Best Generator For Food Truck Reviews 2024 – With Mobility Kit
An intelligent food truck owner doesn’t want to interrupt his or her sale due to a power outage. They will surely spend on the best food truck generator that can supply constant, stable, and safe power with longer runtime to maintain the sales flow.
After testing over 20+ food truck generators, we identified the top 7 best-rated food trailer generators with modern features, durable bodies, high power, and ultra-safe mechanisms.
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Comparison Chart Of The Best Generators For Food Truck
1. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800 Watt – Best Generator For Food Truck
FEATURES & SPECS
WEN 56380i is one of the prettiest generators I have ever seen in my life, with clean power, longer runtime, and quiet operations. Besides its cyborg design, this machine comes in an extremely portable design with a wheel kit and a collapsible handle that can be attached and detached easily.
This machine comes with a powerful 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine that provides 3800 peaks and 3400 rated watts with extremely low THD levels below 1.2%. I must say this machine can operate all the sensitive cooking appliances you want. Also, this machine has parallel capability; you can combine two of the same power units to get double capacity.
Well, we have run the following food truck essentials for figuring out the actual capacity of this machine.
| Appliance | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 1240 |
| Microwave | 1000 |
| Coffee Machine | 1200 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 |
| Stand Mixer | 300 |
| Refrigerator | 400 |
| Toaster Oven | 1200 |
| Fryer | 1500 |
When it comes to the fuel options and run time, this isn’t a dual fuel inverter generator; still, it provides me 7.5 – 8 hours of runtime at 50% load with normal mode, however with eco mode maybe you get slightly better fuel efficiency, still, I don’t recommend to put that much load on eco mode.
Due to its smaller fuel tank, you can carry a few gallons to carry on your food business.
Since WEN 5638i is an inverter generator you will get extremely silent operations even from 25ft. away.
Well, as per my test, this unit produces 61 – 62dB from 22ft. away with a 25% load. The exhaust position was toward the sound meter so you can expect around 55 – 57dB from 25ft. away with the exhaust position in the opposite direction.
When it comes to safety, this machine comes with supper low THD levels with low oil and overload protections so that your appliances and the machine will be protected. Moreover, it earned the certifications of CRAB and EPA.
Checkout our guide about the best RV generators
2. Westinghouse Outdoor iGen4500DFc – One Of The Best Generators For Food Trailer
FEATURES & SPECS
As per our tests, this generator is not only compact to save space for the food truck but also provides huge capacity and runtime with extremely low noise levels.
Westinghouse igen4500DFc comes with a 224cc four-stroke engine that can produce up to 4500 starting and 3700 running watts with less than 3% THD levels, hence your all voltage-sensitive cooking appliances will be free from potential damage.
The following Food truck appliances we have run with our Westinghouse iGen4500DFc.
| Appliance | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 1240 |
| Electric Oven | 2100 |
| Coffee Machine | 1200 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 |
| Stand Mixer | 300 |
| Refrigerator | 400 |
| Pressure Cooker | 700 |
| Air Fryer | 1500 |
Besides its decent capacity, igen4500DFc comes with a dual fuel option and a supper efficient engine that provides me about 14 – 16 hours of runtime at 25% load with a single tank of gasoline, however with LPG you will get a slightly lower runtime but it is cheap, environmentally friendly and can be filled in a huge tank to get uninterrupted running.
Since this is an inverter generator with a great insulated cover, this beast is quieter than my expectations. I have conducted two tests from 25ft. away. Below are the results.
With eco mode ON I am getting 55 to 58dB with 50% load, however, with normal mode, I am getting around 58 – 63dB which is quite impressive.
The usage and maintenance of this machine are pretty easy it offers remote, electric, and recoil start, the manufacturer has claimed that the remote control can work from 250ft. However I tried multiple times and it wasn’t able to fetch the signal, then I slightly came forward and pressed the start button from 220ft and the generator started.
When it comes to mobility this machine is lightweight and compact with a proper mobility kit (wheel kit and telescopic handle) to transport it easily.
