Flair Espresso 58+2 – Manual espresso perfection with heated brewing unit
Flair Espresso 58+2 – Manual espresso perfection with heated brewing unit
The Flair 58+2 is a manual lever espresso machine that we wholeheartedly recommend. Why? Because it combines two things that have long been problematic for lever machines: an electrically heated brew group and a 58mm industry-standard portafilter . The result is a machine that delivers extractions on par with a La Marzocco – with full manual control over pressure, temperature, and flow rate.
As the official Flair importer for Switzerland, we use the 58+2 daily and know it inside and out. Many of our customers combine it with high-end grinders like the Weber Workshops EG-1 – this is not a contradiction, but the logical consequence: The Flair 58+2 is the counterpart to a grinder of this class because it reveals every nuance that a good grinder delivers.
Why we love the Flair 58+2
The heated brew group changes everything. The older Flair models without heating were good, but temperature control was cumbersome – you had to preheat the brew group with hot water and still experienced temperature fluctuations, especially during longer pre-infusions. The 58+2 has a three-stage heating system integrated into the base (low approx. 85°C, medium approx. 90°C, high approx. 95°C) that keeps the brew group at a constant temperature. You set it, wait a moment, and the brewing temperature remains stable – even during blooming shots or long Slayer-style extractions of 30 seconds or more. This simply wasn't possible with previous models.
58mm means you use all the professional tools. The Flair 58+2's industry-standard portafilter is no compromise. You use the same 58mm tampers, puck screens, WDT tools, and baskets as on a La Marzocco Linea Mini or an Arkel Coast . No proprietary formats, no special accessories. All your existing 58mm equipment works right away. And if you ever upgrade to a larger machine, you simply take your accessories with you.
Extraction on par with La Marzocco – that's no exaggeration. We don't make comparisons lightly. But the combination of a stable brewing temperature, manual pressure control (stepless pressure profiling via the lever), and the 58mm brewing system produces shots that rival extractions from machines costing many times more in clarity, body, and aroma. The difference: You control every variable yourself. You feel the pressure, see the flow, decide when to end pre-infusion, and when to stop the extraction. This doesn't make the Flair 58+2 easier than a dual boiler – but it does make it more precise, more instructive, and, for many of our customers, simply more satisfying.
All features at a glance
| feature | Flair 58+2 |
|---|---|
| type | Manual lever espresso machine (direct lever) |
| Portafilter | 58mm industry standard, walnut handle, bottomless |
| Brewing unit | Electrically heated, 3 levels (Low / Medium / High, approx. 85 / 90 / 95 °C) |
| Pressure Profiling | Stepless manual control (0 – 12+ bar via lever) |
| manometer | Integrated (real-time pressure display) |
| water reservoir | 90 ml (open, heated) |
| dosage | 16 – 20 g (expandable with alternative sieves, 7 – 28 g) |
| Yield | Up to 55 ml per extraction |
| Brew Ratios | 1:1 to 3:1 and beyond |
| Valve plunger | Yes (allows filling without removing the lever) |
| Shot Mirror | Magnetic, swiveling |
| material | Metal, stainless steel, walnut accents |
| mass | 34.3 x 19.1 x 27.9 cm (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 5.44 kg |
| portability | Detachable heating cable, can also be used without electricity |
| Colors | Black |
| guarantee | 2 years (Swiss statutory warranty) |
What customers combine with the Flair 58+2
The Flair 58+2 is a machine that grows with its owner's needs. Here are the most common setups we see with our customers:
High-end: Flair 58+2 + Weber Workshops EG-1 – Sounds excessive? It isn't. The EG-1 delivers one of the most consistent particle distributions on the market. The Flair 58+2 makes this precision visible because you manually control every aspect of the extraction. Many of our customers who already own a La Marzocco have added the Flair 58+2 – for deliberate, slow shots where the experience and maximum flavor extraction are paramount.
Advanced: Flair 58+2 + Varia VS4 or Varia VS6 – The VS4, with its 53mm conical burrs, delivers noticeably more clarity and body than smaller grinders – the perfect upgrade for ambitious home baristas. The VS6 goes even further: variable speed, interchangeable burrs. If you want to get the most out of the Flair, this is the grinder for you.
Entry-level: Flair 58+2 + Varia VS3 , Timemore , or 1Zpresso – The Varia VS3, with less than 0.1 g retention, is the ideal entry point into electric single-dose grinding. Even with a good hand grinder like the Timemore or 1Zpresso, the 58+2 delivers results that electric machines in the same price range can't achieve. The key is the stepless grind adjustment – espresso demands precision.
For precise dosing, we recommend an Acaia Lunar or the Flair Brew Scale , which fits directly under the drip tray of the 58+2.
What's included in the delivery
- Flair 58+2 base with integrated preheat controller
- Lever assembly with brew head
- 58mm walnut portafilter with low-flow sieve (18g)
- High-flow sieve (for finer grind sizes / commercial reproducibility)
- Walnut hand tamper
- Magnetic, swiveling shot mirror
- Integrated pressure gauge
- Puck Screen
- Drip Tray
- Power supply (plug compatible with Swiss plugs – ready to use immediately)
- Mounting screws and Allen key
Who is the Flair 58+2 for?
The Flair 58+2 isn't for everyone. It requires attention, patience, and a good grinder. But if that sounds like you, then it's perfect:
You want to understand what makes espresso. With the Flair, you manually control pressure, temperature, pre-infusion, and flow. There's no hiding behind a pump that automatically delivers 9 bar. This is both a challenge and a reward – every shot is a conscious act.
You want results, not just convenience. Customers who switch from inexpensive fully automatic or capsule machines to the Flair 58+2 unanimously report: The difference in the cup is massive. Not just a little better – it's in a different league.
