Flair 58 Review: The Best Manual Espresso Machine?

Written by Arne Preuss (Coffee Expert) & Edited by Nicholas Marshall (Chief Editor US)

Updated on: 20 September 2026 Facts checked by Nicholas Marshall

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

Clearly explained: Our review process

If you’ve checked out my Flair Classic Espresso Maker review, you’ll know I rate it as one of the best manual espresso makers on the market. In fact, I was able to pull some of the best espresso shots I’ve ever tasted.

With that in mind, I’m incredibly excited to embark on this updated Flair 58 review. After all, this manufacturer doesn’t rest on its laurels. Rather, Flair continues to push the envelope by releasing better and more sophisticated manual machines.

The subject of today’s review will be particularly interesting to those who want complete control over their espresso extractions, safe in the knowledge that they’re using a manual machine with professional-grade components.

As it happens, Flair sent me the 58 Plus 2 to test out. This is the newest iteration of the Flair 58 and I’m very excited to tell you about my experience using it. And to be clear: this will be a completely unbiased review; I won’t shy away from telling you exactly what I think of the Flair 58 Plus 2.

A true masterpiece

Flair 58 Plus 2

Professional-grade manual espresso machine

58mm portafilter

Electric heating element

Huge lever arm

Stunning design

Rather expensive

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All specifications

Flair 58 Plus 2
Manufacturer	Flair Espresso
Model number	05116559B
Product category	Manual espresso machine
Housing material	Aluminum
Color options	Black
Milk frother	None
User interface	Buttons and dials
App
User profiles	Memo function only
Portafilter size	58 mm
Tamping	Manual
Removable water reservoir
Water reservoir capacity	3.4 fl oz / 0.1 l
Number of boilers	1
Pump pressure	10 bar
Maximum cup height	5.0 in / 12.7 cm
Grinder	N/A
Grind adjustment levels	N/A
Bean hopper capacity	N/A
Specialty drinks	1
Pre-infusion
Adjustable coffee temperature
Adjustable milk foam temperature
2-cup function	No
Hot water function
Hot milk function
Milk foam only option
Water filter
Power consumption	96 W
Weight	12.0 lb / 5.4 kg
Dimensions	11.0 x 7.5 x 13.5 in 27.9 x 19.1 x 34.3 cm
Warranty	5 years
Notes	Included Accessories: User manual, 3 x filter baskets, shot mirror, pressure gauge, tamper, puck screen, drip tray
Current price on Amazon	BUY NOW ON AMAZON
All specifications

Table of Contents

Overview
Features
Size and Design
Brew Chamber
Electric Preheating
Portafilter
Pressure Gauge
Manual Lever
Tamper
Machine in Use
How to Pull a Shot
Tips
Cleaning
vs Cafelat Robot
Verdict
FAQ

Overview: Flair 58 Review

I can tell you right off the bat that you’ll have to consider yourself the geekiest of espresso nerds to justify owning the Flair 58 Plus 2 Manual Espresso Machine. After all, you’re going to have to shell out a whopping $685.00 to get hold of the thing.

Plus, the Flair 58 doesn’t have a steam wand, so you’ll have to buy a separate frother if you enjoy milk-based drinks. As it happens, Flair produces a stovetop milk frother as well as a really cool electric steamer. Or you could check out my guide to the best milk frothers for more budget-friendly options.

At the end of the day, though, the Flair 58 is meant for dedicated connoisseurs who want to extract the perfect espresso in the purest way possible. And seeing as traditional prosumer espresso machines cost a lot more, the Flair 58’s asking price is entirely reasonable given its superb design and professional-grade features.

Unlike the Flair Classic, this lever machine features a real 58mm portafilter as well as superior-quality components and an electric heater for the brewing chamber. Heck, there’s even a nifty magnetic mirror for keeping an eye on how your shot performs. These upgrades make the Flair 58 Plus 2 a truly remarkable machine that can produce amazing espresso.

Sure, you have to be prepared for a steep learning curve, but that’s part of the fun for espresso maniacs! And take it from me, having the ability to heat the brew chamber without needing to submerge the thing in hot water is huge!

Ultimately, the Flair 58 Plus 2 is a stunning, innovative espresso maker that’s about as premium as it gets.

Flair 58 Espresso Maker Features

Let’s dig deeper into this Flair 58 review by taking a closer look at the machine’s most notable features.

Size and Design

There can be no doubt that the Flair 58 is a beautiful machine to behold. Heck, even if you aren’t a fan of its rather steampunk-esque aesthetics, you have to admit that the 58 Plus 2 looks impressive.

Featuring a large, die-cast aluminum frame, the Flair 58 clocks in at 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms), making it much sturdier than the company’s entry-level models. What’s more, Flair justifiably boasts about the plastic-free brew path, which consists of all stainless steel parts.

I’m a particular fan of the classy wood accents on the portafilter and lever, which contrast really nicely with the matte black frame. Plus, there’s even a little rubber drip tray included with the machine, which only amplifies its appeal.

