Top 6 Best quiet generators for food trucks

For your food truck, you should consider a quiet generator (also known as an inverter generator or silent generator).

In addition to being environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient, and creating less noise, they make it easier to hear what your customers are saying.

When choosing a generator for your food truck, however, special consideration needs to be given.

A few factors to consider are how much power it will need to run all your appliances, how long it will run between refuelings, how loud it is (dba), and how portable it is.

On the basis of these features, I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best quiet generators for food trucks.

Also Read: How do generators generate electricity using magnets

Best Generators For Food Truck

Westinghouse iGEN4500 – Editor’s Choice

Generac 7127 iQ3500 – Best Quiet

Honda Generator EU7000iS – Most Powerful

DuroMax XP12000EH Generator – Budget Pick

Champion Power Equipment – Best Value

Briggs & Stratton Q6500 – Best Lightweight

Food Truck Generators: How to Choose The Best

To find the best generator for food trucks, we use the following parameters.

Here’s what you need to power your home:

One wattage rating is for starting/surge, while the other is for running and rated wattage. Putting the initial load on a motorized or heavy appliance is what starts it, but running watts are what keep the appliance running for a long period.

When operating a high power or a group of high power alliances, you should calculate your wattage requirements before making a purchase decision.

5000 watts or more is the minimum wattage you should choose. Additionally, if you need to run low power appliances, you might want to consider a smaller unit rated at 2000 or 3000 watts to reduce fuel costs and noise levels. Smaller machines are also easier to transport than those rated at higher wattages.

Fuel efficiency or runtime:

A generator’s runtime is crucial since you want to save fuel costs to make more profit. You should be able to operate all your cooking appliances comfortably with a food truck generator that has at least 7 – 8 hours of run time at 50% load.

It is more fuel-efficient to use an inverter generator than an ordinary generator, but it will cost you a bit more.

Options for fuel:

If you only have access to gasoline, you should go for a highly efficient gasoline generator; however, if you have both gasoline and LPG, a dual fuel generator will be a lifesaver.

You will also save money by using LPG instead of gasoline.

Portability and size:

Since the food truck is mostly occupied by cooking appliances, we do not want to get a bigger machine to further narrow down the space, also a bulkier unit is not easy to transport.

If you will not be operating multiple power-hungry appliances, you should opt for a gen set with a mobility kit. If you will be using ordinary cooking appliances, choose a unit that is compact and lighter.

Levels of noise:

In order to do your cooking, take orders, etc., comfortably, your selected generator must moderately roar. Food truck generators should have an average noise level of 60 to 72 decibels.

As for noise levels, this also depends on the capacity, the higher the wattage level, the larger the engine, so try to ignore them or place it somewhere between 60 and 70 feet away from the unit. Avoid excessive noise by staying away from it.

Outlets:

Identify your outlets’ needs and select a machine accordingly if you wish to draw power from the generator set. In general, a good generator will have 120v, 20 amp, and 120v, 30 amp outlets, as well as some USB ports and indication lights.

Also Read: How long do whole house generators last?

How to use and maintain:

When choosing a generator, look for one with easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain features; you don’t want to spend too much time doing maintenance or pulling the cord. In addition, an electric start generator should be your first choice.

Features of safety:

In spite of the fact that modern generators have built-in safety sensors like low oil, overload, CO detector, etc., you still have to make sure your chosen generator provides steady voltage and low THD levels. You can damage your sensitive cooking appliances if you have an unstable voltage. Make sure your machine is eco-friendly certified, if it is CARB or EPA certified, you’re good to go.

Customer support, warranty, and price:

You should choose a generator that has a longer warranty and quick customer service, as well as one that is affordable. You can fix any problem within no time with a longer warranty and great customer support.

Best quietest generator for food truck

1. Westinghouse iGEN4500 Quiet Inverter Generator

This quiet inverter generator from Westinghouse is designed for RVs. Inverter generators rarely have fuel tanks larger than 3.4 gallons. With 50% load, you can run for 12 hours. Inverter generators from Westinghouse produce clean, stable power (3% THD) that is ideal for sensitive electronics such as computers, televisions, and mobile phones.

The display shows the load percentage, fuel level, and estimated remaining runtime based on the current load. Additionally, you can view the total number of runtime hours, which is useful for maintenance. There is also a manual backup as well as an electric start, including the remote.

There has been mostly positive feedback on this model. A compact design with wheels, a decent amount of power, and low noise make it a great choice. This unit can be easily dragged behind you thanks to its telescopic handle.

Pros

• Generates up to 1,000 watts of power at 50% load.
• Has a capacity of 3.4 gallons.
• Produces clean, stable power (less than 2% THD).
• Ideal for sensitive electronic devices.
• Compact design with wheels.
• Easy to use and maintain.
• Remote included.

