Mobile Fridges

by Chris
(Lancaster)

Simple tips for using fridges safely in a mobile catering van.

Simple tips for using fridges safely in a mobile catering van.

Hi All

I have bought a mobile catering van and intend to install a fridge unit capable of holding 400 by 600 mm pizza dough trays with a granite top for preparing pizzas on, something like this: https://www.nextdaycatering.co.uk/product/176656/pizza-counter-3-doors-granite-top-depth-800mm-pz36

Do I need to buy certain specific fridges for mobile use, I know fridges don't like being moved and should settle for 24 hours ideally after transport. So in the world of mobile catering what do people do - in reality are fridges fine to turn on straight away after being on the road for potentially hours? Is there special fridges made for mobile catering?

Cheers
Chris

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Dec 03, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Using Fridges in a Mobile Catering Van – What You Need to Know
by: MobCater

Hi Chris,
Good questions — a lot of new mobile caterers wonder the same. I’ll explain how fridges work for vans/trailers and what to check before you turn one on.

Do you need "special" fridges for mobile catering?

Not strictly. Many people use standard commercial catering fridges in vans.

The difference is: mobile catering fridges are often built more robustly, with sturdier shelving, stronger hinges, beefed-up suspension or shock-absorbent feet, and electricity/gas options that suit a van setup.

If your fridge will travel a lot, a mobile-rated fridge (or a fridge with robust build quality) is generally safer long-term — less chance of damage to the compressor, doors, shelves.

Fridge safety after transport — can you turn it on immediately?

Standard advice: after moving a fridge, wait ~ 24 hours before switching on. This helps refrigerant and oil settle. That advice mainly applies to domestic fridges in houses — they can get knocked around or tilted.

In mobile catering vans, people often don’t wait 24 hours — especially if the fridge was roughly upright or didn’t tilt much. Many simply turn them on once they reach site.

But there is a risk: if the compressor has been shaken or refrigerant/oil moved, you might shorten fridge lifespan, cause noisy operation, or risk damage.

Best practice:

Try to keep fridge as upright as possible while towing.

Once parked, leave the fridge standing still for a few hours (ideally overnight) before powering on — that’s safer.

If you expect frequent moves, invest in a van-rated or commercial "mobile duty" fridge with a beefier build and shock-proof mounting.

What do most mobile catering businesses do in reality?

Many run standard commercial catering fridges, but they install them securely, bolted or tied down so they don’t wobble while driving.

They add rubber anti-vibration mats or shock absorbers under the fridge to reduce road vibration and bumps.

On arrival, they let it sit a little while before powering on — maybe a few hours if upright, or overnight if it’s been bumpy.

Some go for "mobile fridges" — these are more expensive but made for moving vehicles (for example in ice-cream vans, trucks, catering trailers).

Recommendation

Building a pizza van:

Use a robust commercial fridge or a fridge built for mobile catering — not a cheap domestic model.

Secure it firmly in the van (bolts, braces), add anti-vibration mounting if possible.

Whenever you transport, try to keep upright.

Once parked, wait a few hours (or overnight) before switching on — especially if the fridge was jostled.

Consider a dual-power fridge (12 V / 230 V / gas / LPG) if you expect remote sites or generator-only power.

This keeps food safe, fridge working longer, and avoids breakdowns on-site. Best of luck and hope this helps you get started.

Disclaimer:
This is general advice based on UK mobile catering experience. Always check the manufacturer’s manual — some fridges have specific instructions. For safety and hygiene compliance, follow your local council’s regulations and ensure proper electrical installation by a qualified person.

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