First Look Review: Cafelat Robot

[@jameshoffmann]

Two things: - it turns out you can get an Acaia Lunar under there but you can only use on cup. (I’m an idiot for not playing more with this) - yes I did swirl. Search for the Sprometheus video on the Kruve Propel glassware to explain why I was ok with this.

[@fareedjacob]

I got surprised when you said the lunar wouldn't go under that, in compare with the size of that kruv glass. But I think you should take out that rubber surface under the portafilter because of the hight of the lunar and the glass. Thanks James, You're awesome

[@IoanRobicek]

Nice review ! I see that you use Kruve espresso glass , that means it is a good deal , I trust you :))

[@kktpp]

Robicek Ioan ordered my kruve propel glasses too! They look awesome!

[@Sprometheus]

I’m honored, thanks for the shout! As always, great video. I have been diving into hand pressed espresso quite a bit lately and I’ve garnered a new found appreciation for them. I haven’t used the Robot yet, but there is something very appealing to controlling all the variables and then standing back and admiring your work. Kind of like building IKEA furniture.

[@chowderhead1337]

Sprometheus video on the Kruve Propel glassware: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2iseJeKgdCSkNk

[@willshapley9316]

James, I am a simple cafe manager. Stop giving good reviews to things I shouldn't buy on my wage...

[@jameshoffmann]

Sorry! 😳

[@discovery91]

Will Shapley I am just a poor home barista, it’s even worse for me 😖

[@henriksorensen82]

As @discovery says I am just a poor home barista and I have no more room for coffee stuff!!!

[@zaramintheequanimous]

I'm just a simple coffee addict, but damn, I've had holes in my pocket burning hotter than the coffee itself ...

[@ruthiecoltrane6640]

😄

[@_orodrigofernandes]

Who else loves the sound quality on James' videos? Superb!

[@broadsword6650]

Watching James’s reviews is “a slightly weird but not unpleasant experience”.

[@hiddeluchtenbelt6440]

Hahaha yeah that sentence also jumped out to me

[@mlucia10]

James Hoffman is the Bob Ross of coffee

[@SirBender]

🤣🤣🤣

[@madsandersen6270]

Lmao, great one:) !

[@audreyhiller]

I would say it's a 'really interesting' experience

[@NotUrAvg_Joe]

"Immediately you're probably thinking about thermal management." Hahahaha if only I were so refined

[@hogey74]

It is seldom far from *my* mind.

[@SHrepairs]

5 videos in, and I know thermal management is going to be in the final exam.

[@は私です彼の名前]

Well dang who the heck wants a lukewarm espresso?

[@stratmad]

Not only was this the gateway video for me for the channel, but the Cafelat Robot has been my copilot throughout this maddening 2-3 years of Covid nothingness. The fact I acquired a new toy and hobby, learned some new skills and a lot about coffee in general, and get to drink (what I consider to be) great espresso everyday is just a confluence of wins in my book. Thank you to James and the team for delivering consistently great content in every video.

[@CMO__]

SAME HERE! Glad to hear you are enjoying the robot still too.

[@EatingMachine23]

I think if you were anything like like me, most of it felt like I was the copilot to my coffee making equipment through Covid 😂

[@cliffcox7643]

covid, what utter bologna that the government shut down life.

[@Z3yram]

The trick for using the pressure gauge is to have it facing away from you. Then you lean over the top of machine to read the gauge. This position also means you get to use your body weight to push down on the lever arms vs having to push down on the lever arms with your own arms. -edit: Also fun tidbit, the "hands" of the robot can hold the tamper.

[@georgeel-azar3389]

That’s super handy to know. Thank you

[@Raselix]

"Also fun tidbit, the "hands" of the robot can hold the tamper." that's adorable

[@erinsjourney315]

There’s a great 3-D printer mod to get it reinstalled facing upward. Just one simple little plastic piece and a longer screw!

[@loba00769]

You are by far my favorite KZbin channel. You encompass everything for me. Gadgets, techniques, new & upcoming, but best of all you teach. Muchas Gracias Sr. Hoffman

[@jimbroen]

I got one of these about a week ago. It's replacing a broken GS/3 that's still sitting on my kitchen counter. I've had the GS/3 for years (serial number 97.) I used to entertain and the La Marzocco is glorious for that purpose. It however is not well suited for one person to make their morning coffee. It takes a half an hour to get to temperature and consumes a lot of electricity while doing so. It breaks about once a year and I have to lug it to the trunk of the car for transport to the local repair shop and after an expensive repair I have to lug it back. For me the GS/3 has lost it's appeal. I love the Robot. I'm happy with the coffee it makes and the effort required to brew and clean up satisfies my expectations. I also appreciate that it doesn't require a half hour to heat up. I'll make myself a coffee at a time where I otherwise wouldn't if I had to wait for my machine to get to temperature.

