Fracino Contempo Dual Fuel Coffee Machine: The Complete Range Guide for Mobile Caterers

If you’re setting up a mobile coffee business in the UK, the machine you bolt to your counter will make or break your first year. The Fracino Contempo dual fuel range is the most popular choice on MobCater.com — and for good reason. These machines run on both LPG propane and mains electricity, giving you the flexibility to trade anywhere: festivals with no power, high street pitches with a 13-amp socket, or farmers’ markets where you never know what you’ll get.

This guide covers every Contempo dual fuel model Fracino makes, with real specs from the manufacturer manual, honest advice on which size suits your setup, and the numbers you need to work out whether the investment stacks up.

Why the Contempo Dual Fuel Is the Go-To Machine for Mobile Coffee

The Contempo is Fracino’s modern workhorse — a commercial-grade espresso machine designed specifically for businesses that need to switch between propane and electric power depending on where they’re trading. Unlike machines that only run on mains electricity (and leave you stuck without a generator), the Contempo’s fuel selector switch lets you flip between gas and electric in seconds.

Three things set the Contempo apart from cheaper alternatives. First, it’s genuinely dual fuel — not a mains machine with a gas conversion kit bolted on. The gas burner system is factory-fitted with a flame failure safety device, electronic ignition, and a proper thermocouple. Second, it’s built in Birmingham by Fracino, the only UK espresso machine manufacturer, which means parts and service are never far away. Third, it’s BSI ISO 9001 certified with UKCA and CE marking — your gas safety inspector won’t raise an eyebrow.

For mobile caterers who care about their environmental footprint, dual fuel also makes practical sense. When you have access to mains electricity — say at an indoor event or a permanent pitch — you run on electric with zero on-site emissions. When you’re off-grid, propane burns significantly cleaner than the diesel generators many traders rely on, producing far less CO₂, no particulates, and no diesel smell drifting over your customers’ flat whites.

The Full Contempo Dual Fuel Range: Six Models Compared

Fracino makes the Contempo in two control types (Semi-Automatic and Automatic) and three sizes (1 Group, 2 Group, and 3 Group). Here’s how they compare:

All models share these specs: 230V 50Hz mains input, 13-amp plug, propane at 37 mbar operating pressure, electronic ignition, flame failure safety device, main gas isolation valve, steam pressure 1.0–1.2 BAR, boiler drain, sight glass for water level, and stainless steel construction. Clearance required: 600mm above, 75mm rear, 75mm each side.

Semi-Automatic vs Automatic: Which Control Type Do You Need?

This is the first decision you need to make, and it comes down to who’s pulling the shots.

Semi-Automatic (CON1LPG, CON2LPG, CON3LPG) — You start and stop the water flow manually using a push button. This gives an experienced barista full control over extraction time and volume. It’s the cheaper option and preferred by coffee purists who want to adjust each shot. The downside: if you’re training someone new or working flat out during a rush, consistency can slip.

Automatic (CON1ELPG, CON2ELPG, CON3ELPG) — You programme single and double shot volumes using the built-in set volume control, then the machine delivers exactly that amount every time at the touch of a button. Press once for a single, twice for a double. This is worth the extra £200–£470 if you’re employing staff, training new baristas, or working high-volume events where speed and consistency matter more than artisan control.

For most mobile coffee businesses starting out, the 2 Group Semi-Auto (CON2LPG) at £2,799 hits the sweet spot — enough capacity for busy periods, manual control for quality, and the lowest entry price for a twin-group machine.

How Many Groups Do You Actually Need?

Groups are the brewing heads on the machine. More groups means more simultaneous shots, but also more weight, more counter space, and more gas consumption.

Most mobile coffee businesses do well with a 2-group machine. A 1-group works if you’re genuinely solo and serving fewer than 80 customers in your busiest period. A 3-group is overkill unless you’re doing high-volume events or running a van with multiple staff. Remember: a bigger machine needs a bigger generator, more propane, and more counter space in your van.

