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What size generator do i need to run the following items

Mobile catering generator

Mobile catering generator

Hi i have recently bought a burger van and have been trying to find out what size generator i need to run the following items
1xBain Marie-1.5kw 1500w, 13amp plug, power 1200 watts at 240 volts
2xtea urns-240v, power 2500 watts
1xGriddle- 3kw power 1 plug OR 5kw 2 plug (2x2.5kw elements)
1xLighting- 36w batten light, power 36w 240v
1xmicrowave-700w
1xunder counter fridge- couldnt find info for this,but is just a standard fridge?

The van is currently set up on electric and not lpg, any help would be greatly appreciated thank you

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Jan 14, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		What Size Generator Mobile Catering
by: David-

Choosing the right generator for your burger van is important to ensure everything runs smoothly without overloading the generator. Let's break it down step by step, including some calculations to make it easy to follow.

1. Understanding Power Needs
Each appliance in your van consumes a certain amount of power, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). To find the total power you need, we simply add up the wattage of all your equipment.

Here’s a table of your equipment and their power requirements:

Appliance Watts (W) Amps Details
Bain Marie 1200 W 5 A Uses a 13-amp plug.
Tea Urns (2x) 2500 W each ~10.4 A each Total for both: 5000 W.
Griddle 3000 W or 5000 W ~12.5 A (1 plug) or ~20.8 A (2 plugs) Depending on model used.
Lighting (batten light) 36 W ~0.15 A Very low power consumption.
Microwave 700 W ~2.9 A Assumes typical usage.
Under-counter fridge ~100-200 W ~0.8 A A standard small fridge is roughly in this range.

2. Total Power Calculation

Now, let’s add up the total wattage for each scenario (with the griddle set to both single and dual plug modes):

Scenario 1: Griddle in 1-Plug Mode (3kW)
Bain Marie: 1200 W
Tea Urns: 5000 W
Griddle (1 plug): 3000 W
Lighting: 36 W
Microwave: 700 W
Fridge: 200 W (estimated)
Total Power Needed: 10136 W (10.14 kW)

Scenario 2: Griddle in 2-Plug Mode (5kW)
Bain Marie: 1200 W
Tea Urns: 5000 W
Griddle (2 plugs): 5000 W
Lighting: 36 W
Microwave: 700 W
Fridge: 200 W (estimated)
Total Power Needed: 12136 W (12.14 kW)

3. Choosing a Generator
When selecting a generator, you should add a 20% safety margin to account for startup surges (some appliances like fridges and microwaves need extra power to start) and to avoid overloading the generator.

Generator Size Calculation
Scenario 1 (Griddle 1-Plug Mode):
Total Power: 10.14 kW
Add 20%: 10.14 kW × 1.2 = 12.17 kW
Recommended Generator Size: 12–13 kW

Scenario 2 (Griddle 2-Plug Mode):
Total Power: 12.14 kW
Add 20%: 12.14 kW × 1.2 = 14.57 kW
Recommended Generator Size: 15 kW

4. Considerations
Fuel Type: Generators can be petrol, diesel, or LPG. Diesel is more fuel-efficient and lasts longer for heavy-duty use. LPG is quieter and cleaner but might need an adapter.
Noise Level: Look for a "silent" or low-noise generator if you’re working in residential areas or events.
Portability: Ensure the generator is easy to move and fits securely in your setup.
Expansion: If you might add more equipment later, consider going for a slightly higher capacity generator.

5. Final Recommendation

If you use the 3kW griddle, a 12–13 kW generator will suit your needs.
If you use the 5kW griddle, opt for a 15 kW generator to handle the extra load.

Example Generators (UK Market):
12–13 kW Diesel Generator: Suitable for Scenario 1.
15 kW Diesel Generator: Ideal for Scenario 2.
Brands like Honda, Hyundai, and Pramac are reliable for catering setups.

By ensuring your generator is sized correctly, you'll avoid power outages, protect your equipment, and keep your van running smoothly. You may find this helpful Learn more about what size generator you need

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