process of using an analog machine challenges you to be artistic, and to master the process and art of Espresso. Serving someone a cup of Coffee that you had absolute control over, is gratifying.This thing is a blast, the build quality is to be admired, and the espresso itself is outstanding. If you're an artist, a fan of the hands on approach, and want an authentic shot.. This is one of only a few good choices.Yes, buy it.

What a superb product. Having given up on the proper machinery for many years I decided I couldn’t take any more Nespresso and after some research chose the Flair Pro 3. After only 3 trial shots I’m dialled perfectly in with this light roast Ethiopian coffee and at last enjoying the full flavours of a proper espresso. If you understand what it’s doing then it’s a breeze to use. Using 16g of beans and pulling 40g it’s consistent each time. I’m also using a Normcore tamper and the Starseeker 55 grinder. Happy days.

First things: size is as described, it’s pretty portable and when packed in the travel bag is about the size of a laptop bag. It works well if you follow the instructions and use a relatively coarse grind.If you’re someone that really enjoys the process of coffee/espresso, this is a fun way to get really involved. There are plenty of video guides on YouTube that show you exactly how to use it. The build quality for the most part is good. I will say - it does require putting a bit of strength into the pull. It shouldn’t be a problem for most people, but it’s kind of similar to pulling open a heavy door? It’s hard to come up with a similar comparison that everyone can relate to 😂The main reason I took a star off is because the base is a little unstable. Not something you really want to have to be careful of when you’re preparing a scalding hot drink. I haven’t had issues with spilling or leaks or the device falling over, but it’s not so safe that I’d let anyone use it without a word of caution first.