While doing a beans order I stumbled across the lowest price I've seen for this fully manual espresso machine. RRP is $499 and at Alternative Brewing, and currently $409 via Amazon US.
Note this isn't a cheaper machine just missing the boiler or suitable for beginners. Think more of it as a rabbit hole to dive into.
Most of the fiddly steps are recommended for all espresso making - eg the distribution wires, funnel, tamp, pre heat. You can ignore these if you wish.
i think my next machine will be the cafelat robot.
A great choice - has the benefit of not having to preheat (necessary on Flairs).
I have a personal preference for single arm levers myself - otherwise I probably would get one! :)
flair 58 solves the pre-heat problem if you don't mind very bright green lights and large power bricks :)
Well, technically you are still pre-heating! :P
But yes, the non-58 Flairs, I meant. :)
I have a cafelat robot and love it, for what it's worth
Hello, long time lurker, joined up to post about Direct Coffee as I can't find a physical location or ABN and this was a good price for the Flair but it seems like they're sold out now… :(
Ozbargained
Order cancelled and refunded
I've sent through a reply to your email and I'm very happy to discuss it over there. Unfortunately, there was a specific reason why your order was cancelled and refunded.
Tim
Thanks so much for all the interest in the Flair!
Great to see so many folks who haven't shopped with us before.
Please reach out if you need any recommendations on coffee to go through your new unit :)
Cheers,
Tim
Anyone know if the pro2 chamber and portafilter can be used with this signature model?
Yes, it can :)
Ooh now that makes it a bit more interesting. So this one? Will the pressure gauge work with it?
https://m.catch.com.au/product/flair-pro-second-shot-plus-ki…
Nah, the pressure gauge for the Pro 2 if different. You'll need the full Pro 2 Brewing Head (which includes everything), or that second shot kit AND all the Pro 2 Pressure Gauge parts. (The full Brewing Head kit would be much cheaper!)
Unfortunately, the Australian importer doesn't offer the Pro 2 Brewing Head kit. Although perhaps this is fortunate, as you may be able to ask Flair support to ship you one direct (since this set is not offered in Australia).
@caprimulgus: If you want the Pro 2 features, then you may be better off just buying it off the shelf, rather than grabbing the Signature and then purchasing the Pro2 bits separately, which will push up the price considerably toward (or beyond) the Pro 2 cost anyway.
I have a boiler espresso machine already, so this purchase was really about me wanting to try a manual lever machine that I can take with me for travel too.
If I like the experience of the Flair, I reckon I'll retain the Signature for trips, but then purchase a Flair 58 for the benchtop. The Signature's basket should be more forgiving on grind size than the Pro, which is great if using on-the-go.
@fookos: Yes, I would say so. (Unless you actually wanted two basket sizes for some reason, eg. perhaps you wanted the smaller Signature basket for low doses that aren't possible on the Pro 2. Or if you want to dabble at the cheaper entry point, leaving room for a minor upgrade to Pro 2 brewhead, perhaps.)
Otherwise, yes, it's better to stick to one size, and buying a second brewhead in the same size, which would let you do back to back shots. Having two sizes makes back to back more of a hassle, because you would need to dial in for two different baskets and doses (effectively two different machines).
If I was buying new, I would go for the Pro 2 instead of the Signature. But, if the choice was Pro 2 with one brewhead vs Signature with 2 full brewheads for a similar price, I'd probably take the Signature with 2 full brewheads for easier back to back (and continuous back to back) shots.
(I assume you are replying to the other person, because I was just answering the question, not suggesting to do so.) :)
@caprimulgus: Agreed - all valid points and, yes, I was responding to the other poster - apologies for the misfire!
Nope … Fiddly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7arLkEmo3c