Using Propane on Your Food Truck

Written on: August 5, 2024

Georgia Gas Can Help You Get Ready to Roll

Food trucks aren’t just for sandwiches and tacos anymore. These days, they’re turning out all kinds of fantastic food, and they are often ground-zero for new food trends. More than one five-star restaurant got its start as a food truck. Propane makes it all possible.

Little Tank, Big Power

There’s a reason professional cooks prefer cooking with gas here in metro Atlanta. Whether you’re a grill cook flipping burgers for a lunch crowd or a five-star gourmet chef serving foodies at events, you want the combination of high heat and precision control that you just can’t get with any other cooking method.

You need that control to deliver consistent quality for your customers. So why would you sacrifice that just because you’re cooking out of a truck?

Compared to cooking with electricity, propane heats quickly and burns cleanly, and costs on average 2.5 times less per Btu than electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s also extremely safe, with a very narrow range of flammability.

You also get more consistent power. You could get an EV food truck fitted with electric cooking equipment. But you’ll slowly lose power operating on a battery—or you’ll be limited to locations where you can plug in. With a propane cylinder, you’ll get 100% power until the tank is empty.

Food Truck Propane Tank Safety

Propane is very safe. But it still requires training to ensure cylinders are handled and installed properly and the truck and its staff adhere to all National Fire Protection Association guidelines for propane food truck safety.

Following these tips can help minimize risks and ensure the safe operation of propane systems on your food truck.

1. Regular Inspections: Frequently check propane cylinders for signs of damage, rust, or leaks. Ensure the connections are tight and free from corrosion. Perform a soapy water test by applying soapy water to the connections and looking for bubbles, which indicate a leak.
2. Proper Storage and Handling: Store propane cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat sources, open flames, and high-traffic zones. Avoid storing cylinders indoors or in confined spaces. Always handle cylinders with care to prevent drops or impacts.
3. Ventilation: Ensure that the food truck has adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of propane gas. This is especially important if there’s a risk of a leak. Proper ventilation helps disperse any gas that might accidentally escape.
4. Training and Emergency Procedures: Ensure that all staff members are trained in proper propane handling procedures and emergency protocols. This includes knowing how to shut off the propane supply in case of a leak or emergency and understanding how to use fire extinguishers effectively.
5. Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance and inspections for the propane system, including regulators, hoses, and connections. Have a qualified technician perform these checks to ensure the system is functioning safely and efficiently.

Contact Georgia Gas today for more information on propane safety training or commercial propane services for your metro Atlanta business.