Have you ever stepped into a food truck on a scorching summer day and felt like you’d walked into an oven? Or worse, have you seen the staff sweating buckets while they cook your meal? It’s no fun for anyone! Choosing the right AC for a food truck is way more important than you might think.
Food trucks get hot! The cooking equipment, the sun beating down, and the small space all add to the heat. This can make it tough for your staff to work safely and comfortably. It can also affect the quality of your food and even drive away customers. Choosing the wrong AC can be a costly mistake, leading to wasted money and unhappy people.
This post is here to help! We’ll cover everything you need to know about picking the perfect AC for your food truck. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to keep things cool. Get ready to discover the best ways to keep your food truck a comfortable and inviting place. Let’s dive into the key factors to consider when picking the right AC!
Our Top 5 Ac For Food Truck Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Ac For Food Truck Detailed Reviews
1. ROVSUN 9000 BTU Wifi Enabled Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater with Inverter
Rating: 9.2/10
The ROVSUN 9000 BTU Mini Split AC is a smart way to cool and heat your home. It uses Wi-Fi and works with your phone. This unit can cool or heat spaces up to 400 square feet. It has a heat pump and can also remove humidity from the air. The unit is designed to save you money on your energy bill. The ROVSUN AC is a great option for your home.
What We Like:
- Powerful cooling and heating with a wide temperature range.
- Saves energy with its 19 SEER2 rating and inverter technology.
- It runs quietly, so it won’t disturb you.
- You can control it with your phone or voice.
- It comes with an installation kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Professional installation is recommended, which costs extra.
- You will need to wait for two boxes to arrive before installation.
The ROVSUN 9000 BTU Mini Split AC is a good choice if you want a smart and efficient way to control the temperature in your space. This AC unit is a great product for your home.
2. RecPro RV Air Conditioner 13.5K Ducted or Non-Ducted
Rating: 8.7/10
Beat the heat with the RecPro RV Air Conditioner! This all-in-one unit is built for campers, fifth wheels, and even food trucks. It’s available in ducted or non-ducted models and runs on 110-120V power. The unit is designed for easy installation and boasts quiet operation. It comes with a remote and has a touch screen. You can enjoy cool and comfortable air with this air conditioner.
What We Like:
- Low Amp Draw: This air conditioner uses less power. You can run other things in your RV at the same time.
- Dehumidifying Function: It removes moisture from the air. Your RV will feel fresh.
- Quieter Operation: It runs at only 59.7 decibels on high. It’s as quiet as gentle rain.
- Superior Functionality: You get a remote control. It has many settings, like cooling, sleep, and timing. The LED display is easy to see.
- Durable Design: It’s made of tough plastic. It can handle a lot.
What Could Be Improved:
- Modified Sine Wave: This may not work with all appliances.
The RecPro RV Air Conditioner is a great choice for staying cool. It’s a reliable option for your RV adventures.
3. RecPro RV Air Conditioner 15K
Rating: 8.6/10
Stay cool and comfortable on the road with the RecPro RV Air Conditioner! This all-in-one unit is designed for campers, fifth wheels, and even food trucks. It provides both cooling and heating with a built-in heat pump. The RecPro AC is easy to install and uses a standard 110-120V power supply. It comes in black and is a ducted system. It also features a quiet operation, so you can relax in peace. Control the temperature with the included remote.
What We Like:
- Remote control is easy to use. It has many functions, like cooling and timing.
- The AC unit can cool rooms up to 835 square feet.
- Installation is easy. You can put it on a flat roof.
What Could Be Improved:
- It will not work with other brand thermostats.
The RecPro RV Air Conditioner is a good choice for keeping your RV cool or warm. It is a great way to make your camper or food truck more comfortable.
4. UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner
Rating: 9.1/10
Beat the heat with the UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner! This split-type air conditioner is made for 12V DC vehicles. It’s perfect for camping trips, long drives in trucks, or working in vans and excavators. It provides 9000 BTU of cooling power. This air conditioner is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the road or at the campsite.
What We Like:
- Runs on a 12V battery, so you don’t need a generator. It can run for hours!
- The air conditioner is made with strong materials that won’t rust or bend.
- It provides 9000 BTU of cooling power.
- You can control the air conditioner with a remote or the control panel.
- It has multiple air outlets and a digital display.
- It can be used in many different types of vehicles, like RVs, trucks, and excavators.
What Could Be Improved:
- The starting current is high, so you need a good battery.
- The installation process is not mentioned.