[@ThePlayahans]

Have had it for a couple months.. probably one of the best things I have purchased in my entire life 🙏🏻

[@clericneokun]

I finally got mine and I absolutely freakin love it. The work process from brewing to cleaning is such a breeze. People also weren't kidding when they say that it takes effort to pull a bad shot from this just because of the way it was designed.

[@rogierdikkes]

*raises hand* ... Hi...

[@Dani_Jz]

Just got one of these... and well... it's amazing. It's my first manual machine - I've had some experience with a commercial machine at our office (the director is a coffee geek and the office manager is an ex-barista), and I honestly adore the experience so far. The workflow is so clean and simple, I can really see it becoming part of the morning routine. Also, I've heard people say that lever machines are more forgiving than pump machines, but I didn't expect that my first shot would be enjoyable. When I messed up a shot on the commercial machine, it was literally swill water - here on the other hand, the grind was off, the extraction time was off, the ratio was off, and the end result still had crema, and tasted... not great, but good. I've certainly had many far, far worse espressos in restaurants before. Thanks to James for making me aware of this amazing machine.

[@muxianxu261]

will this work good for light roast beans?

[@Dani_Jz]

@@muxianxu261 okay-ish.. heat management will be the main limitation there, but like as far as manual machines go, it's pretty much up there

[@KingHeadbang]

"What is my purpose?" "You make coffee." "Oh my god..."

[@GormGrumGormly]

“Pass the butter” 😂😂😂😂

[@nickcowley8757]

For a hot second I thought you were talking about James.....same idea though

[@davidliu4314]

Robot: My job is a good purpose.

[@HardSmartfuxu]

Well, I think a robot can be quite proud of being an coffee-robot. Especially if it is doing a very good job at making espresso.

[@ChefForte]

Time to up the ante and create a Coffeeseeks.

[@MBsVideo]

I have a Robot and a Londinium R lever machine at home, and I switch between the two regularly as I enjoy using them both. People that have the Robot often note that the build quality and finishing on this thing are much higher than the typical stuff you see today. It hearkens back to a time when things were built to last a lifetime. The designer works with his hands restoring old espresso machines, and I think this played a large part in the build quality. The painted part is thick aluminum, and the rest (arms, portafilter, piston, basket and screen) are stainless steel. Everything that touches the brew path water is stainless steel or a food grade silicone seal. Note that there is just the one easily accessible seal to replace if needed (it's a standard size, the same as my Londinium, which uses three). When deciding between pulling a shot with my Robot or the Londinium, I could go either way. The taste is comparable, and the time difference is minor since the use and cleanup on the Robot is so simple (for comparison, I clean the Londinium group head and wash the basket between uses, so not a big difference). Sometimes I just want the feel and craft of pulling down the Robot's arms to make the shot. For its lasting value, quality of the shot and workflow, I'm pretty happy about my Robot.

[@4570Govt]

Thank you for your thoughts on the Londinium R and the Robot. I was going to purchase an R this past year, but the price jumped considerably before I could pull the trigger. Maybe that was a good thing?! I came across a video on a different channel talking about the robot. I think I’ll put the extra money into that Lyn Weber HG-1 grinder I’ve been eyeing 🙂

[@CC-hy6se]

At what part does the hot water / expresso come in contact with silicone that you can see? They advised me the new filter screen has a bit of silicone in the middle (papers can be used instead) and the hose for the pressure gauge is silicone if you have the barista version, anything else? Thanks.

[@user-ul3qk7is4g]

James could you do a comparison of manual espresso brewers? Rok, Flair and Cafelat...

[@KNURKonesur]

I second that!

[@amroalkhabraa7738]

I was going to ask the same thing!

[@deankelly193]

He's said before that the Flair is significantly better than the Rok. However I don't know where the Cafelat stands against it.

[@Sierra_Victor]

I’m looking into getting a manual like this and would love to see which comes out on top

[@calvinbartel]

VenomZ INDO second

[@TheEricSchubert]

I just passed my first week of use on my new Robot. As someone who struggled with temperature surfing, PID kit installation, tamping, etc. on my Silvia years ago, this feels so much simpler. I'm grinding by hand and brewing by hand. And even with a sub-optimal grinder (Timemore C3, non-ESP version), I'm still doing okay and getting drinkable shots, though I do plan to get an appropriate grinder to really dial things in. I've seen people talk about pressure profiling, but messing with that didn't help my shot quality right now. I've now seen two KZbinrs say just go to 8-9 bars right off the bat, and that's what I'll try tomorrow morning. Overall, I love my little Robot. It has a few things I'd change or modify. But, It's compact, stylish, and shows huge promise for tasty espresso in my near future (once I get the grinder).

