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Can One LPG Generator Power a Coffee Horsebox Conversion?

by Lindsey reid
(Birmingham)

Teal converted horsebox mobile coffee unit with a portable generator at a UK country event

Teal converted horsebox mobile coffee unit with a portable generator at a UK country event

Hi, I'm looking to start a mobile coffee business from a converted horse box. I'm currently looking into options for powering all of my equipment but, the more I'm reading, the more confused I'm getting!! The equipment that I will need power for are: coffee machine, grinder, possible hot water urn, two blenders, fridge, freezer, hot water sink, lighting and heating.
I'm looking into an lpg generator at the moment as I've read that alot of events don't allow petrol or diesel ones. My question is, would an lpg generator power all of my equipment or would I needed a separate source for some equipment? Please don't feel that you are over commenting, as, right now I'm so confused that I need someone to explain right from the basics!!
Also, what do I do about fridge and freezer while I'm travelling to events? Can I power them from the generator while I'm travelling or can I only plug them in when I get there? Do I need a cool box or could I buy a separate battery pack to power them while I'm travelling? Thank you so much for any advice!!

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Jul 22, 2026
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by: MobCater

Hi Lindsey, I can hear the worry in your message, so let me untangle this and take you right back to basics like you asked.

The confusion is normal, because a coffee setup is one of the heavier electrical loads in this game and the machine is the reason. A commercial coffee machine can pull two to three kilowatts on its own when the boiler is heating, and that is before the grinder, urn, two blenders, fridge and freezer. So can one LPG generator run all of it? Yes, but only if you size it properly and you are sensible about what runs at once.

For a full coffee horsebox I would look at a generator around 3.5 to 6kVA, not a little 2kVA camping unit. The thing most people miss is the startup surge: fridge and freezer compressors and the coffee boiler all spike for a second or two when they kick in, so you size for that peak, not the average. A simple habit saves you too, which is not running the blenders while the urn and the machine are both heating. Stagger the big pulls and a right-sized generator copes fine. You were right that many events now refuse petrol and diesel over fuel-spill worries, so LPG is a sensible pick. Search for a generator wattage calculator online, type in every appliance, and it will tell you the size you need.

The fridge and freezer while travelling is the part that trips everyone up. You cannot safely run a mains fridge off the generator while you drive, so please don't try. What works is getting everything properly cold the night before, keeping the doors shut, and letting the frozen stock hold its own temperature for the trip. For longer journeys a leisure battery or a portable power station running a 12V compressor coolbox does the job, then you plug into the generator once you have parked up. Keep cold food below 8°C, aim for 5°C, and frozen at minus 18.

One firm rule before you buy anything: an LPG generator and any gas pipework must be fitted and certified by a Gas Safe registered engineer who holds the LPG qualification. It is not a DIY job. The app's Premium tier has an LPG engineer directory if you want to find someone local, and if you are still pricing up the machine and refrigeration, mobcater.com is worth a browse.

Keep going

David

Disclaimer: Gas installation and maintenance must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never attempt gas work yourself. Check gassaferegister.co.uk for qualified engineers in your area.

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