Coffee Van Conversion

Traditionally mobile coffee installations could be either powered by a large diesel generator of could use propane cylinders to heat the espresso machine boiler, each method having benefits and also significant drawbacks.

Our unique power system maintains all the positive aspects of both generator based and LPG cylinder based conversions without suffering any of the negative aspects of either system.

Our system of batteries, chargers and inverters stores enough power for a full day of silent trading with a 2-door pie heater and large 3-door display fridge running as well as the espresso machine and grinder.What’s even better is that the batteries charge whilst you are driving between coffee stops (and when the vehicle engine is idling), enabling unlimited trading without the requirement for an external power source.

At the top of everyone’s list of requirements for their coffee van should be safety. LPG installations are covered by legislation and must be certified annually by qualified Gas Safe engineers. Surprisingly electrical installations, as they are not connected to the national grid, are not covered by any national regulations. We have seen a number of dangerous (although not illegal) installations with no RCD protection, water tanks installed above battery banks, charging cables run through door seals… you name it. It should not be about doing the minimum necessary to get the vehicle working, when it comes to electricity it should be about doing the most to ensure the safety of the operatives and the general public.

All our conversions operate fully protected circuits and come with a detailed testing schedule and safety certificate.

Generator powered coffee vans have to carry a large generator which takes up a large amount of potential storage space and is also relatively expensive to run – generally around £10 per day more expensive than our power system. Additionally there is the expense of regular generator servicing.

If not plugged in to a mains power supply then the generator must be kept running in order to power the equipment in the van including any refrigerated units. In effect this means that the coffee van cannot legally be left without shutting everything down (espresso machine loses pressure, chilled food warms up and hot food cools down).

Our power system has enough capacity for the display fridges to be left running overnight (and longer) without an electric hookup and the vehicle can be legally left at any time with all the equipment (including the espresso machine) switched on.

Our power system also allows for silent indoor trading without the requirement for an external electric supply – for example our franchise partners regularly provide gourmet coffees and refreshments inside corporate premises, sports halls, large marquees etc.

LPG cylinder conversions require the carriage (and venting) of large LPG cylinders, to which ready access is required in order to change the cylinders when required. Although not taking up as much room as a generator the cylinders still take up valuable storage space.

Without an alternative electicity supply, LPG cylinder conversions usually rely on one or two leisure batteries to power the coffee grinder and espresso machine electrics. This provides very little capacity for other items such as a display fridge or pie heater and once these batteries are drained an external power source (generator or mains hookup) is required in order to continue trading. Our power system’s high capacity and ability to charge itself from the vehicles engine overcomes these issues.

The other big disadvantage of LPG cylinder conversions is the fact that the LPG burners have to be switched off whilst the vehicle is being driven (not only common sense, also a legal requirement). This means that the espresso machine boiler loses pressure and you will have to wait anything from a couple of minutes to half an hour for the machine to get back up to operating pressure when you arrive at your destination. Our power system overcomes this with boiler pressure maintained whilst driving so that you can make coffees immediately when you get you your coffee stop / event.

If you would like to add solar power to your vehicle such as the panels fitted onto our franchise vehicles this allows you additional low-cost energy and helping the environment at the same time.

Protect Your Investment During the Winter Months

Temperatures in winter regularly dip beneath freezing, and after experiencing damage to an espresso machine in one of our own mobile coffee vans a number of years ago we developed a convenient solution to prevent this happening again. Our van frost protection is a thermostatically controlled system that controls low energy heaters fixed strategically within the vehicle to prevent frost damage to the espresso machine and associated waterworks.

The Alternative

The generally accepted method of protecting espresso machines and plumbing in catering vehicles is to cover the machine with a duvet and clad the pipes as best as possible. Not particularly effective and also not ideal with regard food hygiene. Installing our system provides peace of mind without the hassle of having to manually insulate your espresso machine and pipework at the end of each working day.

Our awnings provide cover for the barista they also keep your customers dry. In the heat of the summer the awning also provides handy shade improving the barista experience. there are a variety of options available however the Really Awesome Coffee awning is specific to our unique vans and unfortunately unavailable for non-franchisees.

Trading fast, efficiently and professionally is important when it comes to serving customers and therefore an EPoS system is highly recommended you consider your options in this area and we are happy to advise you in this area. Our RAPoS software is unfortunately unavailable to non-franchisees but there are other EPoS software producers you can find on the market.

We are a national supplier for both Fracino and La Cimbali espresso machines and can supply grinders, blenders and any barista tools required to you wholesale. If you purchase your Espresso Machine and Grinder through Really Awesome Coffee complimentary training is provided.

We can either extend your collection day and carry out some one-to-one barista training on the morning of the collection or you are welcome to take up a complimentary slot on one of our professional barista training courses to make sure your coffee making skills are top notch.Book a course

We specialise in wholesale supply of our roasted coffee so if you are searching for high quality coffee we would be very pleased to speak with you about how we may be able to help. There can be a lot of pomposity and pretentiousness in the coffee industry and we pride ourselves in being plain talking and matter-of-fact as well as passionate about our product. Our aim is to provide exceptional quality without the price tag. Which you will be able to order via our online shop (coming soon).

Read more about our coffee on the homepage.

A one-stop-shop for your businesses’ design needs

Having the right vehicle and the right conversion are vital for your business succeed, but equally important as having the right kit is having a strong brand that will make you stand out from the competition.

From logo concepts through to full vehicle graphics

There are lots of things to consider from initial business name and logo concepts right through to the vehicle sign writing / vinyl wrapping as well as menus loyalty cards, flyers and more.
Our in-house design department offers in excess of 10 years experience in design and branding and will work alongside you to develop your ideas and bring your vision into reality.

Leave here ready to trade

We can often utilise the period immediately before and during your vehicle conversion to develop and refine your brand concept and produce your stationery, menus, loyalty cards etc. as well as apply your vehicle livery so that when you drive away with your finished vehicle you are in a position to start trading straight away.

Items we cater for include
• Business stationery design, coffee van branding design
• Vehicle graphic design and application
• Packaging design
• Uniform design & production
• Loyalty card design
• Leaflet & flyer design
• Poster & menu design

Of course our design services aren’t restricted to this list – give us a ring with any of your design ideas or requirements and we will be able to help.