To run a food truck smoothly, you need to consider a power backup that will keep your van running smoothly. Hence, the best generator for food truck must ensure that it should have at least 3000 W minimum. What else do you need? Here, I am reviewing inverter generators for energy- and fuel-efficient food trucks that offer smooth yet uninterrupted power. So, let’s get started.
Here is a quick guide if you have just started with a food truck.
How do I choose a generator for my food truck? Buying Guide for the best generator for a food trailer
How to pick a generator for a food truck is something that pops up in your mind when planning to buy it for the first time. Ensure that when purchasing the best food truck generator, you must consider a few factors that impact your purchase. Make sure that apart from being the best, your food truck power generator must meet the parameters which add
1. Type of generator based on fuel
It is clear that for a food truck, you will need a portable generator; however, here, the key is to consider their fuel source, too, as it will contribute to your cost. As per the power source, you will have the following options for your food truck which include
· Propane generators
· Dual fuel generator
Propane generators require a backup tank; however, a dual-fuel generator works on a unique principle, it works with two different fuels in a single generator that uses propane and gas, electricity or gas, etc.
I recommended a dual-fuel generator as an option for your food truck which is the potential backup; if you are out of one, you can have a backup.
2. Generator size
The portable generators are available in all shapes and sizes. However, for a food truck, you cannot get a random food place generator; the size must be kept in mind. For that, before purchasing, you need to get a generator, according to your truck size, that you can easily carry. However, this must not compromise your fuel requirement, as smaller generators usually have small fuel tanks.
3. Power
When selecting a food truck generator, you must evaluate your power requirement first, such as it must ensure a smooth and distortion-free power supply. Next, you need to know which load type you need because some appliances need to run continuously. Hence, you need to determine whether you need a
· Reactive, or
· Resistive power load
The reactive load requires power overall and consumes less power, but initially, it will load a little more. On the other hand, resistive power does not require power initially but consumes much power when working, mainly with devices with heating elements. Hence, you need a generator that uses both.
4. Watt/Amperes
You need a high-wattage generator for your food truck to run every appliance smoothly. When looking for a generator, calculate the power first which is found easily on the bottom of the appliance. Check the number of amperes and volts. To get the exact value,
Multiply volts with ampere; volts x amperes.
Even though the amount matches the sum of the generator capacity, it is excellent. However, going for a higher wattage is always recommended to avoid inconvenience.
5. Run time of the generator
Run time is the time frame at which the generator works. It is usually written on the label of the generator. The higher the wattage, the more time it will work; usually, the high is eight hours on average wattage, and the low at four at surge.
Remember that the run time may decrease with the surge wattage.
6. Noise Level
When working, the generator’s engine creates noise, and every unit has its noise level. The quietest generators are the ones that have a noise level under or equal to 60 dB. Make sure to get a generator within the following noise level. Any unit above this rating will cause inconvenience.
7. Ventilation and Airflow
The airflow and ventilation around your food truck generator should be proper. There must not be any blocking in the way, and it prevents poisoning the food as well as the people around.
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After that, the next step is to find the perfect match; for that, here is the list of
The Best generator for food truck
1. DuraMax XP13000 EH Dual Fuel
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
· Weight: 234 lbs.
· Power Source: Gas
· Voltage: 240 V
· Fuel Type: Gasoline/ Propane
· Wattage: 13000 W
· Engine Type: 4-stroke
· Tank Capacity: 0.5 Gallons
The DuraMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Generator is a powerful yet versatile option for a food truck. This generator offers the convenience of dual fuel capability, allowing it to run on either gasoline or propane; for both, it runs for extended periods without interruption.
Works with a sturdy 500cc engine that delivers an impressive power output of 13000 W and 10,500 W consistently. This makes it a suitable and robust option for food and ice cream truck generator to run the kitchen appliances effectively.
The control panel is user-friendly and have multiple power outlet, including four 120V household outlets, a 120V/240V 50A heavy-duty outlet, a 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and a 12V DC output for charging batteries. You can run three different generators for food trucks: refrigerators, freezers, grills, fryers, coffee machines, and more.
The dual fuel capability allows food truck owners to choose between gasoline (runs 8.5 hours) and propane (runs 6.5 hours) as their fuel source, providing flexibility depending on availability and personal preference.
The generator's electric start feature ensures easy and quick operation, eliminating the hassle of manual starting.
Furthermore, it is made with sturdy and durable steel. You can move it around easily with wheels.
