Best LPG Hob for Mobile Catering: Buying Guide for Food Vans and Trailers
If you’re fitting out a food van, trailer, or event catering setup, the hob is where most of your actual cooking happens — yet it’s one of the most overlooked equipment choices. Pick the wrong one and you’ll struggle with uneven heat, weak burners that can’t keep up during a rush, or a unit that simply doesn’t run on propane out of the box.
An LPG hob is widely regarded as the most versatile cooking appliance for mobile catering in the UK, giving traders the flexibility to fry, boil, simmer, and sear from a single countertop unit running entirely off-grid on propane. Whether you’re cooking curry, stir-fry, pasta, or breakfast items, the right LPG hob handles it all without needing mains power or a permanent kitchen installation.
Why an LPG Hob Works for Mobile Catering
Most commercial hobs you’ll find online are designed for fixed restaurant kitchens running on natural gas or electricity. That’s no use in a mobile setup where there’s no mains connection. An LPG hob runs on propane from a standard gas bottle, typically at 37 mbar operating pressure, meaning you can cook anywhere — at events, markets, roadside pitches, or from the back of a converted van.
The key advantage over electric alternatives is instant, adjustable heat. There’s no waiting for elements to warm up and no dependency on a generator large enough to handle a high-draw cooktop. A 2-burner LPG hob draws zero electrical power, freeing up your generator capacity for fridges, lighting, and coffee machines instead. For traders running multiple appliances off a single propane supply, an LPG hob slots into the system without adding electrical load.
What to Look for When Buying an LPG Hob
Not all commercial hobs are the same, and the details matter when you’re cooking in a confined space on propane. Here are the things that separate a good mobile catering hob from one that’ll cause problems.
Number of Burners
A 2-burner hob suits smaller operations — burger vans, crepe stalls, or setups where the hob supplements other cooking equipment like a griddle or fryer. A 4-burner gives you the flexibility to run multiple dishes simultaneously, which matters for curry vans, noodle bars, or any menu with more than two cooked components. Think about your busiest service period and count how many pans you’d need on heat at once.
Burner Output (kW)
Higher kW means faster heat-up and better recovery when you drop cold food into a hot pan. Commercial LPG hobs typically range from 6 kW to 8 kW per burner. For wok cooking or high-heat searing, look for the upper end. For simmering sauces or warming through pre-prepared food, lower output burners with good flame control are more important than raw power.
Cast Iron Pan Supports
Heavy-duty cast iron pan supports are essential for commercial use. Stamped steel supports — common on domestic hobs — warp under the weight of large stock pots and don’t sit level on a moving vehicle. Cast iron supports hold heavy pans steady, distribute weight evenly, and survive years of daily use. Both the Parry AG2HP and AG4HP come with cast iron supports as standard.
Flame Failure Device
This is a safety feature that automatically cuts the gas supply if the flame goes out — from a gust of wind, a boil-over, or accidental knock. In a mobile environment where you’re cooking outdoors or in a semi-enclosed space, flame failure protection is a critical safety requirement. Any hob you use for commercial mobile catering should have this fitted. The Parry AG2HP and AG4HP both include automatic flame failure devices on every burner.
Physical Size and Countertop Fit
Space is at a premium in a food van or trailer. A 2-burner LPG hob like the Parry AG2HP measures just 300mm wide — narrow enough to fit alongside a griddle or fryer on a standard countertop. The 4-burner AG4HP is wider but still designed for countertop use. Before buying, measure your available worktop space and account for ventilation clearance on all sides as specified in the appliance manual.
LPG Hobs Available for Mobile Catering
MobCater stocks the Parry range of commercial LPG hobs, which are purpose-built for heavy-duty catering use. Parry is a well-established UK manufacturer of commercial cooking equipment, and their LPG hob range is specifically designed for propane operation at 37 mbar.
| Model | Burners | Width | Pan Supports | Flame Failure | Price (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parry AG2HP | 2 | 300mm | Cast iron | Yes | From £704 |
| Parry AG4HP | 4 | 600mm | Cast iron | Yes | From £1,144 |
Both models feature stainless steel construction, variable temperature control on each burner, and a design that comes apart for easy cleaning — important when you’re wiping down at the end of a long service. Gas hose and regulator are not included and should be purchased separately to match your propane setup.
Propane Setup and Gas Safety
An LPG hob connects to your propane supply via a flexible gas hose and a 37 mbar regulator. In a mobile catering setup, the gas bottle is typically stored in a ventilated compartment at the rear or underside of the vehicle, with copper pipework or armoured hose running to each appliance. Each appliance should have its own isolation valve so you can shut off individual items without cutting the entire supply.
