New: the free 12-step MobCater startup guide is now in the app. Open the app →

Coffee Machine Gazebo Dual Fuel Help

by Nana

lpg set up

lpg set up

Hello,

I was basically just wanting some information on the dual fuel fracino coffee machine set up. We’ve got a wooden cart & are wanting to set this up as a mobile coffee cart with a gazebo. I am struggling to find info online about how the gas canister needs to be stored. I can find stuff for vehicles/trailers but not sure if the cart/gazebo set up is different. I’ve read that it needs to be 1m away from the structure in a locked box, but not sure if that’s correct.
I just wondered if you had any info/advice on that.

Comments for Coffee Machine Gazebo Dual Fuel Help

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Nov 10, 2025
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dual Fuel Coffee Machine Setup
by: MobCater

Nice — good question. You’re right that most of the easily found guidance is written for vehicles/trailers, but the same safety principles apply to a wooden cart + gazebo setup.

Below we’ve pulled together the practical, lawful points you need, plus a short checklist you can use when you set up on-site.

Key rules (what the law / industry guidance says)

Cylinders must not be inside your trading structure. That means don’t keep the LPG/propane/butane cylinder inside the wooden cart or under the gazebo canopy. Keep it outside in its own enclosure.


Minimum separation: 1 metre for small stores (up to ~400 kg total). Industry guidance and LPG suppliers state that where less than about 400 kg of LPG is stored (this covers ordinary numbers of 13–47 kg bottles used for catering) the storage should be at least 1 m from buildings, marquees, boundaries and fixed sources of ignition unless a properly constructed fire wall is provided. If you ever store much more, larger distances apply.

Use a suitable locked metal cylinder box / cage with ventilation. The cylinder should be vertical, restrained and kept in a locked purpose-built locker or cage that prevents tampering and protects the valve. The locker should be ventilated at low level so any leaking gas disperses, and have warning signage.

Keep cylinders away from drains and ignition sources. Some local guidance recommends keeping cylinders at least 2 m from drains/drain covers and well away from naked flames, generators, or anything that could spark. Also don’t store near flammable liquids (cooking oil etc.).


Installation and pipework by qualified engineer; correct regulator. Any fixed pipework, regulator and connection to your Fracino dual-fuel machine should be installed and tested by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Fracino machines require the correct pressure regulator for LPG/butane (their docs note 37 mbar for LPG / 30 mbar for butane).


DSEAR / HSE considerations. If a dangerous substance (LPG) is present, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) and HSE guidance apply — so sensible risk assessment and controls are required.


How that looks for a wooden cart + gazebo (practical setup)

Put the cylinder outside the gazebo/cart, in a purpose-made, lockable metal cylinder locker or ventilated cage that can be chained/bolted to the ground or a heavy, fixed base. The locker should be at least 1 m from the gazebo/cart wall (or provide a non-combustible screen/fire wall if you can’t achieve distance).


Run a short, protected gas hose from the locker to the machine — only the minimum length needed, using hose and fittings rated for LPG and installed by a Gas Safe engineer. Fit an isolation valve accessible from outside if required by the engineer or event rules.


Don’t tuck a bottle under the cart or beneath wooden shelving. Never store a cylinder inside a wooden box or inside the gazebo where vapour could accumulate.


Place the cylinder away from drains, surface water gullies and obvious ignition sources (generators, lighting ballast, open flames). Some local guides recommend ≥2 m from drains.


Secure the cylinder upright with a restraint in the locker (chains, brackets) so it can’t fall over when you move the cart or in windy conditions.


Other practical & compliance tips

Check local authority / event rules. Councils, event organisers and local fire services sometimes have extra conditions (some grounds refuse cylinders inside marquees/gazebos). Tell the event manager you’ll have an external locker and confirm any on-site rules.


Label the locker and display warnings. Industry guidance asks for a warning sign and contact details on the enclosure.


Insurance & PAT/Gas checks. Make sure your insurer is notified of LPG use and keep installation certificates from your Gas Safe engineer. Do a visual check of hoses and regulators each day of trading.


Keep spares off-site. Return full/empty spare cylinders to your supplier or keep them in the approved store — don’t leave loose spares around the cart.


Quick checklist you can use on-site

Cylinder is outside the gazebo/cart in a lockable metal locker.

Locker is 1 m from the cart/gazebo (or has a fire wall).

Cylinder vertical, secured and ventilated, with warning sign.

Regulator/hose fitted by Gas Safe engineer; correct mbar for Fracino.

Cylinder not near drains, open flames, generators or flammable liquids.

Paperwork: CP12/installation certificate or engineer sign-off + supplier info + insurer notified.

We hope this helps you get started, best of luck,

Disclaimer:
This information is provided as general guidance only based on standard UK mobile catering practice. Requirements may vary depending on your local council, event organiser, insurer and Gas Safe engineer. Always follow the specific advice of your Gas Safe installer and local authority before operating.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Start Mobile Catering .

Your first trading day is closer than you think

Start free today with the 12-step guide, and skip the trial and error most new caterers learn the hard way.

Start the free 12-step guide