If you are considering buying a food truck for your small business, there are a lot of things you need to think of, including a generator, which you will use to run appliances on the truck.
You need the best generator for food trucks that can not only get you through the day but also work quietly and efficiently, and here’s how you can get one.
Here are the best generators for food truck you can buy in 2024:
- Fuel Efficient (Single Fuel Generator): Cat RP7500E
- Quiet - Single Fuel Generator (Single Fuel Generator): Firman P03601 4550/3650 Watt
- Best Overall (Dual Fuel Generator): DuroMax XP12000EH
- Best For Consistent Performance (Dual Fuel Generator): A-iPower SUA12000ED
- Most Durable (Dual Fuel Generator): Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
| 5 Best Generators For Food Truck | ||
|---|---|---|
Fuel Efficient | Cat RP7500E
| |
Quiet - Single Fuel Generator | Firman P03601 4550/3650 Watt
| |
Best Overall | DuroMax XP12000EH
| |
Best For Consistent Performance | A-iPower SUA12000ED
| |
Most Durable | Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
| |
Fuel Efficient (Single Fuel Generator): Cat RP7500E
- Easy to control - the LED-Lit control panel
- 11 hours of max runtime for a full workday - EPA Compliant & a fuel-efficient OHV engine
- Compact & maneuverable – a wheel kit
- A bit noisy
- The digital display window could be of higher quality
This generator seems small for its rated output that won’t take much space in your food truck. The start procedure is quite simple although you have to choke it to start the machine, even utilizing the electric start.
We love that everything is in the same spot on the front, including the LED-Lit control panel where you can easily track or manage any indicator.
But what impressed us the most is its fuel-efficiency that is even EPA Compliant. So, despite its modest tank size, this generator is still able to run continuously in 11 hours for a full workday.
| Cat RP7500E Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 9375W/7500W |
Noise Level | 70 -75 DB |
Max Runtime | 11 Hours |
Highlight Features | the LED-Lit control panel EPA Compliant & a fuel-efficient OHV engine a wheel kit |
We highly recommend the Cat RP7500E for anyone looking for the most fuel-efficient generator for their food trailer.
Quiet - Single Fuel Generator (Single Fuel Generator): Firman P03601 4550/3650 Watt
- Run quietly - a quiet (Whisper Series) muffler
- Suitable for extended work time – 14 hours of constant runtime, Phoenix FatHead Block and Max Pro Series 208cc Farman Engine
- Easy to notice when to refuel the tank – the low oil indicator and integrated fuel gauge
- No electric start
Designed with a quiet (Whisper Series) muffler, it’s no strange when this generator delivers incredibly low noise level (68 decibels as maximum). That said, it is very powerful and can offer 14 hours of constant runtime and generate 4550 peak watts.
Use it with ease in mind, especially if you are a beginner because of not only its clean power output but also the low oil indicator and integrated fuel gauge.
These two additional features will tell you when to refuel your generator.
It also runs efficiently, thanks to the Phoenix FatHead Block and Max Pro Series 208cc Farman Engine.
| Firman P03601 4550/3650 Watt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4550/3650 Watt |
Noise Level | 68dB |
Max Runtime | 14 hour |
Highlight Features | a quiet (Whisper Series) muffler 14 hours of constant runtime, Phoenix FatHead Block and Max Pro Series 208cc Farman Engine the low oil indicator and integrated fuel gauge |
Due to the additional (Whisper Series) muffler, Firman P03601 4550/3650 Watt is the quietest generator for food trucks on our list without compromising its power output.
Best Overall (Dual Fuel Generator): DuroMax XP12000EH
- Able to cover surges or spikes of power - 12,000 peak watts and 500 surged watts
- Use in all 50 States - EPA and CARB approved
- Able to run 120V and 240V simultaneously - DuroMax MX2 technology
- Use lots of fuel
With dual-fuel capabilities, the DuroMax XP12000EH is much more convenient for outdoor use.
Its power output is 12,000 peak watts and 500 surge watts with the max runtime of 10-20 hours depending on the fuel type used on it. In other words, it can cover surges or spikes of power. It also runs an AC food warmer crockpot with no problem during our tests.
You can run 120V and 240V at the same time due to its two separate outputs, which is a big bonus.
| DuroMax XP12000EH Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 12,000 starting watts/500 running watts |
Noise Level | 72 dB. |
Max Runtime | 10 hours on a tank of gasoline 20 hours on a BBQ propane tank |
Highlight Features | 12,000 peak watts and 500 surged watts EPA and CARB approved DuroMax MX2 technology |
Priced reasonably, compact and maneuverable, powerful yet relatively quiet, the DuroMax XP12000EH persuasively brings home our Editors’ Choice Award for its best overall performance.
Best For Consistent Performance (Dual Fuel Generator): A-iPower SUA12000ED
- Super-powerful - 12,000 peak watts and 9,000 surged watts
- Afford for extended work days - 9 hours of maximum runtime
- It’s loud
This one is currently the most powerful dual-fuel generator in our review roster, highlighting 12,000 peak watts and 9,000 surged watts.