Finally, given its compact dimensions, the Flair 58 Plus 2 should fit nicely on any kitchen counter. With that said, remember that the machine is quite tall when the brew lever is raised, so you may not be able to use it beneath hanging cabinets.

Brew Chamber

As much as I loved making espresso with the Flair Classic, I did feel restricted by its maximum shot volume. That’s why I’m pleased to see that the Flair 58’s brew chamber has a much more generous 3-ounce (90 milliliter) capacity.

What’s really nice to see is that Flair has responded to customer feedback by improving the valve plunger and including a puck screen in the box. The latter addition will please espresso nerds, seeing as it encourages better water distribution across the coffee puck surface. Plus, it makes cleanup a lot easier which will please everyone.

Incidentally, the Flair 58 Plus 2 differs from the original 58 in that its piston sits lower in the chamber when the lever is pushed down. This means you can pour water into the chamber without it immediately spilling out. I have to say this was a smart move, seeing as you’re able to spend more time on puck puck prep if you want water to heat up in the chamber. Ultimately, this small improvement makes your life easier and streamlines workflow.

Electric Preheating

The general consensus among reviewers of the original Flair 58 was that the preheating function was a great idea, but Flair’s execution was ill-conceived. There was a huge, ugly power block as well as a controller and tons of exposed wires. And this ruffled quite a few feathers.

So, it came as no surprise to see that the manufacturer has changed things with the Flair 58 Plus 2. The integrated preheat controller is now built into the machine’s base, and the control button and light is located right on top. Sure, there’s still an exposed wire, but it didn’t bother me at all.

As I mentioned earlier, the inclusion of a heater for the brew chamber is a really big deal. Of course, you can ignore it altogether, but it certainly makes using the Flair 58 a lot easier. What’s more, you’re able to maintain consistent temperatures for brewing, which is essential for successful extractions.

Flair’s preheat controller offers three temperature settings, which roughly correlate to dark roasts, medium roasts and lighter roasted coffee beans. However, during my testing I found little use for any but the highest setting. Of course, you’ll still need to pour hot water into the chamber, but you won’t have to go through the whole process of preheating the thing manually beforehand.

Flair Espresso Portafilter

One of the features that really sets this manual espresso maker apart is its 58-millimeter bottomless portafilter. Fitted with a gorgeous wooden handle, the portafilter adds a real sense of professionalism to proceedings. Plus, it has excellent weight distribution and feels very comfortable to hold. And seeing as it’s bottomless, you’ll be able to watch in awe as beautiful shots flow into your best espresso cup.

In the box you’ll find three filter baskets – a low-dose basket, high-dose basket and a pressurized basket. The manufacturer claims it included the pressurized basket to help beginners or those with grinders that can’t produce fine enough results. That’s fair enough, but I’d be surprised to learn that any espresso novice was considering buying this machine.

What’s really cool is that Flair understands that espresso nerds will want to experiment and try different baskets. With that in mind, the portafilter has been designed to accommodate pretty much any aftermarket filter basket from brands like VST and IMS.

Pressure Gauge

I remember mentioning that the pressure gauge was absolutely essential to achieving good results during my Flair Classic review. It used to be the case that the Flair Classic gauge cost extra, but I’m fairly sure it comes as standard with all of the manufacturer’s manual machines now.

Anyway, the integrated pressure gauge screws into the body of the machine via a stainless steel stem and will prove invaluable as you’re learning the manual espresso ropes. Once you’re feeling comfortable, it’ll help you geek out with pressure profiling, wherein you can precisely control every aspect of your shot’s progress.

I will say that you shouldn’t always get too attached to the idea of a 9-bar extraction. Especially given the fact that the placement of the Flair pressure gauge might lead to misleading information. Then again, the gauge does have an “espresso zone” between 5 and 9 bars, so Flair gets it. Anyway, lower-pressure shots are very trendy in the specialty coffee scene right now, especially for lighter roast beans.

Ultimately, the beauty of using the Flair 58 Plus 2 is that you can experiment with pressure profiling to your heart’s content, and control everything yourself in real time.

Manual Lever

Flair has equipped the 58 with an absolutely huge manual lever, featuring a T-shaped paddle with alluring walnut accents. And from personal experience, I can tell you that this design doesn’t just look amazing – it will also help you attain the maximum possible control over the amount of pressure you’re exerting.

Seriously, I was blown away by the way I was able to gently pre-infuse my coffee puck before ramping up the pressure, then gently reduce pressure toward the end of the extraction. On the other hand, I enjoyed playing with different pressure profiles and tasting how this affected the final result in the cup. And seeing as the Flair 58 Plus 2 offers such a tactile experience, it was all the more rewarding to taste each espresso.

Tamper

In my initial Flair 58 review, I remember thinking that I’d stick with my Normcore tamper when I was testing the machine. However, upon unboxing the Flair 58 Plus 2 and pulling out the palm tamper, I changed my mind.

As it turns out, this is a really awesome metal tamper that felt good in my hand and is certainly weighty enough. During my testing, I found that the tamper’s design really helped me achieve a level puck surface every time.