[@tamasd8]

I was honestly surprised when you said that the coffee is excellent out of this little Robot. Great review, thank you!

[@smwillia]

A Rok versus Flair versus Robot head to head to head comparative analysis might be nice.

[@ladyflimflam]

capitanosmaw Thanks, you’ve just put Robot Rock into my head. 🤖🤖

[@KNURKonesur]

It sure would!

[@macdaddy9344]

I need this comparative review as well. Currently weighing Robot vs Roc myself.

[@ninetendopesaitama2107]

And la pavoni. I heard Flair has quality issues paired with poor customer service. Hard pass for me.

[@FartPanther]

This is still my question 3 years later, head to head on workflow, upgradability and most of all taste

[@dave1the1deer1hunter]

This was like the lock picking lawyer giving a lock a positive review

[@Ecoroof1986]

Haha

[@peterpodgorski]

I understood that reference

[@holograce5726]

@@peterpodgorski I also understood that reference

[@whitelotus_zero]

Heey Locks & Coffee Fam 🤙😂

[@seanmurphy4413]

@@holograce5726 I also understood that reference

[@DrakeDeath7]

"And let's make some coffee." It is always awesome how entertaining this show is and you haven't even starting making any coffee and sometimes never make any coffee. I love the channel, and I hope you have a great day!

[@charliewinterburn9471]

you're right about the looks of that thing, can't imagine it looks anywhere near as good in another colour

[@andersoster8321]

I have the pastel yellow version from Kickstarter and I think that is the most beautiful Robot 😃

[@MrCorrectify]

Yea, those mid century colors are rad. Fits right in on the counter with a kitchenaid etc.

[@CarloT99]

Can confirm it looks just as stunning in my kitchen in polished aluminum. Retro robot chic! 😎

[@hifimacianer]

@@andersoster8321 Yes, pastel yellow is a great color. My robot also has this color.

[@seabassisafish5468]

Best video in a while! And I don’t mean that the recent ones have been bad, but this one stood out. Well structured and pedagogical. And the new space is definitely the place, very nice work!

[@RadicalRumin]

A year ago I had my first enjoyable cup of coffee at the office. They had what I thought to be a fancy brewer. The brew had nutty notes and wasn't pure bitterness like when I tasted coffee before. Then I discovered we had a coffee machine at home we only used for guests. a single cup turned into a cup every morning. then the blasted thing broke. I got a cheap french press and a Hario Skerton Plus grinder and a cup a morning turned into a ritual for enjoyment. Grabbing my beans, grinding them, smelling them and having a nice few cups of coffee. I admit I should tone down my consumption, but I enjoy making the coffee too much haha Now here we are, me watching multiple videos on coffee equipment I'd never be able to justify spending money on and I'm enjoying it greatly. I've been debating whether to get myself an aeropress now or wait for christmas to gift myself one then, but these videos always seem to tempt me towards the former while watching, it's becoming harder to resist. Anyway, thank you for making these videos, James ^^

[@project395vermilion]

I don't have a girlfriend, but at least I can have this. It will never leave me.

[@nicholas8479]

The only thing that gets naked in my home is my portafilter.

[@kelseystarr3564]

The fact that James hearted this comment.. 😅💜 relatable..

[@siffoine]

Your future wife will take it in divorce 💔

[@shetlonzhang8994]

@@siffoine so funny comment

[@nathankiner7536]

I've had a Robot for over a year they're great. A few things: there are scales that fit and I highly recommend using one. Most importantly this allows adding more water for better thermal stability. Also if you preheat in some fashion you can raise the temperature enough for very light roasts. Personally when I add water I just let it overflow over the rim for a few seconds to bring the temperature up.

[@SantiagoLuz]

I put portafilter on top of kettle while heating water up. It pre heats by steam and it turns out to get constant temperature every brew.

[@mescellaneous]

@@SantiagoLuz we're buddies

[@scottwannop1889]

nathan, any scales specifically that you could recommend? thanks!

[@rpinarreta]

Would like to see a version 2.0 with improvements. 1) Legs attach to outside of base to allow for scale or just inside outer edge. 2) Gauge flexible so can be pointed up for better viewing. 3) Portafilter handle set further away from leg once locked closer to straight preventing potential paint chipping point. Good machine for medium to dark roasts.

[@tattonb84]

Thanks to watching this review and other reviews on James’ channel I went and bought the robot. It replaced a delonghi ec115..... night and day of difference. Love my machine. I love that I don’t have to plug it in and that descaling is almost nonexistent in my life. I use the machine 1-3 times a day.

[@betterd9160]

How is it to make multiple shots for two or three people?

[@tattonb84]

@@betterd9160 the work flow isn’t that bad at all it helps to pre measure ur beans to speed the process up.. the clean up between each shot takes a moment and the only part that’s a slight inconvenience is the depth of the basket. But it’s not terrible.

