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

Electrics and Fidges for Mobile Catering

by Zelig
(West Yorks)

Hello folks - just starting out planning a mobile food van. My question is around fridges and electrics: - can I use a normal household fridge or are there specialist fridges for vans?

Second part of my question is about voltage - if it's a normal household fridge that needs to be powered at 240V - right? Can this voltage be supplied by a mobile generator?

Is there a way of powering the fridge from the van's electrics when the generator is off whilst the van is moving?

I will also need to power lights and maybe a water heater: will 3 - 4 kVA cover it?

regards, Zelige

Comments for Electrics and Fidges for Mobile Catering

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 12, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Mobile Catering Power Source
by: David

Hi Zelige,

You can use normal house hold fridges in your catering trailer that run on electricity. But you would be better off using a LPG gas fridge/freezer. As it does not require a generator and in some instances is more economical to run than a petrol/diesel generator.
More info on Gas Fridges

With regards to your second question – yes a 4-5 K generator will cover the fridge and lights so no problems there. As for powering the fridge while in transit it may be possible to use a portable power source to help get around this problem, but unfortunately I don’t have any specific equipment to recommend.

Do try some caravan/RV type websites which may have some mobile solutions for you to consider.

Best of luck
David

p.s Get my free guide on Starting a Mobile Catering Business

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 LPG Gas Equipment Certificates.

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