CON3LPG – Contempo 3 Group Semi-Auto Coffee Machine

Right then, let’s talk about coffee machines. Specifically, the Fracino CON3LPG Contempo. If you’re running a mobile catering business or just need something that can handle a lot of coffee without fuss, this might be up your street. It’s designed to be tough and reliable, which is pretty important when you’re serving customers on the go. We’ll break down what makes this machine tick, from its build to how it actually makes your coffee.

Key Takeaways

• The Fracino CON3LPG is built tough with stainless steel, making it suitable for busy mobile catering.

• It uses a powerful LPG system, claimed to be the world’s most powerful, for consistent performance.

• Semi-automatic controls give baristas control over their shots, while thermosyphonic circulation keeps groups at the right temperature.

• High groups are a handy feature for using takeaway cups, and easy access helps with quick maintenance.

• It’s designed for high-volume service, capable of producing a large number of espressos per hour.

Introducing the Fracino CON3LPG Contempo

A Versatile Powerhouse for Mobile Catering

Right then, let’s talk about the Fracino CON3LPG Contempo. If you’re in the mobile catering trade, or even thinking about getting into it, this machine is definitely worth a look. It’s been specifically kitted out for life on the road, off grid and mobile locations, meaning it’s tough and reliable when you need it most. You can chuck out a serious amount of coffee with this beast, so no more worrying about long queues. It’s built in the UK, which is always a good sign for quality, and it’s designed to handle the hustle and bustle of serving customers wherever you are.

Unrivalled Flexibility and Mobility

What really sets this machine apart is its flexibility. It runs on LPG, but you can also hook it up to electricity, or even use both at the same time. This means you’re not tied down to one power source. Whether you’re at a festival, a private event, or just parked up somewhere remote, you can get your coffee operation going. It’s genuinely built for people who need to move around and serve great coffee without being stuck next to a power socket. The gas burners are seriously powerful, so you won’t lose steam pressure even when things get really busy.

Designed for High-Volume Service

If you’re expecting a crowd, the CON3LPG Contempo can handle it. It’s a three-group machine, which means it’s got the capacity to keep up with demand. We’re talking about being able to produce a lot of espresso shots per hour, so you can serve up lattes, cappuccinos, and all the other favourites without breaking a sweat. It’s not just about speed, though; it’s about consistency too. You want every customer to get the same great taste, and this machine is designed to help you do just that, even when you’re flat out.

Exceptional Performance and Build Quality

When you’re out there serving coffee, especially on the move, you need a machine that’s not just good, but really tough. The Fracino CON3LPG Contempo is built like a tank, and that’s a good thing. It’s made from robust stainless steel, which means it can handle the bumps and scrapes that come with mobile catering without breaking a sweat. Plus, it just looks the part, doesn’t it?

Robust Stainless Steel Construction

Let’s talk about what this machine is made of. We’re looking at high-grade stainless steel all over. This isn’t just for looks, though it does look pretty smart. Stainless steel is brilliant because it’s easy to clean, which is a lifesaver when you’re busy. It also means it won’t rust or corrode, even if it gets a bit damp or you’re working in a challenging environment. It’s built to last, day in and day out, which is exactly what you want when you’re relying on it to make money.

High-Powered Gas Burners

This is where the ‘LPG’ in CON3LPG really comes into its own. Fracino has packed some serious power into the gas burners on this machine. They’re designed to match the output of their electric counterparts, meaning you won’t suddenly lose steam pressure when you’ve got a queue of customers waiting. Fracino even claims to have the most powerful LPG system in the world, which is quite a statement. This means consistent steam and hot water, even during the busiest rushes, so you can keep those coffees coming without any fuss.

