After getting my hands on Flair 58 vs Gaggia Classic Pro debate, I have found my ultimate winner: Gaggia Classic Pro.
The winner Gaggia Classic Pro boasts of its well-rounded design that is easy to handle and can brew rich espresso. The interface is minimal to ensure a straightforward brewing experience, and the steam wand can froth creamy milk foam for beverages like latte, latte macchiato, flat white, mocha, etc. I highly recommend this affordable machines for beginners and first-timers.
As for Flair 58, I’m really impressed by the modern design of this model. It offers a 100% manual experience for a niche group of users. However, this is also its biggest weakness. From my perspective, it might be too complicated and inconvenient for many users. I will elaborate further below.
Flair 58 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Flair 58 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Gaggia Classic Pro wins 3-1 against Flair 58. I believe that Flair 58 is a good espresso machine, but its design seems too peculiar for the general public. Also, Flair 58 offers more automatic functions in every aspect. The quality of the espresso is excellent as well. I will tell you how these machines work for me compared to how they are advertised.
Coffee Flavor: Tie
+Dosing + tamping
Dosing and tamping are both manual with these machines. But there is a slight difference in how the steps work.
With Gaggia Classic Pro, the pump pressure system works automatically to start extracting coffee. And when I find the dose sufficient, I manual turn off the extraction process. This model uses 15 bars pump pressure to extract. So the flavor is quite nuanced and robust.
As for Flair 58, even the pressure needs to be applied manually. This is the function of the lever. I have to pull it while keeping a tab on the pressure gauge to ensure that the pressure is right around 8 to 10 bars. As for the flavor, I think it’s nutty and balanced.
+Heating system
If my investigation is correct, both devices use a single boiler system to heat water. Why am I not sure if this info is correct or not? Allow me to elaborate further.
Gaggia Classic Pro owns a single boiler, and the brand confirms this. Thanks to the boiler, I have extracted hot and steaming espresso, which might result rare for this particular heating element. I find the overall temperature performance of this product line impressive. With its cheap price tag and stable operation, I believe this one will be worth the small investment.
As for Flair 58, I find it hard to identify the exact brewing element of this model since the brand doesn’t specify the information, and the part itself isn’t removable either. In fact, the brew head shouldn’t be called a “brewing element” since this is not exactly what it does.
I have to pre-brew water, pour the hot water inside the 90ml brew head, and start the extraction. The brew head itself provides low to high temperature, which is adjustable. And the maximum heat that this compartment emits is around 197.6F. Technically, we can heat water with this brew head. But I don’t find the process stable and efficient.
Milk System: Gaggia Classic Pro
Flair 58 doesn’t even have a milk system, so Gaggia Classic Pro wins the round. But this is not the sole reason why this model wins. I actually enjoy its commercial style milk wand. According to the advertisement, this wand can easily froth from creamy to microfoam.
And here is how it really works from my experience. Microfoam isn’t its biggest strength since I have tried frothing it many times, but the thickest and airiest texture that I get is more appropriate for lattes. And as a result, the milk texture is more than ideal for this kind of beverage. I can even do some simple latte arts with the foam. In terms of foam temperature, we get a hot one with this kind of system.
In conclusion, I find the steam wand very pleasant for the price of this machine. It’s an affordable model that can deliver creamy foam for many recipes. I’m satisfied with what I get so far.
Utilities: Gaggia Classic Pro
Since Flair 58 is a fully-manual machine, it’s not surprising that it doesn’t have as many convenient additional features as Gaggia Classic Pro. With Gaggia Classic Pro, I like that it has a dedicated decompression duct that presses all the water in the used puck after brewing so that the puck results drier and easier to dump out.
Also, I like that the water tank of Classic Pro is totally transparent, and it has a line that indicates the maximum water level that it can store. It makes keeping up with the refills much easier.
On top of Gaggia Classic Pro is a cup warming tray. It receives heat passively from the boiler right underneath.
Design & Material: Tie
In terms of material, these machines are mainly made of stainless steel, which is excellent since it’s rust-free and very durable. I have nothing to complain about as for this aspect.
The design part is what troubles me because it depends a lot on each user’s preference. For me, I value convenience and simplicity more, especially in espresso machines of this price range. Therefore, I prefer Gaggia Classic Pro, given I’m used to its classic espresso machine design and functionality.
Flair 58, on the other hand, has a more manual control with its lever. The overall visual aspect of this machine is very unique. It can froth delicious espresso, and it looks like a contemporary piece of furniture. I think users who pay attention to design for all these reasons will prefer this one more.
And you? Which style do you prefer?
Flair 58 vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
Gaggia Classic Pro and Flair 58 don’t have many similarities between them. But the noise-free operation and the decent temperature performance are 2 points that I find pleasant in both machines.
Noise-free operation
The pair is good at brewing espressos without making too much noise. This is the aspect that I expect in most espresso machines that aren’t integrated with a bean grinder. These devices are good choices if you hate the grumbling or screeching sound an espresso machine makes during grinding, extracting, and frothing.
Good temperature performance
I enjoy the temperature performance of both machines. They can keep the drinks hot. But, it’s evident that working with the temperature of Gaggia Classic Pro is more direct and convenient, given that I only have to hit the button and start brewing.
With Flair 58, I have to brew water with an electric kettle beforehand, then pour the steaming water in the brew head. The brew head is hot, so it maintains the heat well. But this is more like the work of my kettle instead of the espresso machine.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Flair 58
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References:
- Gaggia Classic Pro: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-classic-pro
- Flair 58: https://flairespresso.com/product/flair-58/
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.