Westinghouse Igen4500DFc is certified by the CARB and EPA and proven to be super safe for the environment, humans’ and appliances as well; also it comes with one year of commercial and 3 years of residential warranty
Checkout our guide about the best camping generators
3. Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter
FEATURES & SPECS
Champion power equipment 4000 watts comes with the latest innovative design that can provide 50% quieter operation with a 20% lighter body as compared to the traditional machines.
Champion inserts a high-power 244cc 4 – stroke OHV engine that can produce 4000 Starting and 3500 running watts with <3% THD levels. Besides that much capacity, you have also an option to parallel another unit to double or triple the capacity.
The following Food truck appliances we have run with our Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000.
| Appliance | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 1500 |
| Microwave | 1500 |
| Coffee Machine | 1200 |
| Electric Oven | 2100 |
| Stand Mixer | 300 |
| Refrigerator | 400 |
| Toaster Oven | 1200 |
When it comes to the fuel efficiency and fuel options, this isn’t a dual fuel generator which could be a great addition but a single tank of gasoline provides me about 14 – 15hrs with about 30 – 35% of the load which is amazing. A food truck owner can easily get 8 – 10 hours of runtime with 50 – 60% load.
Since this machine is based on open-frame inverter technology it is slightly noisy as compared to the inverter generator but way quieter than ordinary ones. As per my test, I got 64 – 66dB from 25ft. away with 50% load, however with eco mode ON you will get slightly fewer decibels.
Champion power equipment 4000 watts comes with the latest cold Start Technology to start this unit instantly in real winters, other than that the maintenance of this unit is as simple as an inverter generator you just need to change the engine oil, oil filter, regular service, etc.
When it comes to the safety features this machine offers the traditional low oil and overload protection with CARB and EPA certification.
4. Generac 7127 iQ3500 3500 Watt – Quietest Generator For Food Truck
FEATURES & SPECS
Generac is the quietest generator available on the market with a perfectly insulated design, longer runtime, and clean eco-friendly power. Its frame is made from durable steel that can reduce the noise levels up to 40% which is true we have done the following noise tests below.
I have conducted two tests one with eco mode ON and the other with eco mode OFF. Both tests were conducted from 20ft. away
- Normal Mode result: 50 – 52dB which is insane.
- Eco mode result: 46 – 48dB quieter than any Honda generators.
Besides that much noiseless performance, this generator comes with a Generac OHV 212cc engine that can produce 3500 peak and 3000 running watts with clean inverter technology that produces less than 3% THD.
I have run almost everything on my friend’s food truck but sadly it can’t operate multiple cooking appliances simultaneously due to the lower wattages. Though this is a parallel ready gen-set still no one wants to invest in two units.
The following appliances I have run with this little beast.
| Appliance | Running watts |
|---|---|
| Freezer | 1240 |
| Pressure Cooker | 1000 |
| Sandwich Maker | 1000 |
| Dishwasher | 1500 |
| Stand Mixer | 300 |
| Refrigerator | 400 |
| Food Processor/Blender | 300 |
| Air Fryer | 1500 |
When it comes to the fuel options and runtime this isn’t a dual fuel unit but as per my tests, a single tank of gasoline lasts about 8 – 8.5hr with 50% load which is not that bad, since its fuel tank is smaller and you have to spend a bit less compared to the other competitors.
This isn’t a super compact unit like the Honda EU2000i and sadly this machine doesn’t have a mobility kit; you have to arrange a dolly to transport it safely.
Generac 7127 iQ3500 is super easy to use and maintain with lower carbon footprints, you, your appliances, and the environment will be safe.
Here is the detailed review of Generac iQ3500
5. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Champion 3400 watts comes with a unique and portable design with two handles on the top and a proper wheel kit on the bottom for easy mobility. Besides its unique design, this machine is pretty powerful with very low THD levels.
Champion infuses a powerful 196cc 4 – stroke engine that can provide 3400 starting and 3100 running watts on gasoline, however on LPG you will get 3060 surges and 2790 running watts.
Champion also built this generator extremely safe for the voltage-sensitive appliance as this only produces less than 3% THD levels. If you are looking for a higher capacity this machine is parallel-ready as well, you just need to connect another one to double the capacity.
