Flair 49 PRO
24ptsAll-manual lever espresso maker with 49mm portafilter, pressure gauge and stainless steel brew path, for beginners and experienced home baristas.
#108 of 115 overall · #2 among manual lever machines Manual lever $$
Why the Flair 49 PRO is better than average
- Pressure gaugeonly 13% of the machines we compare have this
Specifications
From the manufacturer’s website (flairespresso.com) where it states a value, otherwise from the Amazon listing. “Not stated” means neither source says, not that the feature is missing. Tap the question mark to see why a spec matters.
Built-in grinderFresh grinding right before brewing matters more for taste than almost anything else. A built-in grinder saves buying a separate one. |
NoAmazon listing |
|---|---|
Grind settingsMore steps let you fine-tune extraction for different beans. Below about 15 steps, dialing in espresso gets hard. |
Not stated |
Heating systemDual boilers and heat exchangers can brew and steam at the same time with stable temperature. Thermoblocks heat fast but drift more. |
NoneAmazon listing |
PID temperature controlA PID controller holds brew water within about one degree. Unstable temperature is the most common cause of sour or bitter shots. |
Not stated |
Adjustable brew temperatureLight roasts like hotter water, dark roasts cooler. Without adjustment you are stuck with one setting. |
Not stated |
Pre-infusionWetting the coffee puck at low pressure before full pressure evens out extraction and forgives small tamping mistakes. |
Not stated |
Portafilter size58 mm is the café standard with the widest choice of baskets and tampers. Smaller sizes work, but accessories are scarcer. |
49 mmflairespresso.com |
Pump pressureEspresso is brewed at about 9 bar. Higher numbers on the box are maximum pump ratings and do not make better coffee, so we do not score them. |
Not stated |
Pressure gaugeA gauge shows whether your grind and dose are right while the shot runs. |
Yesflairespresso.com |
Brews two cups at onceHandy when you make coffee for two. |
Not stated |
Milk frothingA manual steam wand gives the best microfoam for latte art but takes practice. Automatic systems are easier but less flexible. |
NoneAmazon listing |
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Heat-up timeHow long you wait from switching on until the first shot. Under a minute feels instant, over 15 minutes means planning ahead. |
Not stated |
|---|---|
Water tankA bigger tank means refilling less often. For two milk drinks a day, about 60 oz lasts several days. |
Not stated |
Bean hopperHow many beans the built-in grinder holds. |
Not stated |
One-touch drinksPreset recipes such as latte or cappuccino at the push of a button. |
Not stated |
Hot water outletFor Americanos and tea without a kettle. |
Not stated |
Cup warmerWarm cups keep espresso hot longer. |
Not stated |
App controlRemote start and recipe settings from your phone. |
Not stated |
HeightMeasure the space under your kitchen cabinets. Many machines need a few extra inches on top to refill the water tank or bean hopper. |
11 inAmazon listing |
|---|---|
Counter spaceWidth times depth, the area the machine takes up on your counter. |
102 sq inAmazon listing |
WeightHeavier machines stay put when you lock in the portafilter. Lighter ones are easier to move and store. |
Not stated |
PowerHigher wattage usually means faster heating, but it says nothing about coffee quality. |
Not stated |
|---|
Does it pay off for you?
Compared with buying the same drinks at a coffee shop.