Such power output is enough to run a hot water machine, a steamed table, a cash register, a stove, a deep fridge, two fridges, and all the light. Plus, the energy is very clean and electronics-safe.
Combined with a 7-gallon fuel tank, it is able to give you 9 hours of maximum runtime.
It also has the ability to run to 240 at 50 Amps. Easy to assemble and the electric start is crazy cool.
| A-iPower SUA12000ED Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 12000W/9000W |
Noise Level | 78 decibels |
Max Runtime | 9 hours @ max load |
Highlight Features | 12,000 peak watts and 9,000 surged watts 9 hours of maximum runtime |
Searching for the most powerful dual-fuel generator for consistent performance? Look no further than the A-iPower SUA12000ED
Most Durable (Dual Fuel Generator): Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Well-built & robust - the 'Built Ford Tough' M-Frame design
- Great maneuverability - two 10
- Noisy
Aside from high power output, the Ford 11,050W is very well-built. It boasts the 'Built Ford Tough' M-Frame design that you can count on for all the harsh conditions.
Along with two 10" Never-flat wheels and drop-down handles, it’s convenient to use.
A bonus is the additional rubber covers to keep its outlets from debris and dirt when not in use. Besides, the unit is professionally manufactured for less hassle and more peace in mind, due to its Automatic Voltage Regulator, Low Oil Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter.
It also meets CSA, EPA, and CARB standards.
| Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 10, 050W Peak/8, 100W Rated (LPG) 11, 050W Peak/ 9, 000W Rated (Gasoline) |
Noise Level | less than 78 dB |
Max Runtime | 10 Hours |
Highlight Features | the 'Built Ford Tough' M-Frame design two 10" Never-flat wheels and drop-down handles Automatic Voltage Regulator, Low Oil Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter |
The Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator is our solid choice for unrivaled durability.
How To Choose The Best Generator For Food Truck?
Power
The first thing to consider is how much power the generator can supply. A food truck normally needs at least 3000 W or 25 Amps to operate basic items like the fridge, microwave, and blender.
However, we recommend that you get a machine that can supply from 4000 to 7000 watts, or at least 20% more power than the exact amount you need.
To help you figure out the number you need, here is the power some basic appliances consume.
- A fridge requires 200 watts
- An under-counter freezer requires 900 watts
- An espresso machine needs 5000 watts
- A panini press needs 1500 watts
- A microwave oven requires 1000 watts
- A hot food holding cabinet needs 1000 watts
- A food processor needs 600 watts
- An electric deep fryer requires 3000 watts
Types Of Load
In relation to the size of a generator, you need to pay attention to the types of the load when choosing a generator:
- Resistive load means the power required for starting up and running an appliance is the same. This includes heat items like the coffee maker, light bulb, microwave oven, and toaster.
- Reactive load means the power required for starting up an appliance is larger than that for running it, including appliances with an electric motor such as the air conditioner, blender, bean grinder, and refrigerator.
Noise
When shopping for a generator, many people just focus on the power and forget that noise is crucial too because it’s something you have to deal with each time you run the tool.
Not just that, the tool must run quietly enough so you and your customers can communicate with each other.
Overall, don’t go for any machine with a noise level higher than 70 dB. Other than that, the lower the noise level, the better.
Runtime
The runtime of a generator determines how often you will have to refill the fuel tank. A shift can last for 16 hours and a food truck can be very busy, especially if you’re at a fair or festival. As for this factor, the longer runtime, the better.
There are actually models that can get you through an entire shift, so make sure you get the longest runtime possible.
Outlets
Different appliances may require a different voltage, so you must ensure your generator comes with the right outlet you need.
Generally speaking, you should seek 120/240V 30A outlets and 120/240V 50A outlets.
Which Brands Make The Best Generator For Food Truck?
Westinghouse
Founded in 1886, this brand has had over a century of experience in the industry. It focuses on creating smart power solutions for consumers.
A-iPower
Over the past 30 years, this brand has become a leader in the power solution market. Its products are known for durability and convenience.
FAQs
Single vs. dual fuel generator?
Dual fuel generators: these are convenient, versatile, and durable. They are also easy to use, easy to set up, can run for over a full day. However, they are bulkier than other types of generators.
Single generators: they are dependable, requiring no refilling, and they cost less. However, these are harmful to the environment.
What size generator does a food truck need?
The answer to this question is related to the amount of electricity, which depends on the number of appliances used on the food truck and how much power each of them requires. However, generally speaking, a typical food truck needs at least 4000 to 7000 watts.
How many watts does it take to run a food truck?
A food truck needs to produce at least 2950 watts to be able to run the basic appliances on it. But in total, it requires 4000-7000 watts.
Why are inverter generators better?
Inverter generators are better because they automatically adjust to the load, making them more energy-efficient than conventional generators. This also means an inverter generator requires a smaller tank than a traditional one.
How long should a generator last?
It should be able to work for 1000 to 2000 hours.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has helped you picture what the best generator for food trucks should be like. Apart from the power, don’t forget to consider noise and runtime as well.
