BUDGET ESPRESSO SHOWDOWN: Wacaco Picopresso, Flair Neo Flex, and Hugh Leverpresso

[@LanceHedrick]

READ THIS PLEASE! I am such an idiot. I am using the Leverpresso Pro in the video, which is NOT $110. It is not currently listed on their website, and that threw me off. Deep apologies for that. The original has plastic instead of stainless steel and does NOT have the pressure gauge. I would still pick the Leverpresso as my favorite, based simply on the design, ergonomics, etc. But it does change things! The picopresso becomes much more competitive with this knowledge. I still think the Flair is the weakest in the lineup. And supposedly there is good reason to not use the pressure gauge, but I've not had any issue thus far. So, to revise, for both travel and home use, I prefer the Leverpresso, still, but you should know the gauge and all the bells and whistles shown in the video is reflective of the PRO version. God I feel like an absolute DUNCE.

[@jazzmann1984]

I was about to say they look different and it's $340. 😂 Love your videos and the singing! It's no big deal, I'll just have to save up for it on my Doordash income. 😂

[@LanceHedrick]

or go with the picopresso! It is awesome and much cheaper. Or even the base version of the leverpresso.

[@jazzmann1984]

@@LanceHedrick Nah, I like the portability and the pressure gauge! 😅 it's still within my budget. But first, I have to get the new Varia V3. I'm grinding on $30 Amazon hand grinder. It gives me some goals to reach.

[@mixswist]

I was interested in Leverpresso(the cheap one) but it used to have a complained about the plastic parts might crack after using it for sometimes (I know they also sell replacement part but if I have to replace it in a year or two that not good) but if it make good espresso for cheap I might give it a try.

[@lurklingX]

@@mixswist i just saw a review on amazon about a failure like that and the dude took hot water to the stomach and hand. guess they need to upgrade the sort of material they are using. you'd think they'd put it under massive stress tests to avoid something like that. this burn spot was like half of his whole stomach. had to hurt like a MF. plus, having an opaque cup seems a bummer.

[@mfid0]

Great review as always. I've been using the Picopresso as my daily driver for the past 2 years and have learned some things along the way that'll help. PreHeat: I don't have a goose neck kettle, but my normal kettle means I can rest the basket and shower screen on the spout while the water boils, heating them with steam. Dose: While the water boils I grind my coffee. I've found 18-18.5g works best, depending on the coffee. PreHeat 2: Water boiled, I pour it into the Picopresso body and get to prepping my coffee. Coffee prep: Pour in the coffee using the dosing funnel, and leave it on for WDT to help with mess. But also leave it on while tamping! The palm tamper is designed to give you just the right amount of travel to get a consistent and level tamp, given dose is fixed at 18-18.5g. Pre Infusion: 10-12 pumps is perfect for getting the first few beads of coffee on the shower screen. It looks like you went a bit too far.

[@chrisvassos9929]

Great tips! I just bought one and my first 2 attempts were river water. I need a finer grind from my 1zpresso. Most people are suggesting to tamp again once you remove the dosing ring. I'll give your method a crack. Cheers

[@Rob-zv1oz]

@@chrisvassos9929it really is about your grind size, get it so 18g is tampered nicely while the funnel is still in place

[@chrismonroe4855]

Money's on Flair. My classic under $200 model makes fantastic shots repeatedly. So glad you tested the pressure gauge kit with it. It complicates the workflow, but arguably worth it for infusion, consistency. Double-heat the chamber to cancel that sourness. Can't believe they're making this $100 in polycarb. Even more portable.

[@TriStarFamily]

Love the budget equipment videos. I couldn't even justify a $400+ setup since I'm the only coffee drinker in my family of 6, so I bought a second hand Gaggia Espresso Pure for $60 (58mm portafilter), second hand Baratza Encore Grinder for $25 (going to do the 80 step mod) and I'm 3D printing accessories (tamper, dosing funnel, WDT, etc.). It's not ideal, but I'm trying to figure it out and having fun along the way!

[@steespee]

I would be very careful printing anything which comes in direct contact with beans. You can get a cheap funnel and tamper online - 3d printed plastics are porous and can't be sanitized, making them a really bad idea for those applications in particular.

[@HauntedSheppard]

100% correct on pointing that out, but on top of that I would like to add that with proper materials and post processing you can get them food safe.

[@sm.9599]

You’re awesome. I wish I could learn to 3D print stuff

[@RickyT15]

@@steespee With the correct post-processing it can be fine, You can give it a good coating to make it safe through the correct resins or other coatings though regular maintenance to maintain the coat would be likely required.