[@ThePlayahans]

The pro tip for making multiple double shots (it can handle big ones w up to 21g of coffee) in a row is to get a second basket, grind the coffee for the second one while waiting for the water to boil (if you have a manual grinder), prep the second puck and then pull two in a row.. that gives you 4 cappuccinos/espressos and would also work for more cycles/shots

[@anthonynelson1699]

I've really been interested in getting a manual machine for home use. I absolutely love espresso but I don't want to spend hilarious amounts of money on a machine that I won't really use as much as something like my Aeropress or Kalita. This really seems like a cool alternative to a single group Linea or the like!

[@ETILHK54]

It would be cool to see a shootout/comparison of various manual espresso machines, in various price ranges.

[@FartPanther]

Completely agree, James gets a completely new intriguing bean and compares the dial in progress with a blinded finale!

[@stevesimpson6558]

I bought one the other week, it's amazing, but you need to get a good grinder, and you need to dial in which takes time and changes with the roast you have, which I am sure you all know. Thanks, James, you made my choice for me.

[@JackOusley]

I'm not even that into coffee, but I like watching your vids because you are just a fun and pleasant presenter. Good work man 👍

[@lloydkrulewitz5017]

You are the man…the look and simplicity of this machine is wonderful…judging from your reaction to the finished shot has convinced me to add this machine to my 20 year old Gaggia Classic…your honesty is much appreciated…your style is appealing…I look forward to future reviews, hints and tips…

[@jeffersonderrickson5371]

Straight up Chibi Robo...this thing gave me the design tingles. It is so gorgeous.

[@Char10tti3]

Reminds me of a 50s retrofuturist style, might be more of the blue colour. Love the little robot guy :)

[@phatpat6667]

in regards to thermal management, stainless steel has a relatively poor thermal conductivity compared to other metal so heat loss may not be an issue as long as you don't take your time.

[@KBraggaducci]

I love the way James seems like he just took a bong hit after he drank the shot. He suddenly seems so relaxed and happy and the video just flows.

[@allenlark]

james hoffmann has such a delightful audience

[@4everB2]

Don't weigh the water you add, just fill the basket to 5mm below the rim of the basket (check the manual). The more water the more stable the temperature, and the easier it is to build pressure (air compresses). The basket is supposed to lock-in to the right (check the manual). Put a cup under the basket after you removed your espresso to catch drips. Just some small fixes from which you'll expirience the Robot is even better that you already thought is was ;-)

[@coffee.junkie]

Yup, yup, and yup.

[@davidlogan2682]

How many milliliters/grams of water will the basket hold when completely full?

[@4everB2]

@@davidlogan2682 With 18gr of coffee in the basket and filled 0,5cm below the top that would be 82,5gr of water.

[@davidlogan2682]

@@4everB2 Thanks!

[@RTSridesbikes]

@@4everB2 I'm always worried about water spilling out when I install to the robot when it's so full. To be expected?

[@danielnikolich2737]

For anyone that is curious about this produc. I just received my cafelat within the hour and its amazing. I have owend a Rok GC for about 4 months prior, so it taught me a lot with regards to pressure, thermal management, coffee grind size and tamping. The first shot was amazing. Thick. Great crema, extraction and heat. The pull was at about 6 bar. I adjusted the grind a little for my second shot and kept a steady 8 bar pressure and i cannot fault it at all. Night and day when comparing coffee quality and workflow. Highly recommend.

[@Fiascopia]

What size of grind do you use?

[@HumbertoHernandez99]

I know I'm not the only one waiting for the manual / lever espresso comparative ! 💯 Flair vs Rok vs Cafelat 😍

[@phosphor8416]

That might be clear: Robot > Flair >> Rok

[@ThorD4602]

No contest. Robot is a 70 year old design that actually makes perfect, real, espresso. build quality, looks, ease of cleaning, counter space footprint. It wins every category easily.

[@TomHigson1]

I just got one after watching this video. I'm enjoying it immensely, I think I'm in love with this little 🤖. It's such an easy recommendation.

[@danwilliams1202]

James, am new to 'proper' coffee but think I am only about 4 steps into my journey. Have an Areopress and an Oomph and like both in their own way. Like your approach, good balance of +ves and -ves and I can understand nearly all of it which is a bonus.

[@stevegraves280]

Very convincing, James. I got my first espresso machine, the Cafelat Barista today

[@marcowimmer9147]

Are we lever-users getting that La Pavoni review one day? 😎 Having that rich historic relevance, La Pavoni truly deserves that.

