Flair NEO Flex 2024 – Manual Lever Espresso Machine without Preheating
Add coffee, add boiling water, lower the lever – and the shot flows. No waiting, no preheating, no electricity. The integrated pressure gauge shows you how the pressure builds under your hand, guiding the extraction into the espresso zone. This is how direct lever espresso begins.
Coffee Coaching Club is the exclusive Swiss importer of Flair Espresso. The NEO Flex is the accessible lever machine in the Flair family and has been updated in two key areas for 2024.
What's new in 2024
First, an integrated pressure gauge: You lower the lever and brew in the espresso zone; the immediate pressure feedback helps adjust the extraction. Second, a thinner brewing cylinder – approximately 100 grams have been removed from the brew head, reducing the thermal mass enough to eliminate the preheating step. This results in a quick, simple process: Add coffee and boiling water, lower the lever, done.
Two Portafilters Included
The frame is made of a high-strength, lightweight polymer blend. The NEO Flex comes with two portafilters, so you can choose the path that suits you. The Flow-Control portafilter has a narrowed outlet and builds the necessary pressure for extraction itself – this also works with pre-ground coffee or simpler grinders, without extensive adjustments. The bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter is for those who want to control their extraction themselves: It requires an espresso-capable grinder, but offers full control over every variable and a clear view of the shot.
At a Glance
| Design |
Manual lever espresso machine, fully manual |
| Preheating |
Not necessary (thinner cylinder, reduced thermal mass) |
| Pressure Display |
Integrated pressure gauge with espresso zone |
| Portafilters |
Flow-Control (pressure-building) and bottomless 2-in-1 |
| Frame |
High-strength, lightweight polymer blend |
| Drive |
100% manual, no electricity, no pump |
| Water |
Boiling water from external kettle |
Who the NEO Flex is for
The NEO Flex is for anyone who wants to experience lever espresso without a preheating ritual or a power outlet. The Flow-Control portafilter makes getting started straightforward, while the bottomless portafilter grows with you once you have an espresso-capable grinder and want more control. Those looking for a stainless steel brew path and a larger portafilter will find it in the Flair 49 Pro; those who want the 58mm industry standard and electric preheating will find it in the Flair 58+2. Nobody needs a lever machine – those who want one know why.
What goes with it
For the bottomless portafilter, you'll need an espresso-capable grinder – affordable options from the Varia Collection (VS3, VS4), a hand grinder like the Comandante C40, or from the Timemore Collection. For weighing, a scale from Normcore or Acaia. For milk drinks, a Subminimal NanoFoamer. Plus fresh beans from our coffee roastery.
Order Directly Online
As the exclusive Swiss importer, we have the NEO Flex in stock. Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days, Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. For questions, you can reach us via office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to preheat the NEO Flex 2024?
No. The thinner brewing cylinder reduces the thermal mass enough to eliminate the preheating step. Just add coffee and boiling water, then lower the lever.
Which portafilter is better for beginners?
The Flow-Control portafilter builds pressure itself and works well with pre-ground coffee or simpler grinders. The bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter offers more control but requires an espresso-capable grinder.
Do I need electricity?
No. The NEO Flex is entirely manual. You only need boiling water from a kettle, ground coffee, and a tamper.
Can I see the NEO Flex before buying?
You can see it live and experience the lever pull yourself in our showrooms in Bern and Zurich.
Roastery Tip
For starting with the Flow-Control portafilter, our Cozy Chocolate is a good fit – dense, chocolatey, forgiving. Once you switch to the bottomless portafilter and your own grinder, the Nutty Delight beautifully demonstrates how the extraction changes with the grind size. This is our recommendation, one of many.
