When you think about a generator to power your food truck, perhaps you think about a bulky and loud generator that’s inefficient and unbearable to work next to.
But that doesn’t have to happen as you could find yourself a quiet generator with solid fuel efficiency.
If you read cleverhandymen.com, you know how much we know about generators, so we decided to find the best generators for running a food truck while minimizing noise levels.
Let’s get right into it.
Best Silent Generators for Food Trucks
Here’s the list of fuel efficient generators that are super quiet to use for powering food trucks.
- PowerSmart Gas Powered 4400W Inverter Generator for Food Trucks
- Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Generator for Food Trucks
- Pulsar Products G450RN, 4500W Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- WEN GN6000 Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- BILT HARD 4000 Watt Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- Champion Power Equipment 100416 10,000/8,000-Watt Portable Generator for Food Trucks
- A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator for Food Trucks
1. PowerSmart Gas Powered 4400W Inverter Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 4400 peak watts and 3500 running watts
- Runtime: Runtime of 15 hours at peak power and 22 hours at a quarter load
- Fuel: Gasoline
Don’t let its simple design fool you; this PowerSmart generator is a beast of a generator.
With 4400 peak watts and 3500 running watts, this generator is perfect for running a food truck’s complete kitchen.
In fact, it does this for 15 hours straight at peak power and for 22 hours at a quarter load, which is very impressive for a generator that only has a 61 dBA noise level.
Thanks to its digital display, essential information such as voltage, runtime, and frequency are easy to read.
Pros
- 4400 peak watts and 3500 running watts
- 61dBA running on peak power, which is a very low noise level
- 2.54-gallon fuel tank that has a runtime of 15 hours at peak power and 22 hours at a quarter load
- Convenient digital display that shows voltage, frequency, session runtime, and total runtime
- Outlets: 120V 30A RV outlet, 2x 120V 20A household outlets, 2x 5V USB, clean power output with less than 3% THD
Cons
- Not the best packaging
2. Champion Power Equipment 100519 Silent Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts
- Runtime: Up to 12.5 hours run time
- Fuel: Gasoline
Personally, I find this Champion Power 100519 silent generator to be one of the best available silent generators.
For once, it comes with a solid wattage level of 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts, which is perfect for running a food truck.
Moreover, it has both clean power and economy modes, which take care of the devices you plug into the generator without losing focus on energy efficiency.
Lastly, it operates at 69 decibels of noise, which is very convenient for a food truck business, as you don’t want to scare your customer with lots of noise.
Pros
- 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts
- Up to 12.5 hours run time on gasoline, which is pretty solid performance to power a food truck
- Clean power and economy modes
- Intelligauge allows you to monitor voltage, frequency, and runtime hours
- Foldaway handle and never-flat tires, which makes it very easy to move the generator around
- Covered outlets for outdoor adaptability
- 69 decibels of noise when operating
Cons
- A bit heavy to lift. Not gonna lie
3. Pulsar Products G450RN Portable Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts
- Runtime: 15 hours of runtime at a half load
- Fuel: Gasoline
You can always count on Pulsar generators to give you enough wattage to power your most substantial appliances at your food truck, and this 6450RN unit is no exception.
It has a reliable motor with 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts, enough to run your essential food truck appliances.
It also runs for up to 15 hours at half load at only 63 decibels, which is unusual for a generator of this caliber.
Finally, it has an extendable handle and never flat tires, making it very portable.
Pros
- 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts
- 15 hours of runtime at a half load
- Convenient remote start
- Quiet operation at only 63 dBA, which is a low noise level perfect for a setting where a food truck operates
- Extendable handle and never flat tires for easy transportation
Cons
- A bit tricky to change oil
4. WEN GN6000 Silent Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts
- Runtime: 7.5 hours at a half load
- Fuel: Gas
If you don’t want to burn your money, you should do your homework and select a strong and quiet generator to power your food truck operation.
Luckily for you, I found a great option, this WEB GB6000 portable generator.