UK Hand-Built Excellence

There’s something reassuring about knowing your coffee machine has been put together by hand, right here in the UK. Fracino prides itself on its craftsmanship, and you can see it in the details. They use top-quality materials like copper and brass, alongside that strong stainless steel. It’s this attention to detail and the fact that each machine is built by experienced engineers that gives you confidence. It’s not just assembled; it’s crafted for quality and endurance, making it a reliable partner for your mobile catering business. If you’re thinking about starting your own mobile catering venture, understanding the equipment is key starting a mobile catering business.

The build quality isn’t just about looking good; it’s about reliability. When you’re out on the road, the last thing you need is equipment failure. The solid construction and quality components mean this machine is designed to keep going, service after service, event after event.

Mastering Your Coffee Craft

Semi-Automatic Control for Barista Precision

The CON3LPG Contempo gives you, the barista, the reins. Unlike fully automatic machines, this semi-automatic model means you’re in charge of when the coffee extraction starts and stops. This hands-on approach is brilliant for developing your skills and really getting a feel for the coffee you’re making. You get to pull the shot yourself, which is great for experienced baristas who know exactly how they want their espresso to taste. It’s all about that personal touch.

Thermosyphonic Circulation for Perfect Temperature

One of the clever bits inside this machine is the thermosyphonic circulation system. Basically, it means the group heads, where the coffee comes out, are kept nice and hot all the time. This is super important because if the group head is too cold, it can mess up your espresso extraction. By keeping it at a consistent, warm temperature, you get a much better, more stable shot every single time. This consistent temperature is key to unlocking the best flavours from your coffee beans.

Dual Steam Wands for Effortless Milk Texturing

Getting milk just right for lattes and cappuccinos can be tricky, but the CON3LPG makes it a breeze. With two steam wands, you can steam milk for two drinks at once, or even have one dedicated to steaming and the other for just heating. This means you can whip up creamy, smooth milk for all your customers much faster, especially when things get busy. It’s a real time-saver and helps keep the drinks flowing without compromising on quality.

Designed for the Demands of Service

When you’re running a busy service, especially on the move, you need equipment that can keep up. The Fracino CON3LPG Contempo is built with exactly that in mind. It’s not just about making great coffee; it’s about making it efficiently, consistently, and with minimal fuss, even when things get hectic.

High Groups for Takeaway Cups

We all know how popular takeaway coffee is. That’s why this machine comes with high groups. This clever design means you can fit larger takeaway cups directly under the portafilter. No more awkward balancing acts or needing to transfer coffee between cups – it streamlines the process, saving you precious seconds during peak times. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re serving a queue of thirsty customers.

Easy Access for Reduced Downtime

Nobody likes it when their coffee machine goes down, especially during a busy event. Fracino understands this. The Contempo CON3LPG is designed with easy access to internal components. This means that if any maintenance or servicing is needed, it can be done much quicker. Less time spent fixing means more time spent serving, which is exactly what you want for your business. It’s all about keeping you operational and profitable.

Automatic Group Cleaning Cycles

Keeping your machine clean is vital for both hygiene and coffee quality. The CON3LPG features automatic group cleaning cycles. This takes a lot of the manual work out of keeping the machine in top condition. You can simply set it to run its cleaning cycle, and it handles the rest. This not only saves you time but also helps maintain the perfect brewing environment for every single shot. It’s a feature that really helps when you’re juggling multiple tasks.

The focus here is on practicality. Every element, from the cup height to the maintenance access, is thought through to support the fast-paced nature of mobile catering and high-volume service environments. It’s about making your life easier and your business run smoother.

The Fracino CON3LPG Advantage

The World’s Most Powerful LPG System

When you’re out and about, especially in a mobile catering setup, power and reliability are key. The Fracino CON3LPG really shines here. It boasts what Fracino claims is the most powerful LPG system available anywhere. This isn’t just a bit of marketing fluff; it means you get the same punchy performance as you would from an electric machine, even when you’re running on gas. No more worrying about steam pressure dropping during those busy rushes – this machine is built to keep up.

