Flair manual espresso makers
Flair designs manual espresso machines in California. There is no pump or boiler: you heat water separately, load the coffee, add the water to the brew chamber and pull the lever. The pressure you apply does the rest.
How the Flair works
You dose and tamp ground coffee into the portafilter, fit the brew cylinder, add boiled water and press the lever down. Models such as the Flair Classic include a pressure gauge so you can see when you are in the espresso range. Because there are no electronics, the whole machine can be pulled apart and rinsed, and there is nothing to descale.
What you need to bring
The Flair makes the pressure, but the rest of the shot comes from you. You will need a grinder able to produce a fine, even grind, a way to heat water and a scale if you like measuring doses. A grinder with fine adjustment makes a big difference.
A practical tip
Preheat the brew chamber with hot water before you load the coffee, and press at a steady, unhurried pace. Dialling in takes a few attempts, so change the grind in small steps and keep notes. Expect a learning curve, and enjoy the process.
Who it suits
If you want cafe-style espresso without a bulky machine, Flair is a neat option. It is also a good partner for camping, holidays or a second machine in the office. If you mostly make milk drinks in volume, a pump machine might be easier.
Talk to the Jetblack team
Contact us or visit a showroom in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Newcastle or Kiama and we will help you choose the right setup.