[@kevinshomecafe6431]

I'm glad to see that "Coffee Atlas" in Korean back there. ;)

[@pilkjaer]

I must admit that this thing looks really cool. Big potential for modding as well. It doesn't take much space either. All we need now is accompanying milk steamer in the similar design. Manual ofc. :)

[@thomasjohnson7401]

Bellman Stovetop steamer

[@ChocolatTherapy]

im really not an espresso at home fanatic, but i love the way this thing looks, and the colour, and the fact that it received a positive review??? im very intrigued, i would love to hav eone now

[@alexmontanus]

6:14 Fill the basket to just under the rim. Less air means better pressure response and less heat loss (ie. more boiling water means better heat). 10:22 No need to go to 9 bar for a lever machine, 6 is good enough and very easy to get and maintain .

[@mufike]

Anyone watching should buy this machine because it has the best build, least maintanance, best workflow, and most brew variability ever! Literally best in game, will last until you die. And thats wonderful

[@canbo7643]

Thank you James. I’ve been leaning very heavily towards a La Pavoni Europicolla but for half it’s price, this Robot’s for me! I also considered the Flair and the ROK but this design is far more elegant. Producing shots will be simpler as will temp. management.

[@lewis40001]

Cafelat Robot vs Flair vs EspressoForge vs Portaspresso vs Rok vs Aram vs Nomad--That's what a manual comparison should be.

[@classicrockonly]

I almost considered buying one of these earlier this year. The couple things that turned me off were the price being higher than the Flair Signature Pro, I really couldn’t find much info on it, and I was already familiar with the Flair Classic. Happy with the Pro, it was quite the upgrade in my opinion

[@kasperholmjensen8540]

Sooo next up, a James Hoffmann x manual brewer-designer collab? I say yes!

[@ericpmoss]

So, after watching this and every other review of the robot, I ordered the barista model with the tamper that guarantees a level tamp. After a week of day and night use, and not enough sleep as a result... it is fantastic. Build quality is SOLID and the details are well-done, such as the rubber mat with impressions that lock onto the ridges on the base. I definitely recommend the 'donuts' that make the handles easier to use when pushing down in the 8bar range. I wish the pressure gauge pointed straight up because it's much easier to get 8-9bar when I lean over the robot. I can't see the espresso porn happen like when standing in front of it, but it just works once the grind is dialed. It is more important to go by pressure or appearance? I haven't tested that yet, but I know that going by pressure does work. If you can dial a grind that works with 4-6 bar, you can stand in front of the machine nicely. Now, the workflow is MUCH easier than most reviews indicate, and is MUCH easier and faster to do than to read about, once you have done it a few times: 1. Start to boil ~3cm of water in a small pan. 2. Place the basket into the portafilter and set it all in the heating water. 3. Lift the lever arms all the way so that the piston is as high up as it goes -- this is the position needed to let the portafilter tabs easily align with the guides they lock into. 4. Weigh the beans into your grinder -- I use slightly more coffee than for other lever machines. YMMV. 5. When the water starts to boil, start grinding -- I use slightly finer grind than for other lever machines. YMMV. 6. Remove the portafilter+basket from the boiling water and set onto a tea towel, which sucks water out of the basket. 7. Add the coffee to the (now hot) basket, fluff it with a toothpick, and tamp -- the tamper from cafelat is $$$ but EZ to use. 8. Put the shower screen into the basket and fill with BOILING water from the pan, up to 7-8mm below the top. Turn off heat. 9. Push the portafilter up gently onto the piston, with the handle pointing straight forward. The red gasket on the piston needs to push into the basket and seal in the 7-8mm space above the water your poured in. The guides limit how far you can push up, but don't go crazy (practice with a cold machine and empty basket once or twice). Rotate the handle to the right to lock in. It won't be perfectly square with the world, but the piston self-aligns once you press the lever arms down. 10. Slowly move the levers down and increase pressure up to 8 bar (though honestly anything above 4-5bar is fine -- finer grind ends up needing more pressure and thus more force). Stop when the espresso starts to blond. The machine can make a huge amount, and so you have to either control how much water you start with, or control how much of what you put in gets pressed out. 11. Remove the cup and put in a second cup to catch what's left. Squeeze out the remaining water. Lift the arms slowly to the top and press out the last bits until all you get is a bit of foam -- no need to go gorilla, just enough to dry the puck. Then lift the arms all the way, and unlock the portafilter by moving the handle back to the straight-out position. Tip the handle down

[@LastAphelion]

Appreciate this.

[@joanbrodie4752]

Excellent, thorough review. Much appreciated!

