Best Generators for Food Truck Review (Quiet Generators!)

Are you in the market for a food truck generator? Then you have come to the right place! Based on a combination of personal experienced, recommendation from food truck owners and many hours of research – we have written this guide to help you find the BEST generator for your food truck!

What to consider when buying a food truck generator:
– Generator Size: How much power do you need?
– Generator Type: Standard Generator or Inverter Generator?
– Types of Fuel: What fuel to use?
– Noise Level: How loud is your generator?

Generator Size: How much power do you need?

To know what size generator you need, you have to know which appliances you will be running, take all their watts and add them up to find out how many running watts you need for normal operation. Furthermore, appliances like refrigerators need extra power to start their motors before they settle into their running wattage. For such appliances, you use their starting watts instead of their running watts during your calculations.

Here’s a sample wattage calculation for some appliances:

You can use this formula to calculate the total wattage:
Amps x Volts = Watts or Amps = Watts / Volts

So in the example above, we need a generator with at least 5350 watts. It’s recommended to go at least 15% higher as older appliances needs more power and due to power surge. So in this case, we need a generator with 6000 watts

Where do I find watt or amp in my appliances?
All the information about the wattage can be found on the appliance itself or on its user manual. If you can’t find it there, contact the dealer or the manufacturer.

Generator Type: Standard Generator or Inverter Generator?

You have a choice between using a standard generator or an inverter generator. Both have their pros and cons, but a lot of mobile restaurant operators use inverter generators as their preferred option.

Standard Generator: These are your normal generators that use a motor attached to an alternator to generate AC power.

Pros:
– Affordable when compared to inverter generators
– They provide more power output
– Can run for an extended period of time

Cons:
– Larger and heavier than inverter generators
– They produce more noise and vibrations than inverter generators
– Engine speed fluctuations affect the amount of power generated

Inverter Generator: Inverter generators have only recently appeared on the scene, but they have gained popularity over standard generators. They generate AC current, just like standard generators, which they then convert to DC, and then generate “pure” electricity by “inverting” the DC to AC again.

Pros:
– Great for electronics that need “clean” electricity, such as Laptops
– Fuel efficient
– Portable and light weight
– They produce less noise and vibrations than standard generators

Cons:
– Costs more than a standard generator
– Aren’t available in large sizes for heavier loads
– Expensive to repair

Types of Fuel: What fuel to use?

No matter what size or type of generator you use for your food truck, they will use the following fossil fuel types: gas, diesel and propane. And you need to select the best fuel type that will suit your needs.

Gas
Gas, also known as gasoline or petrol, generators are the most commonly used, due to their low prices and the wide availability of gasoline. These generators are suitable for frequent use and easy to look after, making them suitable for food trucks (considering the fact that you can even hook them up them up to share a fuel source with the van).

Diesel
Generators that run on diesel are more fuel-efficient and typically have longer life spans than gasoline generators. This means they offer better value for every hour of use and are suitable for extended use. They just tend to produce more fumes and are noisier.

Propane
Propane is another fuel source that is widely available. It’s clean, efficient and very convenient (chances are you will be using a propane cylinder to cook the food anyway, so the generator can be hooked to that). Additionally, since they have a separate tank with fuel that can be stored for months without degrading, you don’t need to clean the tank regularly.

Just your typical food truck…

Noise Level: How loud is your generator?

Depending on where you set up your generator, there might sound restrictions to consider. But to be on the safe side, a quiet generator is always the best bet (even though it might cost more than a noisy generator), so that people don’t complain and your operation doesn’t get shut down. The noise levels for generators are measured in decibels (dB). For a generator to be considered quiet, its noise levels have to be less than 70dB.

As you can see, just choosing the size and type of generator can be a bit of a daunting task. Another, daunting task, though, is choosing the model you want. We have gone ahead and looked at some generators for you and picked the best three that are suitable for a food truck.

1. Westinghouse iGen4500 Portable Inverter Generator

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Portable Inverter Generator is an excellent option for owners of food trucks who are looking for a power supply that is both quiet and effective. Its noise output of only 52 decibels means that it functions at a volume similar to that of a regular conversation. This ensures that the atmosphere inside the food truck is calm for both the employees working there and the customers who are eating there. This generator has a gasoline tank that holds 3.4 gallons, which allows it to run for up to 18 hours when only using a quarter of its capacity. Because of its inverter technology, which generates power that is both clean and stable, this product can be used without risk with sensitive electronic equipment, such as refrigeration units and point-of-sale systems.

The 224cc Westinghouse four-stroke engine that powers the iGen4500 is well-known for its dependability as well as its efficiency in terms of fuel consumption. It has a starting capacity of 4,500 watts and a running capacity of 3,700 watts, making it suitable for providing power to a variety of appliances and pieces of equipment included within a food truck. The generator also includes a fuel efficiency mode that, when engaged, monitors the load and adjusts the engine speed accordingly. This mode aims to maximize fuel economy while simultaneously minimizing noise output. In addition, the iGen4500 comes furnished with a practical remote start function, which makes it possible to do power management tasks in an uncomplicated and straightforward manner.

