FLAIR 58 DETHRONED?: Superkop and Sonic S7 Review

[@LanceHedrick]

Please consider hitting the like and subscribe if you haven't! Seriously the easiest and one of the best ways to support my work. Appreciate you all! Leave a comment and tell me what you think about the video!

[@XxXJOHNYB0YXxX]

BetterHelp is a major scammy/Scummy company. I would advise reading up on them and turning down their sponsorships.

[@wilwith1l]

just think... you could emulate that "up and down" pressure profile from the Superkop on your Decent and potentially expose another earth shattering espresso shot pulling technique that goes against all traditional theories

[@sunwukong8069]

I hit that like 👍

[@quarkonium3795]

Great Video Lance! My only gripe is that you should cut ties with BH because of what they've done recently

[@Kang_Guru.]

your shirt is really cool!!! I want it! your hair is cool!!! your mustache matches your character, cool!!! your eyeglasses are cool!! you are a cool dude -- not just by appearance, but also personality. You're the man!!!

[@tesilab994]

The great thing about a wall mounted lever machine is you put a sign over it to “Pull in case of [caffeine] emergency”

[@LanceHedrick]

Ok that would be epic actually

[@coreycannon4511]

Brilliant.

[@robertjason6885]

Strietman had a wall mounted lever at one time.

[@zixzysm]

Thanks for the tip! Will go on my ES3.

[@The_Loathsome]

The Flair 58 has a couple of predecessor models to work out the kinks. That being said, any lever machine will have to match not just Flair’s ability to retain temp, but match it in price for it to be a real contender.

[@rsteen78]

Over here one of these new lever machines are about 5x the price of a basic Flair or 2x the price of the Robot. Don't think I'll "upgrade" from my Robot soon.

[@residentcivilengineer]

What machine is the robot i keep hearing about. Can you tell me a specific name. I am so lost.

[@SolidAlloy2]

​@@residentcivilengineerCafelat Robot

[@fatandproud1]

You have to hand it to Paul Pratt (or Faema with their Baby) - the Robot is a masterpiece. It may not have a heated group like the Flair 58, but due to its design it doesn't really need preheating unless you go for light roasts.

[@Ryan-yh9ii]

Even with light roasts you don't need to preheat. Just grind a lot finer and you get the same outcome: delicious shots.

[@tristantjones]

Never thought I’d comment about an ad in a KZbin video, but thank you for being brave enough to be open about your struggles with your mental health. It’s so important that we normalise the topic and the more people that speak up about it the better. Thanks Lance!

[@quarkonium3795]

Sorry to spoil the mood but even though it's good to talk about mental health, BetterHelp is not the way to go. It's a terrible company that has made shady business and ethical decisions in a space where that should absolutely not be acceptable. If you need therapy, please go seek a therapist that works for you without using a company like BetterHelp

[@quarkonium3795]

It seems like my comment got deleted but to summarize [the sponsor] is a really terrible company that engages in shady practices

[@blingbling2001]

​@@quarkonium3795 and how r u qualified to say that? Did the bad man hurt u?

[@quarkonium3795]

⁠@@blingbling2001I don't claim any qualifications, but it's now public knowledge that they illegally shared sensitive customer health data with advertisers and are now the target of a huge class-action lawsuit. There's also been a lot of criticism from people in the industry of their practices with regards to Therapy and accusations of insensitivity when it comes to major tragedies like the Travis Scott concert. I'm not against getting Therapy at all, quite the opposite. I have a great therapist right now. All I'm saying is that if you need therapy you should try to seek out a licensed therapist that takes your insurance through other means

[@quarkonium3795]

@@blingbling2001Also, I don't have anything against Lance as a creator. I am subscribed and I love his videos, I just question his choice of sponsor for this video specifically

[@nichj487]

I can’t believe they still haven’t redesigned the MHW 3BOMBER logo. It looks like it was thrown together in Word 97 😂

[@Shreybz]

I know maybe I’m being too much a robot groupie but when I use the robot i think that the manual espresso makers need to calm down, the robot figured it out. All steel, no preheat necessary (unless light), easy clean up, cool look, gives rich gooey espresso, like it’s it. It’s the one.

[@spyk124]

The flair does the exact same thing. Just don’t preheat it lol.