For starters, it boasts a 272cc engine that produces 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts, giving you ample power to operate all of your food truck’s kitchen appliances.
In terms of convenience, it has a very compact design with wheels and an ergonomic handle that makes it extremely easy to move this generator about if that is what you require.
Pros
- 272cc engine has a power output of 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts, which is perfect for a generator for a food truck
- 7.5 hours at a half load
- Compact design with wheels and handle, that make an excellent combination for moving around the generator
- RV ready
- Outlets: two standard 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R), one 120V 30A RV receptacle (TT-30R), one 120V/240V four-prong outlet (L14-30R), and one 12V DC outlet
Cons
- It’s a bit noisy
5. BILT HARD 4000 Watt Quiet Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 3400 rated watts and 4000 peak watts
- Runtime: It runs for 14 hours at 25% load
- Fuel: Gasoline
This BILT HARD portable generator is one of my favorites in this post since it includes ideal features for running a food truck business.
For example, its 212cc 4 stroke gas engine operates at barely 68 decibels while producing significant power (3400 rated watts and 4000 peak watts).
It also contains an overload protection system, which is fantastic for preventing a power overload that could damage your pricey kitchen appliances.
And, despite its weight, it can run for up to 14 hours at a 25% load, which is incredibly helpful while working a full day at a food truck.
Pros
- 212cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV gas engine outputs 3400 rated watts and 4000 peak watts
- It runs at only 68 dBA of noise level, making it almost silent from 10 meters
- It produces a pure sine wave power curve that is safe to use with sensitive electronics
- Electric & recoil start for maximum convenience
- Power overload protection
- Low oil alert
- It runs for 14 hours at 25% load, making it one of the most efficient generators for food trucks
Cons
- It’s definitely heavy
6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Silent Generator for Food Trucks
If you’re looking for a reliable and silent generator, I’d suggest you take a look at this Briggs & Stratton Q6500 portable generator that comes with impressive features such as:
- 306cc engine that outputs up to 6,500 watts which is the sweet spot for running a food truck
- 14 hours of runtime
- Compact design and telescoping handle make this generator very easy to move around
It also has a noise reducing shell that is responsible for protecting the generator from the elements and reducing the noise levels as much as possible.
Pros
- 306cc Integrated Engine outputs 6,500 watts capacity
- 14 hours of runtime
- Noise reducing shell
- 45% more compact than standard generators
- Carbon monoxide detector and shutoff system
- Telescoping handle allows for easy transportation
- Outlets: 120V-20A outlets (4), USB outlets (2) and a 120V-240V locking outlet
Cons
- Doesn’t have electric start
7. WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline and 4350 surge and 3500 running on propane (dual fuel option)
- Runtime: 11 hours of half load run time
- Fuel: Gasoline / Propane
We all know we can always rely on WEN for a reliable generator powerful enough to power a food truck, and this DF475T model is no different.
For once, it can run on both propane and gasoline, producing 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watts on gasoline and 4350 surge and 3500 running watts on propane, thanks to its 4 stroke 224cc engine.
Furthermore, it can run for up to 11 hours on a half load, which is enough to power a food truck for an entire day.
Finally, it has highly convenient features like overload protection and electric start that make using this generator regularly a breeze.
Pros
- 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine that has a power output 4750 surge watts and 3800 running watt on gasoline and 4350 surge and 3500 running on propane (dual fuel option)
- You can easily switch from 120V to 240V
- Convenient electric stratup
- 11 hours of half load run time thanks to its 4 gallon tank
- Outlets: 2x 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R), and a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug
- Overload protection
Cons
- The pull cord is in an awkward position
8. WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks
No round-up of silent generators would be complete without including the WEN 56380i generator and its amazing features.
For starters, it boasts a 212cc engine that produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts, which is quite powerful for a generator at this price.
To allow you to run your food truck for a whole workday, this generator has a runtime of up to 17 hours at a quarter load.