[@steespee]

@@RickyT15 that response is ambiguous enough to be utterly meaningless

[@Matthew-Carlin]

Hey Lance, Wacaco developed a pressure gauge for the Picopresso along with their own stand and an upgraded basket. Not available for sale yet but making the rounds at shows. Thanks for another awesome video, always great content!

[@_kwak]

This is the first I've heard. Hopefully we'll see more soon.

[@ductrung3993]

How can i search for it please?

[@Prato321]

They did away with that new basket due to the aesthetic errors. Still doing the pressure gauge though and the stand is available now

[@wiseghost1]

Really nice video! One thing that people tend not to mention is the cleanup. It is a really important part of the workflow. I have a pico and the cleanup is not bad. You could even wipe it with a towel if you are on the go. If you are careful while unscrewing the bottom, then only the basket touches the coffee. I wonder how easy it is to clean the other two.

[@banjohieroglyphs]

Yep. I pour shot then set it on a knock bin, then knock out the puck and wipe out the next time I use it. It’s a bit finnicky to mess with when hot

[@snowwolf8443]

I don't like cleaning the pico when hot, thinking of getting another basket for back to back shots because it's difficult when cleaning right after pulling a shot. The leverpresso looks very interesting!

[@WTFA54]

Love to see these videos on the cheaper end of equipment to help keep the hobby accessible! Have you ever tried any Staresso products? Theyre comparatively cheap but i haven't seen many people using them

[@sesshou2]

I've tried the staresso but it's material is a peace of garbage. Breaks and deforms easily :( i would not recommend it.

[@Jasonallansmith]

I have the Picopresso. Wacaco just came out with a stand for it also, and they have a pressure gauge that has been revealed as their next big release

[@LanceHedrick]

Woah! Big news! Pressure gauge and stand is massive.

[@rusbatmen727]

As I know they gonna release a new basket.

[@kg-Whatthehelliseventhat]

​@@LanceHedrickyo Lance check out the Jleverespresso.

[@kwieto]

One comment for build quality of Picopresso: after a year of use the rubber gasket on my showerscreen was damaged and needed to be replaced (not covered by warranty). After almost two years the piston broke... Compared with the Handpresso, which I used before, Picopresso lasted much shorter (I used Handpresso for 5+ years). The quality of coffe is very good in Picopresso, but you have to remember that it has 18g basket, so in fact it is more for a double than single shot. There is smaller (14g) basket available on the market, but it still quite large (I got used to the "standard" 7g dose).

[@RahulYadav-nk6wp]

Proud owner of picopresso. They now have a stand, a pressure guage and a 12g single shot basket as accessories. I love the portability, the quality of espresso. But you only get the quality once you know your exact grind size, and pumping methods. I guess that's the beauty of it, you love the process and when you reach it there, I don't know how many times I've been with it outdoors or at home, can't fathom the value for money and portability. You can have IMS competition baskets attached to it and you can have the whole setup.

[@balboababyvienna2757]

Nice comparison - it's always fun watching your videos. Thank you for putting in all the work and energy. I've been using the Picopresso for some months now - mainly for travelling and for having a good cup in remote places even if there is just hot water. The main reason for buying it was also because heating up my Lelit is energy-consuming and sometimes overdoing it when I just am in desperate need of just 1 cup. Well, I am equally obsessed with both the brilliant design and the practical aspect; mine also came with a mini brush and a distribution needle

[@jsgraves22]

I believe the Leverpresso in this video is the Pro model which list on their site for $325. Not really in the same ballpark price wise. The Pico is great. I've had one since they first came out and love it. I would also recommend the Uniterra Nomad which Lance has done a video on a while back. I love that thing. Dumped my Flair Pro for it and haven't looked back.

[@LanceHedrick]

Yeah I updated the caption and pinned s comment. Bonehead moment for sure

[@jsgraves22]

@@LanceHedrick No worries at all. Love your videos.

