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

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.

Flair pro 3 is a great manual espresso machine. All its components feel nice materials. I love the ritual it involves making coffee with it. Learning curve felt easy on me being a newbie. I hope it lasts a lifetime.

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.

First, because this is probably what matters most, the espresso this machine produces is absolutely phenomenal. In terms of taste for medium and medium light roasts, it easily beats the Robot. I attribute that to the increased bed depth resulting from the 45.5 mm portafilter. So why not 5 stars? Actually, it's the taste that pulls it up to 4 stars, otherwise I'd probably put it at 3. Quite simply, in terms of workflow, it's a pain, ESPECIALLY if you're pulling shots for other people at the same time. If you're using a hand grinder like a 1Z-Presso J-Max or J-Ultra, dosing 18 grams is not a problem, but I find that coffee ground with flat burrs is fluffier, making it more difficult to dose 18 grounds as the untamped grounds tower over the top of the portafilter. Then there's the whole preheating routine, which really requires a kettle with a removable lid to use the included silicone funnel to hold it. If you have something with a flip-top lid, it can be difficult to get the brew chamber in there. Resetting is also a pain because now you have an extremely hot hunk of metal that you have to contend with. It's probably the most inefficient workflow there is... but again, it produces phenomenal shots.If you want a manual machine and you're pulling multiple shots, get a Robot or a 58. The Pro 3 will drive you bonkers. If you're just doing a single double in the morning, it's worth the hassle. Other things it has going for it: portability! The Robot is just kind of awkward to take with you. The Pro 3 has a nice case. I also like that it has a drip tray, something the Robot lacks. With the Pro 3, once I hit the desired weight, I can just pull the shot glass and the scale out and let it drip, or I'm next to the sink, sometimes I just grab the whole brew assembly and move it to the sink. With the Robot, I have to have another catch cup ready in the wait and do this awkward transfer. So, that's one little area where the Pro 3 has a workflow edge, but overall the Robot is far less fuss.