Generator for Food Trucks (11 Popular Picks) Reviewed 2024

If you are in the food business, you may want to consider getting a food truck. A restaurant is great, but with a food truck, you get to sell your food on the go.

However, even if you find the perfect spot for your food truck, you are likely to experience issues with power hence jeopardizing the quality of your food.

To counter that, you may want to get the best generator for food truck. With that, you can power your appliances and light up the truck.

In this review, we are going to discuss everything you need to know before making your purchase so you may want to keep it here for that.

Comparison Table

Before we get into it, we would like to introduce you to the following comparison table that analyzes our top choices.

This is because we know that you may be unable to read the entire review for whatever reason. The table should help you make a quick and informed choice.

Do Food Trucks Need Generators?

This is probably the first question you need to ask yourself and our answer to that would be a resounding ‘yes’.

You see, even if the place where you set up your food truck has power, it is important to have a generator in case of a power outage.

Things like your freezer and microwave need to constantly run if your business is to thrive. Without a constant supply, you risk getting your customers sick and even having your business closed down.

Inverter Vs. Generator

When it comes to generators, you can get the traditional one or an inverter generator. The first thing you want to consider is whether your generator of choice will fit in your food truck.

Then, it needs to be reliable and efficient. Of course, inverter generators are smaller and would make a great option here.

However, if your food truck is larger, you can opt for the conventional generator as it provides more

What Size Generator Do I Need?

This will depend on the appliances you want to power. For instance, if you only need to light up your food truck and probably charge your phone, a small lithium battery will suffice.

What we are trying to say here is that the size of the generator you pick will largely depend on the size of your truck. Larger food trucks come with many amenities that will require more power and vice versa.

In that regard, you want to look at the appliances you have in your truck and often you will have them running before settling for a generator.

While at it…

Remember that different appliances require different wattages. We recommend getting a generator a size higher especially if you have appliances that consume a lot of energy when stopping or starting such as lightbulbs and toasters.

How Many Amps Does A Food Truck Need?

Again, the number you need when it comes to amperes will depend on the size of the truck you have as well as your energy needs.

However, the average food truck will need about 42 amps to run if you do not have too many large appliances running simultaneously.

Generators for Food Trucks Reviewed

There are many generators in the market and as you can imagine, picking the perfect one may prove to be quite a challenge.

To help you make a choice, we have reviewed some of the best-selling generators for food trucks below.

1. Champion 76533 4750/3800-Watt Portable Generator

Are you in the market for a generator that can be used right out of the box? Something that does not require and setting up? This unit from Champion could be your best bet.

It can run on either propane or gasoline and holds up to 0.6-quarts of oil. As if that is not enough, it comes with a low oil shut-off sensor to alert you of the same.

What We Liked About It

This generator comes with an ‘Intelligauge’ and as you may have already guessed, this is put in place to help you keep track of power output, runt-time, and voltage.

As a brand, Champion has years of experience under its belt as far as providing durable and dependable power products. The production takes place in the US and that says a lot about the quality so you can expect this unit to perform exceedingly above what you anticipated.

However, what we loved most about this product is that it provides up to 10.5 hours of runtime on propane and 9 hours on gasoline. That is enough time to ensure that you get the most out of your business.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some users, this generator is quite loud and we feel that the manufacturer should have had a noise-reduction mechanism in place to counter that.

Pros

• Value for money
• Versatile
• Portable

Cons

• Could be quieter

2. Westinghouse WGen7500 

Perhaps you intend to sell food for several hours at a time? You may want to consider this generator simply because it is efficient and powerful.

It comes with impressive runtime because it comes with fuel-conserving features that make it possible for you to run your appliances for up to 16 hours. Imagine that!

This unit is also quite portable seeing as it generates 7500 watts of power at 192 pounds. Not too shabby if you ask us.

What We Liked About It

This is a plug-and-play generator and what that means is that you are not likely to experience any issues when it comes to starting and setting it up.

The generator comes with a 4-stroke engine and if you don’t know what that means, the engine is quite powerful. It also automatically shuts down when it is low on oil.

We applaud Westinghouse because they test all their generators and they are CARB and EPA compliant. They also back up this product with a 3-year warranty and we love that.

What Could Have Been Better

Some users have complained that this product’s battery is not wired to the generator. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before launching the product.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Low oil shutdown
• CARB and EPA compliant

Cons

• Battery not wired to the generator

3. DuroMax XP12000EH 12000 

Even if your food truck is on the larger side, you will love this generator because it comes with a powerful engine and a big tank.