[@michaelshiferaww]

Is it just me or did James get a little hyper after the double shot of espresso. If anything, that's an honest and good review

[@wakeforest112]

Yup I noticed that too haha

[@m4tth3wh]

Thanks for the first look video. Love the Barista Robot! Grown to love manual brewers where there's little to nothing to break. This thing is solid! No electronics to die or pumps to break down. Noticing you can likely save some steps and keep the basket in the handle to fill and knock out coffee at the end. Carefully placed thumb should hold it. Feel fortunate to have this machine at work and get to use it daily to brew for colleagues there. Consistent tasty coffee produced and good for back to back shots. I quite like the split shots options but more fiddly. I typically sit handle/basket in boiling water before use. Kitchen has a zip boil for hot water on tap though. One thing I've been trying lately is using a filter paper under the metal shower screen. Thought it may help with reducing possible channelling. Keep up the great videos. Cheers.

[@cinemaocd1752]

It looks like a little robot!!! It's so cute. And yeah, green all the way!

[@choreomaniac]

It seems like the niche zero and the robot pair pretty well together in terms of quality and cost and especially style. For under $1000 you get a setup that is capable of making very good espresso and is a good conversations starter/art piece.

[@Sublimer79]

I basically stopped using my drip machines. I have a cheap one and a larger more expensive one. I just use my moka pot for AeroPress now. I even use my moke pot for tea when I noticed. I wasn't getting good enough extraction. SO, YEAH. That's all I use now. If anything is 2 strong a little water is all I need. I keep it simple. I enjoy watching you and all these machines. Even if I won't buy most of them.

[@kvnngkronos]

- James: *swirls coffee* - People: he's not using a spoon! *outrage follows*

[@jonfish2132]

Not to shill but he was using the kruve cup which was made for swirling espresso. Has special fins and whatnot.

[@spearsthomas]

I bought this a few months ago, after seeing this video, and it's been my favorite way to make espresso. It took a little while to dial ii, and get used to it, but it makes reliably fantastic espresso, is fun to use, and easy to clean. Thanks so much for posting the reviews!

[@9mycool]

@Alexander H. it could be the coffee

[@RefuseTheFallingRain]

Could you do a comparison of manual espresso brewers?

[@stuffnuns]

I double that. I have owned a Flair for about a year, and I’m very happy. But, I would like to see what James thinks in comparison.

[@mrbdrm2]

@@stuffnuns Flair is good but too much work. this is why i chose the rok.

[@uhu4677]

+1 And are there any decent cheap ones?

[@KNURKonesur]

I second that idea as well!

[@robertofalk]

I also would like to see that. I still don't know if I should buy the ROK or Flair. Cafelat Robot is too much for my budget.

[@p1nelord]

I dont know why but im addicted to your channel🤷‍♂️

[@ellenmartin4849]

"Immediately you're probably thinking of thermal management". James, I wish I were sharp enough to be thinking of thermal management. I don't even have an espresso maker (sadly).

[@courtneyfahlin5207]

I am not 13 videos deep into watching your channel and as a fellow coffee lover and former roster and barista... I love this... keep making videos

[@autoturisti3307]

Loving the design, reminds me of Dieter Rams in a way. Great review btw, it finally got me to join your Patreon gang :) I am a big fan of manual espresso machines, using the Uniterra Nomad Espresso at the moment. Feels nice to keep it simple.

[@ThePhillB]

Definitely a very unique little machine and seems to be very well thought out, just way out of my price range. I do still love the manual aspect of brewing espresso with these lever machines, I recently fell back in love with my ROK after installing the GC upgrade and getting a tamper custom made to fit the portafilter basket. There has always been something about any manual and hands on brewing method that I have always enjoyed, it is just something that took what was a Monday an there has always been something about any manual and hands-on brewing method that I have always enjoyed, it is just something that took what was a mundane process for me and turned it into something I take the time to appreciate. Recently I found a small company out of Indonesia that makes an aftermarket metal shower screen and gasket assembly that fits the GC upgrade chamber as well as a distribution tool to fit the ROK baskets. The shower screen is my next planned addition.

[@blindBensi]

Have you ever tried a La Pavoni Professional (hand lever)? That would be an interesting topic in a video. Keep it up! Love your work!

[@auttoautaut95]

Sedos yes please, considering getting the la pavoni milano.

[@marcowimmer9147]

Yes please!

[@MS-tw3tj]

Yes please!

[@koplandavid]

Or ep

[@brentroman]

Yes- please do a La Pavoni lever machine review.

[@rnsthomas]

Thank you for the informative reviews that answer all of my questions. I purchased the same green Cafelat Robot last week and have had great success getting the quality of shots that I enjoy. No more expensive repairs to my Nuova Siminelli Oscar! Manual is the only way to go now for me.

[@fluffmallow1159]

I can't stop thinking about where on the robot the coffee comes out. The colour of coffee doesn't help either...

[@user-yn7bz5mn5g]

Awww shit...

[@willbrophy2160]

I feel like that's also why they made the handle lock off to the side rather than to the front as a portafilter usually would.

