Espresso At Home for Under $100 Dollars
Introducing the Flair NEO Flex
This is the NEO Flex, by Flair Espresso, and it’s a first of its kind manual espresso machine that is not only affordable, at less than $100, but also can brew real, café-quality espresso at home. But, before we dive more into the NEO Flex, let’s first make sure we’re all on the same page about what espresso actually is.
Let's Talk About Espresso
In the realm of coffee, few beverages can match the exquisite intensity and refined complexity of espresso. From its origins in Italy to becoming a global phenomenon, espresso has captured the hearts and palates of coffee enthusiasts around the world. It is a true art form that combines science, skill, and a deep understanding of the interplay between water, heat, pressure, and freshly ground coffee beans.
Espresso, which translates to “pressed-out” in Italian, is a concentrated form of coffee created by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee at high pressure. The result is a small, concentrated shot of coffee that possesses a distinctive flavor profile, a velvety texture, and a layer of crema—the golden-brown foam that crowns a well-pulled shot.
What sets espresso apart is its intense flavor. The combination of high-pressure brewing, the finely ground coffee, and the shorter extraction time results in a brew that is robust, full-bodied, and rich in aroma. The taste of espresso can range from sweet, fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey, depending on the type of coffee beans used, the roast level, and the brewing technique employed.
The journey of espresso began in the early 20th century, with the development of espresso machines and the birth of espresso culture in Italy. Coffeehouses became bustling social hubs where people gathered to enjoy this concentrated elixir, which offered a potent and immediate jolt of caffeine. Over time, espresso evolved from a traditional Italian drink to a global phenomenon, with coffee shops and cafés dedicated to perfecting the art of espresso-making.
And now, people are beginning to brew espresso at home. In the past though, at-home espresso brewing options usually fell into two categories: expensive and large machines, or smaller makers that just can’t replicate the pressure needed for real espresso.
The Flair NEO Flex
Brewing Two Ways with the Flair NEO Flex
But, the NEO Flex’s cost and brewing abilities aren’t the only selling points. Sometimes brewing espresso at home can be difficult. Grinding your beans just right, what’s known as “dialing in,” can be a pain and does require a high end burr grinder to get it right.
The NEO Flex solves for this by providing two different portafilters: the Bottomless 2-in-1 Portafilter and Flair’s Flow-Control Portafilter. The Bottomless 2-in-1 Portafilter allows for home-baristas to brew naked or spouted, and requires the good burr grinder to ensure your coffee grounds are fine enough, and consistent enough, to build the resistance needed. But, if you don’t have a good grinder, Flair has included the Flow-Control Portafilter, which doesn’t require any additional equipment for an incredible espresso extraction.
The magic of the Flow-Control Portafilter is a restricted exit hole in the bottom of the portafitler, which means that the correct pressure is generated for you. Expect a good espresso extraction no matter what coffee grounds you use. Flair recommends that everyone begin with the Flow-Control Portafilter when getting started for ease, convenience and learning!
Meanwhile, if you’re ready to level up your brewing, switch to the black Bottomless 2-in-1 portafilter and play around with your grind size to see how it affects the flavor of your espresso in your cup. You can only truly dial-in while using the BPF, and you will absolutely get the best results this way.
Cost Savings with the Flair NEO Flex
Gone are the days when good espresso cost just a dollar. It’s common to walk into a café and see latte and cappuccino prices above five dollars! But, using the NEO Flex at home is a great cost-saving method. You get delicious espresso and will have saved enough for your Flair just by forgoing about 20 trips to the café. That’s just about one month of coffee before you’re breaking even.
So, if you’re looking to get started on your espresso journey, but want a solution that’s simple, affordable and easy to learn, the NEO Flex is the perfect manual espresso machine for you! Check it out at our product page below.
The Flair NEO Flex - Brewing Espresso at Home for Under $100 Dollars
The Flair NEO Flex is a first of its kind home espresso machine. This all-manual espresso press is affordable, brews delicious real espresso, and has a small footprint to fit anywhere. If you’re espresso curious, buy the NEO Flex today.