Pros
· Allows dual fuel technology
· Efficiently works on 50% load
· Automatic shutoff ensuring complete safety
· Works quietly
Cons
· It is heavy
· It covers warranty only if there is a defect factory defect
2. Honda Generator EU700iS
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 33.3 x 27.6 x 28.4 inches
· Weight: 230 lbs.
· Power Source: Fuel Powered
· Voltage: 120 V
· Fuel Type: Fuel Powered
· Wattage: 7000 W
· Engine Type: 4 Stroke
The Honda Generator EU7000iS is another best generator for food truck which is known for its top-notch generator due to performance and reliability. It is designed with advanced technology; this generator is ideal for food truck owners seeking a high-quality power source.
With a powerful and fuel-efficient Honda GX390 EFI engine, the EU7000iS delivers a maximum power output of 7,000 watts and a continuous power output of 5,500. This ample power capacity makes it suitable for various food trucks, from small-scale operations to larger trucks with more energy-intensive equipment.
The EU7000iS features an innovative inverter technology that produces clean and stable electricity, making it safe to power sensitive electronics and appliances. This makes it particularly suitable for food trucks that rely on delicate equipment such as cash registers, digital displays, and computer systems.
The generator boasts a convenient electric start system, ensuring easy and hassle-free operation. It also offers a variety of outlets, including four 120V household outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and one 120V/240V 50A outlet, allowing food truck owners to connect and power a diverse range of appliances and devices.
Additionally, the EU7000iS works quietly and incorporates a compact design, making it highly portable.
Pros
· Reliable option for heavy-duty work
· Powerful engine
· Effectively works as a backup as a whole house generator during a power outage
Cons
· Costly option
· Heavy and difficult to move
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3. Westinghouse iGen 4500 W Portable Inverter Generator
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 29.6 x 21.5 x 24.3 inches
· Weight: 93 lbs.
· Power Source: fuel powered
· Voltage: 120 V
· Fuel Type: Gasoline
· Wattage: 3700 W
· Engine Type: 4-stroke
The Westinghouse iGen4500W Portable Inverter Generator is a reliable, versatile power solution specifically designed for food trucks. With its compact size and advanced technology, this generator offers exceptional performance and convenience.
Powered by a 224cc Westinghouse OHV engine, the iGen4500W delivers a maximum power output of 4,500 watts and a continuous power output of 3,700 watts. This power capacity is well-suited for various food trucks, from small-scale operations to larger trucks with moderate energy requirements.
The inverter technology employed in the iGen4500W ensures clean and stable power, making it safe to run sensitive electronics and appliances. This feature is particularly important for food trucks that rely on delicate equipment such as cash registers, digital displays, or computer systems.
The generator offers a variety of outlets, including two 120V household outlets, one 120V RV-ready outlet, and two USB ports for convenient charging of small electronic devices.
One of the standout features of the iGen4500W is its quiet operation, with noise levels as low as 52 decibels. This ensures a peaceful environment for the food truck operators and their customers, allowing for a pleasant dining experience.
Pros
· Reliable power source
· Has clean and stable electricity distribution
· Has versatile outlets
· Works quietly
Cons
· Limited power capacity may fail to fulfill the requirement
· The power outlet is limited
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4. GENMAX Inverter Generator
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 18.9 x 11.5 x 17.3 inches
· Weight: 47.4
· Power Source: gas powered
· Voltage: 120 V
· Fuel Type: Gasoline
· Wattage: 3200 W
· Engine Type: 4 stroke
The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile and efficient power solution for various applications, including backup home use and camping.
It is even suitable for certain types of food trucks. This generator offers convenience and reliability with its ultra-quiet gas engine, RV readiness, EPA compliance, eco-mode feature, and lightweight design.
With a power output of 3200 watts, the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is well-suited for small to medium-sized food trucks.
It can provide sufficient electricity to power essential appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, grills, fryers, lighting systems, and more.
The ultra-quiet gas engine ensures minimal noise during operation, creating a comfortable environment for food truck operators and their customers.
EPA compliance ensures the generator meets environmental standards and emits minimal pollutants during operation. This is important for food truck owners prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly business practices.
The eco-mode feature optimizes fuel consumption, allowing the generator to operate more efficiently and extend its run time. This benefits food trucks requiring extended operating hours without frequent refueling.
Pros
· Portable and lightweight
· It is the ultra-quiet operation
· Offers sufficient electricity
Cons
· Limited power
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5. Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250 W
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 26.6 x 25.6 x 23.7 inches
· Weight: 121 lbs.
· Power Source: gas powered
· Voltage: 240 V
· Wattage: 6250 W
· Engine size: 301 cc
This is undoubtedly the best quiet generator for food truck as it offers good wattage compared to its engine, which is 301 cc.
