EXHIBIT 23.1
                                                                   ------------

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  the  Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-10197) of Suburban Propane Partners,  L.P. of our
reports  dated  October 21, 1996  appearing  on pages F-2 and F-3 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the  application  of such reports to the
Financial  Statement  Schedule  listed under Item 14(a) 2 of this Form 10-K when
such schedule is read in conjunction with the financial  statements  referred to
in our  reports.  The audits  referred to in such  reports  also  included  this
schedule.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Morristown, NJ
December 23, 1996