LPG or Diesel Generator

by Keith
(Hull England)

If only using only LPG for all catering equipment, how can I use toaster and microwave and lighting?

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Feb 02, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Keeping Food Warm or Reheating
by: David-

For keeping food warm or reheating for larger evening meals, you have a couple of options:

Bain-Marie: Using an additional bain-marie instead of a microwave can be a good idea. A bain-marie works by gently heating food with water, which helps keep it at a safe and consistent temperature. It’s ideal if you want to hold food warm without risking it drying out or overheating.

Microwave: A microwave is quick and versatile, but if you’re already using LPG for most of your equipment and want to keep everything on the same energy source, another bain-marie might be more consistent with your setup.

Toastie/Panini Maker Alternatives

Since you’re looking to avoid an electric toastie or panini maker, here are some alternatives:

LPG Heated Sandwich Press: There are LPG-powered sandwich presses available that can perform much like electric ones, giving you those perfect toasted sandwiches without needing to plug into the mains.

Griddle or Flat Top: Since you’re already investing in a 90cm griddle, you might also consider using it for making toasties or paninis. You can use a heavy pan or even a cast iron plate to press the sandwich, or invest in a clamshell attachment that works with LPG equipment.

Conventional LPG Griddle with a Press: Some mobile caterers simply use a traditional LPG griddle and then press their toasties with a separate heavy pan or press. This can be a flexible option if you already have space on your griddle.

Final Thoughts

Both options have their merits. If you want consistency and to keep your entire setup LPG-operated, an additional bain-marie and an LPG-powered toastie solution would fit in perfectly. It’s all about matching your equipment with your cooking style and the type of food you plan to serve.

Hope that helps, and best of luck with your build and menu planning! Cheers!
Feb 27, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		LPG OR GENNIE
by: Anonymous

We were advised for our vehicle (still being built) to buy as much LPG operated as possible which we have done. Fryers, bain maire, boiler, griddle. Though getting gennie for drinks fridge, freezer and such like. but also have the issue of keeping food warm or reheating if we start serving larger meals (evening). we were going to get a microwave along with the bain marie but may reconsider. Should we get another ban marie instead of microwave? Our question re toaster is answered here so will keep with new griddle 90cm which looking at it in reality seems more than adequate for use along with breakfast food.
Only question is toastie/panini maker is there anything we could use in place of electric maker?
cheers
p.s our lpg equipment bought here.
Feb 27, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Generators
by: Tony

Hi Keith , just want you to no that I my self use a generator . its a 6.5kva and I run my lights , radio , fridge freezer ,large drinks fridge and a till , and the generator runs fine . But I run a toaster microwave and kettle two but I can only use 1 of them at a time .
Anyway you need to ask your self is it worth running a generator . I have had lots of them both new and second hand and as a rule if I get 12 to 18 months out of one im doing well . remember generators run 8 to 10 hours a day so look after it check the oil weekly and make sure the filter is clean. and if possible have a spare.
and even if you get the right generator for your van theirs the fuel costs . good luck ,
tony
Sep 27, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Using only LPG appliances
by: David

The short answer is that you don’t NEED those extra appliances in your catering trailer

You can certainly make toast on the griddle, just scrape it clean, make sure it’s not oily and then place the bread on griddle, it’s also easier to butter when it’s on the griddle.

As for microwave, these suck up a lot of energy, use a baine marie instead it may be slightly more hassle, but in my opinion it could be worth it.

Many people want extra equipment but you really don’t need it when you’re first starting.

Also, when you have electrical appliances, you going to need P.A.T test done for those appliances not to mention the general electrical test, as part of the health and safety

As for lightening you can get an inverter and battery to run the lights when needed.

So if you can avoid having any electrical appliances in your trailer, I would try and avoid it.

Best of luck,
David

PS. Get my free guide on Starting a Mobile Catering Business Guide

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