Why the Flair 58 Plus 2 is Perfect for Espresso Beginners
The world of espresso is a captivating blend of art and science. While the convenience of automatic machines is undeniable, there’s unparalleled satisfaction in crafting the perfect shot yourself. A manual espresso machine invites you to embark on a sensory journey, where every grind, tamp, and pull is a chance to refine your barista skills. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the ritual of manual espresso brewing offers a rewarding experience that can transform your daily coffee routine.
The Flair 58 Plus 2 is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a hands-on, customizable espresso experience. Its lever-based design empowers you to exert precise control over every stage of the brewing process, from pre-infusion to pressure profiling. The Flair 58’s intuitive interface and robust build make it an ideal companion on your espresso journey. Here are some of the key reasons the 58 Plus 2 makes for the perfect tool for a new brewer.
All the benefits of a fully manual lever machine
Simple, no-fuss espresso maintenance
By eschewing espresso pumps in favor of this manual approach, the 58 Plus 2 also allows for very simple, no-fuss maintenance. Just wiping down the unit between espresso brews will prevent the build-up of coffee oils and scale. A deeper clean only involves removing a few easily accessed o-rings, wiping down behind them, and applying a thin coat of molykote 111 before re-assembling.
Overall, the Flair 58 Plus 2 is one of the easiest espresso machines to operate and maintain, while also giving a level of control that’s unparalleled at the price point. For any beginner, this is a perfect espresso setup.
An industry-standard portafilter design
The 58 Plus 2 utilizes – as its name might suggest – a 58mm, industry standard portafilter. Not only does this allow for an incredibly efficient and neat workflow, but it also means you have access to a world of tools and accessories to further experiment with. From distribution tools to different types of puck screens to an near-infinite variety of portafilter baskets, you can find tons of amazing espresso accessories to play with within the 58mm ecosystem.
A less-obvious, but incredibly useful benefit of having a 58mm portafilter is that the majority of espresso research, workflows, and information available online – in the form of videos, forums, or articles – is based around 58mm portafilters. This makes finding solutions to specific problems, or ways to improve a particular aspect of your espresso that much simpler. For any beginner, this easy access to information to learn and troubleshoot can be a real benefit.
Included High- and Low-Flow baskets
The low-flow basket is designed to get you started and brewing quickly. By reducing the amount of extraction holes at the bottom of the basket and employing a tapered shape, the low-flow basket is able to simplify the dial in process. This basket is more forgiving of an imperfect grind-size and will allow you to brew delicious espresso more easily when just getting started.
Once you are familiar with the process, you can opt to switch to the high-flow basket, which comes included with every Flair 58 Plus 2 manual espresso maker. While it is more demanding on grind size and puck prep, the high-flow basket offers a boost in flavor, especially when you are looking for more fruity and floral notes commonly found in medium and light roasts.
Advanced Workflow Egonomics
The 58 Plus 2 features a long handle that allows you to generate pressure with ease, as well as a silicone-wrapped, T-shaped grip for precise control and increased brewing comfort. The grip also allows increased pressure stability, by reducing the need for re-adjustments mid-brew. The integrated temperature controller in the base puts all your controls in one, easy-to-access spot. The threaded pressure gauge can also be rotated to the perfect angle for visibility while brewing.
All of the ergonomic features of the Flair 58 Plus 2, were designed with the best user experience in mind. This means, as a new espresso aficionado, you’ve got the best workflow and tools available to you to get up and brewing incredible espresso quickly.
Incredibly simple preheat
With its electronic preheat system, the 58 Plus 2 boasts a simplified workflow and impressive thermal stability. The preheat system will bring your brew chamber and portafilter up to brewing temp in just about 10 minutes, without the need for any boiling water or steam. This leaves you plenty of time to grind your coffee, prep your puck, and pick the perfect song, book, or youtube video to enjoy with your espresso. Once heated, the 58 Plus 2 will maintain the temperature of these components until you turn the unit off. This means it is ready for a second, third, fourth or fifth brew without any additional preheating. This makes it the perfect manual brewer for a quick weekday morning brew, lazy Sunday coffee tasting session, or even a busy Friday house party.
If you are looking to delve into the vast world of home espresso, take a sure-footed first step with the Flair 58 Plus 2 and benefit from all the control of manual brewing, paired with a host of convenient creature comforts and workflow optimizations.