[@kulbertistvan]

I was jumping right away to the site after watching this and was shocked by the price😂

[@neillgarcia5]

Plus the Amazon link for their $110 dollars offering has minimal reviews, and one of them is not great .. with the plastic body exploding on the buyer and burning their stomach..😢.. I was super excited with what i saw in this video, just to find out the one being tested 3 times the price.. 😢

[@bradsyoutube]

@@LanceHedrick it’s all good man, still great info 👍

[@jeraldschoudt2155]

Awesome video! I have a flair pro 2 and a pico-presso. I got those, along with a 1zpresso hand grinder and I really enjoy manual espresso. I don't drink a ton of espresso, so the energy usage and counter space for a traditional espresso machine don't make sense to me. Between these espresso options and a variety of filter options like V60 and Aeropress, I have a very nice manual workflow which isn't as quick or convenient as possible, but the manualness makes me slow down and has a Zen appeal that works for me.

[@stillnessnmindelaine8810]

You’re one of the few that help us figure out premium espresso experiences at far more financially approachable methods.

[@linshu-hong855]

For a minute, I thought Leverpresso was going to take over the place of Nomad as the manual machine with a pressure gauge below $300. But at $325, it seems to be more portable than the Flair series. Thanks for introducing this!

[@JuddJadulan]

Even though I have upgraded to the Flair58, I still love using my Picopresso as much as I can, especially when hiking and going out of town where I have to carry light. The espresso it produces is really good and is on par with the Flair58

[@TheBhezard]

really, its on par with flair58? have you tried with light roast beans?

[@JuddJadulan]

@@TheBhezard I tried light roasts on the picopresso as well, not as good as the flair58 in this regard as it is hard to keep the picopresso warm enough to properly extract the light roasts.

[@antonc81]

Wacaco can be upgraded a bit with an IMS basket for the lapavoni post millennium. Wacaco have also released a nice collapsible stand with shot mirror and have teased a pressure gauge prototype which hasn’t been released yet… though I guess all of that would raise the price well above 130.

[@LanceHedrick]

yes! It can be upgraded with that basket, for sure. And I was unaware of the new stand and gauge that are forthcoming from wacaco. that is awesome

[@Robinzorz]

My man, how on earth are you constantly putting out fantastic content one after the other at this rate? Al while having a whole other job, ánd kids ánd being so prolific in the online coffee community. Amazing. Thanks for all this hard work!

[@dubhd4r4]

Each one of these machines is going to be hitting out of its league. Been using a Cafelet Robot for a good two years, and paired with a good grinder these manual machines are really capable.

[@NickWebster]

I put off getting a 51mm IMS basket for my Picopresso for about a year and wow-- I can't believe how much of a difference in the cup it makes. Also a lot less messy. I suspect it being a straight wall basket is a significant part of the impact though.

[@ChOfDenis]

Hi, how did the taste of coffee change with a new basket? Are you able to use more fine grind with it? Thx.

[@NickWebster]

Yes, much finer grinds and the straight wall makes the extraction more even.

[@ChOfDenis]

@@NickWebster thx, for me espresso from 18g basket is a bit sour. A finer grind makes it stuck. Often use 12 gram basket from Wacaco. Will try IMS.

[@NickWebster]

You can also try extracting a longer ratio if it's sour

[@ChOfDenis]

@@NickWebster I do so. It is ok, but I want finer grind and less sourness :)

[@DemirJPN]

They say the pressure gauge can’t be used cuz it doesn’t have the valve that blows and prevents you from breaking the flex.. Thanks for the vid!

[@_kwak]

My Picopresso journey has been wonderful, but not without its bumps. I ended up with a Hugh 51mm IMS basket for my Picopresso long before I knew they made their own machine. It has improved my daily shot by a significant margin! However, BEWARE: the 51mm included tamp does NOT fit, nor does the collar. I used a metal bottle opener to flair my stock collar just slightly at the bottom and it fits perfectly. I did have to purchase an all new 51 mm tamp, but was totally worth it for the substantial improvement in shot quality. Additionally, I had a failure in the plastic threads in my original Picopresso, causing the basket and the bottom collar to bulge. Picopresso was great about customer service and sent me a whole new unit after providing photos of the issue. I haven't experienced said issue and have pulled well over 300 shots since. Another small hiccup I recently encountered is my pump. My fingers slipped off it while rotating it to unlock the pump and the whole pump and spring assembly flew off the body of my Picopresso. A small tab has cracked, but I suspect I can Frankenstein the pump from the first unit with a little persuasion. The unit still functions mostly well, but there is occasionally water bypass thag drips from the pump area. Despite what I've outlined, I still strongly recommend the Picopresso to those who may be interested. The Hugh machine seems like it will be a better balance between home and travel, but the Picopresso is unbeatable for its size. I've probably pulled over 500 shots total on it between my two units and have loved it for it's incremental upgrades. Thanks Lance for all your quality productions on stuff we all enjoy! 🫶🌟✨

[@gromek]

Been using the Picopresso as a travel espresso maker and also in the office. I use both silicone covers as pads to hold the body which gets a bit hot especially if preheated. I also use a v60 stand as a makeshift stand when pumping. Without a stand, i find it easier to pump with your palm and also give more control.

