Flair Espresso: Which Model Suits You?
Flair makes espresso machines without a pump and without electricity: you press, and a pressure gauge shows you what you're doing. Nothing teaches you the relationship between grind size and pressure faster.
Which models are currently available?
| Model | Portafilter | Pressure gauge | Preheating | Designed for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flair 2GO | 40 mm | yes | none | travel, office, camping |
| Flair Classic | 40 mm | yes | none | getting started at home |
| Flair 49 PRO | 49 mm | yes | none, stainless steel brew head | larger shots |
| Flair 58 Plus 2 | 58 mm | yes | three-stage controller | full equipment |
Older descriptions often mention the NEO, PRO 2, or Flair 58. Flair no longer carries these models. The PRO 2 was replaced by the 49 PRO, and the 58 by the 58 Plus 2.
Why do you learn faster on a Flair?
Because you generate the pressure yourself. Too coarse a grind won't get the needle to rise, too fine a grind jams the lever. You feel when the puck breaks, and you see exactly when on the gauge. You don't get this kind of direct feedback on a pump machine.
If you want to work on your extraction at the same time, our dial-in without a stopwatch guide is the right companion - the method works exactly the same on a Flair.
What else you'll need
- A good grinder. This isn't a recommendation, it's a requirement. Without a consistent grind size, a lever machine frustrates you faster than any pump machine. Our coffee grinders.
- A scale. Dose and yield are your only measurements here. Our barista scale.
- Hot water. A kettle is enough. You set the temperature yourself - in practice you start around 93 degrees and adjust from there in the direction that suits your roast.
- A milk frother, if cappuccino is part of your routine. The Flair has no steam wand.
Who is this not for?
Anyone who needs to be out the door in four minutes in the morning. A Flair is a ritual, not a button press: heat water, preheat, grind, tamp, pull, disassemble, rinse. If you find that a burden, you'll be happier with a pump machine - and that's completely fine. There's no single correct path to a good cup.
At our store
The complete Flair range, including coffee beans from our own roastery. If you're unsure whether to go lever or pump: Single Boiler, Heat Exchanger, or Dual Boiler lays out the alternatives, and in our showroom you can pull shots on both side by side.
Better to try it in person
- Bern - Gerberngasse 44, 3011 Bern. Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
- Zurich - Hagenholzstrasse 50b, 8050 Zurich. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
A machine that looks right on paper can still be wrong in your own kitchen - because of the clearance under a wall cabinet, the noise level, or the question of who gets to use it first in the morning. Stop by or book a consultation.
Sources
- Model list, portafilter diameter, pressure gauge, and preheat controller: product overview and buyer's guide at flairespresso.com, accessed August 2026.
- Replacement of the PRO 2 by the Flair 49 PRO: trade press; the manufacturer does not describe it as a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flair
Which Flair models are currently available?
Flair 58 Plus 2, Flair 49 PRO, Flair Classic, and Flair 2GO. The NEO, NEO Flex, and PRO 2 are no longer in the catalog, nor are the Flair 58, 58+, and 58x.
Which Flair model is best for beginners?
The Flair Classic. It costs the least, has a pressure gauge like all the models, and teaches you the most important lesson: that grind size and pressure are connected.
Which model is best for travel?
The Flair 2GO. It's the most compactly packed and designed for travel, office, and camping.
Which model works with 58mm accessories?
Only the Flair 58 Plus 2 has a 58-millimeter portafilter. The 2GO and Classic use 40 millimeters, and the 49 PRO uses 49 - for that you need Flair-specific accessories.
Can I froth milk with a Flair?
Not with the machine itself. Flair offers separate frothers for that, including the electric eWizard.
Does the Flair need electricity?
No. All four models are manual lever presses. Only the 58 Plus 2 uses electricity for its preheat controller, not for building pressure.
What else do I need besides the Flair?
Hot water, a good grinder, and a scale. The grinder isn't optional - without a consistent grind size, a lever machine frustrates you faster than any pump machine.
How hot does the water need to be?
You pour it in yourself, so you decide. In practice you start around 93 degrees and adjust from there in the direction that suits your roast - lighter roasts usually a bit hotter, darker ones a bit cooler.
