Reasons to Have a Propane Oven

Having a propane stove and oven in some places is simply a no-brainer.  The biggest reason why most people choose them is because propane gas prices are cheaper than electricity in their area.  If you are wondering if this is true for where you live, the answer is usually yes.  Unless you somehow have very cheap electricity, such as a solar electric system or some other cheap or nearly free source, the price of propane to run your oven will usually be cheaper than using electricity.  Anything that heats up or cools down is a major electricity user.  While this is fine for things like a microwave, toaster oven, and other appliances that are only in use for a few minutes at a time, baking with an electric oven can really use a lot of electricity. The exception to this is for people who simply don’t use their stove and oven very often.  If you just use the burners once in a while, switching to a propane oven probably isn’t going to make much of a difference.  If you do cook a lot though, this is where the savings will add up.  Our family switched out our old electric stove and replaced it with a propane oven, and we immediately saw our electric bill drop by almost $20 the next month.  As for the propane usage, we put a large propane tank right outside the kitchen, fill it up about every 8 months for $80.

If your electric bill isn’t sky high, and propane prices in your area aren’t rediculously low, it basically comes down to a matter of choice.  Some people prefer the electric stoves and ovens, especially the flat-top kind.  Others grew up with propane ovens and are used to them.  All in all, electric ovens are cheaper to buy than propane ovens, but propane gas ovens usually cost less to operate.

Types of Propane Ovens

There are a few different types of propane ovens, and some of them are great for specific uses.  Most people know about the common propane stove oven for the kitchen, but there are some other types as well.

Propane Camp Oven

Propane camp ovens serve a very useful purpose in places where electricity simply isn’t an option.  For this reason, propane powered appliances make cooking easier in the outdoors.  You can even get a gas fridge to keep things cool without needing a generator.  Camp ovens have evolved over the years to the point that you can now cook pretty much anything you would at home in them.  From a small oven meant for feeding a few people to a large one capable of cooking up meals for a small army outdoors, you can get them.  For a small propane camp oven, This Outdoor Camping Oven by Camp Chef is definitely among the best.  It sits right on a tabletop, has 2 burners and an oven, and operates very efficiently on a small amount of propane.  No need to carry around a heavy propane tank either.  The oven can run for 5 hours on a small, 1 pound propane canister (the ones that you use with little propane burners).  This portable propane oven is a great choice for car camping, and can easily be carried around by one person.  You can even buy a carrying bag for it.

Propane Pizza Ovens

Because of the extreme popularity of pizza, it is not surprising to see many people opening up their own restaurants, or mobile kitchens selling slices of pizza.  If you are going to bake pizza, you will need a good propane pizza oven.  Most people choose propane for heavy duty use because it is pretty much always turned on and the electricity costs to run an electric oven for that long would be too high.  If you just want a propane pizza oven for home use, there are some great little ones that won’t cost you a fortune.  This new and innovative pizza cooker from Presto only costs about $50.  Click Here To See Some of the Most Popular Pizza Ovens.

Tags: Appliances, Outdoor Kitchens, Ovens by Jeffrey
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Running on three different power sources is one of the great things about 3 way camping fridges.  It provides campers complacency in food storage.  You never have to settle for food chests that are not capable of keeping food fresh for a long time.  A 3 way camping fridge is an all in one solution, with batteries, gas and regular 110/220 volt electricity as sources of energy.  However, just because they offer you three options does not mean you’re never going to have any trouble with keeping it running.  There are a few things you need to know in order to use these 3 way camping refrigerators the way they were intended.  If you are using your 3 way bar fridge in an RV or caravan, there is a good chance that you will have other appliance that you need to power as well.  Some of them will require electricity, such as a tabletop dishwasher or a Here are a few simple tips that you might want to remember to keep your unit running its best:

One of the 3 way camping fridge’s power sources is a 12 v battery.  This draws charge from your own vehicle’s engine but may require a solar panel for better performance and recharging.  It allows you to use the fridge while in transit, but it easily drains out and has to be recharged.  Your running vehicle engine can easily provide this when your vehicle is turned on.  This is usually the last option when all else fails, since powering the fridge requires the vehicle to be running.  Many people power the fridge with the 12v coming from the vehicle when they are on the road, and then switch it over to the power hookup when they park for the night or reach their destination.

Another source of power is its LPG supply, otherwise known as liquid propane gas.  This is a great alternative to running the bar fridge off the battery, and will provide the necessary cooling for your food and drinks.  If the fridge was plugged in at home for an appropriate time prior to your journey, your LPG source can just be the on-call buddy.  The main power source is enough to sustain your fridge’s cooling capacity for a few days, but just in case your kids request for an extension, that would be the time that you can turn on your LPG source.  Refrigerators are not heavy users of propane, and a small tank can last quite a while.  While you can get a gas fridge that only runs on propane or kerosene, these aren’t going to be as versatile as one that can be powered by electricity as well.