Besides its dual fuel option, this machine provides me about 6. 5 – 7 hours of runtime at 25% load which is a bit lower as food truckers need to operate multiple cooking appliances but the good news is you can attach a 20 or 30lbs LPG tank to get uninterrupted running.
When it comes to the noise levels this is an inverter generator with proper insulation to avoid excessive noise levels. I have conducted some noise tests with my sound meter below are the results.
- With gasoline, I am getting around 62 – 63dB which is way more than the stated 59dB, however with ECO mode off, I am getting around 69 – 70 dB.
- With LPG I am getting pretty much similar results with 1 or 2dBs increments.
Champion 3400 watts also earns certification from EPA and CARB with low oil and overload protection to protect the organs of your gen-set; however, this machine has extremely low THD levels to keep safe your voltage-sensitive appliances.
6. WEN 56475 4750-Watt – Most Affordable Generator For Food Truck
FEATURES & SPECS
WEN 56475 is the most affordable generator for your food business; besides its cheaper price tag, this unit provides constant high power with decent runtime, lower noise levels, and lots of safety features as well.
When it comes to portability, this isn’t a lightweight and compact generator if you have space in your food truck to manage you are good to go with it, but the good news is; that this machine comes with proper mobility to transport it easily.
This machine comes with a 223cc engine that provides 4,750 peaks and 3,750 rated watts with minimum voltage fluctuations. My friend is operating all food truck essentials like refrigerator, microwave, air fryer, food warmer, griddle, etc.
Though this machine is not dual fuel, it is efficient enough to supply me with constant power for about 8.5 – 9.5hr with a single tank of gasoline at 50% load. A 4-gallon fuel tank is enough to cover your 1-day business.
Besides its decent fuel efficiency, this machine is not louder than a pressure washer, as per my tests I got 70dB at 50% load from 25ft. which is not that bad, you can place it around 60 – 70ft away to get super silent operation.
WEN 56475 is not only easy to start but also needs little maintenance like changing the oil, filter, spark plug, regular service, etc. The Digital readout is a lifesaver for scheduled maintenance.
Other than that this unit is certified by CARB and EPA with safety sensors like low oil and overload protection also an intelligent Automatic Voltage regulator (AVR) to avoid voltage spikes.
7. Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
This is one of the most powerful food truck generators that comes with a 457cc engine that can work on both gasoline and LPG efficiently. Besides dual fuel options and decent capacity, this machine offers impressive durability, an electric start, and a mobility kit to transport it properly.
The only flaw I found is, it is not compact and lightweight you have to allocate a proper space in your food truck for this machine.
Since this machine consists of a 457cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHV engine this machine can produce 12, 000 peak and 9, 500 running watts on gasoline, however with LPG it provides me 10, 800 peak and 8, 550 running watts which is amazing.
I run pretty much every essential food truck including the refrigerator, electric smoker, oven, air fryer, toasters, stoves, etc. Even I have run multiple power-hungry appliances simultaneously but this beat doesn’t know the definition of overloading.
The runtime of this machine is also impressive, a single tank providing me about 10.5 – 11.5hr of runtime, however with propane, you will get slightly less but due to the cheaper cost and uninterrupted running all of my friends are connecting a huge tank of LPG.
Pulsar G12KBN isn’t a silent generator since it’s not a super-insulated generator with the latest inverter technology. As per my test, it produces 74 – 78dB from about 25ft. with a 30 – 50%% load.
You have to place it at least 50 -70ft. away to settle down the noise levels.
When it comes to the safety features this is certified by EPA and CARB with some safety sensor like low oil, overload, etc. as per my conversation with the manufacturers and some tests this machine produce slightly less or equal to 8% THD which is not that bad and you can use modern appliance easily but if you have ultra-voltage sensitive appliance make sure to use a line conditioner.
How To Choose The Best Generator for a Food Truck
Below are the parameters we should consider to find the best food truck generator.
Checkout Your Powering Need:
Every generator comes with two wattage ratings one is starting/surge and the other is running/rated. Starting watts are for putting the initial load to start a motorized or heavy appliance, however, running watts are for running the appliance for a long time, and both are equally important.