You have limited space but high standards. The 58+2 requires a footprint of just 34 x 19 cm and weighs 5.4 kg. It fits in any kitchen, on any desk, in any caravan. With the cable removed, it works completely without electricity – just hot water and a good grinder.
You already own an espresso machine. Many of our customers use the Flair 58+2 as a deliberate complement to their La Marzocco , Arkel Coast , or Rocket . For experimental single-origin shots on the weekend, for blooming extractions, or simply for the ritual of making espresso by hand, step by step.
Chemist's perspective: Why manual pressure control changes the taste
With a pump-driven espresso machine, the brewing pressure remains constant at 9 bar. This works – but it's a compromise. Different phases of extraction benefit from different pressures: A gentle pre-infusion at 2–3 bar initially extracts the easily soluble, fruity compounds. The main extraction at 6–9 bar brings out body, sweetness, and chocolate notes. A final ramp-down to 4–5 bar prevents the extraction of bitter compounds.
The Flair 58+2 makes this pressure profiling intuitive: You feel the resistance of the puck in the lever, see the pressure on the gauge, and adjust it in real time. This isn't theory – it's the difference between a good shot and an outstanding one. Especially with light roasts like our Bright Cassis or Wild Peach , a blooming shot (30 seconds at 2 bar, then 7 bar for the main extraction) reveals notes that would be lost at a constant 9-bar pressure.
Known characteristics of the Flair 58
No product is perfect, and we communicate openly what you should know:
No built-in steamer – but the Flair Wizard solves that problem: The Flair 58+2 makes espresso – not steam. For cappuccino, latte, and flat white, you need a separate solution. This is where the Flair Wizard Steamer comes in: A professional stovetop milk frother with a real steam wand, cool-touch wall, and integrated pressure gauge. The Wizard produces dry, powerful steam on par with commercial machines – microfoam for latte art, not just foam. It works on gas, ceramic, induction, and spiral hobs, has a 700 ml capacity, and comes with two nozzles (1-hole for beginners, 3-hole for advanced latte art). Combined with the Flair 58+2, you have a complete café setup without a pump machine.
Single-shot machine: Each shot produces one espresso. If you need four cappuccinos for the family in the morning, the Flair isn't the fastest option. It's perfect for consciously making single shots.
Frame flex at high pressure: At pressures above 9 bar, the frame may flex slightly. This is not a defect, but rather a design characteristic of a machine in this weight class. In practice, this has no measurable impact on extraction quality – the pressure on the puck remains constant.
Warming up takes patience: The heated brew group needs about 5 minutes to reach temperature. Switch it on while you weigh and grind your beans – then it will be ready when you are.
Frequently asked questions about the Flair 58+2
What is the difference between Flair 58, 58+ and 58+2?
All three use the same 58mm portafilter and heated brew group. The differences lie in the details: The 58+2 has the preheat controller integrated directly into the base (cleaner, fewer cables), a smaller power supply, and optimized wiring. The 58+ (no longer in production) additionally offers walnut accents and custom branding. The 58 (base model) is the most affordable option with identical brewing performance. Our recommendation: The 58+2, because the integrated controls noticeably simplify everyday use.
Do I need an expensive grinder for the Flair 58+2?
An espresso-capable grinder with stepless adjustment is essential – there's no way around it. But it doesn't necessarily have to be a Weber EG-1. For beginners, the Varia VS3 already delivers excellent results with less than 0.1g retention. The VS4 with its 53mm burrs is our sweet spot for ambitious home baristas. And the VS6 with variable speed is the ultimate choice for those who want maximum control. Hand grinders like the Timemore Chestnut X or 1Zpresso Ultra also work superbly. The key is: stepless, consistent, and espresso-fine.
Can I see the Flair 58+2 in your showrooms before buying it?
Yes. The Flair 58+2 is on display in both showrooms – Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) . You can see it in person, touch it, and ask questions. We work with Flair machines daily and can show you everything – from the first shot to the blooming espresso.
How long is the delivery time?
The Flair 58+2 is available from our Swiss warehouse. Delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 1-2 days. Click and Collect is always available in Bern and Zurich.
Which coffee do you recommend for the Flair 58+2?
For beginners: Cozy Chocolate – chocolatey, nutty, forgiving of grind errors and reliably delivers a thick crema. If you have more experience: Nutty Delight for nutty depth or Very Nutty for classic, strong espresso. For those who like to experiment and have a stable workflow: Wild Peach as a blooming shot on the high setting – peach and apricot notes that you just can't get on a pump machine.
Roastery tip: Pressure profiling with Coffee Coaching Club roasts
The Flair 58+2 reaches its full potential when you adjust the pressure to the roast. Here are our recommendations from daily practice:
Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight : Classic profile. 5 seconds pre-infusion at 3 bar, then 9 bar main extraction, ramp-down to 6 bar in the last 5 seconds. Brew group set to medium. Result: full body, chocolate, nutty, dense crema.
Bright Cassis and Wild Peach : Blooming profile. 30 seconds at 2 bar (puck fully saturated), then slowly increase to 7 bar, 4 bar ramp-down. Brew group on high. Result: clear fruit, lively acidity, no bitterness. These are notes that simply don't come through at a constant 9-bar pressure.
Very Nutty : Turbo-Shot. Slightly coarser grind, constant 7 bar pressure, faster extraction (20 seconds). Brew group set to low. Result: intense, sweet, without the bitterness that can occur with dark roasts under 9 bar standard pressure.
The entire Flair Espresso collection – machines, accessories, and spare parts – can be found in the Coffee Coaching Club webshop. Delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Financing available.
Email: office@coffeecoachingclub.ch
Website: coffeecoachingclub.ch
Showrooms: Bern (Gerberngasse 44) | Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b)