A Gas Safe registered engineer should inspect and sign off any LPG installation in a commercial catering vehicle. Event organisers and local councils commonly expect to see a current gas safety certificate before granting a trading licence. The certificate confirms that all gas pipework, connections, and appliances have been tested for leaks and are operating safely at the correct pressure.
Always use propane for mobile catering — never butane. Butane fails to vaporise below approximately 2°C, which means it stops working reliably in cold weather. All commercial mobile catering appliances in the UK are rated for propane at 37 mbar, and propane works year-round regardless of temperature.
Running Costs and Gas Consumption
Propane costs vary, but a standard 19 kg propane bottle typically costs between £35 and £50 depending on supplier and region. How long a bottle lasts depends entirely on how many burners you’re running and at what output. As a rough guide, a single burner running at full output will consume around 0.5–0.8 kg of propane per hour. A 2-burner hob running both burners at moderate output through a 6-hour trading day might use 4–6 kg of propane — meaning a single 19 kg bottle could last three or more trading days.
| Setup | Estimated Daily Use | 19 kg Bottle Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| 2-burner, moderate use (6 hrs) | 4–6 kg | 3–4 trading days |
| 4-burner, heavy use (6 hrs) | 8–12 kg | 1.5–2 trading days |
| 2-burner, light use (4 hrs) | 2–3 kg | 6+ trading days |
These are estimates based on typical propane consumption rates for commercial burners. Actual use varies with burner output, cooking style, and how often you’re running at full flame versus simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a domestic gas hob in a mobile catering van?
A domestic gas hob is not suitable for commercial mobile catering. Domestic models lack flame failure devices, use lighter pan supports that can’t handle heavy commercial cookware, and are not rated for the continuous use that trading demands. A commercial LPG hob like the Parry AG2HP is built for the heat output, safety standards, and durability that daily mobile catering requires.
What size propane regulator do I need for an LPG hob?
You need a 37 mbar propane regulator, which is the standard operating pressure for commercial LPG catering appliances in the UK. The regulator connects to your propane bottle and reduces the cylinder pressure to a consistent 37 mbar at the appliance. Make sure the regulator matches your bottle valve type — clip-on for Calor bottles or POL for bulk tanks.
Is a 2-burner or 4-burner LPG hob better for a food van?
A 2-burner LPG hob is better for food vans with a focused menu — burgers, crepes, or single-dish operations where the hob supplements other equipment. A 4-burner suits vans serving multiple cooked items simultaneously, such as curry, stir-fry, or breakfast menus. The 2-burner Parry AG2HP at 300mm wide saves valuable countertop space in tight van layouts.
Do I need a gas safety certificate for an LPG hob in my catering trailer?
A gas safety certificate from a Gas Safe registered engineer is commonly expected by event organisers, market operators, and local councils before they allow you to trade. The certificate confirms your LPG installation — including the hob, pipework, regulator, and gas bottle storage — has been inspected and is safe. Most operators renew this annually.
How long does a 19 kg propane bottle last with an LPG hob?
A 19 kg propane bottle running a 2-burner LPG hob at moderate output through a typical 6-hour trading day will last approximately 3 to 4 trading days. With a 4-burner hob under heavy use, the same bottle may last only 1.5 to 2 days. Carrying a spare bottle is standard practice for most mobile caterers to avoid running out mid-service.
Can I run an LPG hob and a griddle off the same propane bottle?
Yes, you can run multiple LPG appliances from a single propane supply using a manifold or changeover system. Each appliance should have its own isolation valve for safety. The main consideration is total gas consumption — running a hob and griddle together will drain your bottle faster, so factor in a larger bottle or an automatic changeover valve that switches to a backup bottle when the first runs out.
What is the difference between an LPG hob and a wok burner?
An LPG hob has multiple standard-output burners designed for general cooking — boiling, frying, simmering across several pans. A wok burner concentrates much higher heat output (often 13–15 kW) into a single concave burner designed for wok cooking. If your menu centres on stir-fry or noodle dishes, a dedicated wok burner delivers the intense heat needed. For varied menus, a multi-burner LPG hob is more versatile.
Looking for the right LPG hob for your mobile catering setup? Browse the Parry 2-Burner LPG Hob or the Parry 4-Burner LPG Hob — both purpose-built for propane-powered commercial catering.