FlairGO: Portable, Collapsible Lever Espresso Machine with Pod Brewing (Pods Model)

Honestly I like this one, took a bit to figure out the first time but after that it feels easy enough to use. The way it folds up is nice, really compact so it doesn’t eat up counter space. I even tossed it in my bag for a weekend trip, no problem there. Build feels strong, not flimsy at all, like it should last a while if you don’t drop it or something.Coffee quality turned out better than I expected, crema was decent but you still need a good grind to get the best shot. Not really for someone who wants push button coffee though, you gotta put in some effort but I kinda like that. Functionality wise, everything works fine, the pressure gauge is handy and makes it easier to keep things consistent.Overall, it’s solid for anyone who wants proper espresso in a small setup.

Overall, it is nice. It is small and functions well and pulls a good shot. The reason for 3 stars is regarding what the advertising does not say.For instance, the stainless steel filter has been redesigned. It no longer sits on the lip and is a thing piece of metal you drop on top of the grounds. This can be hard to remove afterwards. They call it an upgrade but its more a cost reduction so the upgrade is really for their coffers. The old model was easy to retrieve and clean after a pull since it never came into contact with the grounds. This version you have to poke it with a spoon to get it upright to pull out or dump it out with the grounds. Either way, the filter is covered and the fine, espresso grounds will get caught up in the mesh, making cleaning a pain.To get to the bottomless filter mode, you have to remove the spout. The model I got, the spout was wedged in tight. I had to get a metal spoon and pry it out, gouging the surrounding plastic a little.The instructions and video are terrible. The video "instructions" are basically just another ad. You do not see any instruction whatsoever. It just shows one side angle and a person pouring in grounds, then water, then depressing the lever. If you want detailed instructions with weights and measures and techniques on how the thing works, you have to find a video from a third party reviewer to walk you through.Finally, I had to email the company directly for the tolerance for this device for grounds fine-ess. A lot of cheaper and off the shelf burr grinders will get you around 300 microns at the fine-ess setting. This will NOT work with the Flair Go. Don't even waste your money getting this. After the email to the company, I learned that this will NOT work unless you have a burr grinder can get you between 100-250 microns.For 200 USD, I expected more. Better documentation and instructions, better quality, and a device that could work with a common portable grinder without requiring buying an expensive grinder to accompany it. For something that is supposed to be on the go, it seems to require a kitchen with running water to clean it and a fancy grinder to even function.

Great for camping espresso. Just bring a kettle!