And, despite its weight, it works at only 57 decibels, which is nearly silent from a distance of 10 feet from the generator.
Pros
- 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine outputs 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts
- It runs at only 57 dBA on a quarter load, which is perfect for a food truck
- Low oil shutoff sensor
- It runs up to 17 hours on gasoline (at 25% load)
- Wattage and fuel displays
- Outlets: two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port
Cons
- It’s heavy
9. Champion Power Equipment 100416 10,000/8,000-Watt Portable Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline and 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts on propane
- Runtime: 12.5 hours at 50% load
- Fuel: Natural gas, propane, or gasoline
This Champion Power 100416 generator is worth discussing. It is a little more expensive, but it is far more powerful than most silent generators on the market.
It has a 459cc engine that produces a massive 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline and 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts on propane, making it by far the most powerful generator in this article.
The generator may be run on natural gas, propane, or gasoline for optimal convenience, which is a game-changer for a food truck operation.
Don’t get me wrong, it has some drawbacks, such as its heavyweight, but it doesn’t overshadow its wonderful features, such as the carbon monoxide auto-shutdown and easy-to-read display that shows voltage, runtime, and frequency.
Pros
- 459cc Champion engine outputs 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline and 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts on propane, which is sufficient to power essential appliances for a food truck
- Tri-Fuel Technology allows one to run the generator on natural gas, propane, or gasoline
- Natural gas and propane hoses are included
- Easy to read display allows you to monitor voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time
- Electric start
- Carbon monoxide auto shutoff for maximum safety
Cons
- It can be a bit heavy (which is inconvenient for a food truck)
10. A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Silent Generator for Food Trucks
Features
- Wattage: 12,000 starting watts with 9,000 running watts
- Runtime: 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load
- Fuel: Gas
We told you in this article that we’d show you the best silent generators for food trucks, and the A-iPower SUA12000E is no exception.
It has a 459 cc engine that generates 12,000 starting watts and 9,000 operating watts, making it powerful enough to power a food truck for a whole day with ease.
Furthermore, its 7-gallon tank allows you to run it for 7 hours straight at full power, which is uncommon in other generators.
Finally, despite its large and heavy due to its robust components, it has highly convenient features to compensate for it, such as its low oil alert lights and low oil automatic shutoff system, which extends the generator’s lifespan.
Pros
- Powerful 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine that has a power output 12,000 starting watts with 9,000 running watts which is enough for a generator for a food truck
- Low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown
- 7 gallon gasoline fuel tank provides average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load
- This food truck generator is incredibly simple to run thanks to its electric start
- Outlets: 2×5-20R Duplex GFCI (20A, 120V), 1xL14-30R (30A, 120/240V), 1×14-50R (50A, 120/240V), 1xMultifunction Port USB Ready Automotive Style Outlet (8.3A, 12V)
Cons
- Bulkiness
The Best Silent Generator Overall
WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks
I selected this super quiet gas powered generator as it comes with features such as:
- Fuel efficient motor provides 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts which is a solid amount of power while sustaining a quiet operation (at 57 decibels)
- It runs for 17 hours of run time which is a bit more than a food truck requires
- Low oil shutoff sensor
If you’d like to read more about this generator, you can do it by clicking the button down below.
