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

I recently decided to dive into the world of home espresso. I am a professional cook so the extreme manual nature of the flair ecosystem got my attention right out of the gate. I also love camping and I find the idea of really great espresso at the campsite very appealing. So I decided on the flair pro 2 over the flair 58 simply because this being my first espresso machine ever, starting out at $1000 investment after machine and accessories seemed a bit irresponsible given that I've never really even attempted to pull a real shot ever up to this point. The pro 2 put me into the $500ish range with grinder and that seemed more appropriate for me. I have had this machine for a little over a month now, have pulled roughly one full Peetes coffee bag worth of shots. So I believe I can give a decent review now from the viewpoint of a professional cook but novice beginner espresso machine user. I have spent the month watching countless youtube videos from Lance Hendrick to James Hoffman and others. I learned about bean types, grinders, grind size, dose size, water temp, brew pressures and so on. When it comes to kitchen matters, I tend to dive in and learn as much as possible. So now to using the product. It is really well built, it is pretty intuitive on how to use it and if you know what you are doing, you can pull consistent shots. I however am not good at it(yet). So with everything you get from flair you can pull shots. Sometimes great shots. And if you are good at espresso already you can probably pull consistently good shots. I struggled out of the gate because even though I created a very consistent and efficient work flow, the one variable I couldn't be consistent at was tamping. The tamper that comes with the flair is decent. It seems high quality and well made but for me, it's too small for my oger hands and getting a consistent flat and evenly pressed coffee bed with it is difficult. It didn't seem to matter what my grind size was, what my dose size was, randomly some shots would pull with little to no resistance and squirting channels everywhere. Others I couldn't even get to pull at all. And this is with me making wild grind size changes, 16g dose to 22g dose, it didn't matter. It became clear that the issue was my tamp. So I decided to invest in the normcore distributor and spring tamper. Oh, I had also bought the normcore WDT tool with the flair 2 pro. These extra tools have completely fixed all of my issues. The first shot I pulled using the distributor and spring tamper I pulled an 18g dose in 24 seconds with zero channeling which I'd never been able to do prior. I went two clicks finer on my grinder and pulled a second shot which pulled in 34 seconds, no channeling and was basically perfect. I almost cried haha. So, my very long winded opinion is this. Flair makes a great product for coffee nerds. If you are already good at making espresso, meaning your form and knowledge are there, you will have fun with this machine right out of the gate. If you are an extreme novice like me, I would suggest at a minimum getting a spring tamper until you are a pro at tamping. Tamping seems to be the most important part with the flair to getting consistent results. Having said all of that, I am most likely going to be moving this to my camping gear and replacing it with the flair 58. The work flow with the 58 is probably better for everyday use. handling the boiling hot billet water chamber and basket after every use is a little annoying but nowhere near a deal breaker by any means. If your budget is $500, get this. If you can afford $1000 all in or you already have a good grinder, get the 58.

This machine can pull delicious shots of espresso.

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.

Pros: Best espresso ever! And, we can bring it on the road!Cons: Requires a considerable amount of force, so if you have shoulder problems or are weak, this may not be for you. Personally, I appreciate the workout. Not everything in life needs to be easy.Keep in mind: You'll need a water kettle and a coffee grinder of high enough quality to produce a fine espresso grind.

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.