The Art Of Manual Espresso | A Detailed Guide Using The Flair PRO 2

[@FlairEspresso]

Well done! This is such a great primer for anyone brewing espresso with a manual brewer! We'll be sharing it with our customers as the #1 primer to watch before getting started albeit it a little sheepishly since you beat us to one of this high quality and value :)

[@aramse]

Hey thank you so much! It's a great product capable of producing delicious coffee. It's also the perfect learning tool to understand the mechanics of espresso brewing. We've been wanting to make this video for a while now. Glad to finally have it out.

[@PraveenYadav-wo1ig]

Hey flair, I wish you were selling it in India.

[@aramse]

@@PraveenYadav-wo1ig they do. Benki Brewing Tools is one of the distributers here. You can check their website for more details.

[@PraveenYadav-wo1ig]

@@aramse nice! I will check that out. By the way, unrelated to this but I really enjoyed the "Quick Brown Fox Bettadakhan Estate" coffee that you guys sent. This is high quality content. Great work!

[@CalcuttaNotebook]

Loved the tips and brewed my first Flair, with a flair! Thank you Arame, keep 'em coming.

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

This is definitely one of the best Flair videos ever, great work!

[@aramse]

Thanks Dany that's very kind of you.

[@mementomori7266]

I just got the Flair Pro 2 for my birthday and I've been watching a bunch of these videos to troubleshoot how to improve my shots. This was the best video tutorial I've seen so far. Thanks for the tips! I'm going to try some of these tomorrow.

[@slickskater29]

As someone who is trying to get into this hobby, how has it gone for you in those 4 months since you commented?

[@JiveDilletante]

I feel like I've watched nearly every Flair related video on KZbin and this is definitely the best one I've found. Great work! I had no idea about how to recover the shots which were going wrong

[@aramse]

Thank you!

[@yourshootingbuddy]

I agree 100% with you. I knew this was going to be good when he pre-heated the brew chamber on the kettle.

[@JessicaSeverin]

absolutely perfect video! you managed to hit all the points I discovered in my 9months of owning and learning the Flair. especially the end where you mentioned the pressure-slam to try to heal/compact a too loose grind, or the pulsing to heal a channel.

[@alexperez3651]

You guys have encouraged me to try out manual lever to brew espresso. Been doing pour overs for a year or so and am looking for a new challenge! Thanks and cheers

[@caleblatreille8224]

scrolling through my feed, i got so excited that this was an early review of the Flair 58 but was instead treated to one of the best manual espresso instructionals i've ever seen. thanks so much!

[@dmoskaly]

This was "the" best guide to manual espresso making I have seen. I enjoyed your slant on the process as it is a "hobby" I just started. I've gone back and forth about getting the Flair Pro and this video convinced me to do so with anticipation of that perfect espresso, well, ok, maybe not right away. But with your helpful fixes I feel more confident. Again, excellent video.

[@simonyared7781]

I have a flair pro 2 and I love it. I’ve been using it for several months and I’ve watched countless videos/tutorials about it and this one is by far the best one I’ve seen.

[@aramse]

Thank you!

[@if8172]

the sink strainer is such a good idea

[@kennythoughts]

Got a Flair Pro 2 a month ago and while the shots have gotten better and better? There are times I’ve had to abort due to problems. That troubleshooting section is absolutely a GAMECHANGER as now I know what to do in these situations! Thanks so much!

[@JLards]

Hands down the best Flair Espresso demo video on KZbin!

[@carloc8763]

This channel is soo good. Thank you, KZbin algorithm!

[@mithunfan]

thanks for this video. your answer to my comment in a previous video on what coffee works well on the pro2, was bang on. i tried the coffee you recommended and i got the best shot ive ever made on the pro2.

[@azza2575]

Fantastic video, just got my flair I've watched a bunch of videos, but this by far was one of the easiest and most interesting ones to follow

[@fil-amphilippines5157]

Amen brother!!! Got one at home and I'm hooked. Best purchase I've done in a long long time.

[@josephgerhardt4828]

I have the flair 58 and I loved that these trouble shooting tips

[@robertjurcina7055]

Thanks for the rather mindful approach by which you conveyed the technique and skills for brewing manually. It complements the great videos Andrew Pernicano at Flair has posted. Really liked the saves and strategies you mentioned which helps validate what I've been feeling and doing with the Pro 2 I've had for almost a year. Would highly recommend this video for manual brewing and anyone thinking of entering the world of espresso brewing in general.

[@deadshrub]

I am in the market for my first espresso machine and am carefully weighing to go fully manual or gaggia pro route... This was a fantastic video to help me further along in my decision.

[@MrTrackStud81]

Extremely helpful video! Also loved the commentary. The troubleshooting tips were detailed and very educational.

[@aramse]

Thank you!

