CAFELAT ROBOT VS FLAIR 58: WHICH ONE REIGNS SUPREME?

In the market for a manual lever espresso machine? Read on as I compare two of the best!

The Flair 58x and the Cafelat Robot are similar espresso makers in many ways, despite their distinct appearances. Both use a manual lever to generate pressure, include the all-important pressure gauge, and are exceptionally well-built. More importantly, both make excellent espresso that has garnered them an enthusiastic following.

So how is the discerning espresso lover to choose? Let me help. In this review, I’ll cover the basics of both machines before pitting one against the other in a head-to-head showdown.

The Flair Espresso Maker

The original Flair manual espresso maker was launched on Kickstarter in 2016 and quickly gained a cult following (1). Their goal was to pare down an espresso maker to the bare minimum, leaving only what you need to make the best coffee possible. The result was a remarkably affordable and beautifully spare design that made no sacrifices in terms of espresso quality.

After nearly five years, the Flair line-up has expanded considerably. There is now a series of Flairs with various features and prices. Their following has grown as well. The Flair is no longer a cult classic but exists firmly in the realm of a mainstream sensation. Indeed, the enthusiastic online community of Flair owners is one of the perks of this brewer.

Previous versions of this review compared the Flair Pro 2 and the Cafelat Robot, but the Pro 2 is currently being phased out. At this point, I think the Flair 58x offers the best comparison (2).

Flair 58x

• Size: 14” x 7.5” x 11.5” (lever down) [24.25” (lever up)]

• Weight: 8 lbs
• Filter basket diameter: 58mm
• Dose: 16 – 22 g
• Brew group capacity: 90 mL
• Materials: Cast aluminum, stainless steel, wood
• Warranty: 5 years

SEE ON SEATTLE COFFEE GEAR

The Cafelat Robot Espresso Maker

Cafelat is a Hong Kong-based coffee company founded by longtime coffee expert Paul Pratt. Pratt began as a barista and worked through the industry to land as a technician with world-renowned Italian brand La Marzocco, so he knows espresso machines inside and out. 

Cafelat was initially founded to produce high-quality barista accessories but pivoted slightly in 2018 with the launch of the Cafelat Robot espresso maker. Like the Flair, it was launched on Kickstarter and quickly secured funding (3).

There are only two models, either with or without the pressure gauge. I think it’s well worth paying an extra few dollars for the pressure gauge, as you’ll make better and more consistent espresso. That’s the model I will be comparing in this article.

Cafelat Robot

• Size: 6.5” x 10” x 12” (arms down) [19” (arms raised)]

• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Filter basket diameter: 57.5mm
• Dose: Up to 25 g
• Brew group capacity: 145 mL (including coffee)
• Materials: Cast aluminum, stainless steel
• Warranty: 1 year

SEE ON PRIMA COFFEE

A Detailed Comparison on the Flair Vs Cafelat Robot

The hardest part of writing this review was choosing which models to compare. Previously, I compared the Cafelat Robot vs Flair Pro 2, but the Flair line-up has changed in recent years.

Ultimately, I decided to compare the Robot Barista Version and the Flair 58x because they are closest in price. When I’m asked for product recommendations, the question is most often phrased: “I have X dollars; what is the best manual espresso maker I can afford?” This article answers that question if you have $500.

On the other hand, if your question is, “I have a limited budget, should I buy a Flair or a Robot?” I might steer you toward the much cheaper (and still incredible) Flair Pro 3.

With that preamble out of the way, let’s get this battle started.

Ease Of Brewing

I consider this to be the most important category. How easy is it to pull a great shot of espresso with either of these machines?

Thermal Management

Temperature stability is the first thing to consider when working with a manual espresso machine. Without an electronic heating element or boiler, the brew temperature can drop as you prepare an espresso, resulting in an under-extracted and sour shot (4). 

In the case of Flair, the substantial brew group requires preheating to avoid this problem. You must warm it with boiling water from a kettle before every use, or its cold thermal mass will chill your brew. This is especially important when brewing light roasts. 

The Cafelat Robot doesn’t use a brew group. Instead, brewing occurs inside the extra-large portafilter basket, which has a far lower thermal mass. You don’t need to preheat the basket if you’re brewing with a medium or dark roast, which includes most espresso blends. This added efficiency has proven to be a big selling point for many users, though I would still advise preheating when extracting lighter roasts.

