Electricity Needs?

[river Q]

For those of you that need electicity out on catering gigs how do you handle your power needs? I know some of you use rotisseries (ie. Ole Hickory). Do customers mind if you hook up at their residence or do you just use a battery/inverter or a generator?

I own several Traeger's and I will be mounting them onto a trailer. I'm not sure which way to go, a big inverter battery system or a quiet honda generator if power is not available. I'm not sure how customers would react to a generator, whats been your experience?

Dave

[Teleking]

[marvsbbq]

I have this one.... EU3000

I have it mounted (well CHAINED actually ) to the front of my smoker where it is under cover. It is VERY quite and when I need it, I have only gotten GOOD responses from clients/guests.

If there is electricity available, I will ask before I use but have never had a "NO" answer.

I did not NEED such a big generator but decided if I was going to get one, might as well get one big enough that will run my comerical appliances IF the need arrises..weather and all..
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Often imitated but never duplicated

[Harry Nutczak]

I go a couple different routes, I run my hog rotisserie, stoker & laptop from a Deep cycle 12V marine battery with some ungodly high amperage rating through a 750 watt inverter.
But If I know there might be chance of needing more power for lighting or some gig's with bands playing I like to bring my 8.5KW generator in case the available electrical service isn't up to par. it is a bit on the loud side for everyday use, but it will run an enitre house with every light & air conditioning on.
When i do use it, I put it in my trailer with the rear door open and have it facing away from the crowd.

I have been keeping an eye out for a used mini honda or yamaha generator, or I might even get the little 2-stroke deal from Northern tool. They are light & quiet, but the power needs a little conditioning before I would plug any sensitive items into it.
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Just remember that the toes you may step on during your climb to the top will also be attached to the a$$es you'll be forced to kiss on your way back down!

[BBQMAN]

I don't need electricity unless it's at a night event for lights.

Even then, usually not needed........................
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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[river Q]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I have seen and heard the Honda 2000 in action at the BBQ comps. Just wasn't sure if anyone has gotten any negitive results from customers while catering. But I guess with all the great smells of smoke and spice floating around they are all too busy sniffin and droolin

[marvsbbq]

One last thing....I am not sure about other brands/models of generators, but the Honda EU series IS desgined to run "sensitive equipment" like electronic power tools, STOKERS, computes, etc.....
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Often imitated but never duplicated