Running a mobile kitchen is vastly different from managing a permanent kitchen, requiring unique considerations in planning, layout, and equipment selection. Mobile units operate with bottled LPG, a high-pressure and unpredictable fuel, making proper installation, maintenance, and inspection critical for safety and functionality.
Unique Challenges of Mobile Kitchens
Unlike permanent setups with strong ventilation and backup systems, mobile kitchens rely on standalone appliances and minimal resources. This creates a need for precise equipment choices and meticulous safety practices. Appliances should be medium-duty, reliable, and tailored to mobile use, with local isolation and visible shut-off valves for emergencies. Flexible hoses, date-stamped for safety, must meet regulations.
Gas Safety Essentials
The fundamentals of gas safety—fit-for-purpose appliances, gas-tight pipework, and proper combustion ventilation—are heightened in mobile kitchens. LPG’s unique characteristics, such as faster flames and potential impurities, necessitate careful monitoring. Operators must watch for yellow flames or soot buildup, indicators of incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide risks.
The Importance of Inspections
Annual gas safety inspections are not only mandatory but essential for preventing hazards like gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Inspections cover flame quality, ventilation, pressure, and appliance condition, ensuring safe operation. A CP44 gas safety certificate, specific to mobile catering units, confirms compliance.
Operator Responsibility
Between inspections, operators should conduct regular checks, asking questions like:
- Are flames blue and consistent?
- Is soot or moisture present?
- Are ventilation ports clear?
- Is the shut-off easily accessible?
Monitoring these elements helps maintain safety and operational efficiency.
Catercall’s Expertise
Catercall provides expert servicing, inspections, and installations for LPG mobile kitchens. From ensuring gas safety to optimizing equipment, their professional team supports businesses across various sectors, prioritizing safety and reliability. Whether it’s a routine inspection or emergency repair, Catercall ensures your mobile kitchen operates smoothly and safely.
Why Catercall?
Our team are strategically located across the country enabling us to react promptly to emergency calls within 4 hours in most locations. Our Engineers are qualified to work in all catering environments and disciplines and hold all major accreditations and qualifications needed to work safely and professionally in your kitchen.
All our catering equipment repairs are carried out by fully trained personnel who have vast experience within the commercial kitchen service environment. During their careers, they have worked for national manufacturers and large service companies, gaining expertise in a wide range of commercial kitchen appliances.
Our technicians understand the unique demands of professional kitchens, ensuring they provide top-notch service every time.Catercall engineers are fully trained by leading manufacturers, including Rational, Electrolux, Maidaid, and Instanta. Our engineers are GAS SAFE registered and have completed the relevant ACOPS Gas courses, ensuring safe and efficient repair of commercial kitchen appliances.
This extensive training and certification enable us to handle even the most complex catering equipment repair services, giving you peace of mind that your kitchen is in good hands.In addition to our comprehensive commercial kitchen equipment repair service, we offer expert advice on new equipment in all areas, including commercial refrigeration, cooking equipment, and food preparation machines. Whether you are looking to buy commercial kitchen equipment for a new restaurant or upgrade your existing setup, our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the best options.
As a Cedabond Network member, Catercall provides access to reliable, cost-effective equipment tailored for every need. Whether you require a new installation, quick repair, or routine inspection, their team ensures high-quality service to keep your kitchen running seamlessly.
Contact Catercall today, book in an inspection and we will make sure that your kitchen is performing at its best.
