Flair NEO Flex 2024 – Manual Lever Espresso Machine with No Preheating
Add coffee, add boiling water, lower the lever – and the shot runs. No waiting, no preheating, no electricity. On the built-in pressure gauge you see the pressure build under your hand, and you guide the extraction into the espresso zone. That's how direct manual-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 was refined in two ways in 2024.
What's new in 2024
First, a built-in pressure gauge: you lower the lever and brew within the espresso zone, and the immediate pressure feedback helps you dial in the extraction. Second, a thinner brew cylinder – around 100 grams were removed from the brew head, reducing the thermal mass so much that the preheating step is no longer needed. That gives you a fast, simple process: coffee and boiling water in, lower the lever, done.
Two portafilters included
The frame is made from a high-strength, lightweight polymer blend. The NEO Flex comes with two portafilters, so you choose the path that suits you. The flow-control portafilter has a narrowed outlet and builds the pressure needed for extraction on its own – this works even with pre-ground coffee or simpler grinders, without lengthy dialling in. The bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter is for everyone who wants to control their own extraction: it needs an espresso-capable grinder, but in return gives you full control over every variable and a clear view of the shot.
At a glance
| Type |
Manual lever espresso machine, fully manual |
| Preheating |
Not needed (thin cylinder, reduced thermal mass) |
| Pressure display |
Built-in pressure gauge with espresso zone |
| Portafilters |
Flow-control (pressure-building) and bottomless 2-in-1 |
| Frame |
High-strength, lightweight polymer blend |
| Actuation |
100% manual, no electricity, no pump |
| Water |
Boiling water from an external kettle |
Who the NEO Flex is for
The NEO Flex is for everyone who wants to experience manual-lever espresso without a preheating ritual or a power outlet. The flow-control portafilter makes getting started uncomplicated, and the bottomless portafilter grows with you as soon as you have an espresso-capable grinder and want more control. If you're after a stainless-steel brew path and a larger portafilter, you'll find it in the Flair 49 Pro; if you want the 58mm industry standard and electric preheating, in the Flair 58+2. No one needs a lever machine – whoever wants one knows why.
What goes with it
For the bottomless portafilter you need an espresso-capable grinder – affordable from the Varia collection (VS3, VS4), as a hand grinder 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 working days, click and collect in Bern and Zürich. For questions, you can reach us by office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to preheat the NEO Flex 2024?
No. The thinner brew cylinder reduces the thermal mass so much that the preheating step is no longer needed. Coffee and boiling water in, lower the lever.
Which portafilter is better to start with?
The flow-control portafilter builds the pressure on its own and also works with pre-ground coffee or simpler grinders. The bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter gives more control but needs an espresso-capable grinder.
Do I need electricity?
No — the NEO Flex is fully manual, and you only need boiling water from a kettle, ground coffee and a tamper.
Can I see the NEO Flex before buying?
In the showrooms in Bern and Zürich you can see it live and experience the lever pull yourself.
Roastery tip
For getting started with the flow-control portafilter, our Cozy Chocolate works well – dense, chocolatey, forgiving. As soon as you switch to the bottomless portafilter and your own grinder, the Nutty Delight shows nicely how the shot changes with the grind setting. That's our recommendation, one of many.