[@joeluaje5389]

The robot has easier workflow

[@Shreybz]

@@spyk124 the robot has less thermal loss than flair- anyone could forgo preheating but with robot you don’t need to lol and it’s a smaller profile than flair

[@flipper2gv]

Man do I want a Robot. It looks so bomb proof and it's so cute. Might not have the potential of the Flair 58, but it looks more than good enough.

[@VishnuRajam4x4]

The heating element on the flair saves so much time and effort. Plus, the standard 58mm portafilter means you can use all kinds of accessories with it. I love it.

[@YouTubedarek]

@@VishnuRajam4x4I agree. It depends on a person’s needs but I use the flair58 twice a day and the heating element makes all the difference for me (with the plunger pulled up to heat the piston too): turn it on when I wake up for a first shot just before starting work and then I can easily walk over even during a meeting to turn it on to heat up again (to pull a second shot during my break or even on a non video call).

[@Creativitybias]

The idea behind the robot is that you don't really have to preheat. I have one and I find the espresso it produces without preheating amazing. Maybe not just as good as the potential a flair58 has but I love that the robot has no electronics or cables. I think the two machnies are close competitors, some up and downsides on both and it really comes down to personal taste.@@VishnuRajam4x4

[@mikni4069]

It depends if you want an easy fun ride of a machine that is ready to use but that is somewhat less versatile, that doesn’t allow to change all sort of components the robot is definitely the pick, do you like to explore, learn, experiment, drink light roast experimental processed coffee, are an enthusiast and don’t mind a steeper learning curve and offer loads of accessories the f58 is for you, I really don’t think the two speak to the same crowds. While the f58 for sure can make any sort of shot (within its volume restriction) due to its nature I’ll probably go robot if I was just going to pull a medium roasted comfort shot.

[@flipper2gv]

@@mikni4069 Saying the Robot can't pull light roasts is a bit absurd.

[@DigitalicaEG]

This M3WHbombing company needs to cool it with plastering their logo on everything. They also desperately need rebranding because that name and logo are impossibly complicated.

[@ThePorkTree]

Hideous branding. Literally no matter how good a product they make (and it feels like mostly mid/stolen ideas) I don’t need fucking war machines on my bean juicers

[@DigitalicaEG]

@@ThePorkTree 😅 exactly, I wanted to get their blind shaker but I’m not going to be staring at this logo every day when I make coffee in the morning.

[@il-ganna]

@@DigitalicaEGhad this exact thought this morning while looking at their stuff

[@shenjingbing]

Theyre a pretentious company

[@alexrichard2447]

I'll keep my robot thank you!

[@dianamae53]

I have had a Robot...loved it, but sold it. The arms hurt my hands. Just purchased, but have not received yet, the Superkop. Can't wait!

[@parasbhargava6047]

the nomad is king! the production quality on this vid is amazing. a lot of lever fever folks were looking fwd to this thx Lance.

[@sternschnupper]

great video, great demonstration and thoughts. and really love your humble stance, that it is your opinion and that everybody is free and welcome to have another one - because everybodies experiences and requierments will be different. really refreshing to hear!

[@brentroman]

Very fun to see more levers out in the wild, as well as another Lance video. Happy V-day!

[@RichardStroffolino]

The Superkop looks insanely cool, totally agree wall mounted would be sick. But the vertical space it takes up on a counter is almost comical, given that it's rest position seems to be up. But glad to see solid R&D and industrial design in the lever space! Great video Lance

[@Superkop_espresso]

Overall we dont think the Superkop takes that much space on a counter top, but if it is too big you can always wallmount the mechanism and the wallset

[@RichardStroffolino]

@@Superkop_espresso Yeah, I'm probably an outlier, but in a galley-style kitchen, it just doesn't work for me without designing around it (if I want anything taller than my Europiccola I need to remove cabinets. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the machine, just not for me right now. Wall mounting is super cool, but I don't trust my 5 and 6 year old :) Cheers

[@Superkop_espresso]

Buy a new house :-) @@RichardStroffolino

[@davidhunternyc1]

The King isn't the Flair 58. The King was and still is the Cafelat Robot.

[@tal8643]

Why the Flair get the title of the "King" , what about the Cafelat Robot?