Before making a buying decision you should have to calculate your wattage needs if you are going to operate a high-power or sum of high-power alliances.
You have to go for a higher wattage unit like 5000 wattages or more. On the other hand, if you have to operate lower power appliances, you should go for a smaller unit of 2000 or 3000 wattage to cut off the fuel cost and noise levels, also smaller wattage machines are lighter and more compact as compared to the higher wattage units
Runtime or Fuel Efficiency:
Runtime is the backbone of a good generator since you want to save your fuel cost to make more profit. A good food truck generator should have at least 7 – 8 hours of run time at 50% load so that you can operate your all cooking appliances comfortably.
Inverter generators are more fuel-efficient than ordinary ones but will cost you more.
Fuel Options:
It depends on the availability of fuel, if you have only access to gasoline you have to go for a highly efficient gasoline unit, however, if you have access to both LPG and gasoline, a dual-fuel generator will be a lifesaver for you if you want uninterrupted running.
Also, LPG is cheaper as compared to gasoline; hence you will save some bucks.
Size And Portability:
As the space of the food truck is mostly occupied by the cooking appliances we don’t want to get a bigger machine to further narrow down the space, also a bigger and bulky unit is pretty difficult to transport.
Choose a gen-set with a proper mobility kit to transport it easily, also it should have medium weight if you are not going to operate multiple power-hungry appliances, however, if you are going to use normal cooking appliances go for a compact and lighter unit.
Noise Levels:
No one wants a noisy generator since it is a potential hazard, your selected unit must moderate roar so that you can do your cooking take orders, etc., comfortably. A good food truck generator should have 60 – 72dB on average.
Noise also depends on the capacity, the higher the wattage level bigger the engine, and the higher the noise levels, so if you are hunting for a higher wattage unit make sure to neglect the noise levels or you can place it at least 60 – 70ft. away to avoid excessive noise.
Outlets:
Without outlets, there is no point in drawing power from the gen – set, make sure to identify your outlets’ needs and select a machine accordingly. Generally, a good generator consists of 120v, 20 amp, and 120v, 30amp outlets, some USB ports, indication lights, etc.
Usage and Maintenance:
A good generator should have easy usage and maintenance mechanisms; you don’t want to waste lots of your time doing maintenance and pulling the cord. Also, your first preference should be an electric start generator.
Safety Features:
Though the entire modern generator has built-in safety sensors like low oil, overload, CO detector, etc. still you have to figure out whether your selected unit provides steady voltage with lower THD levels. Unsteady voltage can damage your sensitive cooking appliances. Also, check out the eco-friendly certifications of your machine if it is certified by CARB or EPA you are good to go with it.
Warranty, Price, and Customer Support:
Make sure to choose a generator with a longer warranty, quick customer support, and should be affordable as well.
A longer warranty and great customer support will help you to fix any problem within no time.
Wrapping – Up
Hope you have found the best generator for a food truck. If you are still confused here are some of my favorite units that can last longer with multiple fuel options, low noise levels, and multiple safety options.
- WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800 – The best generator for the food truck.
- Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator – Best for high load.
- Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready – Best Dual fuel food truck
Thanks for reading out our articles
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do food trucks use generators?
Yes, as per our survey, 80% of food truck owners use generators to avoid an extended blackout.
How much power does a food truck need?
It depends on your needs, if you are going to use multiple power-hungry cooking appliances; your food truck may need a 10000 – 15000 watt generator, however, if you want to operate normal power appliances you may need a 3000 – 5000 watt generator.
How far should I place my generator from my food truck?
It depends on the noise level; you have to place a noisy generator at least 40 – 50ft away to avoid excessive noise levels. On the other hand, a quiet generator should be placed 20 – 25 ft. away.
Do I need to ground the generator for the food truck?
Yes, grounding is most important for safety reasons You must use a conventional grounding method to avoid electrocution and other hazards
Josh is a highly skilled electrician with specialized expertise in the field of generators. With years of experience under his belt, he has established himself as an expert in all aspects of generators, ranging from installation and maintenance to troubleshooting and repairs. Josh’s in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and his commitment to staying updated with the latest industry advancements make him a reliable and sought-after professional.