Flair 58+2 – manual lever espresso machine with 58 mm portafilter
Buy the Flair 58+2 in Switzerland: a lever instead of a pump, the pressure gauge in view, a 58 mm portafilter and a brew path made entirely of stainless steel.
You pull the lever, the resistance builds evenly, and in the Shot-Mirror under the bottomless portafilter you see the first drop. No pump noise, no vibration. You create the pressure yourself, and the gauge shows you how high it is right now.
The Flair 58+2 is the current flagship of Flair Espresso. The preheat controller for the group head sits in the base, the water comes from your kettle. Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Flair Espresso.
Features of the Flair 58+2
No plastic in the brew path
The brew path is made entirely of stainless steel. From the kettle to the cup, no plastic touches your espresso.
Integrated preheat controller
Three levels for dark, medium and light roasts provide better temperature management at the group head. According to Flair, they correspond to 85 °C, 90 °C and 95 °C.
58 mm portafilter system
58 mm is the industry standard for espresso. Tampers, puck screens and dosing funnels in this format are designed to the same size, which simplifies the workflow.
The details in everyday use
Workflow with full control
As a manual lever machine, the Flair 58+2 gives you control over all brewing variables. You set the pressure profile with the lever, and the gauge shows it during the shot.
Room for recipes and brew ratios
Like all models in the Flair 58 family, the 58+2 brews ratios from 1:1 and 2:1 to 3:1 and beyond. The standard dose with the included baskets is 16–20 g, and the brew chamber holds 90 ml of water.
Thermal management
Temperature is one of the most important factors for repeatable espresso. With the preheat control system in the base, you set the group head to one of three temperatures, matched to light, medium and dark roasts.
Small footprint
According to Flair, the 58+2 needs considerably less space than a semi-automatic home espresso machine. The base measures 19 × 33 cm, and with the lever lowered the machine is 28 cm tall.
How the extraction works
You preheat the group head with the preheat controller, prepare the puck, fill hot water into the brew chamber and insert the valve piston. Then you pull the lever down. Grind size and lever pull are the two variables you get to know in the first few days.
We judge extraction by weight, not by time. We grind fine, start at 14.5 grams and work our way up from there, usually to 17 grams, at a ratio below 1:2. No shot is identical to the next, because the bean, the humidity and your arm pull change. That applies to every espresso machine. Our opinion is one of many.
According to the manufacturer, the Flair can be unplugged after preheating and used without a cable. According to Flair, descaling is not necessary.
At a glance
| Type |
Manual direct-lever espresso machine |
| Portafilter |
58 mm, bottomless, walnut handle |
| Baskets included |
High Dose, Low Dose and Pressurized (according to the Flair product page) |
| Dose |
16–20 g |
| Water capacity |
90 ml |
| Yield |
Up to 55 ml |
| Preheat controller |
Integrated in the base, three levels: 85 °C, 90 °C, 95 °C |
| Heat-up time |
Around 5 minutes |
| Brew path |
Stainless steel, no plastic |
| Pressure display |
Pressure gauge |
| Water |
From an external kettle, the machine does not heat water |
| Footprint |
Base 19 × 33 cm, height 28 cm with the lever lowered |
| Weight |
Around 5.4 kg (12 lb) |
| Scope of delivery |
Base with integrated preheat controller, lever unit with group head, walnut portafilter, three baskets, walnut palm tamper, magnetic swivelling Shot-Mirror, pressure gauge, power supply, drip tray, puck screen, valve piston with locking hook, screws and Allen key, instructions |
Who the Flair 58+2 is made for
For everyone who wants to pull espresso by hand and see what is happening in the portafilter. The Flair needs little space, is quiet and runs without power after preheating. It makes espresso, not milk foam. For milk drinks there is the Flair Wizard Steamer in our Flair Espresso Collection or a battery-powered milk frother from the Subminimal Collection.
If you are looking more for an espresso machine with a pump and steam wand, you will find it among our espresso machines. Our advice tool helps you narrow it down.
Grinder, scale and puck prep
The Flair has no grinder. For everyone who wants an affordable and precise grinder: the Varia VS3 from our Varia Collection or a hand grinder from Comandante or Timemore. If you want larger burrs: Varia VS6, the EG-1 from Weber Workshops or a Lagom from Option-O.
For the scale: compact and precise from the Normcore Collection, with app and flow-rate display from Acaia. Tamping station, WDT tool and puck screen are also available from Normcore and, in the version with the finest finish, from Weber Workshops.
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days, Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. Financing available.
You can see a changing selection live in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). If you want to compare several machines and grinders directly side by side, you can book the espresso machine and grinder comparison in the showroom. A free consultation appointment is also possible. Both are an option, not a requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate grinder for the Flair 58+2?
Yes. The Flair has no grinder. For the two standard baskets, Flair recommends an espresso-capable burr grinder with stepless adjustment. According to Flair, the included pressurized basket can also be used without a high-quality grinder.
How long does the Flair 58+2 take to heat up?
We reckon on around 5 minutes. During this time you grind and prepare the puck. You heat the water separately in the kettle, the Flair only preheats the group head.
Can I froth milk with the Flair 58+2?
No, the Flair has no steam wand. For milk drinks, combine it with the Flair Wizard Steamer, a stovetop milk frother, or a Subminimal NanoFoamer.
Which preheat level do I use for which roast?
Flair assigns the three levels to dark (85 °C), medium (90 °C) and light roasts (95 °C). That is a guideline. Slightly cooler brings out more aroma in the bean, slightly hotter more body. What matters is how the espresso tastes to you.
How do I clean the Flair 58+2?
According to Flair, it is enough to wipe the machine down and rinse it with clean water. Descaling is not necessary.
Can I see the Flair 58+2 before buying?
Yes, in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Not every model is set up at all times. Write to us before your visit at [email protected], and we will check whether the Flair 58+2 is currently on display.
Tip from the roastery: With the three preheat levels, you set the Flair 58+2 to the taste you are looking for: slightly cooler for more aroma, slightly hotter for more body. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight give a dense, round espresso with chocolate and nut. Very Nutty is for everyone who wants maximum body without acidity. If you want to discover something fruity, you will find in Wild Peach a light roast. Other beans work just as well. That's our recommendation, one of many.