[@SomeGuyWhoClimbs]

Bought a Flair 58 when my semi-automatic broke after 8years of service. Thought it would be a good temp solution (and a backup for future issues) until I decided on what my next espresso machine would be. Long story short, the Flair 58 is now my daily driver; not sure if I'll get another semi-automatic as this manual lever is just too enjoyable. Glad to see other lever machines coming to market but agree that the Flair's temp stability and general workflow outshine these two competitors.

[@Superkop_espresso]

What your describing is the reason for the Superkop. We wanted to develop something that does not require a lot of service, has only a few parts that can be replace by yourself and makes great espresso.

[@alex3785a]

4:03 That bomber case with a plane on it for flights is next level... I almost want it just for the case.

[@Osteoporos1s]

Lance, dear god, that cup in the beginning of the video, at 0:12-0:16, where did you get this beautiful cup sir? I have been looking for ones just like this forever and could not quite find the right thing.

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Thank You ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tobifischer9512]

Hey there, great video! You need to take a look at the newton espresso S2!! similar to the flair 58, startup from new Zealand, only 330€, great design and almost no videos on it...

[@pdxrunner]

I used a ROK for a couple of years before moving to an HX machine. Manual machines a great way to learn espresso.

[@ccoovvii]

Lance you should do an indepth Robot video. Da real king.

[@glennespresso6865]

Thank you for your review as lever is my next rabbit hole after your reply to me about flow profiling. I always appreciate your videos and super accurate reviews

[@jeffjones6667]

By price point...pico presso, forge, newton or robot, flair 58. I think if your going to spend over 500 just get meticulous for temp and control when you can

[@jecstrike]

Yes and yes. For specialty beans and light roast ill go for the flair 58. For the everyday espresso or latte the robot is really good, and fast in startup.

[@bali404]

Wondering why you think the robot can't pull good shots from a light roast..?

[@jecstrike]

@@bali404 because of the thermal stability. the robot that is on stock setup is not hot enough to pull a good shot of light roast. Users who pull light roast on a robot do some pre heating stuff to have the piston on high temp.

[@Monarcho-communist]

The king was and always will be the La Pavoni.

[@igorico]

I am a satisfied owner of a Flair 58. I have had it for more than a year and I find it fantastic, great versatility for different roast degrees and just perfectly build. I also own a Flair Classic that I use for traveling and at my office, and its always a conversation starting. Lance, thanks for your great videos, I really enjoy them.

[@marcozg77]

I'm happy with my Flair Pro 2. I don't need a 58mm machine, I already got one (E61 machine) and prefer my Flair. The brewing chamber is super easy to heat up using the lower part of a bialetti to steam it up, the lever is easily operatored two-handed, and while not super cheap, it is still kind of affordable. The flair produces incredible shots consistently and I just love to play with the lever to modulate the shot. I'm not into the 3rd wave/light roast game, and for me I just love the thick, sweet, creamy espresso you can get with the flair. The bomba looks great but honestly, if I'm about to spend that much money on a manual lever I would go all the way to a Cremina.Or a LaPav.

[@LockFall]

Sad to not see the Espresso Forge on your channel in these comparisons. I know it's not the flashiest, but it has a full cylinder of water and can be easily pre-heated directly ontop of many gooseneck kettles. Steam it up to temp easily. I'd recommend the stainless version, lasts a lifetime and very easy to clean and service, and made in USA!

[@LanceHedrick]

I guess hugo cut out the part about me discussing the forge. It is nice but wow is it tall. I've done a whole video on the forge.

[@LockFall]

@@LanceHedrick I missed that video i'll check it out, I'm sure though comparisons are always nice. To me commerical levers have a greater height to the spring lever, and that's often seen as a mechanical advantage. Many bars even put their machines up higher than normal counter height to give smaller baristas more weight advantage. Try letting body weight sink into the shot rather than pulling with your biceps! Just my 2c

[@DavidSinanan]

Great video, I've been looking at the Flair. "Fun" story...I find myself single, with no espresso machine but in possession of an 1ZPresso K Ultra, Acaia Lunar and Stagg kettle. I think the only solution to this issue is to get the Flari 58....For the time being, I'm using my Aeropress. I've learned a lot frm your videos. Thanks.

