Fracino Coffee Machines

Fracino is the only British manufacturer of commercial espresso machines, producing all of their equipment at their factory in Birmingham. Founded in 1963 by Frank Maxwell following a trip to Italy, Fracino has over 60 years of experience building robust, reliable machines for independent cafés, restaurants, and hospitality venues — combining the craftsmanship associated with Italian espresso equipment with the practical advantages of UK manufacturing, including faster parts availability and shorter service lead times.

Approximately 90% of components are produced in-house at the Birmingham facility, giving Fracino tight control over quality and build consistency. Their machines are designed to handle the demands of a busy coffee house, with outputs of 100 to 200 cups per hour depending on model.

A standout feature across the range is Dual Fuel technology — machines that can operate on both gas and electricity, making them a popular choice for mobile catering, food trucks, and venues without a reliable power supply. We stock the full commercial range including:

• Fracino Contempo — available in 1 to 4 group, in electronic and Dual Fuel versions
• Fracino Romano — 2 and 3 group electronic machines for high-volume venues
• Fracino Retro — 1 and 2 group Dual Fuel machines with a classic aesthetic

As an authorised Fracino dealer, our CoffeeSafe accredited service engineers carry out planned maintenance and emergency repairs on all Fracino equipment. Equipment leasing is available on orders over £1,000 through Shire Leasing, with fixed monthly payments over 2–5 years. Contact us for advice on which Fracino model suits your venue and volume.

Fracino Coffee Machine FAQs

Where are Fracino coffee machines made?

Fracino coffee machines are made in Birmingham in the UK. The company was founded in 1963 by Frank Maxwell after he visited Italy on holiday and was inspired by the espresso culture he experienced there.

How does a Fracino coffee machine work?

Fracino coffee machines use a combination of hot water and steam to produce high-quality espresso. You rotate the group head valves to release hot water through the coffee puck, with pressure controlled by a triple contact pressure switch for consistent extraction.

How long does a Fracino machine take to warm up?

It takes approximately 15 minutes after switching the machine on for steam pressure to build and for the machine to be ready for service. It is advisable to run a blank shot through each group head before the first coffee of the day.

How do I descale a Fracino coffee machine?

Descaling should be carried out regularly using a specialised descaling solution, following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. For general cleaning, wipe down the exterior with hot water and mild soap using a soft cloth. Our service team can carry out full descaling and maintenance as part of a planned maintenance contract.

Are Fracino machines suitable for high-volume use?

Yes — Fracino machines are designed for high-demand commercial environments including busy cafés and restaurants. Depending on the model, output ranges from approximately 100 to 200 cups of coffee per hour. The 3 and 4 group Contempo and Romano models are particularly suited to high-volume venues. Contact us if you need help choosing the right group configuration for your expected throughput.