[@jamesboyle3752]

I owned a Leverpresso and upgraded to the pro version. I had great luck with the Leverpresso but love the Leverpresso Pro. The pressure gauge does make a big difference. There are great videos to teach you how to dial in the Leverpresso so I would recommend people check it out! It allows you to control more of the process compared to the Picopresso. I have owned a Nanopresso and pumping just isnt the same as using the arms of the Leverpresso.... If you can afford it the Leverpresso Pro has been a good investment for me.

[@yahaya7682]

Thank you! Very insightful, I’d even got excited to upgrade picopresso to levelpresso pro. That is until I realized it starts at 325$… The regular version of levelpresso at 110$ does not look that much appealing at all

[@snowwolf8443]

Oh so the one in the video is the $325 version? Lance mentioned that it is 110! He should add a pinned comment or something

[@ziggyggs3468]

another banger video. Love the picopresso--I've got one that I travel with whenever I fly. I take a scale, hand grinder, and collapsible kettle with me. Everything fits in a 1gal ziploc bag. Plus, the button pushing is just pretty fun!

[@jtvrm1]

Really nice video. FYI, Wacaco just launched a stand for the Picopresso with a pressure gauge upgrade coming in August according to the support team. Can barely wait!

[@robojimtv]

Ooh I was thinking of picking up a pico presso but I'll wait a bit

[@Benny_Espresso]

@@robojimtv why wait just get the picopresso now and buy the stand when it comes out

[@robojimtv]

@@Benny_Espresso I assumed the gauge would be a new model but seems to just be an add on so maybe I'll just get a pico presso

[@kylewalton4424]

Another awesome video!! I was originally looking at the NeoFlex, but this video changed my mind and I am now leaning towards the Leverpresso. The only downside, that is keeping me on the fence is that the non-pro version of the Leverpresso drops the pressure guage.

[@IceFraud]

There isn't much documentation of the non-pro either... so right now I'm not sure what to get :`)

[@zenadventurer69]

My travel setup is a Picopresso, an AeroPress Go and either a 1ZPresso KPlus or the Langom mini along with a collapsible kettle. There’s nowhere we can’t go and not have ourselves some damn good coffee. Every hotel room these days comes with an infernal pod machine…in a pinch I use them for hot water…but beyond that, I LOVE my Picopresso. We have a restaurant here at home that we love but their coffee is terrible. I bring my Picopresso and my home roasted coffee and then just ask them for hot water. Normally, would be a dick move, but our friends at the restaurant know their coffee sucks (they get it from a friend of the owner) and so think it’s great that I bring my own, whether I make it on site or bring a sippy cup. Great review.

[@QawiemJamil]

The picopresso is such a great package. Compact and very well designed. It makes delicious espresso especially once you upgrade to a precision basket. If it had a pressure gauge attachment, then it would've been perfect. I kinda wish they would make a pro version that comes with a precision basket and a pressure gauge. I would buy it in a heartbeat!

[@coffeecove7058]

They are suppose to come out with a pressure gauge, so I have been watching their website. They recently dropped a stand for the Picopresso, and there a pictures of a gauge on it.

[@QawiemJamil]

@@coffeecove7058 oh wow! Thanks for the heads up

[@CabeensCoffeeCorner]

Great comparison! Thanks for owning your mistake! You have a lot on your plate when it comes to reviews, gear, and onyx so I definitely understand how easy it would be to miss that detail! Picopresso has a stand now (very recent) and will soon have a gauge. I personally preferred the lever on the flair products over the robot due to the fact it doesnt hurt your hands as much. Would be curious to see your thoughts with the flair pro 2 verses the leverpresso as the the flair comes in at over $100 cheaper meaning you could get a pro 2 for home and a picopresso to go for the same price as the leverpresso! Thanks for the review!

[@dericklopez2816]

I love Lance sense of humor! ❤ coffee stuff and his personality is why I watch his videos😊

[@kitcraft9516]

I prefer the workflow of the picopresso over the flair. Honestly, I'm always going to use my Bambino Plus first though. However it is awesome that there are options for everyone out there.