[@ChrisinHove]

Watching this sipping a perfect shot from my Robot…..

[@ProjectileGrommet]

I love how ruthless lance was. Such a good reviewer

[@mooosey]

Love how these look, but i dont think anything will be replacing my flair 58+ any time soon.

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Very nice gadgets . Competition is fierce as in stealth jets domain. Thank you Sir.🎉

[@LeverLoverLatteArt]

Lance, I really enjoy your videos. You always speak your mind honestly, and your videos are always very informative and scientifically sound. I've always found you likable because, like you, I have a passion for vintage espresso machines. I love the old technology, the look, the craftsmanship behind them, and the longevity of these old machines. Great content as always! If you are really interested in a Faema Velox wall mounted machine, feel free to contact me. I have one in my basement that I have never gotten around to restoring. And as I can see, an old Faema Mercurio has moved in with you ;) will there be a video about it eventually? That was and still is my dream machine. Greetings from Austria ✌️

[@LanceHedrick]

Oh my! I would love it! Can you shoot me an email at [e-mail]?

[@FNU_SNU]

Will you be reviewing the Odyssey Argos at some point? I am really curious about it but can't get myself to "pull the lever" on the purchase without some non manufacturer statement on it.

[@Hundredthldiot]

I have an Argos on pre-order, hopefully it will arrive before the heat death of the universe. It isn't really comparable to these as it's heated and has a boiler, but it'd be great to see a comparison with the Cremina and a modded La Pavoni.

[@VishnuRajam4x4]

Long live the Flair 58!

[@luisgentner]

I would love it if you included the all-time classic La Pavoni in your next "compact manual lever" showdown. I think they solve the preheating issue (whereas they are known to have the opposite problem after a few shots - too hot instead of too cold). And due to the wide availability of 2nd hand machines, they are comparably priced.

[@be-oh-bee]

Just get La Pavoni with a Bong isolator and you have the best. Steam and also easy to maintain and spare parts around the corner. JM2C

[@_Brewn]

i really like the Superkop design! mounted to a wall would be a dream but it needed to be a strong installation :D

[@Superkop_espresso]

The installation is very simple, the wall needs to be reasonably sturdy but overall the lever force is minimal on the wall.

[@kopimototidur]

Got my 1st lever machine in flair, now la pavoni

[@thebitterfig9903]

If I had the budget for either a Superkop or Bomber, I'd certainly get a La Pavoni instead.

[@MagnaTurban]

What’s that app you’re using for measuring pressure and flow? I know you mentioned it somewhere but can’t find it

[@p4rdalll]

PRESSENSOR

[@TheRealDoctorBonkus]

Short answer: No, the king is not dead. These new machines seem like such a hassle. I don't want to preheat, I don't want a special stand with warping wood and other nonsense. I want to enjoy espresso in the same Fisherprice style as the Aeropress. Easy and available entry-level espresso.

[@celticdr]

It seems to me, and I don't own a lever machine, that the 2 main engineering problems to overcome with these machines is 1. Getting enough heat into the group head, and 2. Having a lever that doesn't require too much bicep (and vertical space). The Superkop is at least approaching both issues with novel solutions... I think it would be cool to see the Superkop people team up with the Robot people and release a lever machine together, they could call it "Robokop" 😂

[@glib4233]

Aram with a Flair-like heater would also solve these.

[@Superkop_espresso]

We will approach them 🙂

[@tstanley01]

Crazy idea. Design one of these with a counter weight system to where you aren't directly pumping the plunger, but are ratcheting the weight to give a constant pressure, but is all still manual. Basically a Huygen chain drive. Add a manual friction or fluid drive so that you can control the pressure on the fly....It is completely ridiculous, but so are most of things in passions/hobbies when you get to the highest end of it

[@familyshare3724]

That second mult-pump jobbie might be better as a wheel so that the pressure does not get released each pump.

[@Mzgajaleti]

Isn't betterhelp the company that was selling client data?

[@Nhope_Music]

Hi Lance, thank you for your work! What pressure gauge did you attach to the flair?