Power Requirements: Generators, Inverters, and Running Costs

Understanding the Contempo’s power requirements is critical for mobile setups. The machine draws power from two sources simultaneously when running on gas:

Gas (propane at 37 mbar) heats the boiler. A 1-group draws 2.20 kW, a 2-group draws 2.70 kW, and a 3-group draws 4.00 kW of gas heat. At typical propane consumption rates, expect to use roughly 0.15–0.30 kg of propane per hour depending on how hard you’re working the machine. A standard 13 kg propane bottle will last 40–80+ hours of trading.

Electricity (13 amp / 230V) powers the water pump, electronics, and — when switched to electric mode — the heating element. For mobile installations without mains power, Fracino recommends a 12V leisure battery connected to a DC-AC pure sine wave inverter. This runs the pump and electronics while gas handles the heating. Alternatively, pair the machine with an inverter generator — a 2 kW unit like the Gorilla Power GP2000i is sufficient for a 1 or 2-group Contempo on gas mode.

The fuel selector switch is on the right-hand side of the machine. Flip it towards you for electric heating, away from you for gas. When you have a mains socket available, use electric — it’s faster to heat up (approximately 15 minutes vs 30 minutes on gas) and costs less per hour.

Running Cost Comparison

Propane is not only the cheapest fuel option per hour — it’s also the cleanest off-grid choice. Unlike petrol or diesel generators, propane produces no soot, no particulate matter, and significantly less CO₂ per kWh. If you’re trading at eco-conscious events or farmers’ markets where sustainability matters to your customers, running on propane sends the right message.

Mobile Installation: What You Need in Your Van or Trailer

The Contempo is designed for mobile installation, but it needs to be done properly — both for safety and to keep your warranty valid. Here’s the full setup from the Fracino installation manual:

Mounting: The machine must be securely bolted to a stable counter top using the two fixing points under the drip tray. Use M10 bolts with star or spring washers to prevent vibrations loosening the fixings. Mounting hole dimensions for all Contempo models: 1-group = 279mm apart, 2-group = 482mm apart (both 100mm minimum from counter edge).

Water supply: For mobile use, you need a fresh water tank (minimum 20 litres recommended for a full day’s trading) connected via a water bottle pump. A water softener (DSU) or inline filter should be fitted between the tank and the pump to protect the machine from limescale — Fracino’s warranty doesn’t cover scale damage.

Gas supply: Connect via a stainless steel braided hose with 1/4″ BSP Fulham nozzle to a propane bottle with a 37 mbar regulator. All gas lines must be purged before first ignition. A pressure test point is built in between the gas isolation valve and the gas control valve under the drip tray. Important: Always use propane for mobile catering, never butane — butane fails to vaporise below approximately 2°C, making it unreliable for UK outdoor trading.

Electrical: 12V leisure battery + DC-AC pure sine wave inverter (minimum 1,000W) for the pump and electronics. The 13-amp mains cable (thick 3-core) connects to the inverter output. Keep the battery charged between events.

Waste water: A waste water container positioned below the machine’s drain outlet.

Gas installation must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer with a COMCAT 2 certificate for commercial mobile catering. You’ll need a CP44 gas safety certificate before you can legally trade. Annual boiler inspection is also a legal requirement under the PSSR Act 2000.

Which Contempo Should You Buy? Our Recommendations

Starting a solo coffee business on a budget? The CON1LPG 1-Group Semi-Auto at £1,989 is the entry point. It’s the most affordable dual fuel espresso machine from a UK manufacturer, and a 1-group is enough for market stalls, pop-ups, and low-to-medium volume events. Pair it with a GP2000i inverter generator for a compact, quiet, low-emission setup.

Running a coffee van or busy pitch? The CON2LPG 2-Group Semi-Auto at £2,799 is the most popular choice for mobile coffee businesses. Two groups let you pull shots back-to-back during morning rushes without keeping customers waiting. If you’re training staff or want repeatable shots, step up to the CON2ELPG Automatic at £3,189.

Doing festivals, weddings, or high-volume corporate? The CON3ELPG 3-Group Automatic at £3,749 is the top of the range. With 4.00 kW gas heat input and three brewing groups, it handles queues of 200+ drinks per hour when you have two people on the machine. The automatic dosing means every shot is consistent even when you’re flat out.

