Flair 49 Pro – manual lever espresso machine with 49 mm portafilter
Lower the lever, read the pressure on the gauge, the first drops fall. The Flair 49 Pro is a fully manual lever espresso machine without electronics, with a 49 mm portafilter, an integrated pressure gauge and a brew path made entirely of stainless steel.
You need ground coffee and boiling water from the kettle. The portafilter has a redwood handle, and a pressurized and a non-pressurized basket are included. Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Flair Espresso.
Why 49 mm?
According to Flair, the 49 mm basket is a classic format that was common in the 1960s. At the same dose, the coffee sits higher in the narrower basket than in a 58 mm basket.
Deeper basket, less channeling
According to Flair, the narrower, taller coffee puck provides a more even extraction and helps to avoid channeling.
More body in the espresso
According to Flair, more resistance and a longer contact time can result in an espresso with more body and mouthfeel.
Easier grind adjustment
The deeper basket is more tolerant of small variations in grind size. According to Flair, smaller doses of 12 to 14 g can also be pulled in a balanced way.
Our view: 49 mm is not better or worse than 58 mm, just different. Which format suits you depends on your setup and your taste.
Features of the Flair 49 Pro
Stainless steel brew path, no plastic
The brew cylinder, plunger and hook have been redesigned so that no plastic comes into contact with water or coffee. The wall thickness of the cylinder is designed for fast preheating and good heat retention.
Pulled by hand
You lower the lever and feel the extraction directly in your hand. No button, no pump, no electricity.
Integrated pressure gauge
With its T-grip and extended lever, the 49 Pro brews at 6 to 9 bar, according to Flair. You read the pressure on the integrated gauge during the shot.
Small footprint
Around 34 cm long and 19 cm wide: the 49 Pro needs considerably less space than a semi-automatic espresso machine and fits into any kitchen or office.
Two baskets
The pressurized basket works without a high-quality grinder, even with pre-ground coffee. The non-pressurized, bottomless basket is intended for precise shots with an espresso-capable grinder.
The details in everyday use
No disassembly between shots
A fixed cylinder and plunger with a stainless steel valve plunger: several espressos in a row without taking the brew head apart.
Preheating
According to Flair, preheating is required: lower the lever, fill the cylinder with boiling water, wait 45 seconds, drain the water. For additional temperature stability, Flair recommends a second round. A shot takes around four minutes including preparation.
Brewing by weight
Flair gives 25 to 40 seconds at 5 to 9 bar as a guideline. We go by the weight ratio: we grind fine, start at 14.5 g and work our way up to taste, usually to 17 g, at a ratio below 1:2. Above 12 bar the gauge shows «STOP»; in that case grind coarser or apply less force to the lever.
Cleaning
Push boiling water through the cylinder daily, without detergent. Not dishwasher-safe; never immerse the brew head or pressure gauge in water. Once a year, Flair recommends disassembling the joint, valve plunger and plunger and checking the O-rings.
At a glance
| Type |
Manual lever espresso machine, no electronics |
| Portafilter |
49 mm, redwood handle |
| Baskets |
Pressurized (10–15 g) and non-pressurized, bottomless (14–20 g), according to the user manual |
| Dose (specification) |
12–20 g |
| Water capacity |
90 ml |
| Espresso volume |
up to 55 ml |
| Brew pressure |
6–9 bar (product page), espresso zone 5–9 bar on the gauge (user manual) |
| Brew path |
Stainless steel, no plastic |
| Preheating |
With boiling water, 45 seconds, optional second round |
| Dimensions (assembled) |
34.3 × 19.05 × 27.94 cm (L × W × H) |
| Weight |
3.2 kg |
| Power connection |
None |
| Included |
Base, post with lever and mounted brew head, 49 mm portafilter with redwood handle, pressurized basket, bottomless basket, stainless steel palm tamper, dosing funnel, pressure gauge, drip tray, puck screen, valve plunger with locking hook, brewing guide, screw and Allen key |
| Optional |
Magnetic shot mirror for the base |
Who the Flair 49 Pro is made for
For anyone who wants to pull espresso by hand, in a small space and without a power connection. With the pressurized basket, no special grinder is needed; with the bottomless basket and an espresso-capable grinder, the extraction is in your own hands. Nobody needs a lever machine. If you want one, you know why.
If you want a heated brew head and 58 mm, you will find the Flair 58+2 in our Flair Espresso collection. Our advice tool gives an overview of all machine types.
Grinder, scale and accessories
For the bottomless basket you need an espresso-capable grinder with fine adjustment. For anyone who wants grinders that are affordable and precise: the Varia VS3 from our Varia coffee grinders or a hand grinder from Comandante or Timemore, matching a setup without electricity. If you want more: the Varia VS6 or the grinders from Weber Workshops and Option-O.
For anyone who wants scales that are affordable and precise: Normcore. If you want an app and flow rate display: Acaia.
Ordering, delivery and showroom
You can buy the Flair 49 Pro in Switzerland directly online, with delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 working days. Click & Collect in Bern and Zurich Oerlikon is available.
A free advice appointment helps narrow down the choice. In the comparison workshop you can test machines and grinders side by side for one hour, an option, not a requirement. Not every model is set up at all times; let us know your preferred model in advance at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own grinder for the Flair 49 Pro?
Not for the pressurized basket; according to Flair, it also works with pre-ground coffee. For the bottomless, non-pressurized basket you need an espresso-capable grinder with fine grind adjustment.
Do I need electricity for the Flair 49 Pro?
No. The Flair 49 Pro has no electronics and no pump. You need ground coffee and boiling water from the kettle.
How long does preheating take?
According to Flair, 45 seconds with boiling water in the brew cylinder. For additional temperature stability, Flair recommends a second round. A shot takes around four minutes including preparation.
What dose fits in the baskets?
According to the user manual, 10 to 15 g in the pressurized basket and 14 to 20 g in the non-pressurized basket. The espresso volume is up to 55 ml.
How does the Flair 49 Pro differ from the Flair 58+2?
The Flair 58+2 has a 58 mm portafilter and an electrically preheated brew head. The Flair 49 Pro has 49 mm, is preheated with boiling water and needs no power connection. You will find both in the Flair Espresso collection.
Can I see the Flair 49 Pro before buying?
Not every model is on display at all times in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Write to us in advance at [email protected] and we will check whether the Flair 49 Pro is currently set up.
Tip from the roastery: For dense, full-bodied espressos from the Flair 49 Pro, we roast Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight. If you want maximum body without acidity, reach for Very Nutty. For those curious about a fruity experience: Wild Peach, where the second preheating round is worthwhile. That is our recommendation, one of many.