[@edipisreks5535]

This was extremely useful for me. I’m using a Flair Signature that I’ve added the pressure gauge kit to, so not quite the same: I’ve pulled some wonderful shots, but I have experienced all three of the issues shown as I’ve dialed in on my grinder. I’ve been going in the right direction, but this video solidified some things for me, and I’m looking forward to making more consistent pulls! Cheers.

[@spikerboy81]

I think I saw you first as a guest creator in JH’s channel. Your video presentation has improved. Just got my flair a few weeks ago and have just now been able to dial in. Whenever I get a failed shot, I just put hot water and drink it Americano, but I’m glad to learn from you that there are ways to save the shot.

[@chrisblue1515]

Thank you so much for this video. The knowledge you imparted is nowhere else to be found. Cheers!

[@arhan-]

I just found your video about decolonizing coffee on JH’s channel and I’m obsessed 😭😭😭 I’d love to see a collab video where you discuss some of the fascinatingly fruity Indian specialty roasts that our local estates have been putting out lately

[@jackgranby8487]

Wonderfully calming and in depth insight into manual brewing - I’m sure many will gain from this great content!

[@philliptrzcinski5243]

Have watched a fair few videos featuring manual espresso machines, this is the first that's got me really excited at the idea of one. Really enjoyed the process breakdown as well, great video.

[@bogdanadzic9305]

How many clicks u used on c40

[@greenpea9412]

Fantastic directions.

[@tejasudha]

Great video. I would watch content like this all day. Also you clearly upped your game in video making skills 😊

[@richterstitcher7936]

Thanks for this detailed video. I’m new to the flair pro 2 so following these steps should help. It’s definitely an adventure

[@LSF000]

Clearly structured and well-detailed tutorial. Thank you!

[@finitesound]

This helped the manual process seem a lot more manageable. Well done!

[@mapuche888]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Very impressive video

[@ДаниилКириллов]

Wow, I use Flair for a month and this is great advice.

[@ant1.v]

Great content once again!

[@_guillermo]

I love this channel man keep up the great work

[@Balintka9116]

Thanks man, very helpful, good video

[@808bAler]

Awesome explanation that fills in some gaps of Sir James' lessons! Now I just need to find some funds to buy a manual espresso machine. What to sell..? Haha! Good job, Team!

[@arjunnarayan9808]

What grind settings would you recommend on the Comandante Grinder, for light, medium and dark roasts? Using a Flair Pro 2. Thanks in advance!

[@aramse]

With red clix, which we highly recommend for espresso we’re usually between 14 - 22. For a given dose, lighter roasts need a slightly finer grind than medium roasts.

[@rishoo007]

@@aramse any recommendations with jx pro hand grinder settings?

[@dominikk.5008]

I can´t wait for my Pro2 to arrive! :)

[@ChrisBranch]

Great video, thank you! You explained things so well, and it's definitely convinced me to get a Flair! :)

[@aramse]

Hey thank you so much. Enjoy the flair and welcome to the crazy world of espresso. :)

[@naimi9584]

Excelente inversión para los que nos gusta el café.

[@florencewang8388]

Very nice presentation. Thank you.

[@victorbiron1869]

do you have a link to the kitchen sink strainer to buy that is shown in your video?

[@StefBelgium]

Fantastic video my friend. I ve subscribed to your channel and gave a like on that one. I ll receive my Flair 2 pro and the Flair Royal grinder next Monday. I was fed up with my automatic espresso machine that cost nearly 1,000 bucks and kept on failing on me with 130 bucks per repair. I went full manual one which makes me think that in your pros list, you may want to add the fact that this machine will literally last forever. Greetings from Belgium.

[@alexlazaridisf.7276]

Thanks for the vid. Are you going to be doing following up with tutorials on light roasts? With the flair in find I usually have to lower the dose to 14 grams to get a good extraction from a light roast.

[@Endureromex]

Thank you. Your video really helped me

[@stemazzo84]

Awesome one

[@aramse]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CesarSandoval024]

This is the exact set up Ì want. How many clicks on the commandante

[@madhuribucha669]

Brilliant tutorial. Any comments on the new flair 58?

[@aramse]

Looks great, we're still waiting to get our hands on one. The 58mm basket means you have access to way more third party accessories, workflow is easier with the electrical preheating and the larger footprint and improved ergonomics allow you to hit the espresso range of pressure with less effort. So if the price works for you and you enjoy the manual workflow then go for it. You won't regret it.

[@fitness4216]

Looking forward for neo review with default and open basket. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AndrewDBrown2020]

What a great video - thank you.

[@lakshayj007]

How many clicks on the comandante?? Using a light to medium speciality arabica. Any reference setting??

[@aramse]

Anywhere between 6 and 10 clicks or 12 - 20 (Red Clix).

[@MaxwellZaneSchultz]

these videos are great. thank you so much. what is the name of that grinder?

