Introduction – Electric Generators for Food Trucks
You will need a generator with enough power for about 14 kW. This figure can be dialed down if you opt for smaller equipment or less equipment. The requirements may also rise if you want to expand your food truck. We created a list of equipment power requirements below.
At ShrinkThatFootprint we get asked a lot about electricity and generators. This includes use of generators for home use, camping, and for businesses as well. It turns out that food truck owners need portable electricity for their business. First we want to say that generators for businesses can be run off solar as well. It’s a matter of assembling enough panels and having the time to charge up the generator. But how does one determine the size of the electrical generator for a food truck?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right power for your truck. Ensure you understand your electricity needs and how much power you will require to run your equipment. Other factors to consider are how easy it is to access a power source and what type of power source you need. You may also need to consider environmental factors when choosing a power source for your truck.
Make a List of Equipment You Need And Their Power Requirements
To calculate your food truck’s generator power requirements, make a list of the equipment you want or need. Do not over plan because you want to try different set-ups and sizes of equipment. For each piece of equipment, consider what capacity is good and what you’re willing to compromise. Look up the power consumption of the equipment on the manufacturer or retailer’s site. This will be given in terms of kilowatts or kW. Sometimes the power requirements are hidden in two other numbers: the voltage and the current. Multiply the voltage by the current to get the power. The voltage should be in “Volts” and the electric current draw should be in “Amps”. You might need to convert the units like kilovolts to volts or milliamps to amps.
What Size Generator Do I Need For A Food Truck?
The answer depends on the number and type of appliances you’ll be running, for which you will want to calculate the amount of power you need. A small food truck serving a small number of choices might be able to get by with a generator that produces 3,000 watts, while a larger truck that offers lots of choices to customers and requires more refrigeration space and appliances to prepare a meal might need one that produces 8,000 watts or more. If you’re running multiple appliances, you’ll also need to factor in the starting wattage, which is usually higher than the running wattage.
The number of appliances needed will also dictate the size of the generator. A food truck running a fridge, freezer, coffee maker, and a few lights will need a different size generator than one running an oven, fryer, and other heavy-duty equipment.
Depending on the type of power source you choose, you will also need to consider how easy it is to access and what type of power source you need. You may also need to consider environmental factors when choosing a power source for your truck.
In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose a generator that produces more power than you think you’ll need. That way, you can be sure your food truck will have the power it needs to keep things running smoothly.
Electrical Load – The Total Power Used by All Appliances
When you are running a food truck, you need to have a reliable generator that can power all of your equipment. Consider loads of the generator you choose for your food truck. You will need enough power to run your fridge, freezer, lights, and other items. If you are running multiple pieces of equipment at the same time, you will need a generator with a higher output. Make sure to read the generators’ reviews before you purchase. Consider the size of the unit and whether it will be easy to transport. You want a generator that is durable and will last for many years. Choose a model that has a warranty in case something goes wrong. Consider the company’s customer service if you have any problems with your generator. Select a generator that is within your budget and will meet your needs.
Electrical Load – Appliances And Type Used
Before purchasing a generator for your food truck, consider the number of appliances you plan to run off. The average fridge uses about three hundred and fifty watts, while a hot plate can use around twelve hundred watts. You’ll need a generator to handle the load if you plan to run multiple appliances simultaneously. If you’re unsure how much power you need, take a look at our table below. Also, remember that you’ll need to factor in the generator’s weight when choosing one for your truck. A heavier model may be more difficult to move around, but it will also be more stable and less likely to tip over in rough weather. With a little planning, you can find the perfect generator for your food truck’s needs.
Electrical Load – Power Requirements
Before choosing a generator for your food truck, you’ll need to consider the required power. You’ll need to account for all of the devices and appliances you’ll be running at once. This includes refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, fans, lights, etc. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the wattage of each appliance by three. This will give you a margin of error to account for any startup surge. For example, if your fridge is rated at 500 watts, you’ll want a 1500-watt generator. Once you’ve determined the wattage you need, you can choose a generator that best suits your needs. Consider features like weight, fuel type, noise level, and run time when making your decision. You can find the perfect generator for your food truck business with a little research.
Estimate the Total Power Consumption By Adding Up All The Individual Power Requirements
Once you have compiled a set of equipment, add up the power requirements. Take a look at our table below which has a bunch of equipment to really deck out the food truck. The biggest power needs are for the electric range. The total, if everything were running at once, might be around 14 kW. There’s a caveat to this. Some of the equipment below have a “start-up power requirement” that’s different from the operating power requirement. In addition, what if you need to expand and add more equipment? Given these considerations, think about what extra power buffer you want from the generator.
| Equipment (Capacity) | Estimated Power Requirements (kW) | Voltage (V) | Current (Amps) |
| Electric Cook and Hold Oven (100 lb capacity) | 1.7 kW | 120 V | 14 A |
| Holding Cabinet and Drawer Warmer (20″ x 12″) | 1.2 kW | 120 V | 10 A |
| Electric Range – 4 burners | 6 kW | 240 V | 25 A |
| Microwave (20 L) | 0.7 kW | 120 V | 6 A |
| Refrigerator with prep surface (14 cu ft) | 0.3 kW | 120 V | 2.5 A |
| Undercounter freezer (5.5 cu ft) | 0.15 kW | 120 V | 1.3 A |
| Ice-maker (100 lbs / 24 hours) | 0.4 kW | 120 V | 3.3 A |
| Food processor | 0.84 kW | 120 V | 7 A |
| Blender | 2.2 kW | 120 V | 9 A |
Emission Standards
Finally, consider the emission standards of the generator for your food truck. The generators that power most food trucks produce high levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions can negatively impact air quality, public health, and the environment. Many states and cities have adopted generator emission standards to help reduce these emissions. When choosing a generator for your food truck, consider the emission standards in your area. Some generators are equipped with after-treatment devices that can help to reduce emissions. Selecting a low-emissions generator can help you avoid environmental penalties and keep your food truck operating smoothly.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, when choosing a generator for your food truck, there are a few things to remember. First, consider the number of appliances you’ll be running at once and the power requirements. You’ll also want to factor in the emission standards in your area. You can find the perfect generator for your food truck business with a little research.
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