Need help?Do you have a question about the Flair Espresso 58 and is the answer not in the manual?
Identifies the brew head part with a male four-pin connector.
Describes the power supply unit with a female single-pin connector.
Details the preheat controller with its four-pin female and single-pin male connectors.
Specifies the extension cord for the power supply unit.
Steps for unpacking, checking parts, and assembling the brew head onto the base.
Instructions for connecting the brew head, controller, power supply, and plugging into the outlet.
Instructions for selecting and confirming the Low heat temperature setting.
Instructions for selecting and confirming the Medium heat temperature setting.
Instructions for selecting and confirming the High heat temperature setting.
Step-by-step guide for cleaning the preheat system components.
Crucial safety advice regarding cooling and water immersion during cleaning.
Details on warranty duration for stand, brew head, and electrical components.
Explains conditions that void the warranty and liability limitations.
The Flair 58 is a manual espresso maker equipped with a preheat system designed to enhance thermal control during the brewing process. This device is intended for users who desire precise temperature management for their espresso shots, allowing for a consistent and high-quality extraction. Unlike automated espresso machines, the Flair 58 emphasizes a hands-on approach, giving the user full control over various aspects of the brewing process, including preheat temperature, water temperature, and pressure application.
The core function of the Flair 58 is to produce espresso. It operates by allowing the user to manually apply pressure to hot water through a bed of ground coffee, extracting espresso directly into a cup. The distinguishing feature of the Flair 58 is its integrated preheat system, which is built into the brewing head. This system is designed to maintain a stable temperature within the brew head, ensuring that the water used for brewing does not lose significant heat upon contact with the brewing components. This thermal stability is crucial for achieving consistent extraction and optimal flavor profiles, especially for different roast levels of coffee.
The preheat system offers three distinct temperature tiers: Low Heat (approximately 85° C / 185° F), Medium Heat (approximately 90° C / 194° F), and High Heat (approximately 95° C / 203° F). These tiers are loosely correlated with different coffee roast levels, providing a starting point for users to experiment and dial in their preferred taste experience. It's important to note that the preheat system's primary role is to maintain the temperature of the brew head, not to boil the water. The initial temperature of the brewing water should still be managed by the user's kettle, ensuring the water is at the desired temperature before being poured into the Flair 58.
The device consists of several key components that work together to facilitate the espresso-making process. These include the main stand and lever mechanism, the brew head with its integrated heating element, a portafilter base, and a preheat controller. The brew head is designed to lock securely onto the portafilter base, creating a stable platform for brewing. The preheat controller, a compact unit with a single button and three indicator lights, allows users to select and monitor the desired preheat temperature. Power is supplied to the system via a power supply unit and an extension cord, connecting to the brew head through the controller.
Setting up the Flair 58's preheat system involves a straightforward process of connecting the electrical components. Users first assemble the main stand and lever, then attach the brew head to the portafilter base. The electrical connections are made by aligning the four-pin male connector on the brew head with the four-pin female connector on the preheat controller, and then connecting the single-pin male connector on the controller to the single-pin female connector on the power supply. Finally, the power supply extension cord is plugged into the power supply, and the entire unit is connected to a wall outlet. A critical safety instruction emphasizes unplugging the single-pin connectors before connecting or disconnecting the four-pin connectors to prevent electrical hazards.
Once assembled and powered, the preheat system is operated via the single button on the preheat controller. The three green indicator lights on the controller correspond to the Low, Medium, and High heat settings, from left to right. Each light has three states: off (inactive), blinking (heating stage), and solid on (desired temperature reached).
To activate the preheat system, the user presses and holds the button until the LEFT light starts blinking, indicating the system is beginning to heat to the Low temperature setting. If a higher temperature is desired, the user can immediately press the button one or two more times. A single additional press will initiate heating to Medium, with the CENTER light blinking and the LEFT light turning solid once Low is reached. Two additional presses will initiate heating to High, with the RIGHT light blinking and both the LEFT and CENTER lights turning solid once their respective temperatures are met. Once the desired temperature is reached, the corresponding light will turn solid, indicating the system is brew-ready. The system will then maintain this temperature until turned off. To turn off the system, the user presses and holds the button until all lights are off. Short presses of the button allow users to cycle through the heat settings to reduce the preheat level (e.g., from High to Medium or Medium to Low).
The manual nature of the Flair 58 extends to the brewing process itself. After the brew head is preheated and the coffee grounds are prepared in the portafilter, hot water (preheated in a separate kettle to the desired brewing temperature) is poured into the brew head. The user then manually lowers the lever, applying pressure to extract the espresso. This manual control allows for experimentation with different pressure profiles, which can significantly impact the final taste of the espresso.
Maintaining the Flair 58's preheat system and brew head is designed to be straightforward, requiring minimal effort to ensure longevity and optimal performance. For best results, cleaning should always be performed with the brew head affixed to the portafilter base of the Flair 58.
A crucial safety precaution for maintenance is to ensure the preheat system is turned off and allowed to cool down completely for at least 15 minutes before any cleaning is attempted. Failure to do so can result in burns due to the hot surfaces of the brew head.
Cleaning primarily involves using cool water and a clean, damp cloth. Soaps or detergents are explicitly discouraged as they can damage the Flair 58 and its preheat system, and may also negatively impact the flavor of the espresso. The cleaning process involves removing the plunger by pulling it out while the brewing cylinder is installed on the base. A damp cloth is then used to wipe the inside and bottom of the brew head, as well as the plunger. For more thorough cleaning, a cup can be placed beneath the Flair 58, and cool water can be flushed through the brew head multiple times to remove any coffee residue before wiping.
A significant warning is issued against immersing, submerging, or fully rinsing the components of the Preheat System in water. It is also critical to keep the open connector points (both the four-pin and single-pin, male and female) dry at all times. Disregarding these instructions can lead to system damage and will void the product warranty.
The Flair 58 comes with a comprehensive warranty that covers different components for varying durations. The Flair 58 Press Stand has a ten-year warranty against functional defects. The metal brew head components are warranted for five years. The electrical components of the Preheat System, including the preheat controller and power supply, are warranted for two years against functional defects. Parts subject to normal wear and tear, such as O-rings, silicone sleeves, piston, tamper, portafilter, and filter basket, are warranted for six months against defects in material, design, or workmanship. Proof of purchase is required to validate the warranty period, and the warranty is contingent on the product and parts being used in accordance with all operating instructions. The warranty does not cover shipping costs, nor does it apply if the product or parts have been modified, abused, improperly used, damaged by accident or neglect, or if any parts are improperly installed.
General| Portafilter Size | 58 mm |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel and Aluminum |
| Pressure | Up to 9 BAR |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | Not applicable (manual fill) |
| Pressure Gauge | Included |
| Heat Source | External (Boiling Water) |
| Preheat Method | Electric Preheat Controller |
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