Food trucks have become an increasingly popular way for aspiring entrepreneurs to break into the food industry without the high costs of opening a traditional restaurant.

However, the key to any food truck business’s success is a reliable generator to power the cooking equipment, refrigeration, lighting, and other electrical needs. Unfortunately, with so many generators on the market, it can take time to determine the best fit for your food truck.

In this article, we will review the top 6 generators for food trucks in 2023, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and ensure your food truck is running smoothly.

What to consider when choosing a generator for your food truck

Choosing the right generator for your food truck ensures your business runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting a generator for your food truck:

1. Power output: The power output of a generator is measured in watts, and you’ll want to choose a generator with enough power to handle all of the electrical equipment in your food truck.
2. Fuel type: Generators can run on various fuels, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. Consider which fuel type is the most cost-effective and convenient for your needs.
3. Noise level: Food truck generators can be loud, disturbing customers and nearby residents. Look for a generator that is designed to run quietly.
4. Portability: Food trucks often require generators that are easy to move and transport. Consider the size, weight, and portability of the generator you choose.
5. Run time: A generator’s run time refers to how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. Look for a generator with a long run time to minimize the need for frequent refueling.
6. Cost: Generators can be a significant investment, so consider your budget when choosing a generator for your food truck. However, selecting a lower-priced generator that doesn’t meet your needs can cost you more in the long run.

Best Generators For Food Trucks

Honda Generator EU7000iS

The Honda Generator EU7000iS is a top-of-the-line generator popular for food truck owners. It boasts an impressive 7,000 watts of power, quickly running your food truck’s electrical equipment.

It is also designed to run quietly, making it an excellent choice for busy urban areas where noise can be a concern. In addition, this generator runs on gasoline for up to 18 hours on a single fuel tank, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice for your food truck.

However, it is also one of the more expensive options on the market, so there may be better choices for those on a tight budget.

Westinghouse iGen 4500 Portable Inverter Generator

The Westinghouse iGen 4500 Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile and reliable option for food truck owners. It provides 4,500 watts of power, making it capable of running most of the essential electrical equipment in a food truck.

It runs on gasoline and runs up to 18 hours on a single fuel tank. This generator is also designed to be relatively quiet, making it an excellent choice for urban areas. It is also portable, with built-in wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transportation.

The Westinghouse iGen 4500 is a mid-range option in terms of price, making it a good choice for those who want a reliable generator without breaking the bank.

GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator 9000W

The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator 9000W is a powerful generator capable of providing up to 9,000 watts of power, making it an excellent option for food trucks with high-power needs. It runs on gasoline and has a run time of up to 10 hours on a single fuel tank.

It is also designed to be relatively quiet, with a noise level of just 58 decibels, comparable to a normal conversation. This portable generator has built-in wheels and a telescoping handle for easy transportation.

However, it is also one of the more expensive options on the market, making it best for food truck owners with high power needs and willing to invest in a high-quality generator.

DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt

The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a heavy-duty generator that can provide up to 13,000 watts of power, making it an ideal choice for food trucks that require a lot of electricity. This generator can run on gasoline or propane, providing more options and flexibility.

It also has a long run time of up to 8 hours on a single gas tank and 10 hours on a 40-pound propane tank. However, it is a bit louder than some of the other options on the market, with a noise level of around 72 decibels.

The DuroMax XP13000EH is also on the higher end of the price range, making it a good option for food truck owners who require high power and are willing to invest in a reliable generator.

PowerSmart Inverter Generator Gas Powered – 4400W

The PowerSmart Inverter Generator Gas Powered – 4400W is a compact, lightweight generator perfect for food trucks with limited space. It provides up to 4,400 watts for most food truck electrical equipment.

This generator runs on gasoline and runs up to 9 hours on a single fuel tank. It is also designed to be relatively quiet, with a noise level of around 61 decibels.

The PowerSmart Inverter Generator is also one of the more affordable options. Therefore, it is a good choice for food truck owners who want a reliable generator without breaking the bank.

Champion Power Equipment 100485 PRO-11,500/9,200-Watt

The Champion Power Equipment 100485 PRO 11,500/9,200-Watt generator is a powerful and reliable option for food truck owners who require a lot of electricity.

It provides up to 11,500 watts of peak power and 9,200 watts of rated power, making it capable of running even the most demanding electrical equipment in a food truck. This generator runs on gasoline and runs up to 10 hours on a single fuel tank.

