Since your food truck won’t be connected to the utility grid like a brick-and-mortar kitchen, you will need to use a gas-powered generator as your primary power source.
You’ve probably already realized how many different types of generators there are to choose from. Selecting the suitable model will depend on various factors, such as how much power you require, the size of your kitchen, and more. Here are some tips to help you select the right food truck generator for your vehicle.
What Is the Right Food Truck Generator for Your Business?
No two food trucks are the same. Each food truck depends on the proprietor’s preference and business differentiation, and the generator fitted in one truck may not be ideal for another. When selecting a food truck generator, you need to understand the following business needs to get value for your money:
Your Power Needs
The primary role of the generator is to power your kitchen appliances and provide light. You need a generator that provides enough power to run the kitchen appliances and provide light for staff and patrons. To calculate the required wattage, add the watt ratings of all kitchen appliances and bulbs. If a kitchen appliance does not list its wattage requirements, multiply the volts by the amps.
The sum of all the watts gives your power needs. We recommend a generator that provides 20% more power to allow for additional appliances without grounding the generator.
Noise Levels
Unlike grid electricity, generators produce noise as they power your kitchen. The idea should be to get a generator whose noise does not interfere with the business. Your staff and patrons should go about their activities without noise irritation.
Run Time
The run time on a generator refers to the number of hours your generator can run optimally. Get a food truck generator that can run for at least 10 hours at optimal efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency
Most food truck generators are gas-powered. That means fuel will account for a large percentage of your expenses. To keep your fuel expenses low, you need a generator that uses less gas to power your kitchen.
Physical Size and Weight
Food trucks typically have less space to work with than brick and mortar restaurants. When selecting a generator for the food truck, consider the available space and the truck’s weight limit.
Budget
Consider the cost of the generator compared to your budget. The good thing is that you can get a generator that fits within your budget.
Types of Generators
There are two types of generators: conventional and inverter generators. Conventional generators have high power output and are cheaper but large and heavy. The Inverter generators, on the other hand, are expensive, have limited power output, but are smaller and less noisy.
So What is the Best Food Truck Generator?
The best generator for your truck should balance the noise emission, power output, space, and weight and fit within your budget.
Contact Us
At Legion Food Trucks, we supply customized food trucks and provide tips on how to run a profitable mobile food business. Contact us today for more information on selecting the best generator for your food truck.