Most camping trips involve a bit of wild-cards.  It is more of a test than an experience, actually.  Learning to survive without the urban basics such as electricity will teach you more than just camping stuff, but since camping has been a regular activity observed by schools, campsites these days are often complete with  luxuries like electricity, bathrooms, showers, etc.  The best thing to do is to call ahead and find out if where you are going has power.  That way you can be prepared with propane if you need it.

As for the durability of these 3 way camping fridges, they will eventually show signs of wear and tear like all other appliances.  If you are an outdoor lover, then you would definitely want your fridge to last for quite some time.  Before stashing it out in the basement for storage if you are not using it regularly, clean it thoroughly as per manufacturer’s specifications.  And right before you use it, check if it is functioning properly.

Finally, remember to be prepared before setting out on a camping trip.  Check your propane tank to ensure you have enough, and always be prepared in case you need to spend more time than you expected.  It is not much of a burden to load up your vehicle with enough stock to sustain your outdoor adventure.

Tags: Outdoor Kitchens, Refrigerators by Jeffrey
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There are certain situations when you need a mobile kitchen.  They come in a wide variety of sizes, from small, compact units to huge setups that can feed thousands of people.  Here are some of the situations that require the use of a mobile kitchen:

• Company and special events
• Food trucks and vendors
• Disaster relief:  Workers and volunteers need to be fed
• Renovations:  For when you can’t shut down your kitchen while you renovate
• Fairs and festivals
• Military camps
• Trade shows
• Temporary health care units and hospitals

Mobile Kitchens for Sale

While many people rent a mobile kitchen, there are many situations when you should buy one.  The most common reason why people buy one is because they want to use it for business.  A mobile kitchen rental is fine, but if you are going to use it more than a few times, it easily makes sense to buy one.  People all over the world have successful businesses that are run out of mobile kitchens.  If you don’t have a lot of starting capital, it is fairly easy to find a used mobile kitchen for sale.  People sell them every day, all over the world, which means that you don’t have to pay top dollar for used mobile kitchens, and can start your business with less money.

Mobile Kitchen Rentals

If you just need a mobile kitchen for one situation, you should definitely rent one.  Mobile kitchen rentals are available worldwide, and they vary from small-scale operations that rent vending trucks to large scale businesses that can customize and deliver an on-site mobile kitchen that is literally big enough to feed an army.

Mobile Kitchen Rental Costs

It is a given that the rental costs are going to vary depending on your needs, the location, and the company you choose.  Here are a few guidelines to think about:  It costs a lot to deliver and return a mobile kitchen to its location, so the prices for one day or a few days are going to be expensive.  All rental companies should give steep discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.  It is often the same price to rent a unit for a month as it is for only a few days.  Small kitchen trucks can be rented for as little as $150 per day, depending on the condition, size and intended use of the truck.  Large kitchen trailers cost $2,000 or more per day, but monthly rentals start at around $6,000 and go up from there, depending on the size and features.

Types of Mobile Kitchens

There are two basic types of mobile kitchens.  The first kind is the mobile kitchen truck.  This type of unit is an all-in-one cooking machine.  You can just drive it to wherever it is needed, and then park it and get to work.  Mobile kitchen trucks are good for smaller operations and food vendors.  The sides of the trucks generally open and awnings can be erected as well.  They are run by generators that power the stoves, grills, bar fridge, and other appliances.  These trucks can be custom made by a number of manufacturers, and are the easiest to find used.

The second type is the mobile kitchen trailer.  When you need to feed a lot of people at the same time, a truck usually just isn’t going to cut it.  Mobile kitchen trailers are the solution to large scale cooking in locations that don’t have permanent facilities.  There are different types of kitchen trailers, each specializing in a different area.  Here are some of the most common mobile kitchen trailers that are available.

• All-in-one mobile trailers:  Have everything you need in one unit to cook basic meals
• Bakery production trailers
• Food preparation trailers
• Dishwashing units
• Refrigeration and freezer trailers:  You can get them separately or together.

These mobile kitchen trailers are also called modular kitchens because you can mix and match them to fulfill your needs.  You can get any number of different mobile kitchen units and put them together to meet your demands.

Tags: Mobile Kitchens, Outdoor Kitchens by Jeffrey
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When it comes to planning out your dream outdoor kitchen, there are so many aspects that you need to consider.  Points to consider include such things as equipment, style, protection from the rain, and electrical and plumbing connections.  Although different kitchens may vary, one thing in common with all of them is the cabinets.  Outdoor kitchen cabinets do a lot more than simply provide a place to store your dishes, silverware, and other items.  Let’s take a look at the types of outdoor cabinets and how to make the best use of them.