Overall, the UAHKPA 12V RV air conditioner is a good choice for those who need cool air in their vehicles. It is a good option for staying comfortable on the go.
5. Treeligo DC 12V Universal Electric RV Truck Air Conditioner Camper A/C Unit 10000 BTU Only Cooling for Motorhome Bus tractor automotive air conditioner White
Rating: 9.4/10
The Treeligo DC 12V Universal Electric RV Truck Air Conditioner is designed to keep your RV, truck, or camper cool. This unit offers 10,000 BTU of cooling power. It runs on a 12V system and is ideal for motorhomes, buses, and tractors. The Treeligo A/C unit provides a quiet and efficient cooling solution. It allows you to enjoy a cool environment even when parked without using fuel.
What We Like:
- Quiet operation. The noise level is only 40 decibels.
- Safety features. The unit has multiple protections to keep the electrical circuit safe.
- Long-lasting use. You can use it for 6-8 hours with a 480 AH car battery.
- Fuel savings. You do not need fuel when parked.
- Powerful cooling. It has a cooling capacity of 3000W.
- Customer support. Treeligo offers help with installation and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires a 12V power source.
- Installation may require some technical knowledge.
- Only provides cooling.
The Treeligo DC 12V Air Conditioner is a good choice for those needing cool air. It offers a quiet and fuel-efficient way to stay comfortable in your vehicle.
Cooling Down Your Food Truck: A Buying Guide for AC Units
Getting an air conditioner (AC) for your food truck is super important. It keeps your food fresh and your workers comfy. This guide will help you pick the right AC unit.
1. Key Features to Look For
You need to think about what your food truck needs. Here are some key things to consider:
- BTU Rating: This tells you how powerful the AC is. A higher BTU means more cooling power. Figure out the size of your truck. Then, you can find the right BTU. A small truck needs less BTU than a big one.
- Voltage: Food trucks use different voltages. Make sure the AC unit matches your power source.
- Efficiency: Look for an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). A higher number means the AC uses less energy. This saves you money!
- Installation: Some AC units are easy to install. Others need a professional. Think about your skills and budget.
- Noise Level: Some AC units are loud. This can bother your customers. Look for a unit with a lower decibel (dB) rating.
2. Important Materials to Consider
The materials used in an AC unit affect how well it works. They also determine how long it will last.
- Condenser Coils: These are usually made of copper or aluminum. Copper coils are often more durable, but aluminum is lighter.
- Compressor: This is the heart of the AC. Look for a reliable compressor.
- Housing: The outside of the AC unit should be strong. It needs to handle the weather.
- Filters: Good filters clean the air. They remove dust and other stuff. Make sure the filters are easy to clean or replace.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an AC unit good. Other things make it not so good.
- Quality of Parts: Better parts mean a better AC. Look for well-known brands.
- Warranty: A good warranty protects you if something goes wrong.
- Installation: A good installation is important. If the AC isn’t installed right, it won’t work well.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance keeps the AC working well. Ignoring maintenance can make the AC break down.
- Brand Reputation: Research the brand. See what other people say about them.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the AC.
- Easy to Use Controls: The controls should be easy to understand. You don’t want to spend a lot of time figuring them out.
- Temperature Control: The AC should let you set the temperature you want.
- Remote Control: Some AC units come with a remote. This is handy!
- Use Cases: The AC keeps food fresh. It also keeps your staff comfortable. Happy workers mean better service!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size AC unit do I need for my food truck?
A: You need to calculate the square footage of your food truck. Then, you can find the right BTU rating. A professional can help you.
Q: What is BTU?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures how much heat an AC unit can remove.
Q: How often should I clean my AC filter?
A: You should clean your filter every month or two. This keeps the AC working well.
Q: What kind of power do food trucks use?
A: Most food trucks use 120V or 240V power. Check your truck’s specifications.
Q: How long will a food truck AC unit last?
A: It depends on the brand and how well you maintain it. Most units last 5-10 years.
Q: Is it better to get a window AC or a roof-mounted AC?
A: Roof-mounted AC units are usually better for food trucks. They don’t take up inside space.
Q: How can I save money on my AC unit?
A: Look for energy-efficient models. Also, get a unit that is the correct size for your truck.
Q: What should I do if my AC unit stops working?
A: Check the power supply. Then, check the circuit breaker. If it still doesn’t work, call a professional.
Q: Can I install an AC unit myself?
A: Some units are easier to install than others. If you aren’t sure, hire a professional.
Q: Where can I buy a food truck AC unit?
A: You can buy them online or at a local appliance store. Check for reviews before buying.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.