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Go for a Robot instead and never ever look back.
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Read this review comparing the Flair Pro 2, the ROK and the Cafelat Robot. People really don't rate the ROK as a reliable espresso maker, nor does it really stack up against the other main lever machines.
https://www.home-barista.com/advice/flair-pro-2-vs-cafelat-robot-vs-rok-gc-t68803.htmlA friend and I looked at all 3. We were purchasing for him.
The ROK GC is the least effective of the 3. The seal around the PF/screen is a bit prone to leaking when you apply maximum pressure. The ROK created the thinnest espresso. He originally bought the ROK and returned it. We made identical espresso with the ROK and Robot (before he had gotten the Flair) and the Robot was significantly richer and better tasting. Same beans, same grinder, grind dialled in for each machine.
The Flair Pro 2 is very good.. large basket capable of 16-22g shot, I estimate. Heats up well. I'd say the flair can be preheated a bit easier than the Robot and so might be better if you were doing mostly light roasts. The flair has more bits and pieces and so the workflow is slightly more involved. It comes with a carrying case if you decide to travel with it.
The Robot basket is deep and a bit hard to get an even distribution before tamping. But the robot workflow is dead easy. The easiest of all 3. One difficulty of the Robot might be preheating the piston when using light roasts as it can suck a bit of heat from the water. You can do it.. its just harder than the flair. I read somewhere that the flair can be preheated about 5 deg. hotter than the robot.. but both are pretty equivalent here.
I wouldn't consider the ROK compared to the other 2. Of the other 2, both make very good espresso. In fact, I'd say my Robot makes as good, if not better espresso than my Profitec Pro 500. My friend bought the Pro 2 and likes that a lot. He prefers that taste over the Robot (just slightly). But they are pretty equivalent. I'd buy the Robot again.
I only preheat the Robot basket when using medium and medium-dark roasts and my extractions are very good. With dark roasts no preheat is necessary.
You'd be happy with either.. read more and see which appeals to you for workflow.
You need a good grinder. My friend bought a Kinu Phoenix with his Flair Pro 2 and it is a great combo.. Don't skimp on on a grinder..
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JB
Nef
@Light_EDDed
Does anyone have a ROK for sale? I need to get this out of my system before going for the gaggia. But can’t justify £160 just to satisfy one of my whims.
Unless I end up loving the rok???