Quick Comparison Table
Name | Drive | Torque Range | Units |
1. PowerSmart Gas Powered 4400W Inverter Generator for Food Trucks Review |
3/4″ drive | 29.5-147.5 ft./lb. | Ft.-Lb., N-m and kg-m |
2. Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Generator for Food Trucks Review |
3/8″ and 1/2″ drive | 14.8 to 147.6 ft-lbs (1/2″ drive) and 5.9 to 59 ft-lbs (3/8″) | N-m, kg-cm, in-lbs., ft-lbs. |
3. Pulsar Products G450RN, 4500W Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
1/2″ drive | 25 to 250 ft-lbs | Multiple units |
4. WEN GN6000 Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
1/2″ drive | 5 to 99 ft/lbs | kg-cm, N-m, in-lb. ft-lb. |
5. BILT HARD 4000 Watt Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
3400 rated watts and 4000 peak watts | It runs for 14 hours at 25% load | Gasoline |
6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
6,500 watts capacity | 14 hours of runtime | Gas |
7. WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
4750 surge watts and 3800 running watt on gasoline and 4350 surge and 3500 running on propane (dual fuel option) | 11 hours of half load run time | Gasoline / Propane |
8. WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts | 8.5 hours at half load | Gas |
9. Champion Power Equipment 100416 10,000/8,000-Watt Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline and 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts on propane | 12.5 hours at 50% load | Natural gas, propane or gasoline |
10. A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator for Food Trucks Review |
12,000 starting watts with 9,000 running watts | 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load | Gas |
Must Have Features of The Best Silent Generators for Food Trucks
There are certain features generators must have in order to be perfect for running a food truck without making lots of noise. Let’s discuss them.
Powerful & Silent Motor
First and foremost, there is the engine issue.
A food truck requires a specific amount of wattage to function properly.
This usually implies that you’ll need to purchase a powerful yet noisy generator with a robust engine to supply a steady stream of electricity to run your food truck’s appliances.
So, I’d suggest that looking for a generator with at least a 200cc engine is a requirement, and it shouldn’t make more than 80 decibels of noise when fully throttled.
Otherwise, it’ll be unpleasant to have it running next to your food truck.
Portability
Now we get to an important aspect of a generator that is frequently overlooked: portability.
Food trucks operate in cramped spaces, making it impossible to store a large generator in them. You’d have to keep it running outside the food truck and store it elsewhere.
This is where portability comes into play, as you’ll need your generator to be as portable as possible.
This is why I advise people to look for generators with wheels and ergonomic handles since these are important features that will allow them to carry their generators around effortlessly.
High Wattage
When operating a food truck, you’ll need power for all electric appliances, from the air conditioner to the electric oven and fridge.
Knowing this, it’s clear the food truck will require a higher wattage level to operate comfortably.
In my experience, your next generator should have at least 4400 peak watts and 3500 running watts to run a basic food truck’s kitchen. But sometimes, you need even more!
However, I’d recommend writing down the wattage level of each appliance you intend to connect to the generator to better understand how much power it should offer.
On that note, here’s a quick video that will teach you how to do this:
Tank Size
The size of your generator’s tank is directly related to the amount of runtime it provides.
I mean, a larger tank size means more gas, and more gas means a longer runtime on your generator, which could be critical for running a food truck.
However, one significant disadvantage is the bulkiness, since, with a larger tank capacity, the generator becomes heavier and more difficult to move around.
In my experience, the sweet spot for tank volume is roughly 3 to 10 gallons, which provides enough runtime without adding much bulk to the generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certain questions always revolve around generators. Let’s discuss them.
Can I make my generator quieter?
There are a few things you can do to make your generator quieter:
- Select a generator that does not produce more than 80 decibels of noise; otherwise, the generator may be too annoying to have around
- Position the generator as far away from you as possible from where you are
- Direct the exhaust pipes away from where the food truck is running. – Place the generator on an antivibration surface made of rubber. This will assist in softening the motor’s vibrations.
- Wrap four pieces of fire-resistant drywall around the generator to help keep the sound from traveling to where you are. Using a generator enclosure may also help with this
- Replace your generator muffler with a larger one, which will significantly aid in quieting your generator. However, you will need some understanding to do so.
This guy made a video telling us how to make a generator quieter. Watch it, it might help you:
How quiet is a silent generator?
It’s very difficult to find a generator that is both powerful and quiet simultaneously, as they are often made with strong gas engines that vibrate and make a lot of noise when operating.
However, there are certain generators out there that are surprisingly quiet. In fact, this very article gives you a few options.
To answer the question, I managed to find generators that make as low as 57 dBA of noise, which is almost silent from ten feet away. Pretty impressive, huh?