Whatever size you choose, you’ll also need a quality grinder (budget £400–£800 for a commercial on-demand model), a knock-out drawer, and milk frothing jugs. For a complete equipment list, see our mobile catering equipment checklist.

Maintenance, Servicing, and Warranty

Fracino machines are built to last, but they need looking after — especially in a mobile environment where vibration, temperature changes, and hard water take their toll.

Daily: Backwash the groups at the end of each trading session using cleaning powder. Purge the steam wand after every use (milk left in the tube gets sucked into the boiler and turns it sour). Wipe down all surfaces and empty the drip tray.

Every 2 months: Replace the water filter. This applies even if the machine hasn’t been used constantly — the filter degrades over time. Use only Fracino-approved filters.

Every 12 months: Full service by a qualified engineer — Gas Safe registered with COMCAT 2 certificate for the gas components. Annual boiler test inspection is a legal requirement under the PSSR Act 2000. The recommended service interval is 12 months. Contact Fracino (0121 328 5757) or use MobCater’s LPG Engineer Referral Service to find a qualified engineer in your area.

Warranty: 12 months from installation, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty transfers to new owners if the machine stays in the same location. Not covered: limescale damage, over-tightened valves, blocked groups from poor cleaning, or work done by non-authorised engineers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Fracino Contempo on gas and electric at the same time?

No. The fuel selector switch selects either gas or electric heating — you choose one at a time. However, the water pump and electronics always run on electricity (either mains or via a 12V battery and inverter), even when heating on gas. This means you need an electrical supply regardless of which fuel you use for heating.

What size generator do I need for a Contempo dual fuel coffee machine?

When running on gas mode, the generator only needs to power the pump and electronics — a 2 kW inverter generator is sufficient for any Contempo model. When running on electric mode, the heating element draws up to 2.85 kW (1-group) to 4.00 kW (3-group), so you’d need a 3–5 kW generator. For most mobile setups, run on gas and use a small, quiet inverter generator for the electrics. See our generator buying guide for specific pairing recommendations.

How much propane does a Contempo use per day?

A 2-group Contempo drawing 2.70 kW on gas uses approximately 0.20 kg of propane per hour at normal operating load. Over a typical 6–8 hour trading day, that’s 1.2–1.6 kg of propane — costing roughly £1.00–£1.50. A standard 13 kg propane bottle will last 8–10 full trading days before needing to be swapped.

Is the Contempo dual fuel suitable for a coffee trike or bicycle cart?

The 1-group models (CON1LPG / CON1ELPG) can work on larger trikes with a stable, flat counter, but you need to consider the weight — a 1-group Contempo weighs approximately 30–35 kg before water. For smaller trikes, the Fracino Cherub or Bambino are lighter alternatives, though they’re not dual fuel.

What’s the difference between the Contempo and the Fracino Retro dual fuel?

The Contempo uses a pump-driven brewing system with push-button or electronic controls. The Retro uses traditional lever operation — you physically pull a lever to create brewing pressure. The Retro is more theatrical and appeals to premium events and craft coffee culture, while the Contempo is faster, more consistent, and better suited to high-volume mobile trading. Both use the same gas system and have identical safety features.

Do I need a CP44 gas safety certificate for a Contempo?

Yes. Any LPG appliance installed in a mobile catering unit requires a CP44 gas safety certificate issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified in LPG and commercial mobile catering (COMCAT 2). You’ll also need annual gas safety checks. Without valid certification, your public liability insurance may be void and you risk prosecution by local authority environmental health officers.

Why should I choose propane over a diesel generator for my coffee setup?

Propane is a lower-emission fuel than diesel, producing up to 20% less CO₂ per unit of energy and virtually zero particulate matter. There’s no diesel smell, no black exhaust, and no soot settling near your serving area. For eco-conscious events and local authority pitches that increasingly restrict diesel generators, a propane-powered Contempo paired with a small inverter generator (or battery/inverter system) is the cleanest off-grid option available. It also costs less per hour to run.