Types of Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets play an important part in the outdoor kitchen.  The best way to look at the outdoor kitchen cabinet is to think of it as a way to integrate the design.  In other words, you can give most of the kitchen the same look by using matching cabinets.  Outdoor kitchen cabinets are made to accomplish a variety of tasks.  Here are the main ones that you should include in your kitchen plans:

• Base Cabinets:  These are your main outdoor kitchen cabinets that are used to fill up space between the sink, grill, and other components.  You will choose these based on how long your countertop is.
• Corner Cabinets:  Although not all outdoor kitchens have corners on them, many do.  Just like the kitchen inside the house, outdoor kitchen corner cabinets are used in the transition.
• Grill Base:  If you have a drop in outdoor kitchen grill, you will need to have a grill base for it to sit on.  You should have full use of this cabinet for storage since the grill usually only requires a propane intake tube that connects behind it.
• Sink Base:  The sink base will have the sink plumbing inside it, which will limit its storage capabilities.
• Trash Can Cabinet:  A creative way to hide an unsightly trash can is to include a cabinet that has a pull out front designed to hold a rubbish bin.
• Propane Tank Cabinet:  Unless you have natural gas or propane piped in from the house, your outdoor kitchen grill will need to be connected to a propane tank.
• Refrigerator Unit Cabinet:  If your refrigeration needs don’t require a full size unit, you can design a cabinet that will house your cabinet depth refrigerator inside of it.  You will need to make sure that the bar fridge you choose will fit into the cabinet with enough clearance to close the door.

Outdoor Cabinets and the Weather

Most people wonder how cabinets can stand up to the constant beating that they receive outdoors.  Whether it is the intense sunlight and heat, pounding rain, or freezing ice, outdoor kitchen cabinets need to stand up to whatever nature throws at them.  Since even the strongest woods can’t last very long, they are usually only used for the drawer fronts and doors of the cabinets.
Most cabinets are made of what is called Perma-Panel, which is an
extremely durable material that won’t crack, bulge, or deteriorate when exposed to the elements.  The good thing about Perma-Panel cabinets is that they are available in many different colors, and you can get the cabinets to resemble real wood as well.
That said, if you insist on having real wood on your outdoor kitchen cabinets, the three most commonly used are bamboo, cypress, and teak.  These types of woods are known for their natural weather resistant abilities.  One last thing to consider is that many outdoor kitchens in fact have a roof overhead and a wall on at least one side.  This limits the amount of exposure the cabinets will have to the rain or snow, which means that having wooden cabinet doors and drawer fronts shouldn’t be much of a problem.  In the worst case scenario, you can replace the doors later on down the road if need be.

Tags: Counters, Kitchen Cabinets, Outdoor Kitchens by Jeffrey
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Let’s face it; planning an outdoor kitchen can be a tough task.  There are all kinds of factors that you have to decide on.  Some of the variables in play are kitchen location, outdoor kitchen design, and the materials used to make it.  While the task of making an outdoor kitchen is definitely hard, the planning phase of it will go a lot smoother if you look at other people’s outdoor kitchen ideas first.  Why reinvent the wheel when you don’t have to?  So many people have already designed great looking outdoor kitchens, so why not take a look at their ideas for your own design?  Let’s take a look at some of the best examples.

Before you can begin designing your kitchen, you have to decide on the location where you are going to put it first.  The first thing that you should consider is how easy it is going to be to get the utilities to your kitchen.  You will need water, electricity, and maybe LP (propane) or natural gas.  The first two are pretty much necessities, and many people choose to just use a propane tank instead of piping it in from the house.  In most cases, the easiest place to have the utilities is next to the house.  Outdoor kitchen design ideas can be brought to life a lot easier if you can wire the electricity directly from the house, and run a water pipe to the sink as well.

If you are going to locate your kitchen away from the house, you will need to have the electric and water connected via underground pipes.  While this is commonly done, it is definitely harder than feeding them right off the house, and will include digging trenches and the expertise of a plumber and electrician if you can’t do it yourself.

Another aspect of outdoor kitchen design ideas is the overall look that your kitchen will portray.  You can have as simple of a design as you like, or go for something more extravagant.  The most inexpensive ideas for outdoor kitchens usually involve buying components that are ready to use when installed.  More expensive designs involve custom building the base for the grill and sink, cabinets, and other components.

Finally, one final important part of your outdoor kitchen that often gets overlooked is the roof above it.  If you happen to live in an extremely dry location, you can probably get away with not having a roof at all, unless you want one to give you some shade while you cook.  In other places, you will most likely want a roof overhead. Not only will it protect you while cooking, but more importantly it will protect your expensive outdoor kitchen from the elements.  A roof can be as simple as a wooden roof, or even a tiki-style palm frond roof to give it a tropical look.

Tags: Outdoor Kitchens by Jeffrey
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