What Size Generator for Food Truck

Picking the ideal food truck generator can be challenging. After all, not all generators are the same. However, with numerous brands, prices, sizes, run times, voltages, watts, fuel demands, noise levels, and weights to examine, one can feel confused. Use this guide to shop for your food truck generator.

food truck generator

What Size Generator Do I Need For a Food Tuck

The best generator for your food truck should be able to support your truck's electrical requirements. Not all generators are made equal. What works for a BBQ food truck may not be suitable for a dessert food truck. The key things to consider are your power requirements and how long you plan to run the generator.

Simply multiply each appliance's voltage and current requirements of each appliance and sum the totals. Generators usually have labels indicating the number of watts they can output. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 + SolarSaga 100W may generate up to 1000 running watts. Of course, running Watts just means the number of watts an appliance needs to keep running. But the longer you'll need to run your generator, the more gas you'll need, which may increase the overall weight of the generator, making transportation cumbersome.

Solar Generators: Quiet Generator For A Food Truck  

Another thing to consider is noise levels. Solar generators trounce their gas-powered counterparts when it comes to quiet operations. Solar generators allow you to collect and convert solar energy to electric power.

Some, like the Jackery Solar Generator, are also equipped with storage with portable power stations for storing power for later use. But in all cases, solar generators are quiet since they do not have moving parts. So, customers concerned about noise won't stay away from your food truck because there'll be no incessant rattles coming from the back of the truck.

Moreover, solar energy is free. The only expenses you'll bear are the initial setup costs. Otherwise, there are no additional costs for fuel and upkeep during its lifetime.

Can you power a food truck with solar generator?

Yes, you can power a food truck with a solar generator. Solar generators are more efficient than diesel-powered generators as they’re more cost-effective and don’t create loud noise or exhaust fumes. Plus, they require minimal upkeep and maintenance!

With the right solar panels and battery capacity of your solar generator, you can power the necessary equipment you need to operate your food truck. For instance, the Jackery Solar Generators come in different sizes and capabilities that can be tailored to fit your specific needs.

Jackery Solar Generator

Capacity

Charging Time

Appliances

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

2,160 Wh

2.5 hours

Mini Cooler (90W) 15H, Blender (300W) 5H, Coffee Maker (500W) 3H, Electric Grill (1600W) 1.1H, Hot Plate (2300W) 48 Mins, Microwave (1160W) 1.6H, Refrigerator (520W) 3.3H

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro

1512Wh

2 Hours

Coffee Maker(1120W) 1.3H, Microwave Oven (100W) 1.16H,

Mini Fridge (90W) 10.5H,

Rice Cooker (530W) 2.3H

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

1002Wh

1.8Hours

Refrigerator (520W) 1.6H, CPAP (10W) 80x charge, Coffee Maker (550W) 1.5H, Microwave Oven (700W) 1.2H, Electric Blanket (55W) 14H, Electric Heater (350W) 2.5H, Instant Pot (100W) 0.9H, Kettle (850W) 1H

Jackery Solar Generator 1000

1002Wh

8Hours

Electric Grill (900W) 50 Mins, Mini Fridge (60W) 17 H, Coffee Maker (550W) 88 Mins, Pressure Cooker (900W) 50 Mins,  Light (5W) 76H, CPAP (AC Outlet) 17 H

Types of Food Trucks and Their Appliances Wattages

There are many food trucks, including concession trailers, ice cream trucks, food carts, and catering units. The electricity requirement of a food truck depends on the kinds of food served, the appliances utilized, and the truck's size.

Concession trucks

Concession trucks feature a full kitchen with appliances like refrigerators, grills, deep fryers, and refrigerators. These typically consume wattage in the 1500-5000W range, depending on the appliance.

Kiosks

On the other hand, kiosks are for serving snacks and drinks. They often have smaller equipment with a 500-1500 wattage range. These include hot dog heaters, coffee makers, and refrigerators.

Ice Cream Trucks

Ice cream trucks typically sell a limited selection of frozen food and drinks. They often have smaller equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers, with power input requirements in the 500 to 1000W range.

Food Carts

These smallest food trucks offer only pretzels, hot dogs, and drinks. They often include smaller equipment such as hot dog heaters, refrigerators, and coffee makers with 500-1000W power requirements.

Catering Trucks

Catering trucks prepare hot meals and are frequently outfitted with burners, ovens, and warming trays, requiring a 1500-3000W power range.

The electricity requirement of a food truck depends on the kinds of food served, the appliances utilized, and the truck's size. Jackery Solar Generator is a stellar setup that can power even the most loaded food truck. It combines several solar panels and a portable power station for storing power for later use. The power station can recharge via solar, gas, or car charger. It also has a pass-through charging feature to recharge it while simultaneously charging your appliances.

Benefits of Solar Food Truck Generator

Going solar for your food truck will have several advantages. You can save on electricity bills and reduce your environmental footprint while still providing customers with quality meals.

A solar food truck generator is perfect for running all the necessary components of a kitchen, such as fridges, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and other appliances. Furthermore, it is an excellent solution during times of natural disaster when the grid is not available. 

Solar energy can also save you from inconvenience due to its portability and scalability. You can easily move your solar generator around as needed, and scale it up depending on the power requirements of your food truck business.

Tips for Choosing the Right Generator for Food Truck 

When looking for a generator to power your food truck, make sure to consider the following:

  • Size: Base the size of the food truck generator on the truck's total power requirements. Consider how many appliances you need to run and how much power each consumes.
  • Noise Output: Generators with unnoticeable noise output levels are the best, especially if you plan to operate your food truck in residential areas.
  • Power Output: the generator should generate enough power to run all your food truck's equipment and appliances.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Look for a fuel-efficient generator that can run for extended periods on less fuel.
  • Cost: Consider the generator's cost and ensure it fits your budget.

Conclusion  

It is important to select the right size generator for your food truck that meets your power needs, is fuel efficient, eco-friendly, and fits into your budget. All it requires is just a little homework.

Look at the size of your food truck, the electricity requirement, and how long you plan to run the generator. These factors will affect the type and size of the generator for you. In all cases, speak with an expert whenever in doubt.

With Jackery ’s solar generators, you can be sure to have reliable power that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly - no matter what size your food truck. Sign up for our newsletter today!