[@arthrmr]

that is not a manometer it is a pressure gauge. With a manometer, you will be able to measure the fluid pressure. The instrument balances and creates a hydraulic pressure for measuring the pressure with a predetermined column of fluid. It lets you measure negative and high pressure

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

Manometer is just the greek word for pressure gauge. They're the same thing.

[@TheHabadababa]

I think there is some room for improvement on these machines, as a la pavoni user I really like that they dont have the overheating issue wich is really the only problem I have with the pavoni and only when I have guests. There only needs to be a little bit of Workflow Ironing out with each of them IMO, either a heating element on the S7 or a pressure gauge and "normal" lever option for the supercop. I would rather have to press harder than have to pull up multiple times. Also I would like to know if the temperature cealing in the supercop is high enough to get the most out of every light roast. On the other hand I could also just get 3 more pavonis for the price of one of these and just rotate between them to get around the overheating🤔

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

These days the Flair 58x has the same heating element as the 58 and 58 plus. You just need to add the controller and power supply to convert a 58x into a 58. A must if you're into light roasts in my book. Great review Lance & Hugo!

[@RegrinderAlert]

It’s a myth that light roast always mandates high temps. 1:2 ratio 15s turbos @ 86C is how a lot of people get the very best results with high extracting burrs like 98mm HU.

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

@@RegrinderAlert whatever tastes good! I'm a preheat at 3, kettle at 99ºC person but to each it's own.

[@RegrinderAlert]

@@danymeeuwissen5973 Fully agree 👍 Just wanted to point out that for certain recipe-water-burrset combinations, some parameters will be ideal outside the expected range.

[@yogatriathlete]

Great video Lance. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the vintage La Pavoni lever machines compared to these, since those were the original kings ;)

[@Dino-LMAO]

I am sticking with the Flair. It is an awesome machine.

[@thomasrevox]

Just bought a 58+. I'd love a Sonic S7 with a heating system, that would be quite the best of all worlds : small footprint, classy, easy on the lever, good for temperatures. For now we're gonna enjoy the 58+ some more time !

[@s96822]

The other downside of the ratchet device is repetitive motion strain injury, if I am correct is a reason charbucks switched to super auto machines from la marzocco. too many medical issues among their baristas. Seems like a lot of hassle/time wasting to get it up to temp. The Argos lever reminds me a lot of the cremina I have owned since mid 1980's and price is in range of those kettle fill machines. plus it is more compact like cremina. The other affordable lever is Pontevecchio and though I never used one seems similar to the cremina.

[@Easton21]

Dude…Betterhelp? After EVERYTHING we know???

[@CoffeeAndSmoke23]

Im lost,could you please fill me in

[@JasonLucas2]

"eeuuugh....CMON BABY! OW!" 😂 definitely my fave part haha

[@gamersruin]

I wonder how the Bomber would perform with some 2-3" silicone tube added as insulation

[@coffeenerdaaron]

Great video Lance! I basically had the same thoughts in my review of the Sonic S7. It’s nicely made but the workflow and preheating is a bit much!!!

[@glloyd9707]

Great review and info. I thought I saw a urinal on an Italian train once that looked like your proposed wall mounted espresso machine. I'm sure the aroma was very Robusta😂

[@dianamae53]

LAnce, I love you. I just purchased a Superkop. Can't wait to get it. Chasing the GOD shot. However, I am easy to please. Just want to keep it simple, and still be able to have a good shot, even if the shit hits the fan!

[@brindlebeard]

I wonder why the other two decided not to have a heated brew chamber? Seems that would be the precedent now in the manual space with the success of the F58.

[@Superkop_espresso]

Our view was to remove items that are not really needed and could break over time. less waste, less electronics that could break, less maintenance etc. Bit more planet friendly and not throw away. In this time every Nespresso machine is thrown away every 2nd year we wanted to create something much more sustainable that still extracts great espresso.

[@jamesstapleton8526]

Superkop looks like it would work better with a crank type mechanism allowing for a more constant pressure while turning the crank

[@Villaboy78]

Actually feel like the sponsor ad is more important than the content for once . Lance continuing to trailblaze and I’m here for it ❤

[@mixmastakooz]

Looks like you could cut the bottom out of a beer koozy and put it around the stainless steel on the Bomber. I bet that might help with temps on it.