The advertised wattage is 6250 W and 5000 W, which can run a few kitchen appliances without distortion and a clean power supply.
This one is comparatively inexpensive compared to the other listed generators in our guide. Further, this device works quietly, as said in the beginning, with only 69 dB, which is convenient for many food trucks as well as your food truck customers.
Pros
· Impressive running time
· The wattage is good, can run kitchen appliances easily
· Works quietly
· Offers clean and distortion-free power
Cons
· Heavy, may be difficult to move
6. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Silent Generator
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches
· Weight: 139 lbs.
· Power Source: gas powered
· Voltage: 120 V
· Fuel Type: Gasoline
· Wattage: 6500 W
· Tank capacity: 5 gallons
· Engine Type: 4 stroke
Count on this tiny-looking yet cool and reliable generator, which is portable and comes with impressive features. The running time of this great helped it to make itself to the list of best generator for a food truck.
Its integrated engine offers an output of 6500 W, which is a sweet spot to run a food truck effectively. This compact and telescopic generator handle makes it easy to move around.
Further, this generator has a noise reduction shell that protects the generator and reduces the noise.
Pros
· Impressive run time of 14 hours
· Has a noise-reduction shell
· Auto-shut off when detects carbon monoxide
· Has telescopic handles for easy transportation
Cons
· Lacks electric start
Frequently Asked Question | Best Generator for Food Truck
1. How many watts does a food truck fridge use?
It depends on the size of the fridge you have. However, a minimum fridge for a food truck acquires 1200 W power to operate correctly. The fridge and other electronic devices require 25 amps or 3000 W, which means you need a generator with more power than required.
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2. How big of a generator do I need to run a food truck?
To run a food truck properly with all the electric appliances working without power interruption, you need a generator ranging from 4000 W minimum to 7000 W and even more. This wattage will help power your appliances to run safely. You should calculate to know what wattage you need. You can also use a portable generator for an RV for your food truck if it has excellent wattage.
3. How do food truck get power?
For food trucks, portable diesel generators are the most preferred option that can work for extended periods. However, you have to make sure the tank size is sufficient to keep you free from the hassle of frequent refills.
In case your portable generator has a small fuel tank, go for the one that can run parallel to another generator.
4. What generators are used on food trucks?
For the food truck, the best option is inverter generators because of their distortion-free power and the smart technology that minimizes the noise level while running. In terms of fuel source, consider an inverter generator, either gas or diesel, due to their power. To be precise, the best generator for food truck is Honda EU700IS which has 7000 W with a tank capacity of 5.1 gallons.
5. How do I choose a generator for my food truck?
Choosing a food truck for the generator is crucial. However, for the most reliable portable generator for your van, you need to calculate the total wattage that your electronic devices consume by this formula individually on every product.
Wattage = Volts x ampere
After that, you will get the wattage for each product, add them to get the required wattage, and purchase a little bigger than the requirement in case of a power surge.
6. What is the best power for a food truck?
The ideal power for a food truck is propane gas and or diesel because of their extended running time. Ensure that when installing the food truck propane setup or diesel, the wattage range is a minimum of 4000 W and above to run your electronic devices uninterruptedly.
7. Is gas or electric better for food truck?
Gas and electric, both power generators, are good in their way and fulfill the requirements, speaking of it, here is a quick comparison.
Gas-Powered Generators
Gas-powered generators are popular due to their capacity and extended run time. They are comparatively sturdy and possess significant wattage, which is suitable for food trucks to fulfill the power requirements of electric devices.
Furthermore, they can run for a long by offering an uninterrupted power supply with a quick fueling moment (in general, they have a great tank size to minimize the frequent re-fueling hassle). However, they could be louder, not all, but some of them.
Electric Generators
The electric generators, on the contrary, electric generators are quieter and produce fewer emissions with competitively less maintenance than gas generators. They are environment-friendly, efficient, and powered by renewable energy sources.
Additionally, they eliminate the need for storing and handling flammable fuels, which can be a safety concern for food trucks.
However, remember that whichever generator you need depends on your priority and power requirement. If you prefer power, go for a gas generator, and noise reduction, emissions, and ease of maintenance are significant considerations, an electric generator could be a more suitable.
Conclusion | Best Generator for Food Truck
Choosing the best generator for food truck would be tricky, significantly when narrowing it down to its reliability, portability, and power capacity. With all the available options, you need to get a generator that offers a consistent and uninterrupted power supply. Hence, I have reviewed the food truck design generator, a list from which you can pick the one that matches your requirement the most.
Hope this guide will be helpful for you.