[@notyou7]

Flair now has a pressure gauge that will work with the Neo Flex. And the 'pro' version of the HUGH is now on the site. At that price I think I'll keep packing my Flair Pro2.

[@Rekmeyata]

Another great video, thanks Lance, you are doing a better job of this than your "daddy" James! Sorry James! What I don't understand about the Leverpresso V4 is why do they want to charge about $200 more just to add a pressure gauge? At that price point for the Pro model, I would just get the Cafelat Robot and have a machine built to last several lifetimes! While I can see how small the PicoPresso is, unlike how it is marketed, most diehard backpackers, like myself, would never pack that thing into the backcountry, why? It's too bulky and too heavy, and when backpacking or bicycle camping/touring having less weight is critical. The PicoPresso weighs just over 3/4ths of a pound, whereas the GSI Ultralight Java Drip maker weighs only 0.3 ounces! Plus, it folds down to about a 1/4 of an inch and is only 4 inches around. Car camping, I could see the PicoPresso being used, but not backpacking or bike packing.

[@martinmanzi1830]

Just the video i was needing...thanks Lance!

[@cardinalcar]

I have the Wacaco nanopresso and I cannot believe how good of espresso it makes, all powered by a pump. Because espresso machines are so bulky, I never bought a machine for home brewing. I love how easy it is to clean these little manual machines

[@arianyazdannik968]

Great video Lance, as some other people mentioned wacaco just released a stamd for pico. They are also going to release pressure gauge and IMS basket designed for pico soon.

[@iiiyiii]

Happy to see Lance gives the levepresso a decent review and recommendation. I had the leverpresso v1 and v2, and it does great espresso and that’s the 1st espresso machine I had and I learned a lot from it! Hope you find a way to keep this review available.

[@floyd7820]

Wish I found your channel sooner. Your videos feel like a very enthusiastic friend is sharing their special interest :)

[@Prato321]

Please, fully dial in the Picopresso correctly the whole way through and do a proper review for it. It took me a while to fully master it, but is totally worth it now. Because of the design of the basket though, it can't do turbo shots, and it can't do light roasts. I would grind a medium roast in it since I know you're not a fan of dark roasts

[@danielchin8073]

Your release schedule is insane. I hope things pick back up for the channel. May the algorithm look down on you with love.

[@psoridian]

When the shot's so good he has to whisper

[@LanceHedrick]

espresso whisperer some might say

[@ayushkapoor019]

Hey Lance.. Fantastic video, as usual. Just wanted to point something out - I believe that you have the Leverpresso Pro, which is $325. The regular Leverpresso isn't really built similarly!

[@LanceHedrick]

Check the caption and pinned comment!

[@Jjjutras]

When I saw your put the gauge away I was he is going to use it. 😂 good job, this was a fun video. The lever was super interesting for me but already having the pico I didn’t see the value for an additional travel machine.

[@ProfessorTuukar]

Love a good Lance video, love a good budget video. Win, win here!

[@LanceHedrick]

heck yeah! Hope it doesn't disappoint!

[@ILT12345]

Love how Lance uses 5kgs as the Hugh"s base weight, very useful for us who don't use imperial metric system. I have the older Leverpresso, and I don't really like it because my initial product arrived crooked (when both arms are raised, the plunger tilts at around 20 degrees angle).

[@skrinix]

i’ve had the pico for about a year and a half and take it camping with me. definitely a really fun way to have a nice espresso or americano in the mornings. i did a few mods on it like running a larger la pavoni basket and using one of the metal basket pucks to help with channeling but overall, solid rig.

[@jacquesguillotte3270]

With the Pico Presso I can grind my coffee in the morning, load the basket, tamp and leave to work to have an espresso for my coffee brake by just adding hot water. I have been doing this since 2 years and the Picco Presso never let my down !

[@anonylesss]

6 months ago i watched your "Espresso under budget" video featuring the Flair Neo. then decided to get the Flair Signature as it was only 200$ on Amazon (pressure gauge and a nice tamper included) .Flair raised their prices a little since then for the same kit , but overall i think it is still the better choice over the Neo Flex+pressure gauge - (assuming we all agree a pressure gauge is super essential) and that's because the Flair Classic/Signature is easily upgradable to the Pro2 . not to mention the Classic Flair portafilter can take 16gm with no issues. ok i'm gonna brew 20gm shot with the Pro2 head now byee

[@crupez5]

The spoon spit into the shirt pocket is why I keep coming back

[@deadshrub]

Hi Lance... you are amazing. Thanks for the great content.

