Gas Strut vs Roller Shutter Serving Hatches

Not sure what serving hatch option you need for your shipping container? You may find the answer here!

Shipping containers have become increasingly popular as DJ Booths and Food Kiosks. However when it comes to container conversions there are a few serving hatch options.

With container conversions there are a few serving hatch options we can offer for your swanky new container.

Gas Strut Serving Hatches for Shipping Containers

Gas strut is one of our most popular options for serving hatches. These are made to order and we can create any size serving hatch but will have gas struts fitted accordingly. The hatch will have a frame, a weatherproof lip, handle, gas struts and internal locking bolts. Gas Strut serving hatches are generally a quicker lead time and more budget friendly than our roller shutter options.

These hatches use hydraulic arms to lift and hold the hatch door open. They are typically hinged at the top, creating an awning effect when opened. This offers weather protection for the customers and staff inside the container as this acts as a canopy.

With the gas strut option, we offer 2 standard styles.

Shipping Container Flat Panel Gas Strut Serving Hatch

Flat panel serving hatches are the most cost effective option and will be repainted to match your container as standard. As this option is lighter, this may allow for having a larger hatches if needed but generally we will offer these at 8ft x 4ft. This does mean that pricing can vary however as it is made from sheet metal which is much cheaper.

The flat panel option is great for branding, whether you want to add vinyl graphics or signage due to its flat surface.

Shipping Container Corrugated Steel Gas Strut Serving Hatch

Corrugated steel offers a more sleek look as it blends seamlessly with the containers original design. As the corrugated option is made from the containers steel, this also has the advantage of being more durable which is great for high traffic environments or outdoor settings where the hatch may be more likely to be hit (i.e. children kicking a football near it)

Roller Shutter Serving Hatches for Shipping Containers

We are now finding roller shutter hatches are gaining more popularity. Available in any height to suit your needs. They offer a secure, wind and watertight, anti-vandal design made from galvanised steel.

Recently our preference have now changed to roller shutter serving hatches. Whilst in many cases they more more expensive, the often require less maintenance in regular used and are super secure. Electric roller shutters can also be considered a safer option as some have an inbuilt safety system that prevents hands getting trapped when using the electrical operation so there is much less risk of hands getting trapped as opposed to closing a gas strut hatch.

Shipping Container Manual Roller Shutter Serving Hatch

Manual roller shutters is the more cost effective option for roller shutter hatches. These generally cannot be made in long lengths with a maximum of around 10ft. This is because any larger the shutters can become too heavy to operate.

The most common size shutter we fit is 8ft, however this is customisable and can be made smaller or to the maximum of 10ft.

Shipping Container Electric Roller Shutter Serving Hatch

Electric roller shutters typically come standard with a key turn switch so there is very little effort to open. The most common size we offer for a serving hatch is 8ft long however we can go bigger up to circa 17ft. These work on a standard domestic electrics (single phase).

When we are fitting the roller shutter we usually suggest to get an electrics package with this as we can connect the shutter up ready for use (all you have to do is have an electrician hook the container up to electrics on site!).

If you don’t need a full electrics package it may work out cheaper for us to leave the cables free ready for an electrician to connect the electrics when the container arrives on site.

Electrics shutters also come with a manual opening system too, however it is imperative that this is only to be used in an emergency (i.e electrics not working). Regular use of manually opening can damage the electrical operation.

Which is Better?

Whilst we may have our favourite option and other options may be more popular, this is entirely down to what fits your needs.

The option you want all comes down to your design, look and feel of the container however budget may also dictate the type of serving hatch solution solution that is best for you.

Ultimately, most conversion works are made to order meaning that there is a huge flexibility on what we can offer. If you have a different solution in mind – even if it is weird and wonderful – or you just want to chat through and see what is best for you, please feel free to get in touch and we are always happy to see what we can do.

For more information on Gas Strut vs Roller Shutter Serving Hatches talk to Budget Shipping Containers