[@aramse]

Hey thanks. The grinder is the Comandante.

[@Yinn224]

​@@aramse hi there, I'm thinking of getting a Flair pro 2, and already have a Comandante. Happy to see you using one as well. How does it pair with the Flair? Did you have to invest in the Red Clicks?

[@sunwukong8069]

I have timemore slim+ grinder, do you think I can match this grinder with flair? Thanks man love your well detailed explanation video..

[@aramse]

Thanks for watching and commenting. The Slim+ should be ok with the Flair but the steps might be a tad large to dial in precisely, so you may need to mess around with with dose.

[@sunwukong8069]

@@aramse this would be what I worried for.. not much can do for the dial proccess.. thanks in advance brother for your kind reply.. always success to you and your channel!

[@mindtrickz]

For preheating no need for a fancy kettle. Take a saucepan, add half an inch of water and sit the brew head in there untill it boils! Takes 2 minutes and works great!☕️

[@aramse]

Hey thanks for stopping by. I don't recall anyone saying you need a fancy kettle. You just need A kettle and you can use this method to steam pre heat, which is quicker and more efficient than a water bath. This also makes the overall workflow more streamlined for us, but you do you.

[@mindtrickz]

@@aramse yes I mean this for those who don't actually have a kettle, fancy or not 🙂 (I don't)! You would be surprised by how fast you can boil the water and heat the chamber at the same time on a saucepan if you use just a small amount! Then use the same water to brew the shot ☕️. Of course everyone can use the method they want and all that maters is that it works for them! I just wanted to share an alternative option that works for me! Cheers ☕️

[@ravidaskirtan9349]

How many clicks do you use with the comandante?

[@Pedro401]

Hi! Great video! When you say its 45-55s brew time, is that from the beginning of pressure (including pre-infusion time) or not? Thank you!

[@josiahmananggit5701]

Thank u for this!

[@pim8268]

Amazing video

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you Sir.🎉

[@justanut]

such a poet!

[@overpanic-r]

nice, im waiting on my pro 2 :D

[@TylerFrank-k6q]

Great video!! What kind of beans are you using? The pulled shot has incredible color in video. Also, my puck seems to come out in two parts, top and bottom. Is that a tamping issue that needs fixing?

[@tr33st4lk4]

Would love to see an exploration of preinfusion and blooms!

[@jergarmar]

Wow, great info. But the thing that confuses and frustrates me here is the WDT tool. You give it such importance, but I can't see it working, so it feels like I don't know what I'm doing or why. I get that the IDEA is to break up the coffee, but I don't feel much of anything as I use the tool. Is it really that necessary?

[@aramse]

It can certainly be frustrating to zero in on what exactly is causing issues with your brew. Also not all WDTs are made equal -- you can use anything from a chopstick to a toothpick to a paper clip to acupuncture needles to distribute coffee and a lot of these can do more damage than good. If you use one with flexible needles that are around 0.3 - 0.4mm you get the best results. It also takes a little practice and a bit of time to even out the bed properly.

[@pikachoo6803]

Good useful video. Where can i find this machine in india ?

[@aramse]

Benki brewing tools

[@ankurbagla4057]

Hello and thanks for the great video! My question is, since you fill water all the way to top to avoid air, should you push through all the way to the end or weigh and only pull the amount for the brew ratio you are aiming for?

[@aramse]

The latter. We use scales to weigh out the ratio we want.

[@ankurbagla4057]

@@aramse Cheers!

[@Cenot4ph]

if the grounds are too fine you could also get more potential for channeling, less fine helps quite a bit avoiding channeling or reducing pressure generally to perhaps 6 bars maximum

[@talcual2138]

Still, what about grinding? Should one go as fine as possible?

[@AnantVyas]

Waiting for an Aeropress Video!

[@alberteshoo3448]

Please clarify; sounds counter-intuitive. When finishing the shot: "Back-off by ramping down." It appears you are pressing down more to back off...is this correct?

[@notbenh]

Thank you!

[@Assenayo]

Could be waiting a while. Look at how long it took Hoffman to do one 😂

[@Bigjuergo]

Thx for your tips

[@therichieboy]

You get a subscribe from me. That is the kind of detail I'm looking for!

[@staceyramirez7843]

Can you use the 1Zpresso J-Max with the Flair pro 2, I'm trying with mine, but i just can't get a good shot

[@aramse]

The JMax works really well with the PRO 2. What issue are you facing exactly?

[@staceyramirez7843]

@@aramse Really wet puck, not very good taste, what number are you dialing in with the J-Max

[@aramse]

@@staceyramirez7843 wet puck means nothing with the PRO 2. What’s your dose, what pressure profile are you using, what’s your yield and what’s the brew time? Also could you describe a little more what you don’t like about the taste and go you have a good comparison point?