[@McKullinLuikaus]

Glad to see some not so high-end stuff for a change! Great up!

[@callummilne8380]

Wacaco for me! I work at sea! Travel friendly is super important and I also don't want to look too crazy with my coffee kit I take with me. It's not all camping friendly, every single ship runs on coffee, and 9 times out of 10 that coffee is horrendous.

[@brentroman]

Hey Lance- Picopresso user here. 3 things: 1) did yours not come with a mini WDT tool? Mine did. 2) Wacaco just came out with a foldable stand with shot mirror for this guy. Kinda cool. 3) I “heard” that they are currently developing a pressure gauge that can be used with it. I think someone said that it is supposed to come out in August? Anyway, cool stuff. I love mine.

[@LanceHedrick]

1) yes. too thick. 2) didn't know this until comments today. Very cool. 3) this is something else I heard today. Very cool!

[@raenagain]

@@LanceHedrick just some feedback, I think it's worth you mentioning that the Picopresso comes with a WDT. This video is literally a budget espresso showdown and knowing that the Picopresso comes with everything you need and more is really helpful for people researching about it. The only reason I know you missed out on this point is because I have one myself. I then question what other things you missed out on in the two other models that didn't make the cut based on your notion that it's an inferior part that's not worth mentioning.

[@lurklingX]

august, huh? good to know! i was wondering if they had a rough date in mind. only saw the mention of it since scrolling comments.

[@brentroman]

I don’t know if a specific date. Wacaco customer service told a user that their estimate was “late august”.

[@KeepoKreepo]

I would say the gauge isn't supported because it doesn't have the pressure release seal that's on the new piston to work with the red filter and preground coffee. I think*

[@NubRusty]

Big fan of the manual espresso market. The pressure control you get on these is only found on $3,000+ semi auto machines. I'm a proud owner of a Flair 58 and I'm going to be using this thing until it breaks.

[@hoongfu]

Daaang, I may need to pick up a picopresso now. I've been interested since James did his mobile espresso video. I like the more in depth review you did and comparison!

[@tomashalfar7043]

I was so exited about Hugh after seeing this video. But quite disappointed when found out it costs around $350 😬 Cheaper version which you mentioned is different model. Without pressure gauge and build with a lot of plastic parts 🤷‍♂️ I guess that results of this comparison will be different when comparing with same price level High model

[@LanceHedrick]

I have noted this in the pinned comment and in the caption. Cheers

[@lurklingX]

same. oh well, at least i know about a knew contender in the manuals now! will be keeping an eye on it. plus, if it's pretty equivalent to a pro 2, now we have some actual choices!

[@jdmagalis9371]

The neo flex now comes with the pressure gauge included for the same price of $99. It also travels easily as the frame comes apart into two pieces. A travel case can be purchased for a little extra.

[@miles611]

Love the energyyyy Thanks for the video! Also Hugo at 5:55 "I don't like it" xD He ain't mincing his words

[@lilteyang]

A lot of Picopresso users actually use the Hugh basket for better light-roast extraction, but the funnel doesn't fit😢 Can't wait for the ims basket and pressure gauge, which wacaco announced last year, to hit the market 🎉

[@JadeNeoma]

Just some notes for people finding this video now. The neo flex now is compatable with the $56 pressure gauge, though i assume they've changed the gauge not the neo flex so if you have a pressure gauge from an old neo or flair that broke or something it won't be compatable. And the flex does come apart. It seperates into the base and the kind of top section and you can get a carrying case for it making it a lot more portable. Imo its the one I would get to keep in my car if I wanted espresso in a hotel or something, though I would definitely outfit it with a pressure gauge and such so maybe i'd go for the picopresso instead if that was stretching my budget. The picopresso is the obvious winner for camping though

[@freeubi]

Also, you should mention the safety features of Flair: there is a pressure release cap, which will burst if you are using way too much pressure (so, before the machine break, it will release is)

[@traumsturm]

Can't bring myself to abandon my Rok espresso maker. I know it's not within the (price) scope of this video, but I wonder if you're ever gently caressed one with your supple mitts, Lance

[@LanceHedrick]

I have carressed, yes. I gave it away when I moved continents, so never had a chance to make a video with it

[@crimsonkatsu5919]

Woah that leverpresso looks awesome. I already have a cafelat robot, but for $100 or so getting something of that quality construction, that can make real espresso, and in this economy is crazy. What a time to be alive.

[@LanceHedrick]

Read caption please!

