Mostly yes, but depends on the machine. I've used Gaggia Classic for over a year which is kind of an entry level machine but I did modify it for temperature control/stability and standard pressure (9 bar). Still, the shots were mostly bitter. It's difficult to get bitterness with Flair Pro 2 (unless your beans are roasted too much or you grind them too fine) because heating is a problem. So, bitterness would be a differentiator for me. The other differentiator would be the body vs aftertaste. The good shots with Flair Pro 2 have an incredible aftertaste that you would not want it to go away, whereas automated machines produce shots with more body. I experienced this first hand in Italy this summer, in Rome and Naples. I could never get the shots with such a strong body from Flair Pro 2 or Flair 58 that they were getting from machines that you'd have to sell your car for. If I were to make an order though, I'd focus on the grinder first, than the beans, than the machine. With a good grinder and good beans, you can do wonders even with Mokapot/Aeropress.
@@ColorsofSoundRUclips Thanks so much for the detailed response, appreciate it 🙏 Ah okay yes that makes sense my local barista always says the same thing you can buy affordable auto machines but it just never re creates the same kind of espresso you would get from a good cafe . Yes at the moment I have a v60, French press and aero press but after trying them all out I always seem to go back to the French press something about the immersion just produces better flavours for me personally. I always was considering buying an auto machine but after recently finding out about the flair the concept of them just look very fun so rewarding and satisfying I would love to try one out.
@@jimsta06 If you end up buying a Flair, why not bundle it with their Royal grinder? People seem to be happy about it (for espresso). I have 1zpresso K-Pro which can make both filter and espresso, but because of that, there are no micro adjustments. You can also have a look at Timemore, they seem to have a good reputation.
Hey! Very nice video. I have heard that releasing the lever too quickly can cause the portafilter and brew chamber to separate. We can definitely notice a slight separation at the end of your brew, stay safe mate :)
I just bought one, but when i do preinfusion for about 15s the pressure stay on 1 bar and coffee already come out and when i push it down again with more force the preasure went from 1 bar to 2 bar only Do you have any idea?
Nice video, just pulled a great shot from my FP2 a few minutes ago. I'm still quite new to it, but I absolutely love this machine. btw I got the same grinder (Eureka Specialità).
Great and informative video. Only question I have is you showed using the distribution side of the Crema tool, but do you also use the tamp side or do you not press beyond the spinning the Crema tool?
If you were blindfolded do you think you could notice the difference between one of these manual machines compared to a standard automated one ?
Mostly yes, but depends on the machine. I've used Gaggia Classic for over a year which is kind of an entry level machine but I did modify it for temperature control/stability and standard pressure (9 bar). Still, the shots were mostly bitter. It's difficult to get bitterness with Flair Pro 2 (unless your beans are roasted too much or you grind them too fine) because heating is a problem. So, bitterness would be a differentiator for me.
The other differentiator would be the body vs aftertaste. The good shots with Flair Pro 2 have an incredible aftertaste that you would not want it to go away, whereas automated machines produce shots with more body. I experienced this first hand in Italy this summer, in Rome and Naples. I could never get the shots with such a strong body from Flair Pro 2 or Flair 58 that they were getting from machines that you'd have to sell your car for.
If I were to make an order though, I'd focus on the grinder first, than the beans, than the machine. With a good grinder and good beans, you can do wonders even with Mokapot/Aeropress.
@@ColorsofSoundRUclips Thanks so much for the detailed response, appreciate it 🙏 Ah okay yes that makes sense my local barista always says the same thing you can buy affordable auto machines but it just never re creates the same kind of espresso you would get from a good cafe .
Yes at the moment I have a v60, French press and aero press but after trying them all out I always seem to go back to the French press something about the immersion just produces better flavours for me personally.
I always was considering buying an auto machine but after recently finding out about the flair the concept of them just look very fun so rewarding and satisfying I would love to try one out.
@@ColorsofSoundRUclips Also would you have any recommendations for a reasonably affordable manual grinder ?
@@jimsta06 If you end up buying a Flair, why not bundle it with their Royal grinder? People seem to be happy about it (for espresso). I have 1zpresso K-Pro which can make both filter and espresso, but because of that, there are no micro adjustments. You can also have a look at Timemore, they seem to have a good reputation.
@@jimsta06 As an alternative you can get a Comandante C40 grinder and Moka/Brikka pot..it gives excellent results with practice
Now that is some nice crema. Great job.
Absolutely beautiful shot at the end and super helpful video! Just got a Flair Pro 2 and I’m eager to start my manual espresso journey!
Great choice, hope you enjoy it!
Hello. The best video I've seen about a Flair so far! Thank you SO much Just upgraded my Classic one with Pro 2 upgrade kit! Can'T wait to try.
Kingrinder k4 is a good cheaper alternative for a flair-compatible grinder. Great shot at the end!
your DIY distributor, that's a million dollar idea. Go for it
Thanks for sharing what's helped you get the best results. You forgot one, though! That cell phone stand used at the end!
Spot on! Yep, that too 😄
Hey! Very nice video. I have heard that releasing the lever too quickly can cause the portafilter and brew chamber to separate. We can definitely notice a slight separation at the end of your brew, stay safe mate :)
fantastic video - i may start my journey with a automated machine but fancy something like this contraption of yours
Best of luck! Both have pros and cons, you should be good as long as you get a good espresso grinder first.
I just bought one, but when i do preinfusion for about 15s the pressure stay on 1 bar and coffee already come out and when i push it down again with more force the preasure went from 1 bar to 2 bar only
Do you have any idea?
Wait…. You use the entire water with 16g of coffee? How much is the output? So you’re making a lungo?
Great workflow guide!
Hi, for the flair 58 pro2 is the leveler size 58.3 mm? Thank you.
Very nice. Greetings from Barcelona
Nice video, just pulled a great shot from my FP2 a few minutes ago. I'm still quite new to it, but I absolutely love this machine.
btw I got the same grinder (Eureka Specialità).
After 2+ years and multiple espresso machines, I can say that for me Specialita is the best choice for espresso at home.
Great and informative video. Only question I have is you showed using the distribution side of the Crema tool, but do you also use the tamp side or do you not press beyond the spinning the Crema tool?
I use both sides, I'm a strong believer in tamping :)
Was your lever assembly wobbly/not inserted properly without the screw to the base? Just got my new Pro 2 and have this issue…
Yes, it was a bit wobbly. I then upgraded to Flair 58 which has the same problem. I saw comments from other people, too, so I think it is okay.
Nice vid and clear explanation! Do you have a link to your beautiful espresso glasses?
Thanks! Just search for "double wall glass" on AliExpress.
how much grams of coffee did u use? and what was the brew time in total?
16g - 50s
Thanks for the share. Which weigh scales are those?
The espresso scale is from Blue Star Coffee, the brand name is EDO.
The black one is from Amazon, a product of a brand named Rosenstein & Söhne.
Вкусно?
Экстракция 43 сек, вот это да!
I feel like an illegal drug user meticulously cooking up a shot. That’s cuz I’m a legal drug user.
It's too complicated, I just need a packet of instant coffee
Whatever works best for you!