LPG and Dual-Fuel Coffee Machines for Mobile Coffee Trading
Quick answer: For a coffee van or trailer with no mains power, choose a dual-fuel espresso machine — it runs on LPG/propane when off-grid and switches to electric on a hook-up. The Fracino Contempo 2 Group Automatic (CON2ELPG, from £3,189) is the most popular choice for UK mobile coffee traders: automatic dosing, high-volume output, and the LPG-or-electric flexibility a van needs.
Go 1-group for a small cart, 2-group for most pitches, 3-group for high-volume events. All machines below are built in the UK and rated for propane at 37 mbar.
If you don’t see a particular Dual fuel model, please, please email call us on: 01923559077 or TxtUs: 07422128528 and we will source it for you. We are adding new mobile catering equipment constantly.
Retro Dual Fuel Coffee Machines
Retro FCL1 1 Group Coffee Machine Dual Fuel LPG
From: £2,259.00 inc vat
Retro 2 Group Coffee Machine Dual Fuel LPG
From: £3,199.00 inc vat
Retro 3 Group Coffee Machine Dual Fuel LPG
From: £3,799.00 inc vatContempo Automatic
Automatic Dual Fuel Espresso Coffee Machine LPG Electric
From: £2,299.00 inc vat
Contempo Dual Fuel Coffee Machine Automatic 2 Group CON2ELPG
From: £3,189.00 inc vat
Contempo 3 Group Coffee Machine Automatic Dual Fuel
From: £3,749.00 inc vatContempo Semi Automatic
Dual Fuel Coffee Machine Contempo LPG 1 Group Semi Automatic
From: £1,989.00 inc vat
Contempo Dual Fuel Coffee Machine Semi Automatic 2 Group
From: £2,799.00 inc vat
Dual Fuel Coffee Machine Semi Automatic Contempo 3 Group
From: £3,278.00 inc vatLPG Engineer Referral Service.
Need a qualified LPG mobile catering engineer for installation, repairs, testing, or gas safety certification? Our referral service can connects you with experienced engineers qualified in Commercial Mobile Catering (CMC) to ensure your gas equipment meets legal safety requirements.
For certification or equipment fitting, engineers may conduct on-site surveys to assess the work needed, keeping costs fair and focused on essentials. For legal compliance, mobile caterers must have annual or bi-annual gas safety checks performed by Gas Safe-registered engineers qualified for LPG and mobile catering appliances. Without proper certification, you risk non-compliance with safety regulations.
Main Postcodes Covered: Inside the M25, ME, CT, TN, BN, RH, GU, PO, RG, SL, HP, LU, SG, CM, RM, SS, CO, OX, MK, Bristol, Swindon, Reading, SN, LL, SY, CW, ST, TF, CH, WV, WS, WA, L, M, NG, DE, Sheffield, DN, WF, S, LS, and LN.
To use the Referral Service: Text the work needed and your postcode to 07422 128528. If you don’t see your postcode please send us a txt as we are updating the service areas.
Please note: It’s your responsibility to verify the engineer’s credentials before their visit, as we do not employ or contract engineers and are not liable for claims or damages arising from their work. Payment is made directly to the engineer. We only offer a referral service.
Coffee Van Machine FAQs
Can you use a coffee machine in a van without mains electricity?
Yes — a dual-fuel espresso machine runs on LPG/propane off-grid and switches to electric when you have a hook-up. It’s the standard setup for UK mobile coffee traders.
What’s the best coffee machine for a coffee van?
The Fracino Contempo 2 Group Automatic (CON2ELPG, from £3,189) is the most popular for mobile work — automatic, high output, and dual-fuel flexible. A 1-group suits a small cart; a 3-group suits high-volume events.
Do dual-fuel coffee machines run on propane or butane?
Propane only. Butane fails to vaporise below about 2°C, so it’s useless for UK outdoor trading. All MobCater dual-fuel machines are rated for propane at 37 mbar.
How much does a mobile coffee machine cost?
From £1,989 for a 1-group semi-automatic up to £3,799 for a 3-group. Most mobile traders choose a 2-group automatic from £3,189.
Automatic or semi-automatic — which is best for a van?
Automatic (volumetric dosing) is best for consistency and speed when you’re serving solo. Semi-automatic needs more barista skill and isn’t recommended for beginners.
Is a barista kit included?
Yes — a complimentary barista kit comes with the coffee machines (already in the price). A grinder discount is available as an alternative offer; the two don’t stack.
What about warranty and servicing?
Machines carry a back-to-base warranty (Fracino workshop). For high-value packages, equipment finance is available via our leasing page.