However, the best feature is probably that the generator comes with MX2 technology that facilitates switching between 120V to 240 V.

What We Liked About It

This strong generator from DuroMax is the perfect solution for food trucks that need more power. Its huge engine generates up to 9500 watts of power. That means you can run your microwave, AC, and freezer without having to worry that you will run out of power.

Another great thing about it is that its panel is designed to match its huge power output. It comes with several three-pronged outlets and two four-pronged 120V/240V outlets that will handle even your heavy-duty electronics effortlessly.

What we loved most about it nonetheless is that it features a 12V DC outlet that facilitates battery charging as well as an in-built analog voltmeter that displays the amount of wattage you draw from the unit whenever you are using it.

What Could Have Been Better

Several users have complained that this generator will not hold charge for a decent amount of time. We feel that the manufacturer should have fitted it with a higher-capacity battery to avoid that.

Pros

• Low noise
• Maneuverable
• Powerful engine

Cons

• Battery capacity could be better

4. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Portable Inverter

Generators are associated with noise but not this one. It operates quietly meaning that you will not cause a nuisance to the people around you.

This unit is also produced under CARB and EPA compliance so you can depend on it to deliver functionality and safety. The manufacturer specifically states that it is perfect for power outages, tailgates, and camping sites.

What We Liked About It

Get to concentrate on your business alone with this generator in your possession because, with it, you get to work smart and not hard.

It comes with an eco-mode that enables the motor to adjust its fuel consumption automatically thus preventing unnecessary gasoline usage and saving you money.

We also love that this generator produces clean power that allows it to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive appliances such as laptops, phones, and televisions.

What Could Have Been Better

As reported by some users, this unit stopped running after a while and we feel that the manufacturer should have made it with longevity in mind.

Pros

• Produces clean power
• Fuel-efficient
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not as durable

5. Champion 3400-Watt Portable Inverter

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We believe you want to keep noise levels down regardless of where you position your food truck. This one operates quietly so that doesn’t have to be a concern when you purchase it.

Do not even get us started on the fact that it is lightweight and compact. Of course, that will come in handy seeing as you will be on the go most of the time.

Other than that, this unit is practical and versatile in that it can function on both propane and gas.

What We Liked About It

You get 3100 running watts with this generator and that is enough to power several appliances all at once. Irrespective of the fuel you decide to use, this generator will run seamlessly for about 15 hours when the tank is a quarter full.

Moving on swiftly, this generator produces clean power and what that simply means is that you can use it to power even your sensitive electronics without having to worry that they will be damaged.

Nonetheless, what we found most attractive about this product is that it is parallel-ready so you can easily add another similar generator to double your power.

What Could Have Been Better

Unfortunately, this product’s warranty does not cover carburetor so you would have to repair it out of your pocket in case it malfunctions.

We feel that the manufacturer should have made the warranty all-inclusive.

Pros

• Convenient electric start
• Parallel ready
• Compact

Cons

• Warranty is not all-inclusive

6. WEN 56380i Portable Inverter

The WEN 56380i is a quiet-operating inverter so let us get that out of the way first. It also generates clean power that you will find extremely ingenious especially if you own sensitive appliances.

That said; it is not as powerful as some of its counterparts on this list. It produces 3800kw of surge watts and 3400kw running watts which is just enough to power your catering appliances such as the fridge or grill.

What We Liked About It

The first thing we noticed about this product is that it comes with an easy-to-read digital display. With that, you get all the information you require such as fuel supply, run time, frequency, wattage, and voltage easily.

We also have to applaud the manufacturer for including a collapsible handle and in-built wheels because that makes it easier for you to transport and store the unit.

We love that this generator comes with a spark arrestor meaning that you can use it even in areas with restrictions such as forests and national parks.

What Could Have Been Better

Even though the product description states that this product runs quietly, some users have complained about the noise it produces. We feel that the manufacturer should have used noise-reduction technology to guarantee a noiseless operation.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Thick
• Comes with a digital display

Cons

• A bit noisy

7. DuroMax XP10000E

You have to consider this unit if you are in the market for a powerful generator. We say that simply because it comes with a 439cc OHV Engine.

This unit runs on gasoline so you can rely on it to provide a longer run time that you need to make the most out of your food truck business.