[@fluffmallow1159]

@@willbrophy2160 I had not thought of that. That's hilarious

[@willthedingo]

@@willbrophy2160 This was exactly what I was thinking, and came to the comments to see if someone else was thinkin' it haha.

[@Char10tti3]

So it isn't oil? 🤢

[@stephenmanis5258]

I bought a Barista/Pro Robot based on this video and it also happens to be my first espresso machine ever. Combined with the Niche Zero grinder, the Robot is a thing of joy. The very first shot I pulled with the Robot was really darned good (17g grounds in, 60g water in, and a 36g extraction), and after a little dialing-in with my local coffee house beans, things only got better. I'm gob-smacked at what a great first machine this is! Note that the Acacia Pixis scale fits perfectly between the legs of the Robot (expensive, but it's a great little scale). Hats off to Sir Hoffman for the excellent review and plethora of coffee wisdom.

[@jamesrobins1250]

When Paul started designing the robot, I thought it was just a Baby Faema clone. Seeing it now, I realize that he has created a pressurized Vietnamese phin coffee maker. A brilliant idea; the phin makes great drip coffee. This carries it to a logical next step.

[@thomasfitzgibbon1675]

This isn’t like that at all… it’s basically is just a really good baby faema clone with a bottomless basket

[@handynell4838]

The reason I want one of these is bc I am frequently traveling in an airstream, where I use an aeropress. I don't love the aeropress coffee, but I'm grateful to have it, I've got decent coffee to drink. (1) We like to bring as much unplugged gear as possible, bc we generally are on solar only. (2) This does not have the awkward footprint to use and store in a small space, like the Flair models. This is the single greatest advantage in a comparison of the two, for my purposes. (It's still heavy at 6.5 lbs) (3) Major points for design of a cunning robot friend who heals me with bean nectar. (4) Build quality and pleasure of handling well machined steel object instead of a plastic aeropress. We also use pour-over--or as we old folks call it, Melitta coffee. (She invented it.) We started with french press, which is most efficient of the bunch to approach in a pre-caffeinated state. Yet it's a disaster to clean up when being frugal with the fresh water tank. I really miss an espresso in the morning when I travel and this is damned attractive.

[@lizcademy4809]

Good old Grandma M (what I call my Melitta cone)

[@chriselsdon]

Great video James. Your research and info on machines and coffee are both informative and entertaining! I just ordered a robot and can't wait to make great espresso.

[@MarioMerendinoFilms]

James if you enjoy manual espresso machines you need to try out a La Pavoni!

[@KenWallaceDesign]

Cool! That chamber is exactly like a Vietnamese Phin. Plus, with the pressure of espresso. Ingenius!

[@VladGiurgiu7]

When is the review coming? Some tips, tricks, and insights on how to learn making espresso with the robot would be very much appreciated :) Thanks!

[@JeffOlson504]

Looks like an awesome piece of kit for tinkerers, like myself. Would also be a great option for making mornings less loud.

[@goodboid]

James actually liked something? There flies out money from my wallet.

[@nicholasrubianes5368]

Ohhhh get off his jock yo

[@charlescook9052]

I've had the Cafelat for over 2 years now and use every day. Super great expresso

[@Kubatko]

The music selectio is top notch, thanks for Junior State

[@henrymann6048]

This is the new hip version of 'art attack'!! Need the xylaphones jazz tune when your brewing. Love this machine! Thank you James

[@tristansmith3731]

Well now I have to think about choosing this or the flair espresso

[@ThorD4602]

No comparison, robot better in every way. This design goes back 70 years.

[@FloorVerschure]

Hi James, I really like your videos. They are so easy to listen to and watch because of the proper English. Furthermore, I do like how neat and clean your areas are where you create your videos and the fact that your reviews are honest without the need of ranting if it is a bad product. Please continue what you do and how you are doing it. Greetings from the Netherlands. If bexit does ever succeed, please consider moving to the Netherlands :-)

[@landovite2686]

What kind of espresso glass are you using? By the way, I love your videos! I'm visiting London for a few days in December, I am very excited to visit Prufrock as well as other coffee shops. You are a great inspiration and I'm a great fan, keep up the great content!

[@jameshoffmann]

They’re the new Kruve Propel espresso glasses. They’re on Kickstarter at the moment

[@stefanb8255]

Thx for the tip on Kurve. Just ordered a couple!

[@opusthe2nd]

Your review of this has made me a very happy person. I loved my Flair but this is over the top! Good job.

[@ketch_up]

"Don't put it in the dishwasher" - signature deadpan stare

[@goinggrimy]

I know this is an old video but I wanted to point out that I had a friend who used this for pop ups when he was trying to start his own business. He loved this little guy so much but now it's retired because he opened his own shop and got a machine!

