Flair 58 Plus 2 vs Flair Classic
Two espresso machines side by side, both picks for small kitchens and for travel. They differ on portafilter size, needs mains power, width, depth. Portafilter size: the Flair 58 Plus 2 has 58 mm, the Flair Classic has 40 mm.
Flair 58 Plus 2
Flair Classic
Our take
Both are manual levers, so this comes down to accessories versus independence. The Flair 58 Plus 2 suits the enthusiast who wants a standard 58 mm portafilter and a 5 year warranty, and does not mind plugging in to preheat. The Flair Classic is the one for travel or a power-free kitchen: no mains power, 2.3 kg, and a lower price band.
What actually differs
- Portafilter size: the Flair 58 Plus 2 has 58 mm, the Flair Classic has 40 mm.
- Needs mains power: the Flair 58 Plus 2 has Yes, the Flair Classic has No.
- The Flair Classic is lighter at 2.3 kg; the Flair 58 Plus 2 weighs 5.4 kg.
- The Flair 58 Plus 2 has a longer warranty (5 years against 3 years for the Flair Classic).
- Size, Flair 58 Plus 2 against Flair Classic: width 19.1 cm against 15.9 cm, depth 34.3 cm against 31.8 cm, height 27.9 cm against 25.4 cm. The Flair Classic is the more compact of the two.
- The Flair Classic sits in a lower typical price band than the Flair 58 Plus 2 ($ Under $300 against $$ $300–700).
Which one should you buy?
Enthusiasts who want full manual pressure control with a standard 58mm portafilter.
Buy the Flair 58 Plus 2 if you want hands-on control of every shot and a standard 58 mm portafilter that fits mainstream accessories. The preheat controller now sits in the base: you plug in to warm the brew head, then pull shots unplugged.
Skip it if: Beginners or users preferring automated electric machines should not buy it.
Full specs and review →Beginners who want a manual lever espresso maker with no power cord.
Buy the Flair Classic if you want real manual-lever espresso with no power cord and an all-metal build. It ships with two portafilters, a pressurizing Flow Control and a bottomless 2-in-1, plus a pressure gauge, and the brewing head comes off completely for cleaning.
Skip it if: Anyone seeking electric automation, PID temperature control, or hands-free operation should not buy it.
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A longer warranty
- A more compact footprint
- A lower typical price band
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | Flair 58 Plus 2 | Flair Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$ $300–700 | $ Under $300 |
| Machine type | Manual lever | Manual lever |
| Boiler / heating | None | None |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Portafilter size | 58 mm | 40 mm |
| Pressure gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Can be plumbed in | No | No |
| Needs mains power | Yes | No |
| Water tank | 0.1 L | 0.1 L |
| Width | 19.1 cm | 15.9 cm |
| Depth | 34.3 cm | 31.8 cm |
| Height | 27.9 cm | 25.4 cm |
| Weight | 5.4 kg | 2.3 kg |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: machine type (Manual lever); boiler / heating (None); built-in grinder (No); pressure gauge (Yes); can be plumbed in (No); water tank (0.1 L).
Flair 58 Plus 2 vs Flair Classic: common questions
What is the main difference between the Flair 58 Plus 2 and the Flair Classic?
Portafilter size: the Flair 58 Plus 2 has 58 mm, the Flair Classic has 40 mm. Needs mains power: the Flair 58 Plus 2 has Yes, the Flair Classic has No.
Which is better for beginners, the Flair 58 Plus 2 or the Flair Classic?
We tag the Flair Classic for beginners; the other is not tagged that way. See the pick boxes above for who each one suits.
Do the Flair 58 Plus 2 and the Flair Classic use the same portafilter?
No. The Flair 58 Plus 2 has 58 mm and the Flair Classic has 40 mm.
Is the Flair 58 Plus 2 or the Flair Classic more expensive?
The Flair 58 Plus 2 is $$ $300–700 and the Flair Classic is $ Under $300. Check the retailer for today's price.