Flair 58 vs Flair 58+ Espresso Makers

The coffee world buzzes with innovation, and the Flair series stands as a testament to this evolving landscape. Enter the Flair 58 and its slightly better looking younger brother, the Flair 58 plus, both masters in the art of espresso brewing. These handcrafted espresso makers are more than machines; they're portals to an elevated coffee experience.

Before getting stuck into the differences between each manual lever press let's dive into the mechanics of that underpin each of these machines. Both of these machines are fundamentally the same, in that they both require a manual force applied to the lever to push water through a bed of coffee beans.

What makes a manual lever espresso maker so irresistible for some coffee brewers, is the feedback you receive from pulling the lever down. It feels as if you are literally milking the beans into the essence of a beautiful espresso.

Not only that, but you may hear "pressure profiles" being thrown around as you look at reddit posts or forums. And that's basically literally adjusting how much pressure goes through the beans, so you're able to physically adjust how gentle or firm you can be on the bed of coffee. This can translate into different flavour and texture profiles!

Another component, is the minimalistic design of both the Flair 58 and the 58+. Among modern aesthetics, the wooden trimming contrasted against the black metal framing will give you an industrial vibe. It work especially well in kitchens or spaces with a white backsplash.

Let's talk Similarities

Ok, so before we get into the differences, what's the same in each of these coffee machines? How much of these are the same?

Well.. a lot of it actually, and I mean that in a good way! Flair have leaned on the old adage of it's not broke, why fix it? Even more to that point, the Flair 58 is such an excellent product, there hasn't been much to revise.

However, when the public spoke of some of their pain points, mainly around:

1. the position of the electric point in the group head
2. the difficulty around pouring water into the group head

The Flair team took that on board and recently released a new group head that goes across the Flair 58, 58x and the 58+ range. Additionally, the team increased size of the plunger slot for convenience and workflow.

The Flair 58 and 58 plus embodies elegance, simplicity, and precision. Crafted with sleek stainless steel and a refined design, it exudes a timeless appeal. Its manual lever-driven system offers an authentic espresso-making process that puts control firmly in the hands of the user.

Points of Difference:

The Flair 58 and 58+ boast robust construction, blending form and function seamlessly. Its polished finish exudes sophistication, making it a center piece in any kitchen. However, they do have subtle differences in design and details:

What Comes with Each 58?

Choosing Your Espresso Adventure

Deciding between these marvels hinges on your brewing preferences and desired level of control. The Flair 58 beckons purists with its classic design and reliable lever action. Meanwhile, the Flair 58+ entices those who really have an affinity to that industrial look with the walnut over blackened steel.

Both models promise exceptional espresso but cater to different design preferences. Either way, both models will transcend your imagination, inviting you to savour every sip of liquid artistry.

Other Flair 58 Comparisons

Flair 58 vs Cafelat Robot Barista

Flair 58 vs La Pavoni Europiccola

Flair 58+ (plus) vs Flair 58 Limited Edition (LE) 

Where Can I Get One?