 Cons

• Switching between LP and gasoline doesn’t like to start back up when you switch between fuels. When you switch from gasoline to LP, there is no issue, but if you switch back to gasoline, there is a problem.

2. Generac 7127 iQ3500 – The Quietest 3500W Generator

One of the quietest generators on the market is the Generac 7127 iQ3500. When measured at 20 feet away, its noise level is only 55dB, generating 3,500W of power. As loud as a normal conversation, that’s quieter than most generators.

The 7127 iQ3500 generator is another example of Generac’s high-quality generators. With enough power to meet all your needs without being loud, it’s a great choice for a food truck. The setup and start-up are very easy. Turn the orange dial, push the red button, or pull the start cord to switch the generator on and off.

With POWERRUSHTM Advanced technology, Generac 7127 iQ3500 delivers 50% more starting power. With this generator, you can power a lot more devices quickly and easily after turning it on.

Pros

• Quiet operation – less than 60 dB(A) at 20 ft (6 m).
• Powerful output – up to 4,000 watts continuous, 5,000 peak.
• Easy set-up – no tools required.
• Fast start-up – 10 seconds or less.
• Long run time – up to 30 hours per charge.
• Includes 2 year warranty.

 Cons

• It isn’t as refined as Honda or Yamaha generators.
• While running, it’s more fussy about being level.

Also Read: Do apartment complexes have backup generators?

3. Honda Generator EU7000iS

Definitely one of the quietest and most efficient generators on the market from Honda. At full power, the generator produces just 58 dB of noise, which is quieter than most conversations, so it won’t interfere with your food truck’s aesthetics. Also, it boasts a massive 18-hour runtime at a quarter load, so most food truck owners can use it during their open hours. It has a lightweight frame that makes it easy to carry around and is relatively compact.

Honda’s incredibly quiet and efficient generator is hard to beat.

The generator has a middle-of-the-road power rating. As it is rated for 5,500 watts of continuous power and up to 7,000 watts of surge power, it can meet the needs of most food truck owners, making it the best inverter generator for food trucks. It is equipped with two 30A locking outlets and can output 250V of power when necessary. Due to the lack of USB ports and 12V battery chargers, the generator may not be suitable for some applications.

This generator features a 389cc Honda engine and a simple push-button start instead of the traditional pull cord, which makes it extremely reliable. Fuel efficiency and low noise levels are due to this engine, but it comes at a steep price – this generator is by far the most expensive of our tests. With a three-year commercial warranty, it also has the longest warranty of any model we reviewed.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Easy to operate
• Reliable
• Long warranty
• High Capacity
• Heavy duty construction

Cons

• Price

4. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt

DuroMax’s heavy-duty generator is designed for food trucks that cannot get enough power from smaller generators. When running on gasoline, the 457cc DuroMax engine can deliver up to 9,500 watts of continuous power and up to 12,000 watts of surge power.

The power provided by that unit is sufficient for running multiple refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens, and air conditioners. A generator is quite large and difficult to transport, but if your food truck can fit all of the appliances it needs to run at full capacity, then chances are it can also fit the generator itself.

Due to the generator’s relatively short runtime, it can also run on propane. Having the nearly eight-gallon gas tank disappear in just eight hours at half-load can be problematic for food trucks that are open for long hours due to the large engine’s low fuel efficiency. Additionally, operating this generator all the time on gasoline can quickly become expensive. 74 dB is a relatively loud level, which can make your customers uncomfortable.

Massive power output is matched by a powerful panel on this generator. With multiple three-pronged outlets and two 120V/240V four-pronged outlets, it can handle even your heaviest appliances. Additionally, there is a 12V DC outlet for charging batteries, and a built-in analog voltmeter shows how much power is being drawn.

Pros

• Generates up to 9,500 Watts of continuous power and up 12,000 Watts of surge power.
• Run on either gasoline or propane.
• Can run multiple refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, and air conditioners simultaneously.
• Easy to use, with a simple dial to adjust RPM speed.
• Includes a digital volt meter so you know exactly how much power is being used.
• Heavy duty construction means it won’t break down easily.

Cons

• The battery drains if the key is left in the on position while the vehicle is not running.

Also Read: Should I Use Generators Indoor Or Outdoor?

5. Champion Power Equipment

There is a lot to be said about the Champion Power 100416 generator. Although it is more expensive, it is much more powerful than most silent generators.

This generator has a 459cc engine that produces 10,500 starting watts and 8,800 running watts on gasoline, and 8750 starting watts and 7,000 running watts on propane, making it by far the most powerful in this guide.

In a food truck operation, a generator can run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline for optimal convenience.

While it does have some disadvantages, such as its heavy weight, they don’t overshadow its wonderful features, such as the carbon monoxide auto-shutdown and easy-to-read display that displays voltage, runtime, and frequency.