Consistent Quality, Every Time

It doesn’t matter if you’re serving coffee from a van at a festival or a small cafe, consistency is what keeps customers coming back. The CON3LPG, even though it’s semi-automatic, is designed to help you achieve that. The thermosyphonic circulation system keeps the groups at a steady temperature, which is a big deal for getting the best flavour out of your espresso. Plus, with dual steam wands, you can froth milk for a latte and pull an espresso shot at the same time, speeding things up without sacrificing quality.

Ideal for Mobile and On-the-Go Operations

This machine is practically made for life on the move. Its dual-fuel capability means you can use LPG, Butane, or even electricity, giving you loads of flexibility depending on where you are and what power sources are available. It’s built tough with stainless steel, so it can handle the bumps and shakes of being transported. And because it’s designed for high volume, you can serve a lot of customers quickly, which is exactly what you need when you’re running a mobile business.

Technical Specifications and Features

Generous Boiler Capacity

The CON3LPG Contempo boasts a substantial 20-litre boiler, which is a pretty big deal when you’re looking to serve a lot of coffee without interruption. This large capacity means it can keep up with demand, whether you’re at a busy festival or a large event. It’s heated by a top-quality copper element, ensuring consistent heat distribution for your coffee.

Separate Pressure Controls

One of the neat things about this machine is how it lets you manage water and steam pressure independently. You’ll find dedicated brass safety valves for both. This means you can fine-tune the steam for perfectly textured milk while ensuring the water pressure is just right for extracting your espresso shots. It gives you a lot more control over the final drink.

Durable Brass and Stainless Steel Components

Fracino really goes for it when it comes to build quality. The group heads, for instance, are brass-bodied with stainless steel shower plates. The steam and hot water valves are also solid brass. These materials aren’t just for show; they’re chosen because they’re tough and can handle the constant use and high temperatures that come with making coffee all day long. Plus, the main body, waste tray, and cup tray are all made from sturdy 304 stainless steel, which is easy to clean and looks good too.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Right then, after all that, the Contempo 3 Group Semi-Auto coffee machine really does seem like a solid bit of kit, especially if you’re out and about with a mobile catering setup. It’s built tough, can churn out a serious amount of coffee, and the fact it can run on gas means you’re not tied down by power sockets. It’s definitely geared towards someone who knows their way around an espresso machine, but for those who do, it looks like it’ll be a reliable workhorse. All in all, a proper bit of British engineering that should keep the caffeine flowing wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fracino CON3LPG ideal for mobile catering?

This coffee machine is brilliant for food trucks and events because it can run on LPG gas, meaning you don’t need a mains electricity supply. It’s super powerful, so it can make lots of coffees quickly, even when it’s really busy.

Is this machine hard to use if I’m new to making coffee?

The CON3LPG is a semi-automatic machine. This means you’ll need to start and stop the coffee brewing yourself. It gives you more control, but it’s best if you already know how to make a good espresso. If you want something simpler, a fully automatic machine might be a better choice.

How does the machine keep the coffee tasting great all the time?

It uses something called ‘thermosyphonic circulation’. Basically, this keeps the parts where the coffee is made nice and hot all the time. This helps make sure every coffee tastes just right, with the perfect temperature and flavour.

Can I make different types of coffee drinks with this machine?

Absolutely! It has two steam wands, which are like powerful steamers. You can use these to froth milk perfectly for lattes, cappuccinos, and other milky coffee drinks. Plus, the separate controls for water and steam let you fine-tune everything.

Is it easy to clean and look after?

Yes, it’s designed to be easy to maintain. It has automatic cleaning cycles for the brewing parts, which saves you time. Also, the internal parts are easy to get to, so if any servicing is needed, it can be done quickly, meaning less time the machine is out of action.

What does ‘dual fuel’ mean for this coffee machine?

Dual fuel means the machine can run on more than one power source. The CON3LPG can use LPG gas, and it can also use electricity. This gives you loads of flexibility, especially if you’re working at different locations or if one power source isn’t available.