[@sembalo1776]

the ratchet systems pretty neat, flairs still really good when it comes to price especially if you go to a classic or something

[@m_cabral]

I love those DEX baskets by MHW-3Bomber. They've replaced my IMS baskets completely at this point. They have a couple other interesting baskets that integrate the equivalent of a puck screen on the bottom. All fun and worth a review I think.

[@skyking9248]

Flair 58+ is amazing. My travel / office machine. Paired with lagom mini and stag “pro studio”. Pico presso if im flying.

[@ritchakaritch]

nice black cup, love ceramic? really nice video, i still think that the flair with the thermal heating element is the best way if you want do a manual for sure the other two can be a nice piece in the kitchen

[@chris9923]

Another great video. Thanks! Happy F58 owner here.

[@felixkuper1344]

Amazing how your videos have improved lately !! So concise and informative!

[@beecat4183]

I live at elevation, and water boils at about 194F. I can't reasonably preheat with boiling water, which is also wasteful, as water here in Mexico is mostly from bottles. I really wish more of these machines had an electric preheater. Lance, what are your recommendations for brewing on these with cooler water due to pesky physics?

[@Superkop_espresso]

A Superkop can make a nasty cold brewed espresso

[@CannedLaughter00]

The fact that BOMBER have a blind shaker but decided to include a leveling tool, it's hilarious.

[@hskrwr9495]

Brewing light roasted espresso on my flair 58 while watching this and hearing that last little summary piece made it feel like a great choice for me! Question though for lance or anyone else, anyone have an recs or videos to link me to for looking into higher end light roast espresso focused grinders? In the not too distant future I'm expecting to hit a decent professional milestone and think upgrading my grinder would be a good way to reward myself for that

[@jldeboer]

I'd be so so so grateful if you'd review the outin nano!

[@newfguy1826]

none of these will replace my Flair Pro

[@Goss111]

How can a decent extraction occur without precise thermal control? A good camping rig at best.

[@mensa2030]

7:30 Hello. How did you measure the pressure when extracting? I think you also provide an app, but what product is it? Did you replace the existing barometer?

[@familyshare3724]

Tell me again why the Cafelat Robot is not the superior pull? Simplicity, low heat loss. What am I missing?

[@familyshare3724]

20:00 "... but for light roasted beans, the Flair 58 reigns supreme" ... oh, why that? I think the Robot can maintain higher temperature due to less metal, even compared to the 58's electric heater.

[@LanceHedrick]

I've tested it many times. It can't. I have another video showing some tests

[@TheGiantBunnysaid]

The Bomber certainly caught my attention when I first saw it, but that is quite a hefty price tag for something that essentially does the same thing as the Flair. Perhaps if they made a less premium version without the wooden accents and added in thermal management around the chamber, it would be a strong contender.

[@atavax311]

yeah, i think at the end of the day what is most likely going to cause me to spend more money is an improvement in workflow. And it seems both of these have quite a worse workflow compared to the flair 58; especially on light roasts; which is what i drink. As for Dethroning the Flair 58; I think it's days are numbered as king if you can count the meticulous as the same category. Which is a bit of a stretch. But also putting the flair 58 in the same category as manuals with it's plug in heating element is a bit of a stretch.

[@thedancingsousa]

I wonder if anyone has done mods to the sonic s7 where they've added heating elements and an insulated sleeve

[@LyndanTylor]

How you gonna make an espresso machine with pressure gauge as an afterthought??

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

I have some build quality issues with my Flair Pro 2, but nothing I've seen in this video induces a desire to switch in me.

[@emerrioadiron293]

I'm obsessed with manual lever machines but I don't drink espresso very often and I don't have a lot of counter space. I'd like to be able to make myself an espresso or ristretto at home and I'm considering the 9Barista rather than a lever machine. Have you ever tried the 9Barista? How does it compare with the Flair 58?