What We Liked About It

With 8000 running watts and 10000 starting watts, this generator accommodates heavy loads including power tools, freezers, and lights.

You can also opt to operate the unit at 120V or 240V or both. How about that for versatility? Anyway, moving right along, the unit operates quite quietly and we love that about it.

What Could Have Been Better

From reviews, this unit is quite heavy making it hard to transport from one spot to another. We feel that the manufacturer should have used lighter material in its construction to make it portable.

Pros

• Heavy-duty
• Lasting power
• Quiet

Cons

• Could be lighter

8. Pulsar PG2300iS Inverter

Some generators do not come with USB ports to allow powering of devices using the same, but this one does. How cool is that?

Besides, it produces stable sine wave power for your sensitive electronics and operates quietly as well making it the perfect companion for your outdoor activities such as camping.

What We Liked About It

With this unit from Pulsar, you get a powerful engine that in turn makes it possible to run heavy-duty electronics effortlessly.

Another great thing about it is that it comes with parallel capability. This will come in handy to help you increase your power without having to buy a larger unit.

Simply connect another similar unit to double your power. We love that about this product.

What Could Have Been Better

Some users have complained that this product arrived damaged and we feel that the manufacturer should have packaged it better to avoid that.

Pros

• Durable
• Ergonomic design
• Easy to lift

Cons

• Packaging could be better

9. Champion 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter

Here we are again with another generator from the Champion stable and that should not come as a surprise because the company is well-known for making quality generators.

This unit produces 4000 starting watts and 3500 watts running power and this is enough to run most of the appliances that you will be using in your food truck. It weighs only 34kgs something that the average person can comfortably carry.

What We Liked About It

You do not have to worry about running out of power with this unit because it can give you up to 17 hours of run time. Moreover, it comes with an economy-mode that helps in conserving power and engine life.

This is also one of the generators you can use to power your sensitive electronics because it generates clean power.

Another thing we loved about this unit is that it is parallel-ready making it possible to double your power simply by adding another similar one to the mix.

What Could Have Been Better

Regrettably, this product does not come with wheels making mobility a struggle. The manufacturer should have simply fitted it with wheels.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Feature a 3-year warranty
• Extended run time

Cons

• Could use wheels

10. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter

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This unit features a smart throttle design that works to reduce noise and improve fuel efficiency. Of course, you would love this as a food truck owner because it makes business sense.

You may also want to note that this product is made under CARB compliance. With that, you will not have a hard time trusting the quality and functionality, right?

What We Liked About It

We can assure you that you will be getting power, efficiency, and maximum electrical output when you purchase this unit. Now, with that, you would be forgiven for thinking that this generator is quite heavy but nothing could be further from the truth as it is lightweight and portable.

Aside from that, it generates up to 2,000 watts of clean power that will come in handy for powering your sensitive appliances.

What we loved most however is that this unit can run up to 10.5 hours continuously without having to be refueled. Imagine what that can do for your business.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some users, this generator tends to leak. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on that before releasing it to the market.

Pros

• Multipurpose
• Operates quietly
• Easy to start

Cons

• Tends to leak

11. DuroMax New_XP4000S

This is yet another generator from DuroMax with 3300 running watts and 4000 peak watts. That means that you can power heavy loads including air conditioners, lights, and freezers.

Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy-duty power tools

What We Liked About It

Your electronics are your investment and you want to protect them at all costs. This generator automatically shuts off when it is low on oil.

Moving on, this generator comes with different outlets that allow for powering of different devices. You may also appreciate that the panel comes with a voltmeter to help measure voltage output.

We love that the manufacturer complies with emission standards and ensures that their products are as environmentally friendly as possible.

What Could Have Been Better

Several users have come out to say that they did not receive the product on the product description. We feel that the manufacturer should have been transparent with that.

Pros

• Emission standards compliant
• Features different outlets
• Safety features

Cons

• Misleading product description

Buying Guide – How to Choose

You want to consider several factors as you begin shopping for the best food truck generator. Here are some of those factors.

Conventional vs. Inverter Generator

The first thing we are going to tell you is that both traditional and inverter generators can be used for food trucks. Whichever you pick will depend on several factors including available space and your budget.

Generally, you want to go for an inverter generator if you want a medium-sized unit with lower noise and energy efficiency. On the other hand, you want to go for the good old conventional generator if you want more power and you have space for it to sit.

Single vs. Dual Fuel Generators

A generator can either be single or dual fuel and the one you pick will depend on your area of business and usage. 

