Mastering Espresso: Why the Flair 58 Plus 2 is Perfect for Experts
Mastering Manual Espresso: A Deep Dive into the Flair 58 Plus 2
If you’re a home barista who’s brewed enough shots to know crema from channeling—and you’re ready to refine every detail of your espresso workflow—the Flair 58 Plus 2 might just be your next essential tool.
In this post, we’re breaking down what makes the Flair 58 Plus 2 such a compelling machine for advanced and expert-level espresso brewers. With full manual control over every variable, this lever-based espresso maker offers an unparalleled connection to your coffee. Think of it less like a kitchen appliance and more like a gourmet experience.
Check Out the Flair 58 Plus 2
What is Manual Espresso?
The Flair 58 Plus 2 is a manual lever espresso maker, which means you’re the one in control—no buttons, no automation. It’s about intentionality and craft. Using this machine is more like preparing a gourmet meal than ordering takeout. You measure, tamp, preheat, and extract—all by hand.
Unlike bulky automatic machines that do all the work (and take up half your counter), the Flair 58 Plus 2 is compact and elegant. It invites you to slow down and engage with your brew.
Key Features of the Flair 58 Plus 2
What sets this machine apart? Let’s start with its thoughtful build and features:
- Cast Aluminum Frame with walnut accents – a stylish and durable addition to any countertop
- Pressure Gauge – shows exactly how much pressure you’re applying, enabling precise profiling
- Shot Mirror – a magnetic mirror for real-time feedback during extraction
- Powered Preheat System – with Low (85°C), Medium (90°C), and High (95°C) settings
- 58mm Portafilter Basket – compatible with café-grade accessories and multiple basket types (low flow, high flow, high uniformity)
- Direct Lever System – gives you a 13:1 mechanical advantage, needing just ~30 lbs of force for 6 bars of pressure
- Valve and Plunger System – prevents early pre-infusion, letting you control when the magic starts
These features are typically reserved for machines well above the $1,000 range—but the Flair 58 Plus 2 delivers all this under $700.
Brewing with the Flair 58 Plus 2
Let’s talk workflow. Brewing on the Flair 58 Plus 2 looks something like this:
- Set the preheat temperature.
- Grind your coffee (a high-quality burr grinder is essential).
- Distribute and tamp the grounds.
- Add the dispersion screen.
- Attach the portafilter, fill the cylinder with hot water.
- Raise the lever to draw in water, then slowly lower it to extract your shot.
This is hands-on espresso—precise, repeatable, and endlessly customizable.
Why the Flair 58 Plus 2 is Built for the Expert Brewer
Advanced brewers will appreciate the Flair 58 Plus 2 for one primary reason: total control.
- Dial in brew pressure precisely with visual feedback from the gauge.
- Experiment with pressure profiles, from slow pre-infusions to turbo shots.
- Watch your puck saturation and extraction in real time using the shot mirror.
- Fine-tune your results with interchangeable baskets tailored to body or clarity.
- Control water temperature based on roast density—go hotter for light roasts, cooler for dark ones.
The direct lever mechanism means any adjustment you make is instantly reflected in your brew—this is espresso brewing with feedback in real time.
Accessible for Beginner Espresso Brewers Too
While the Flair 58 Plus 2 shines in expert hands, it’s also surprisingly friendly to beginners. With guided control over temperature, pressure, and flow, it helps new brewers understand what makes a great shot great.
And once you’re comfortable with the basics? There’s a whole rabbit hole of espresso technique waiting for you.
Final Thoughts on the Flair 58 Plus 2
Whether you’re just beginning your espresso journey or you’re a seasoned home barista ready for more control, the Flair 58 Plus 2 offers an exceptional manual brewing experience. It’s compact, stylish, and powerful—packed with pro-level features at a fraction of the cost.
This is more than just a lever espresso maker—it’s a gateway to crafting espresso exactly how you like it.
Thanks for reading, and happy brewing!
