Flair Classic

The Flair Classic is the original manual Flair espresso machine. In this price range no other machine that makes true espresso exists.

This manual espresso machine can easily generate 9 bar pressure (or more).

Compared to the NEO Flex, the Classic comes with a sturdy diecast aluminum frame and also has 2 portafilters (bottomless and flow-control for easier dial-in), a thin-walled cylinder and a minimalist pressure gauge. A good grinder is essential when using the bottomless portaftiler to achieve the maximum result. You can upgrade to the PRO3 (not possible with the NEO Flex). 
Want more control?  Consider adding the steel tamper!
Unlike almost all espresso machines, it is also possible to do other things with a Flair, such as cold-press espresso with cold water, for example. Or you can mimic the pressure profile of an E61 machine, or that of a lever machine, or taste what a "Scott Rao high-extraction shot" tastes like. Some time ago, the espresso world was turned upside down as all the rules were questioned by the paper “Systematically Improving Espresso: Insights from Mathematical Modeling and Experiment“. With a Flair you can easily test this theory. 
It may sound strange for such an affordable machine, but a Flair can not only make, at a minimum, the same espresso as a much more expensive semi-automatic machine, but it can do much more. The texture and viscosity of a Flair shot is superior, and you have much more control over the final flavor. Because you build up pressure manually, you literally feel the flow of water through the coffee, so you have continuous control over everything. And an espresso that you made manually tastes much better for that reason alone. 
Details: - Black version, with red portafilter holder and gray silicone sleeve. - Like all Flairs, this one makes real espresso. - The Classic is the cheapest Flair that you can upgrade to a Pro2, ideal for aspiring home baristas with ambition. - The bottomless portafilter requires a good grinder, such as the Fellow Opus. - Easy to upgrade with a Steel Tamper (already included in the Classic with PGK model). - The Classic can upgrade to a Pr32 with the Pro Full Brew Kit and a Pro tamper. - Easy to use and maintain, no periodic descaling, long warm-up time, etc. - More flexible than a semi-automatic espresso machine because it can be used for cold-press, flow-profiling, low-pressure shots, etc. - Compact, ideal for traveling or at work. - Sustainable, because only uses coffee and relatively little water. Waste-free, easy to maintain and all parts are readily available. - Included: bottomless portafilter, plastic drip tray, funnel, plastic dosing cup/tamper, minimalist pressure gauge. - Optional: Steel tamper, carrying case, Temperature strip.