2. DuroMax XP13000EH Portable Propane Generator

The DuroMax XP13000EH Portable Propane Generator is an excellent choice for proprietors of food trucks who are looking for a reliable source of electricity that emits a low level of noise. This generator has a power output of 13,000 beginning watts and 10,500 running watts, yet it only operates at 72 decibels, which is a surprisingly low level of noise considering its power output. The XP13000EH comes equipped with a heavy-duty frame and a strong design, which together guarantee a long-lasting performance even when subjected to harsh situations.

Users of the XP13000EH have the flexibility to switch between gasoline and propane as a fuel source, which is one of the features that makes this product a standout among its competitors. This adaptability allows for flexibility, which is especially useful in circumstances in which one sort of fuel may be more easily available than the other. The generator comes equipped with a fuel tank that is 8.3 gallons in capacity and has a runtime of up to 8 hours when operating at 50% load on gasoline and up to 10.5 hours when operating on propane, making it appropriate for prolonged periods of use.

3. Honda EU7000iS Generator

The Honda EU7000iS Generator has earned a stellar reputation thanks to its remarkable performance, great fuel efficiency, and whisper-quiet operation. It is one of the quietest generators available on the market, with a noise level that ranges from only 52 to 60 decibels depending on the load that it is powering. The innovative inverter technology developed by Honda is utilized in the EU7000iS, which guarantees consistent and clean power for sensitive electronic equipment.

The EU7000iS provides 7,000 starting watts and 5,500 operating watts, and it is powered by a Honda GX390 EFI engine that is efficient in its use of fuel. It has a fuel tank that holds 5.1 gallons of fuel, which allows it to run for up to 18 hours at a quarter load. Because of this, it is an ideal choice for owners of food trucks that need an extended power source that does not require frequent recharging.

The generator comes equipped with a number of outlets, including two home outlets that operate on 120V, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 12V DC outlet. In addition to that, it has a solid electric start as well as a recoil backup, so that it may be started quickly and easily. The Honda Eco-Throttle system is integrated into the EU7000iS. This technology automatically adjusts the engine speed to meet the load, which results in increased fuel efficiency and less noise output.

4. Champion Power Equipment 200987 Portable Inverter Generator

Owners of food trucks searching for a dependable power source have a small, quiet choice in the Champion Power Equipment 200987 Portable Inverter Generator. It functions quietly, enabling a calm workplace with a noise level of about 53 dB. The majority of food trucks can use the 4,500 starting watts and 3,800 operating watts that this generator offers, which is more than enough power.

The 200987 has an economy mode that optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces noise production by varying engine speed in response to load. Its 2.3-gallon fuel tank allows it to run for up to 17 hours at a quarter load, extending the amount of time it can go without recharging. For quick and dependable starts, the generator also has a handy electric start and a recoil backup.

The 200987 has a variety of outlets, including two 120V home outlets, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and one 12V DC outlet, making it versatile for powering different equipment and appliances. Its lightweight and small size make it very transportable and ideal for food truck entrepreneurs who need to be mobile.

Users may feel secure knowing that the Champion Power Equipment 200987 is covered by a three-year limited warranty and lifelong technical support. It is a great option for food truck owners that prioritize convenience and low noise levels due to its quiet operation, dependability, and small design.

5. DuroMax XP9000iH 9000-Watt Inverter Generator

The DuroMax XP9000iH 9000-Watt Inverter Generator is a fantastic option for proprietors of food trucks due to its ability to provide power while maintaining a quiet operation. It has a low noise level of about 52 decibels, which ensures that both the employees and the customers may enjoy the tranquil environment. This generator has a starting capacity of 9,000 watts and a running capacity of 7,500 watts, which is sufficient power for powering a variety of appliances and pieces of equipment contained within a food truck.

The XP9000iH is equipped with cutting-edge inverter technology, which guarantees consistent and uncontaminated power for sensitive electrical devices. It has a fuel tank that holds 3.9 gallons and can run for up to 8.5 hours at a load of 50%. This enables it to be used for longer periods of time without requiring refueling. The generator also has a feature called idle control, which automatically adjusts the engine speed to fit the load. This ensures that the generator uses the least amount of fuel possible while producing the least amount of noise.

To prevent your generator from becoming deadly during use, good safety standards are a must. Consider the following safety tips when using a generator in your food truck:

– Make sure the generator is properly installed by contacting a professional to do it for you
– Conduct maintenance and repairs regularly
– Avoid overloading the generator by not plugging in unnecessary appliances
– Make sure the generator is located outside, where fumes cannot suffocate you
– Before shutting down the generator, make sure that all the connected appliances are off
– Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby
– Avoid touching areas of the generator that get hot too during use
– Never refuel the generator while it is still running
– Make sure the generator is properly grounded

Here’s a great video with some tips and advice on running your generator:

Hope this guide helps you out!
In this post we have aimed to help you choose the best generator for your food truck operation. Having sufficient power is vital to your entire mobile restaurant business and should not be overlooked or underestimated, since this will make sure that your business is operational on a daily basis. This why choosing best generator is fundamental to the success of your food truck business.