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.

The stand is more sturdy and hefty than I expected, but being cast aluminum it does have it's limitations. The dosing cup and funnel are perfectly sized and make it easy to prep the puck. The cylinder and piston are very well built. After just a couple tries with grind and tamp I was pulling perfect, flavourful shots. I love my local boutique baristas, but I get a higher quality latte at home with this machine than they provide with the high dollar commercial machine ... probably because it is my own and made with love.The ergonomics of the handle is not ideal for me. I'm 6'2" and working at a 36" counter. It may work better for me on a 30" tall surface.This device is well worth the money and makes delicious espresso. It is fun to use as well. The weakest link is the cast aluminum and more particularly the connecting pieces, but paying attention to how much force is applied and taking care to apply force in the right direction will keep this machine making espresso for many years.

This machine is very cool! I have been drinking espresso drinks daily for 15 years. I finally decided after spending so much money at coffee shops, to get my own machine so I can prepare my own drinks.The assembly of this thing is quick and easy, it takes not more than 20-30 seconds to set up. Once it's set up, it's appearance is amazing. It's good to have if you travel a lot and like the capability to make your own espresso wherever you go.However, I would only recommend this to true coffee enthusiasts or hobbyists. Although this may be a but cheaper than an electric espresso machine, I would say that it should not be your first machine. In order to pull a shot you are supposed to Preheat the portafilter and water reservoir in boiling water. Once you do that you can put your grounds in and then fill the reservoir with hot water. Then put the gage and plunger up top and pull.It takes quite a bit of force to get the required pressure in which you will have to maintain for 30 seconds, or until your shot is finished. Which can lead to problems if you are unstable, producing an untasty shotIf you drink a single shot a day then I say it may take 10 minutes from start to finish (including grinding) for you to get your 1 shot. But if you like lots of shots to start your day or strong milk based drinks, you may be preparing your shots for 30 minutes.It also uses an uncommon sized basket so if you get attachments or gadgets for your machine and want to upgrade in the future, you may have to repurchase all the equipment.However, it does have its cool features being a manual espresso machine that some may enjoy.