Coffee Machine Gas or Electric?

by Milan
(United Kingdom)


Hi,

Im in big dilemma. Im setting up my Citroen HY van as catering unit and there will be coffee machine. Im not sure which option to choose, electric only or machine that can use both gas/electric.
Most people who trade on street or at festival have access to electricity and thats why im now in dilemma. Please help

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by: MobCater

Great question! Since you're setting up a Citroën HY coffee van, your choice between electric vs. gas/electric coffee machines depends on a few key factors:

Electric Coffee Machine (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

More consistent performance with stable electricity.
No need for gas safety checks or ventilation.
Easier maintenance than gas models.

Cons:

Requires a powerful generator (5kW or more) or a mains hook-up.
Can trip circuits if your power source isn’t strong enough.
May struggle at remote locations without electricity access.

Dual-Fuel (Gas + Electric) Coffee Machine (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

More flexibility – runs on electricity when available, gas when needed.
Gas heats up faster, reducing start-up time.
Ideal for off-grid locations or when power supply is weak.

Cons:

More expensive than electric-only models.
Requires a gas safety certificate (yearly check).
Needs proper ventilation for gas combustion.

What’s Best for You?

If you’re mainly trading at festivals or markets with reliable power, electric-only is simpler. If you’ll trade in remote areas or be fully independent, dual-fuel (gas + electric) gives you backup. Dual-Fuel Coffee Machines


Check the power supply at your planned locations – if some places only offer limited amps (e.g., 16A, 32A), you may need dual-fuel to avoid tripping the power.

Alternative: A high-quality battery/inverter system (like EcoFlow Delta Pro or Bluetti) could power an electric machine without a generator, but it’s a big upfront cost.

Wishing you the best in your business.

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