[@crimsonkatsu5919]

​@@LanceHedrickoh I see. That's quite the difference

[@TheTomsijoker]

Great comparrison. I Want to add that wacaco released a stand for the picopresso. And in the future they're going to release a pressure gauge to work with it.

[@knguros9415]

The Pico seems fantastic… in paper, it died on me in less than a year, doesn’t pump the water out anymore, and only used it once a day, 2-3 days per week, anyways.

[@LanceHedrick]

well, that's no good!

[@knguros9415]

@@LanceHedrick I’ve seen some other folks complaining the same, now is a $129 paperweight cause i don’t live in the US to get proper customer support, I hope they come up with a stiffer versions or with better materials, or somehow reliable. Such is life I guess.

[@nepazystutube]

Great video Lance as always

[@rommelreal9114]

I've ben using Hugh Leverpresso version 2 (not the latest one like in the video) regularly for two years as my entry point to brewing espresso at home, so far it's been fun. I paired it with a 100 USD electric grinder from Purefresh (Taiwan brand, such a great budget electric home grinder). As someone who makes one or two shots a day, I find the quality and the price well justified. I got the stand too. I hope it gets more exposure around though. Now hoping to get my hands on the Pro soon.

[@cookiesandstreams]

nice vid! as far as slurping goes, james hoffman did this really neat thing with youtube's multiple language audio tracks system to upload an audio track without slurping. if it really bothers people, it would be cool if that caught on in coffeetube.

[@lurklingX]

omg haha i JUST saw that yesterday! thought it was a really cool trick to do, for those that absolutely cannot handle slurps. (personally, it doesn't bother me. constant lipsmacks while talking tho...... ugh.)

[@darkxoa3961]

I'm always curious how backpacking friendly these things *really* are. They always mention camping as a use case, but the weight of your gear is typically more important than it's footprint when you have to carry it on your back.

[@keco185]

Yeah if you’re backpacking then settle for something other than espresso. Either do a small moka pot or aeropress or if you want to go really light then high quality instant coffee.

[@real1997]

I own original Flair, and Picopresso for travel. For one person, there’s no need for an electric espresso machine ever again. Phenomenal engineering and incredible quality espresso.

[@prosperousson389]

Which better taste? Pico or flair?

[@real1997]

@@prosperousson389Picopresso for sure. Flair produces incredible crema but the smooth taste of the Picopresso can’t be beaten

[@philippmergener1918]

“So we’re not gonna mess with that” … “But I’m feeling feisty” 😈 3:47

[@FrootNinja]

I will say with a couple of additions like a puck screen + 51mm basket from ims with flat bottom + a v60 stand the pico has been my main for some time. Love it 👏☕

[@sirlimpsalot7767]

I admit, I cut up a cell phone case from dollar tree that was a mirror and used it for a shot mirror on the road 1.5 inch 1.5 inch and sits on the edge of the flair base :)

[@phb8037]

Pro tip for the picopresso: Make really really sure it's completely dry if you store it for a longer time. I once forgot to dry it after a small journey and a month later it was all green and white from the inside🤮makes your coffee much less enjoyable.

[@eda7875]

When you have over 2k espresso equipment at home and come to youtube to watch "budget espresso" videos.

[@lurklingX]

🤣 i almost spit at the screen. SO true. (i don't have the kit, but even if i did, i know that would be me.)

[@kylereich404]

2:59 😄 me grabbing my scale , and cup to throw under my 3” clearance gaggia Happy brewing ! Great video.

[@localtactic]

The funny thing is always about the pressure gauge😂.. Most coffee youtuber said it fit and have like doubt why they said no.. Flair should know that if they don't make it fit.. Other third party company can always make it for NEO FLEX with better price ( 50usd for gauge is too much for me in Malaysia - equal to rm250+) - again i believe they make this with plastic materials so they will possibly not last like OTHER NEO.. so when the time come, u have to buy other neo.. Which is good business model.. And when the time come u will surely go for more better FLAIR if u already accustomed to use it everyday before with NEO FLEX.. which again a gud entry level for all that want to try FLAIR but in tight budget and great introduction with better price

[@eda7875]

That hugh seems perfect for my camper! I already have my old breville smart pro to go with it

[@szarvadyjazon]

Nicely done video 👌 well done :)

[@HenryAli]

Hey Lance, congrats on another great video! I have an idea for a video for you: In Indonesia, so many "small-branded" cafes are selling espresso based drinks which are made with the Rokpresso and/or the Flair. The "Latina" brand grinders are also pretty cheap and not really commercial quality. I also never heard the grinder's brand. Overall, they produce "decent" drinks with "low-budget" equipments - maybe around $500. What would you rather buy when you only have $500-$1000 budget if you want to open a small cafe?