That said; a dual fuel generator is better than a single one mainly because it does not limit you to one fuel type. In case you run out of gas you can use propane to power your dual fuel generator.

You also want to consider that propane has a longer shelf life compared to gasoline so it will come in handy whenever you have emergencies.

User Friendliness

Your generator of choice has to be user-friendly especially when it comes to starting. The generator must come with different outlets that allow for different powering options.

Still on that, the generator needs to come with an advanced control panel that is easy to operate and maintain.

Since you will be buying a generator for your food truck, it must come with enough power outlets for all the appliances you have in your food truck.

Runtime and Tank Size

One thing you want to keep in mind is that a generator does not provide unlimited power. The best you can get out of it is a longer runtime.

If you need longer run time and higher output, you want to go for a generator with a larger tank and that will usually will be the conventional type.

On the other hand, if you want quiet operation and portability, you will be better off with an inverter generator.

Paralleling Capabilities and Safety Features

Sometimes, you will find yourself needing more power than your generator can provide. If you get a generator with paralleling abilities, you can double your power by adding another similar generator.

Generators with paralleling capabilities provide the versatility you need for different purposes.

As far as safety features, the generator you pick needs to come with things like overload protection, a low-oil sensor, and a spark arrestor.

Portability

Since we are talking about generators for food trucks, mobility comes into play. You need a generator that you can move from one spot to another easily.

In that regard, you want your generator to come with things like handles for easy pulling, wheels, for pushing, and a lightweight build that allows you to carry it easily.

Size and Weight

Your food truck may or may not come with a designated space for keeping a generator. While picking a generator, you want to consider how much space you have for that.

It is even possible to set up your generator just next to your food truck outside. The most important thing here is to ensure that the generator you pick fits in the space you have.

As far as the weight, all you need to do is ensure that your generator is not too heavy such that it weighs your truck down.

Warranty and Certifications

Your generator needs to come with a warranty. This is because it will come in handy anytime the generator malfunctions because of manufacturer defects.

When it comes to certifications, you want to ensure that the generator you choose comes with certifications from bodies such as EPA and CARB to ensure that you do not interfere with surroundings.

Generator Price

Price comes into play whenever you are buying anything and your generator is not an exception. You want to have a budget in place.

This way, you will be able to narrow down your choices according to your financial capabilities. Remember that the most expensive generator may not necessarily be the best and the cheapest one may not be the best option in terms of functionality and quality.

To that effect, you want to ensure that you strike the perfect balance between price and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have addressed some commonly asked questions that have to do with the best generator for food trucks.

We believe that will help you get a clearer understanding of the same.

How do I power a food truck?

Your food truck gets its power from three sources, including solar panels, liquefied petroleum gas, and diesel generators.

These are usually attached to the roof of the truck.

What size generator will fit my food truck?

The average food truck will need a power output of about 2950 watts. However, you want to get a generator with a slightly higher wattage simply because some electronics increase their energy consumption as they age.

How much electricity will my food truck use?

Most food trucks will run at 6500 W to operate most of the appliances in your food truck. Nevertheless, you want to understand that some electronics like fryers consume a lot of energy so you may want to get a generator with paralleling capabilities that allow you to double your power.

Tip:

We have a tip for you as far as using your generator safely and maintaining it. If you intend to use your generator for longer, you want to do things like not leaving gas inside the fuel tank for prolonged periods and keep your oil fresh.

Another thing you want to do is allow the generator to cool down before adding any more fuel to it. Adding fuel when the generator can cause sparking which is of course, dangerous.

Our Top Pick

We have chosen the Champion 76533 4750/3800-Watt Portable Generator as our top pick. First, because this device comes ready to use out of the box. That means you do not have to exert a lot of effort in setting it up.

The generator can also run on either gasoline and propane making it versatile. Moreover, it comes with a low-oil shut-off sensor to safeguard against damage. 

Champion is also a reputable brand and is known for producing quality products with this generator being one.

What we loved most however is that this generator will run for up to 9 hours on gasoline and 10.5 hours on propane. That will do a lot of good for your business don’t you think?

Conclusion

We want to believe that you feel like you came to the right place after reading this review. A generator is one of the wisest investments you can ever make for your food truck business.

You do not have to struggle with trying to pick out the best one. How so? Simply because we have taken all the guesswork out of the selection process with this review.

It will now be easier for you to make a quick and informed choice so knock yourself out.