[@robbarker8095]

I was one of the first few to back this on Kickstarter and have had it for nearly a year now. I love it, people always comment on the looks, how it's both retro and modern (whatever that means). It is good, but I find myself not using as often as my classic primarily because of time. In the morning I don't have time for all of the prep so I don't. It's now in the cupboard, but not because I don't love its looks and what it does just because of my time.

[@LastAphelion]

What do you use?

[@ghuroo1]

@@LastAphelion I think by classic, he meant “Gaggia Classic Pro”, but I might be wrong!

[@romishamai]

Thank you for the detailed work, specifically for mentioning weights. It could be interesting to explore temperature sweet-spot with that kind of manual machines. Thanks again.

[@murataht]

Hi James, thanks for the nice review. I am considering buying an lever espresso machine, and narrowed down my choice to flair and robot. Price wise, robot is bit more expensive than flair. So I am wondering, is it really worth the extra money ? thanks in advance.

[@marcusannegarn8497]

It sounds like it's much less fussy than the flair in terms of cleanup and thermal manaht! For me that would probably justify the cost, especially if you want to use it everyday

[@letsgetcarriedaway]

i've owned both. the flair feels like a toy in comparison. the robot is much easier to clean, and is more versatile in terms of dose and yield. the flair is somewhat limited in that respect.

[@murataht]

@@letsgetcarriedaway thanks ! I've got to save up a bit more, then. Surely want to get a barista version, with a pressure gauge.

[@jonfish2132]

The flair is a huge pain, robot looks like a significantly better experience.

[@squarehammer4619]

Nice Breville knock box 😁 I'm glad you did this video review because I've been interested in trying one of these machines and it looks like this one might be the best one out besides the Flair but I like this one better the way that it's designed, it looks more stable. Cheers ☕

[@edwickson]

Yeah! Welcome to the manual espresso club

[@ColinMakesAllTheThings]

honestly thrown by the set change! Love watching your reviews as always.

[@Acontinouslean]

Love the review James . So I assume you like it more than the rok and the flair ?

[@amandapeine6745]

The metal screen is thicker now and the finger pin is silicone so it can't be bent by the piston if crooked.

[@Roaster-Hanford]

Great review! I’d be interested to see a comparison between this and the flair as I’ve been toying with purchasing a manual espresso machine. Also loving the pegboard, takes me back to school woodwork classes. 😄

[@JACKSTAY]

I was just looking at those boards at ikea lol

[@trabu86]

Thank you James! Not only for the reviews and the high quality of the channel overall but most importantly for sharing how to understand coffee and take the crucial aspect of making it into consideration. Coffee education as its best 👌 I’m not sure with the coffee machine that will ended up in my kitchen... but I’m sure that I’ll practice with it following your tips. Bravo!

[@JosephCatrambone]

I have a stupid idea for fitting a scale in there: have a scale on either side and put a thin piece of wood between them. Each scale will report half the weight.

[@crak144]

The same idea entered my brain. Lol

[@kubectlgetpo]

You will have to really center the cup to get equal weight distribution

[@JosephCatrambone]

@@kubectlgetpo The sum of the weights will be the same as the whole, though. Exact center makes it easier on the math (just double), but if it's off you can still add.

[@kubectlgetpo]

@@JosephCatrambone excellent point

[@clericneokun]

I ordered one from their site and this has been the longest two-week wait of my life.

[@joelweikguitar]

Just curious how long it took for you to receive your robot, and now, 2 months later, how are you liking it?

[@clericneokun]

@@joelweikguitar standard time for delivery is 2 weeks but I got mine a week earlier. As for my thoughts, I absolutely love it. The process from brewing to cleanup is so easy because of how it was designed. One negative thing to note though is temp stability. While significantly less of an issue compared to a ROK or Flair, you can still notice it on light/med roasts with brew ratios under 1:2.5. There are ways to easily heat up both the handle and piston though. Lastly, I get the most consistent results when I place an aeropress paper between the puck and shower screen. To sum it all up, it's a fully functional lever machine without a boiler.

[@joelweikguitar]

clericneokun thank you very much! I ordered one (plus filter paper discs). I am very excited!

[@clericneokun]

@Ryan Brown I'm from the Philippines, sorry. For us, it's 40-50% import tax (depending on how the item was evaluated). Then there's separate payment for shipping so LOL. If anyone's interested, I've have mine in daily use for six months now and it's still going strong so definitely worth it.

[@johnjackson5987]

What was the brand of espresso glass you used, where can it be found? Love the design/style. Appreciate the review. The Mrs, saw me watching the review, and gave me the evil eye. LOL! I have the Flair Signature Pro (just ordered the Pro 2 upgraded brew head ) and the ROK with the upgraded pressure chamber..... My coworkers and family say I have a coffee problem, and considering an “Intervention” 😉

[@gblan]

Kruve