Pros

• Generates up to 10,500 starting watts on gasoline, and 8,800 running wattage on propane.
• Has a carbon monoxide auto-shutoff feature that shuts down automatically if the fuel supply runs low.
• Easy-to-read display shows voltage, runtime, and frequency.
• Heavyweight but still portable.
• Great value for money.

 Cons

• There’s a lot of noise, louder than I expected.

6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power

Among the most powerful inexpensive inverter generators available at the moment is the Briggs & Stratton Q6500. According to the manufacturer, it can deliver 6500 W of peak power and run continuously for 14 hours at a time.

This Briggs & Stratton Q6500 generator is no-frills. A good, old pull-start is used instead of an electric starter. Performance metrics are not displayed on LCD displays. However, it does have the same number of outlets as more expensive generators – four 120V-20A outlets, two USB outlets, and a 120V-240V locking outlet. When harmful levels of carbon monoxide are detected, CO Guard technology shuts down the generator. With its relatively low noise level and lighter weight than other 6500 Watt gensets, it looks quite attractive as well.

Aside from the specs, this particular generator has quite a few negative reviews on Amazon. Although we didn’t have any problems testing this model, there are obviously some people who have been disappointed. Please do some additional research, just to be sure that this generator is right for your food truck.

Pros

• Powerful enough to serve up to six people.
• Quiet operation.
• Easy to use.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Generates electricity when needed.
• Can be operated manually or by remote control.
• Includes a manual and warranty information.

 Cons

• Nut mounts on air cleaners will shake/vibrate freely, causing the nuts to fall off routinely.

How to quiet a portable generator?

The first thing that you’ll want to do when purchasing a quiet generator is to determine if you need one at all.

If you’re running only a few small appliances like a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, then a smaller model may suffice. However, if you plan on using your generator to power other appliances such as a grill, oven, fryer, etc., then you’ll definitely want something larger.

The next step in selecting a quiet generator is determining whether you want a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. Diesel engines tend to have higher efficiency ratings than their gas counterparts, but they also produce more noise.

Gasoline engines are generally quieter than diesel engines, but they don’t last nearly as long. For most people, this isn’t a huge concern because they rarely use their generators for very long periods of time.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the generator. If you’re planning on powering multiple appliances simultaneously, then you’ll probably want a large enough generator to handle the load.

Finally, you’ll want to take into account how portable the generator is. A portable generator is ideal for those who frequently travel with their food truck.

It’s not uncommon for food truck owners to spend several days out of town during the summer months. This means that they can’t always rely on having access to electricity.

For this reason, a portable generator is essential. It allows them to keep working even when there’s no power available.

Also Read: Are Duromax Generators Any Good?

How much does it cost to power the generator of a food truck?

Depending on the type of generator you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300-$1,000 per month.

This price range varies based on the size of the generator, its fuel source, and the number of hours it runs each week.

You’ll also want to consider the amount of power needed by your food truck. The more power you need, the bigger the generator will need to be.

You can find a great deal on a quiet generator for a food truck online.

What kind of fuel does a quiet generator use?

Most quiet generators use either natural gas or propane. Natural gas is usually cheaper than propane, so many people prefer it over propane. However, propane has some advantages over natural gas. Propane is cleaner burning and produces less carbon dioxide.

Propane also lasts longer than natural gas. You should be able to get about 10 years out of a propane tank before needing to replace it. Natural gas tanks typically last around five years. A good rule of thumb is to buy a generator that uses the same fuel as your current generator.

How to make a generator quiet for camping?

Camping is another situation where a quiet generator is necessary. Many campers enjoy spending weekends away from home, but they often worry about being too noisy while sleeping.

A quiet generator can help alleviate these concerns. They allow campers to sleep without waking up their neighbors.

However, you shouldn’t just purchase any old quiet generator. There are certain things you should look for when buying a generator for camping.

First, you’ll want to ensure that it has an automatic shutoff feature. This prevents the generator from running continuously if something goes wrong.

Second, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s warranty. Some manufacturers offer warranties that cover the entire life of the generator. Others only provide limited coverage.

If you plan on using the generator outside, you’ll also want to make sure it comes equipped with weatherproof features. These include a windscreen and a rain guard.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that it’s easy to start. Most models have a key switch that makes starting the generator simple. If you’re looking for a quiet generator for camping, you may want to consider purchasing one from Camp Chef.

How to use a motor and alternator to generate electricity?

Motor and alternators are two different types of devices used to generate electricity. Motor-generators are designed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Alternators do the opposite: converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

In most cases, both devices work together in order to produce enough electricity to run appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and other electric equipment.

The best way to determine which type of device you need is to figure out what type of load you need to operate. For example, if you need to charge batteries, then you’ll probably need an alternator. On the other hand, if you need to run lights, fans, or other small appliances, then you’ll likely need a motor generator.

Also Read: Portable generators what size do i need?

Reference

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