Container Kitchen Placement: The Dos and Don'ts from Hostservice

At Hostservice, we're passionate about providing innovative and efficient kitchen solutions. Our temporary kitchen solutions, including shipping container kitchens, have been gaining popularity, and we're excited to see how businesses across New Zealand and now NSW, Australia, are utilising them.

We've noticed a surge in enquiries recently, with many interested in placing these temporary container kitchens in residential settings. While our primary focus is on commercial kitchens, we recognise the potential of these kitchens for home use. However, before you jump in, it's crucial to understand the specific requirements for successful container kitchen placement.

This blog post will guide you through the dos and don'ts of placing a container kitchen, whether it's for your business or your home. We'll cover essential onsite requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup for your high-quality portable kitchen.

Understanding Container Kitchen Applications

Our container kitchens are designed for a range of applications, including:

Commercial Kitchen Renovations: Keep your food business running smoothly during kitchen upgrades.
Seasonal Demand: Increase your kitchen capacity during peak seasons.
Film & Event Catering: Provide top-notch food prep and service on location.
Residential Renovations: Maintain a fully functional kitchen while renovating your home.
External/Additional Kitchens: Expand your cooking space with a professional-grade outdoor kitchen.

These mobile kitchens offer flexibility that traditional brick-and-mortar establishments can't match, making them ideal for both short-term and long-term use.

For more ideas and examples of how our temporary kitchen containers can be used, make sure you check out our Case Studies.

Key Onsite Requirements for Container Kitchen Placement

Whether you're placing your container kitchen at a commercial premises or a residential address, these are the key onsite requirements you need to meet.

Truck Access: The First Hurdle

Getting the shipping container kitchen to your site requires careful planning. Ensure:

Clear Entry: A minimum of 3 meters width is needed for our 4-axle Hiab truck.
Overhead Clearance: Absolutely no overhead power lines or obstructions that could hinder the truck's movement.
Accessibility: A clear, unobstructed path from the road to the placement site.

Placement Space: A Solid Foundation

The area where you intend to place the container kitchen must meet these criteria:

Size: A flat or semi-level area of at least 6.5m x 4.5m is required to accommodate the container, with additional room needed for servicing.
Level Surface: The more level the surface, the better. This ensures proper drainage and stability.
Ground Condition: The ground needs to be able to withstand the weight of the container kitchen (typically several tonnes).
Servicing Space: Remember to factor in additional space for servicing, such as grease trap cleaning and LPG cylinder swaps.

Power Supply: Keeping the Lights On

A reliable power supply is crucial for operating your container kitchen. Here's what you need:

Connection Type: A 3-phase, 63Amp connection is the standard requirement.
Proximity: The connection point should be within 10 meters of the kitchen.
Alternative Solutions: In some cases, alternative power sources may be possible. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Water Supply: Essential for Hygiene

Access to potable water is non-negotiable for a functioning kitchen:

Connection Point: A readily accessible water connection is required.
Water Pressure: Adequate water pressure is essential for operating equipment.

Waste Management: Disposing of Greywater

Proper waste management is vital for hygiene and environmental responsibility:

Gully Trap: A gully trap for greywater disposal is required.
Pump Option: If a gully trap is not readily available, we can provide a pump to facilitate greywater removal.

Gas Supply: Fuelling Your Cooking

For gas-powered appliances, you'll need:

LPG Cylinders: Two 45kg LPG cylinders are the standard requirement.
Secure Placement: Ensure the cylinders are stored safely and securely, in a well-ventilated area, away from any ignition sources.

To better understand these requirements, check out plans and layouts of our temporary kitchen containers which will provide you with a better sense of what is included.

Container Kitchen Placement: Dos and Don'ts

To summarise the information above, here are the dos and don'ts of placing a container kitchen:

Feature	Do	Don't
Truck Access	Ensure a clear, wide entry with no overhead obstructions.	Attempt delivery without proper access, risking damage to property.
Placement Space	Choose a flat, level area with sufficient space for the container and servicing.	Place the container on uneven ground or without enough space for maintenance.
Power Supply	Provide a 3-phase, 63Amp connection within 10m of the kitchen.	Use inadequate or unsafe power connections.
Water Supply	Ensure access to potable water with adequate pressure.	Neglect water supply, leading to unsanitary conditions.
Waste Management	Install a gully trap or arrange for greywater pumping.	Allow greywater to accumulate, creating health hazards.
Gas Supply	Securely store two 45kg LPG cylinders in a well-ventilated area.	Store gas cylinders improperly, posing a safety risk.

Container Kitchens for Residential Use

While Hostservice primarily serves commercial clients, we recognise the growing appeal of container kitchens for residential use. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, need an extra cooking space, or desire a professional-grade outdoor kitchen, our container kitchens can be a fantastic solution.

For residential applications, it's crucial to carefully consider the onsite requirements mentioned above. Ensure you have adequate space, proper utility connections, and appropriate waste management solutions.

Hostservice: Your Partner in Kitchen Solutions

At Hostservice, we're committed to providing top-quality kitchen solutions tailored to your needs. Our container kitchens are meticulously designed and built to meet the highest standards of performance and safety.

We offer delivery and setup services throughout New Zealand and now in NSW, Australia, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Our eye-catching designs can help your food business stand out from the crowd, whether you're operating a food truck, prep kitchen, or full-service restaurant.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're a restaurant owner, event organiser, film crew, or homeowner, Hostservice has the perfect container kitchen solution for you. Our portable kitchens offer the flexibility of a food truck with the capabilities of a commercial kitchen, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and get a free quote. Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams, whether it's a long-term installation or a mobile solution for your growing customer base.