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Bottle Gases Used in Food Stalls and Mobile Catering

Food stalls and mobile catering units are all the rage right now. Whether in London’s trendy food markets or at the fairground, these are great ways for businesses to serve delicious eats at different locations. Many food stalls utilise bottle gases in their operation, providing a reliable and portable energy source that works for a variety of food outlets.

In this blog, we’ll be covering how gases are used in food stalls, including the benefits they offer and the types of stalls they work with. Gas safety is vital within these environments, so we’ll also discuss some safety tips and regulations surrounding food stalls.

How Gases are Used in Food Stalls

Food stalls are typically set up for short-term events or are travelling from location to location. This means that they require a reliable and portable energy source that can work well in a variety of environments.

Bottle gases are a flexible alternative to fixed gas lines. Instead of extensive implementation, bottle gases can be swapped out and delivered when needed. This is perfect for events like fairs and food festivals, where setting up and packing down need to be quick and easy.

Having a portable cooking source doesn’t equate to compromising on quality, as bottle gases provide a reliable and consistent source of heat for cooking equipment, like grills, fryers, stoves, and ovens.

Propane: Propane gas bottles are some of the most common gas bottles found within mobile food units. This gas is able to reach a high heat output, which ensures that food is being cooked quickly and safely. Propane burns well even in lower temperatures, so it works well for food stalls that are frequently exposed to colder weather. Propane burns with minimal soot, so it’s perfect for cooking food as it doesn’t leave residue or create unpleasant smells.

Butane: Butane gas bottles are also utilised in cooking, adapted to smaller food stalls, and are also found in portable cookers and BBQs. Butane operates with a lower energy content and pressure, so it has a more manageable heat level.

Appliances that Use Gas Bottles in Food Stalls

There are many kinds of appliances that utilise bottle gases due to their energy power and versatility. Here are just a few examples:

  • Grills: Kebab, shish, and doner stalls utilise gas-powered kebab grills to cook meats and vegetables. These grills typically include a hermetically sealed base that stops fat from running into the motor and multiple heat zones for even cooking.
  • Cast-Iron Griddle: Many businesses benefit from the features a cast-iron griddle provides. They’re capable of reaching high temperatures of up to 300°C, which is ideal for searing steaks, burgers, and breakfast items like eggs. The hot heat provided by bottle gases allows food to remain hot without burning it.
  • Fryer: Fryers are a popular choice amongst food vendors to serve up some fried goodness like chips, fried chicken, and battered fish. Compact gas bottles are capable of powering these fryers, whether just as a single unit or as multiple units.

Gas Safety in Food Stalls

If you’re considering introducing a gas bottle into your mobile food stall, then you need to be aware of the potential risks and hazards that are associated with them. Neglecting proper maintenance and gas safety procedures can lead to disastrous consequences, and you could be facing criminal charges if you have not followed the correct procedure. Be sure to follow these gas safety tips when using bottle gases within your food stall:

  • Proper Storage: Store gas bottles in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ensure that bottles are upright and secure so that they don’t fall over.
  • Check for Leaks: Any staff working on the food stall should be aware of how to detect a gas leak before using the bottles. Signs of a gas leak can include the smell of gas, yellow or orange flames instead of blue flames, and increased condensation on windows.
  • Be Aware of Emergency Procedures: In the event of a fire caused by a gas leak, make sure to raise the alarm immediately, call any emergency services and shut the valves on all bottles.
  • Ventilation: Make sure your food stall is adequately ventilated, as this will help prevent the build-up of harmful gases like carbon monoxide.
  • Conduct Regular Maintenance: Even if you don’t suspect any issues, conduct regular checks on your equipment for any sizes of wear and tear.
  • Follow Regulation: There is extensive regulation in place when it comes to gas safety, and it’s important that your food stall adheres to these guidelines. Check the requirements for acts such as the Gas Appliances Act 1995, The Gas Safety Regulations 1998, and Gas Safety in Catering and Hospitality 2013, in addition to any other applicable.

Gas bottles hold an abundance of uses in food stalls, from fryers to grills, they can provide a portable yet reliable replacement for complex gas lines. It is imperative to perform regular maintenance and safety checks on bottle gas equipment in order to ensure that guidelines are being followed, and that there are no hidden hazards. We are trusted bottled gas suppliers, offering a range of gas products to meet your business needs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.