Incidentally, you have to love how Flair has added the same wooden accent to this tamper as on the portafilter and lever handles. It’s small, thoughtful design touches like this that elevate the Flair 58 Plus 2 into premium territory.

The Flair 58 Plus 2 Manual Espresso Machine in Use

As I’ve mentioned elsewhere in this Flair 58 review, there’s quite a steep learning curve involved in mastering this machine. So, prepare yourself for quite a bit of trial and error as you’re setting out on your manual espresso journey. Don’t be intimidated though; using the Flair 58 Plus 2 is actually very straightforward.

Of course, I should remind you that it’s essential to own a high-quality espresso grinder if you want to get the best out of the Flair 58. The manufacturer recommends using its own Flair Royal Coffee Grinder, which costs $159.00.

Then again, there are plenty of other good manual coffee grinders out there; the 1Zpresso J-Ultra springs to mind as a hand grinder that would pair exceptionally well with the 58 Plus 2. Finally, you’ll also need a gooseneck kettle for precision pouring into the brew chamber. I mean, you could use a regular kettle, but it’ll be a lot more difficult to avoid making a mess.

How to Pull a Shot With the Flair 58 Plus 2

I’ll leave it to the user manual to explain how to put the machine together. However, I will say that the 58 Plus 2 is way easier to assemble than its siblings. Once you’re ready to go, follow these instructions for pulling your first shot:

Switch on the Temperature Preheat Controller and set it to maximum. Then, lift the brew lever and wait for around 10 minutes until the brew chamber is at the correct temperature. The machine will beep loudly to let you know. While you’re waiting, set your kettle to boil.
Next, remove the portafilter and dose it with 18 grams of finely ground coffee. I’m assuming you own a coffee scale and all the best espresso accessories for preparing a nice espresso puck.
Place the puck screen on top and insert the portafilter into the group head, before gently lowering the lever arm.
Slowly pour boiling water into the brew chamber then gently lift the brew arm to the full upright position. Then, top off the water in the chamber.
Now it’s time to pull your shot. Set a timer and place a cup on your scale. Then, start to pull the lever down, slowly but surely. If everything is correctly dialed in, espresso will start showing up when the gauge reaches around 3 bar. At this point, increase the pressure to between 5 and 9 bars, and hold until you’re happy. Finally, start ramping down the pressure during the last 10 seconds.
If everything went well, you’ll have a 36-gram shot of espresso that took around 25-30 seconds to extract.

Tips for Getting the Best From the Flair 58 Plus 2

I’ll admit to having had a great time testing the Flair 58 Plus 2. Still, as with all lever espresso machines, it took a while to start getting satisfactory results.

Seeing as this Flair espresso machine is equipped with a 58mm portafilter, it’s not at all forgiving of mistakes during puck prep. So, you’ll need to use a WDT tool and tamp very carefully to create an even and level bed of ground coffee. Oh, and don’t forget to use the included puck screen – I did once, and experienced plenty of coffee spurting from the edges of the portafilter.

As I already mentioned, you’ll need a very good espresso grinder to get the best out of this machine. During my testing, I found that minute grind adjustments yielded significant changes to my espresso. Using a coffee scale is also important, both for weighing your dose, and your shot during the brewing process. Especially given the fact that the brew chamber doesn’t have level markers.

Speaking of the brewing chamber, I’d recommend heating the thing with the lever raised. That way, you create a “lid” for the chamber and it’ll heat more evenly. Oh, and I ended up adding hot water to the chamber with the lever raised, too. This was to eliminate the chances of an air gap forming on top of the puck.

I got the best results using 22 grams of coffee in the high-dose basket. It took a couple of tries to develop the requisite muscle memory, but I quickly saw success. I started with a five-second pre-infusion, then quickly ramped up to 6 bars, holding for 10 seconds. I then ramped down the pressure over 10 seconds, until I had a 40-gram shot. My espresso was full-bodied and complex, with a luxurious crema and long-lasting notes of chocolate and hazelnut.

Flair 58 Cleaning

To be honest, there’s very little to do when it comes to cleaning the Flair 58. And I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear that the machine requires no descaling whatsoever. With that said, make sure to thoroughly rinse the portafilter and puck screen after every shot. What’s more, I’d recommend deep cleaning the filter basket and puck screen once a week or so to deal with any stray coffee grounds.

Elsewhere, remove the brew head cylinder every once in a while and give it a good rinse under hot water.

Flair 58 vs Cafelat Robot

Costing around $350, the Cafelat Robot is a hugely popular manual machine. I can definitely see why – this elegant espresso maker is an absolute stunner thanks to its classic retro stylings. Apparently, the Cafelat Robot is also capable of producing delicious espresso, although it’s still not as easy to use as the Flair 58.

Like other manual machines, you’ll need to manually preheat the Robot’s portafilter and brew chamber before pulling a shot. What’s more, the Cafelat Robot can’t compete with the Flair 58 when it comes to lever action. Rather than a single lever, the Robot features a two-lever system that’s reportedly less responsive.