[@hubbax]

My decision came down to similar options (i.e. 9Barista vs Flair58/Robot/similar), and I ended up grabbing the 9Barista. I have been very happy with it, making very consistent espresso daily. I do wonder about lever machines still, though, as there's not much to "play" with on the 9Barista. I love the espresso, and workflow is quite smooth and fast at this point -- about 10-15 minutes total to make espresso, steam milk, make breakfast and enjoy! The only variations I make are to grind when changing beans, so no temp changes, no pressure to fiddle with, etc. As long as I have the grind size right, I get a very good shot every time. But I wonder about all the fun these lever boys are having =) So there are my own quick thoughts, but I've ultimately got similar questions! What makes lever machines great? Am I missing out on something more? I was originally looking mainly at Flair, Robot, Aram, Kazak, 9Barista.

[@emerrioadiron293]

@@hubbax thank you for sharing your experience. I might take the same path...

[@yspegel]

"food safe" plastic, just keep in mind they replace one component/solvent in the plastic for an other that just hasn't been researched..... yet. That doesn't make it safe. Flair 58 still king with holding heat/pre-heat. But it's nice to see more brands coming with different variations!

[@veganpotterthevegan]

That doesn't make it not safe either. That said, humanity can benefit by plastic induced infertility😂

[@yspegel]

@@veganpotterthevegan ​"humanity can benefit by plastic induced infertility" You might have a point but.... countries where the population is growing at the moment aren't the best educated, those are not the countries where you expect (much) coffee devices like this. Let's not go off topic any further, I stick to metal and glass 😜

[@MrJhchrist]

@@yspegelAgreed, metal and glass only. Especially leaded glass and cadmium. Oh, wait, I guess additives make a big difference even with metal and glass :)

[@SatanLiterally]

​@@veganpotterthevegan there's a fast and simple way you can help fight the population crisis, my friend.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@yspegel it's just a happy side effect of the topic😎

[@simonchan9753]

Lance can you also review the portable espresso brewer? Cheers.

[@alkane2561]

What's the point of heavy steel parts especially if they arent properly insulated, just makes for bad manual machines imo

[@chrismiksworld]

I need an espresso maker in my life so bad. But I live through watching Lance lol

[@TheMikkelet]

can you use a kitchen blow torch to preheat?

[@limbopferd]

I love the black cups, I really need to up my game

[@TCWpower]

Love how they made that one peice plastic on the SuperKop, just so that it could eventually break and they make more money on a replacement part. Awesome business models these days.

[@PhaTs00p]

The bomber is on sale right now. But 60°C coffee is absolutely useless. Nobody fits preheating into their workflow. I do like their baskets though. The 15g DEX is my daily driver and "fancy basket".

[@lurklingX]

thanks, lance. maybe the companies can take on your assessments and improve them! it would be in their best interest to. both are really cool designs and if they got just a bit more functional, i bet they'd get a lot of sales. (those price tags though... oof.)

[@Superkop_espresso]

We are always listening to the market and consumers and overtime we might be able to add some of the suggested improvements

[@KFCMmuc]

So I've been wondering: Don't you already lose a ton of heat with those gooseneck spout type kettles? I have trouble imagining that the water going into the machine was anywhere near boiling...

[@LanceHedrick]

I have done temp testing. It does lose heat, but nothing insane to be sure. With a preheat, you can have water sitting around 95 in the chamber. It will lose heat as you pump it through, though, so probably brewing closer to 92ish

[@KFCMmuc]

@@LanceHedrick That's interesting to know, thanks. I was just wondering if those spouts aren't actually something of a stumbling rock for the enthusiasts who do care for exact measurements etc...

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Nice review. I find the insulation on the Flair to be on the thin side. When you turn off the heater the temperature of the water drops rapidly. Also the heat settings and thermostat could be improved. The 2 light setting is about the same as the 3 light setting, and the 1 light setting is inadequate to maintain a good water temp. Also, when you apply power to the unit you have to also manually turn it on, so you cannot automatically pre-heat using home automation. All of this is overcome with a bit of experience and practice, but can be improved.

[@LanceHedrick]

Most certainly on the thin side. But thin is better than none ha! And the temp dip isn't awful. I've shown loads of scace readings in a previous video

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

Agree. I did not say it was bad, just could be improved. Imagine how someone anal with their Decent would react.@@LanceHedrick

[@MZ-nw7wz]

This makes me wonder if you have any videos on the ROK lever machines.

[@dparmar005]

I have the rok espresso, it's not perfect but considering the price it feels like it doesn't come with so many drawbacks as these more expensive machines do