[@The44sasquatch]

Great vid, really interested in the Leverpresso, I will say that the version you showed off is the 325 Leverpresso Pro instead of the 110 Leverpresso. It looks like the pressure gauge isn't standard on the lower end model. Still not a terrible price, but given the price increase would you say the higher end Flair is a better option?

[@LanceHedrick]

Yeah- total screwball moment for me. honestly most embarrassing thing I have done on YT. I have amended the thumbnail and title to fix it and pinned a comment/added a note in the caption. Anyway, high end flair (flair 58) is better than the Leverpresso pro if we are talking overall performance. BUT one might prefer the travelability of the leverpresso. I do think the LPP beats all the other flair options at the price.

[@The44sasquatch]

@@LanceHedrick Not really that bad though, they do the same function and as you said you'd still choose it over the other two. I'm trying to decide on a first espresso machine and these lever machines always hook me, but I'm also considering the new Gaggia Classic Evo Pro

[@nefstead]

What $50 hand grinder were you thinking of that could do espresso? I have a Timemore C2 and I absolutely love it for filter coffee, but it doesn't seem like it could get fine enough for proper espresso. I thought I'd have to invest in a Comandante to get that level of fineness and precision.

[@PeterGtze]

You are ridiculously funny. Loved the video, also your recent video with Pepe, Noa and your critique of blind consumerism 👌 Entertaining, enlightening and informative 👏

[@pannoncannon]

I may be lucky living in the bay area, but there are so many quality used espresso machines on the market for around $100. A little tlc and imo they're one of the best ways to start.

[@melb4161]

I believe Wacaco is bringing out a pressure gauge attachment next month. They just brought out a stand for the picopresso, and I’ve seen videos of the pressure gauge attachment.

[@AJ-gj8zx]

Do you think Lance uses Soul Glo?

[@Waisonian]

Great video! You had mentioned a good $50 grinder for these bad boys. What would you recommend??

[@lurklingX]

🤣🤣🤣 you killed me with the spoon into pocket maneuver and all the random shit like juggling and the cuts. hahahaa

[@JaiBrews]

The leverpresso in this video is the Pro which is $325 and the travel kit which comes with the stand is $444.. The regular leverpresso is $110 and doesn’t have a pressure gauge and it looks like there is no IMS filter basket option for the leverpresso, only for the Pro in the travel pack. Doesn’t look like you can buy it separate either

[@freeubi]

For me, checking the prices the Flair is the clear winner. Thats the cheapest one. The Wacaco also a really good machine, but it cost 1,5times more and if you are not travelling then there is no added value. The Hugh cost 3 times more than the Flair,which is still a lot more that buying one for the Flair...

[@JensThestrupToft]

Great video, thanks! The grinder used is the Q2, right? 😊

[@slush714]

Nice video! Been looking at the pico for awhile!

[@StephaniePogoda]

Not sure if this is a new change but flair’s pressure gauge is compatible with the neo flex. Just was not compatible with the original neo. Adds $56 to the cost, but with the flex being the cheapest of the three that’s still in range and well worth it!

[@LanceHedrick]

Yeah they changed it following this vid.

[@jdmagalis9371]

Even better now included in the package

[@PsyDei]

I bought a Wacaco once and it broke for no reason, it was working when I put it away a couple of months, when I wanted to use it later, it wasn’t working anymore. And of course it was out of warranty by then. Just a heads up.

[@Guips96]

I never knew the Leverpresso even existed. That sounds like a solid option for when I decide it's time to jump into espresso

[@LanceHedrick]

make sure to read the disclaimer! I had a dumb moment.

[@Guips96]

@@LanceHedrick Whoopsie daisy. It happens, but it's awesome that you're always so transparent with everything! Probably didn't have enough coffee for today, if I should say something

[@Seanie434]

Indeed, i got a bit hyped after watching this video. However immediately deflated after seeing this was going to cost $325 plus $33 shipping. I don't believe inflation made that much of a difference, thumbs down for that. Picopresso still has my vote for the price point and you can't beat the size.

[@coffeecove7058]

Wacaco recently released a stand to go with the Picopresso, and they have a picture showing a pressure gauge which they are suppose to release, but they did not say when it would be.