Who Should Read This?
- Street food vendors gearing up for summer events
- Festival and fair organisers planning foodservice layouts
- Mobile caterers looking to improve service speed and efficiency
Why You Should Read This
- Summer events come with high footfall and high expectations
- The right equipment reduces service delays and maximises profits
- Learn how to choose reliable tools for cooking, serving, and storage
What You’ll Learn
- Must-have equipment for high-volume outdoor foodservice
- Practical tips for mobile and temporary kitchen setups
- How to stay compliant, efficient, and cool during summer rushes
Serving Crowds in the Heat of Summer
Summer in the UK means one thing for the foodservice industry: fairs, festivals, and endless catering opportunities. Whether you're cooking up burgers at a music festival or running a coffee cart at a village fête, choosing the right equipment makes all the difference when you’re serving hundreds—or even thousands—of hungry customers.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most essential catering equipment for summer events and how to plan your setup for maximum impact and speed.
1. Portable Cooking Power for Mobile Kitchens
When it comes to outdoor events, portability is king. You need compact, durable and easy-to-clean equipment that can handle high output in tight spaces.
Look for:
- Portable gas barbecues for grilling speed and flavour
- Countertop fryers for chips, onion rings, and more
- Induction hobs for safe, efficient cooking with minimal setup
Tip: Gas appliances with piezo ignition and multiple burners let you work smarter in high-volume setups, while electric options are perfect for plug-in sites with limited ventilation.
2. Hot Holding Equipment That Keeps Food Ready to Go
You’ll often have a rush before or after performances, so it’s essential to keep food hot and ready without overcooking or drying it out.
Essentials include:
- Roll-top chafing dishes for fast-access service at buffets or stalls
- Hot cupboards for holding prepared meals
- Bain maries for sauces, stews, and curries
Holding your dishes at a safe 63°C or above ensures compliance with food safety regulations while maintaining flavour and texture.
3. Cold Drink & Juice Stations That Refresh and Impress
Long queues and high temperatures make cold drinks a major revenue stream. Make service fast and attractive with:
- Cold drink dispensers for pre-mixed beverages like squash or iced tea
- Juice dispensers with ice chambers to serve chilled orange or apple juice
- Bottle coolers or ice machines to keep cans and water bottles ready
Always opt for equipment that’s easy to clean and restock during busy shifts.
4. Easy-Clean Prep & Service Surfaces
Outdoor setups can get messy fast. Stainless steel prep tables, splash-backs, and trolleys help keep things hygienic, organised, and easy to wipe down.
If you’re tight on space, folding tables or multi-tiered trolleys make it easier to organise cooking and serving stations.
5. Keep Cool with Ventilation & Hydration Solutions
For your team’s comfort and safety, don’t forget:
- Portable air coolers or fans for marquee kitchens
- Ice machines for drinks and cooling needs
- Water dispensers to keep staff hydrated during long shifts
Working under pressure in hot weather is tough. These extras help your team stay sharp and safe.
6. Compliance & Cleanliness at Speed
With large crowds and outdoor conditions, cleanliness can make or break your stall.
Be sure to bring:
- Handwash stations or sanitiser dispensers
- Rubbish bins with lids
- Non-slip mats and portable lighting for evening service
And always stock backup gas, utensils, and cleaning supplies—you’ll thank yourself later!
Prepare Now, Serve Smoothly
The best festival and fair setups are well-planned, efficient, and built for speed. With the right catering equipment—from cold drink dispensers to hot holding dishes—you can focus on what matters: delivering top-tier food and service to enthusiastic crowds.
Looking to upgrade your mobile kitchen setup? ECatering has everything you need to make this summer your most successful yet.
👉 Visit our website: www.ecatering.co.uk
📞 Call us today: 0333 358 3678
📩 Email us: sales@ecatering.co.uk