[@staceyramirez7843]

@@aramse Can you please make a video using the J-Max, so i may learn from your technique, I'm not a professional, i put in 17g, i get out 40g, temperature is 190° fahrenheit, around 40 second shot out time

[@gabrielarch5242]

First class🙏🏻

[@taymassaydulaev7576]

Very useful friend very useful

[@jesusadanhiguerareyes9190]

Now I need a Flair

[@danjennings5068]

I'm curious why you put such emphasis on only one tap to settle the grounds? Depending on the beans I often need more than one tap to get the grounds to go below the top of the portafilter.

[@aramse]

It’s primarily for consistency. Tapping too many’s times can cause channeling due to uneven compacting of the grounds. But yes some coffees need more than one tap and that’s fine. Just try not to be too aggressive with it and try and keep it as vertical as possible.

[@danjennings5068]

@@aramse Great explanation thanks! I'm still working on getting consistency out of my Pro2.

[@SirKibblestein]

Are these techniques applicable to something like the Flair Neo that has a pressurized portafilter? Or is there a different recommended workflow?

[@UnknownUserY2K]

I have the NEO and follow a very similar workflow - and have the Brew Head with Bottomless Portafilter and PGK (flairespresso.com/product/brew-head-with-bottomless-portafilter-and-pgk/) upgrade when I have more time to sit and dial in. The NEO doesn't require as fine of a grind since it is a flow controlled (doesn't open the bottom valve till it hits higher pressure) vs a bottomless (no valve or spout). The NEO/Classic are also a smaller brewhead so would be less weight of coffee and water. I preheat on my kettle in the same way, also use a Comandante and WDT, but use a Crema tamper/distributor (www.cremacoffeepro.com/products/39-25mm-for-flair%E2%84%A2-tamper-distributor-combo.

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

Same thing for the NEO, just grind a bit coarser, or take out the pressure spout thingy.

[@aramse]

Yes most of these principles with respect to workflow will translate over expect for the obvious one of using the visual queues to gauge how things are going. A pressurised portafilter is a lot more forgiving as it restricts flow to build up the pressure where as with a bottomless the coffee has to do all the work, which is why a good grinder and proper puck prep are so critical.

[@philclimbr8763]

Awesome video, if you can sustain this level of quality, I predict a new J Hoffmann on the rise! 😉

[@Assenayo]

Awesome tutorial, I notice you too have a Comandante, how many clicks are you using?

[@aramse]

Hey thanks. We’re usually between 16-22 clicks on the Red Clix system depending on the roast level and density of the beans.

[@Assenayo]

@@aramse thanks, I'm wondering if there may be something wrong with my Comandante, I'm having better results with 13-15 clicks (Red Clix). Anything more and water just goes straight through, can barely get 4 bars

[@aramse]

​@@Assenayo If you're brewing very light roasts then those settings a not too bad tbh. Also, how old is your grinder? If it's brand new it could take a few kgs of coffee to season and start producing more consistent grinds. Lastly, there are 6 positions in which the burrs can be placed onto the hex axle. Try all and see if things improve at on of the other positions.

[@santosh0x68]

Aramse team, do spend more time on the tamping technique. I'm still grasping the idea of how much impact tamping will have on the total work needed for extraction. In other words, if I tamp harder, does it increase the work? At least that's what I've observed but I could be wrong.

[@johnrestauro3738]

I am no expert but yes, if you tamp harder, there will be more resistance. i am still learning as well but what helped me kind of dial in on how much force i need to put into my tamp, i did a series of shots. probably around 5 shots straight and saw how light, medium and hard tamp did. hope this helps, again i am no expert, still learning as well

[@santosh0x68]

@@johnrestauro3738 Thanks John!

[@CesarSandoval024]

My shots take 2 minutes 😅 what am I doing wrong?

[@310iker]

grind size, make it coarser

[@CesarSandoval024]

@@310iker ive been dialing in coarser.. its working so far so good

[@SamA-ll2dt]

This is a great video, but I don't really understand - To me, it looks like the shot takes around 15 seconds, nowhere near 45. Mine is taking about the same time as the video, and I was under the impression it was much too fast because of this.

[@aramse]

Hey so the video of the shot is cut/edited to speed things up. What you’re seeing is not in real-time. That shot took ~45secs in reality but was edited to keep things moving along. Hope that helps.

[@vinodvaddi]

One would assume a hand pulled lever espresso machine like flair is the simplest designs of all. After watching this I feel Decent de1 is simpler.

[@sunwukong8069]

👏👏👏

[@kmahajan8699]

1.25x playback speed 💯

[@lindsaytoussaint]

After espresso 🤣

[@mor913]

I just loss half of the cost with the shipping cost for receiving and returning. The equipment did not work for me hence I paid $54 in shipping costs. Good luck. This was not for me at all.

[@noorbashahaneef6653]

H 🙏ug feed