Flair Classic vs Wacaco Picopresso
Quick take: The Wacaco Picopresso costs $70 less.
| Spec | Flair Classic | Wacaco Picopresso |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $130 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (1,500) | 4.5★ (1,400) |
| Type | Manual/Lever | Manual/Lever |
| Boiler | None | None |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | 9 bar | — |
| Water capacity | 60 ml per shot | 2.7 oz |
| Warm-up time | 0 seconds | N/A |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | Unpressurized | Unpressurized Only |
| Best for | Manual Brewing | Enthusiasts |
| Dimensions | 6 x 13 x 12 in | 4.2 x 3.1 x 2.8 in |
| Weight | 5 lbs | 0.78 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
Pros & cons
Flair Classic
- ✓Cheapest path to real 9-bar espresso
- ✓No electronics to break
- ✓Fully portable - take camping
- ✓Beautiful tactile pulling experience
- ✓Easy to clean
- ✗Need a separate kettle
- ✗No steam wand for milk
- ✗Manual effort each shot
- ✗Single-shot only
- ✗Slower workflow than electric
Wacaco Picopresso
- ✓Pulls genuine espresso with real crema from an 18g dose when dialed in
- ✓Naked 52mm portafilter plus included distribution tool give a real pro workflow
- ✓Tiny, rugged, and fully non-electric - the travel and camping favorite
- ✓Unbeatable shot quality per dollar at around $130
- ✗Workflow is famously fiddly - many small parts to juggle and clean per shot
- ✗Brew chamber exterior gets very hot; back-to-back shots are tedious
- ✗Requires a capable espresso grinder and ultra-fine grind to shine
- ✗Single shots only, and there is no milk steaming