It’s worth noting that Flair now sells an electronic upgrade kit that essentially turns the 58x into the Flair 58. This solves the preheating issue by adding an electronic heater but adds to costs.

Ease Of Operation

Both of these machines are simple to assemble and operate. However, I found the single, long lever of the Flair, with its comfortable wooden handle, much easier to press than the Robot’s two arms.

The little “hands” at the end of the Robot arms are cute but not necessarily practical for gripping, especially if you’re trying to generate enough force to brew a finely ground light roast. This complaint is so common that Cafelat sells “mittens” to cover the hands. As much as this is an adorable concept, paying extra for something that should be standard feels unfair.

Espresso Quality

Provided you follow the recommended workflow, the Robot and the Flair are equally capable of incredible espresso. 

The only major difference here is that the Robot can accommodate a slightly larger dose (up to 25 g vs 22 g for the Flair) and has a marginally bigger brewing chamber. So if you want a super-strong shot or prefer to brew something closer to a lungo, the Cafelat can better meet your needs.

The base model of the Flair 58x comes with the brand’s version of a pressurized portafilter – what they call a “low-flow” model – which definitely limits espresso quality. As long as you have a decent grinder, I definitely recommend adding the “high-flow” option to your purchase. I’m not detracting any points from Flair for this because even with the add-on, it’s still priced lower than the Robot. In fact, having both portafilter designs makes the Flair 58x even more versatile.

Build Quality And Durability

A good design should look great, be enjoyable to operate, and last for a long time. These espresso makers both use aluminum for the main frame structure and stainless steel for the crucial brewing components. Neither is prone to breaking, warping, or sliding around during extraction.

In my experience, both machines have the same fault point. The thin metal dispersion screen is easy to warp or bend if you’re not careful, but these are inexpensive to replace. Indeed, I would say build quality is a selling point for both brands.

The biggest difference in this category might be the warranty, which is 5 years for the Flair and only 1 year for the Robot. However, I wouldn’t worry about that too much. I don’t know anyone who has even broken a Robot. Honestly, I think that might be hard to do, even if you were trying.

Design And Aesthetics

Aesthetics are largely a matter of personal taste, so I’ll start this category with an objective design issue.

The two support legs at the base of the Robot are relatively close together (3.8”). While this generally isn’t a problem when accommodating mugs (unless you’re using one of those wide cappuccino bowls), it is pretty inconvenient if you want to use the Robot with a scale, which is common practice when brewing coffee (5). 

You can fit the tiny Acaia Lunar, but even then, only when it’s turned to a funny angle. And not everyone has the budget for a $250 scale. In contrast, the Flair fits any scale up to 4.9”, greatly increasing your options. Plus, they offer their own perfectly sized Flair Brew Scale at the very reasonable cost of $49.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics come down to personal preference and are not necessarily a reason to choose one model. Still, they’re worth mentioning here because they are so different between these two coffee makers. 

I’ll admit to my total bias towards the sleek and elegant look of the Flair. I’m a sucker for that matte black and blonde wood look. But that may not be you. The Robot has a quirky and fun feel that I can easily picture on the counter of a bright and vibrant kitchen. Plus, it has the advantage of coming in an ever-changing selection of colors (currently: blue, red, retro green, black, and orange. 

The Robot has a much smaller footprint than the Flair and requires less room to operate due to the Flair’s longer lever – both important considerations in a small kitchen.

Value for Money

These espresso machines both represent incredible value. For less than $500, you can brew cafe-quality espresso shots matching machines ten times as expensive – though, of course, you can’t steam milk.

The Flair 58x, with the addition of the non-pressurized portafilter, retails for about $15 less than the Cafelat Robot. Both come with everything you need to brew, including a quality metal tamper, but the Robot adds a little value by also including a spare parts kit with an extra silicone o-ring.

Which One To Choose?

The Flair 58x and the Cafelat Robot are both wonderful manual lever espresso makers, and you really can’t go wrong with either. If I had to pick, I’d probably put the Flair in my kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it’s the one for you.

Choose the Cafelat Robot if:

• You value an efficient workflow and favor medium to dark roasts
• You like its colorful quirky design
• You want to pull triple shots or make lungos

Choose the Flair 58x if:

• You mostly brew light roast espresso
• You want the option of a pressurized portafilter
• You like to brew by weight
• You prefer its more sophisticated look