Fracino FCL1 / Lever (British espresso manufacturer)

#1: Post by **redbone** » July 7th, 2016, 10:29 am

Anyone heard of or tried the Fracino FCL1 one group and FCL2 two group lever machines. Fracino the maker of Londinium machines have been making espresso machines for over 50 years in Birmingham, England.

http://fracino.com/retro.html

Fracino appears to focus on commercial machines automatic and lever, electric and gas variants.

#2: Post by **Balthazar_B** » July 8th, 2016, 8:45 pm

There's next to no real info on that machine on their site (although if one were to Google correctly, it might be possible to come up with the information).

For instance, can it be plumbed-in? (I'm guessing no)
Is it a dipper or HX? (I have no idea)

#3: Post by **Oskuk** » July 10th, 2016, 5:11 am

I'm guessing a plumbed, because there is any tank capacity mention and no mention of a pump type.
But where is a mention on dipper/hx for e.g. Astoria Gloria? Not on Astorias site. So the "real" info is rather limited on any mark?

#4: Post by **jontyc** » July 10th, 2016, 5:18 am

Here's a brochure. More popular in the UK, although here in Australia they are a popular choice in coffee carts/vans because of their dual power (electricity/LPG) capability.

July 10th, 2016, 7:49 am

Great find thanks for the brochure.

#6: Post by **sophiasanles** » November 3rd, 2016, 9:11 pm

I currently own a FCL2 dual lever if you have any questions.

November 3rd, 2016, 9:14 pm

Thanks for chiming in. Where did you purchase it ? How do you like it ?

#8: Post by **sophiasanles** » November 3rd, 2016, 9:31 pm

I purchased it directly from Fracino.
I enjoy the machine but being from America figuring out how to convert the propane connection was the biggest headache.
The brew head temp was fairly constant when pulling shots but steaming milk always left some room for adjustment. I used it with propane mostly which gave me a lot more temperature control. The brochure says 300 cappuccinos an hour which is a slight exaggeration. From what I heard of the gaggia i feel like this is a much better choice as far as recovery.
As far as pulling shots, I had a great time but I'm not sure if my love affair was just with lever-action machines.

The design is pretty nice. It looks a bit more minimalistic than other lever machines which I like. Upon arrival ,the thermocouple was giving me a bit of trouble and they walked me through taking off the sides and fixing it.

#9: Post by **FotonDrv** » November 3rd, 2016, 10:49 pm

A lot of the parts interchange with the Londinium machines.

November 5th, 2016, 10:06 am

sophiasanles, I take it that this is a fully gas no electric machine ? Any reason for that ?
Must be a quick heat up time.