It is also designed to be relatively quiet, with a noise level of around 74 decibels. The Champion Power Equipment 100485 PRO is a bit heavy, weighing 224 pounds, but it is still portable with wheels and a folding handle.

It is also one of the more expensive options on the market, making it a good choice for food truck owners who require a lot of power and are willing to invest in a high-quality generator.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right generator for your food truck can be daunting, but several high-quality options are available on the market. The top six generators for food trucks discussed above have different power capacities, run times, noise levels, and prices, giving owners various choices to suit their specific needs and budget.

The Honda Generator EU7000iS and the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator 9000W are high-powered options that provide reliable performance but have a higher price tag.

The Westinghouse iGen 4500 Portable Inverter Generator and the PowerSmart Inverter Generator Gas Powered – 4400W is both affordable and reliable options for food truck owners with lower power needs or limited space.

The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator and the Champion Power Equipment 100485 PRO 11,500/9,200-Watt generator are powerful options that can handle even the most demanding electrical equipment.

However, they are also on the higher end of the price range and may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Ultimately, the best generator for your food truck depends on your specific needs and budget.

It is essential to consider factors such as power capacity, run time, noise level, and portability when making your decision. By doing so, you can ensure that you choose a high-quality generator that meets all of your food truck’s electrical needs.

How big of a generator do I need for a food truck?

The generator size you need for your food truck depends on the electrical equipment you plan to use. A good rule of thumb is to add up the wattage of all the electrical appliances and equipment you will be operating simultaneously and choose a generator that can provide at least that much power.

For example, if you plan to use a refrigerator, fryer, and lights at the same time, you would need a generator that can provide at least the combined wattage of those items.

A small food truck may require a generator with a power output of 3000-4000 watts, while larger food trucks with more electrical appliances may need a generator with a power output of 7000-10000 watts or more.

It is important to note that generators are rated for both peak and rated power. Peak power is the maximum amount of power the generator can produce for a short period. In contrast, rated power is the amount of power the generator can continuously have.

Make sure to choose a generator with a rated power that matches or exceeds the total wattage of the electrical equipment you will be using.

What generator do food trucks use?

Food trucks use a variety of generators depending on their specific electrical needs and budget. Some famous generator brands food truck owners use include Honda, Westinghouse, GENMAX, DuroMax, and Champion.

Regarding the type of generator, food trucks typically use a portable inverter or dual fuel generators. Portable inverter generators are popular because they are lightweight, compact, and produce clean energy with low noise levels.

Dual fuel generators, conversely, can run on gasoline or propane, giving food truck owners greater flexibility in their fuel options. The generator size that food trucks use can vary depending on the electrical equipment they plan to use.

Smaller food trucks may use generators with a power output of 3000-4000 watts, while larger food trucks with more electrical appliances may require generators with a power output of 7000-10000 watts or more.

Ultimately, the generator that a food truck uses will depend on the specific needs and budget of the owner. It is essential to choose a high-quality and reliable generator that can meet all of the electrical needs of the food truck.

Can you run a food truck off a generator?

Yes, it is possible to run a food truck off a generator. Many food trucks rely on generators to run their electrical appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, fryers, ovens, and lighting.

When using a generator to power a food truck, choosing a generator with sufficient power output is essential to meet the electrical demands of the equipment being used. Food trucks typically use a portable inverter or dual fuel generators designed to be compact, efficient, and produce clean energy with low noise levels.

Properly maintaining and caring for the generator is also important to ensure it functions reliably and efficiently. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and fuel maintenance.

Overall, using a generator to power a food truck is a common and practical solution for owners who need a reliable power source on the go.

How many watts are needed to power a food truck?

The watts needed to power a food truck depend on the electrical appliances and equipment used.

As a general rule of thumb, a small food truck may require a generator with a power output of 3000-4000 watts, while larger food trucks with more electrical appliances may need a generator with a power output of 7000-10000 watts or more.

To determine the total wattage needed to power a food truck, you can simultaneously add the wattage of all the electrical appliances and equipment in use. For example, a typical food truck may have a refrigerator (500-1000 watts), fryer (1500-2000 watts), lighting (100-500 watts), and other equipment.

So, the total wattage needed may range from 2200 watts to 3500 watts or more, depending on the specific equipment being used. It’s essential to keep in mind that generators are rated for both peak power and rated power.

Peak power is the maximum amount of power the generator can produce for a short period. In contrast, rated power is the amount of power the generator can continuously have.

Therefore, choosing a generator with a rated power that matches or exceeds the total wattage needed to power all of the electrical appliances and equipment in your food truck is recommended.