How many times do you suffer blackouts in your food truck because you connected it to the direct electricity source? Not to mention, you will drive the vehicle to another location.
A food truck can’t always have access to electricity. You will need a portable generator to power it up.
Considering many models on the market, we’ve got several machines reviewed in details to help you pick the best generator for a food truck for yourself.
We have evaluated a series of factors to equip you a buying guide you can use to shop for the most suitable generator without wasting time and money.
Keep scrolling to meet your right food truck generator.
Top 6 Best Generators For Food Truck
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best overall Champion 100165 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Most fuel-efficient Westinghouse WGen7500 |
| View on Amazon |
 | Longest run-time DuroMax XP10000E |
| View on Amazon |
 | All Power America APGG10000GL |
| View on Amazon |
 | Pulsar G10KBN |
| View on Amazon |
 | Super Quiet Honda Eu7000is |
| View on Amazon |
Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Best overall
- Dual fuel
- Sturdy tubular steel frame
- Volt Guard surge protector
- Loud machine
- Fuel eater
It has about 14,000 BTUs to heat within 500 square feet.
It is a dual-fuel machine so it can run propane, which will prolong its shelf life. The longevity of that type of fuel source is far superior to gasoline.
Right out of the box, the unit includes 1.2 quarts of oil and a propane hose. With the electric start, powering up the operator is a matter of one switch.
You will appreciate the Intelligauge that keeps track of voltage, hertz, and run-time hours to maintain a stable output.
Furthermore, the GFCI protected outlets protects you from electric shock while using this Champion machine.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 6 |
| Run time (half load) | 8 hours on gasoline or 5.5 hours on propane |
| Item weight (lb.) | 95.7 |
| Running Watts | 7500W – gasoline 6750W – propane |
| Starting Watts | 9875W – gasoline 8400W – propane |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 59.0 |
| Highlight features | Features Intelligauge, Volt Guard™ and Cold Start Technology for longer running hours |
This Champion machine matches every need of a generator for a food truck with its features designed adequately in all essential aspects.
Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator – Most fuel-efficient
- Long run time
- Comes with a cast iron sleeve
- Attaches roll bars on top
- Has a large gas-tank
- Produce loud sound
- A bit heavy to carry
First of all, the intuitive panel with conveniently located control makes the WGen7500 easy to operate.
In case you need a long-time running machine for more than a half-day of using, you get up to 16 hours of run time on 6.6 gallons of the fuel tank with fuel gauge.
With two waterproof GFCI outlets, the unit is very safe to use even if you run it all on itself. But you have to remember to use it with a grounding rob connection.
Also, the L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle with a transfer switch lets you tie the unit to your home or camper, using it to power up appliances during a power outage.
Don’t worry about maintaining WGen7500. A built-in Automatic Low Oil Shutoff protects the machine from damage by shutting the engine down if the oil level becomes dangerously low, overheated, or viscosity losing.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 6.6 |
| Run time at 50% load | 11 |
| Item weight (lb.) | 192 |
| Running Watts | 7500W |
| Starting Watts | 9500W |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 64 |
| Highlight features | Provides an efficient engine to run through half a day, yet equips a bevy of safety features |
The WGen7500 is not only efficient for food trailers but also ideal for DIY projects, emergency home backup use.
DuroMax XP10000E 10,000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator – Longest run-time
- Efficient for power-hungry food trucks
- Easy to install
- Large tank
- Featuring 6 versatile outlets
- Heavy and loud
This model, with its true beast surge power of 10,000 watts, has the capability to last 20 hours at 50% maximum output on propane. Powered by DuroMax 18HP, 440cc DuroMax OHV Engine, the machine is powerful enough to run a refrigerator or freezer in your food truck.
Ultimately, it features a voltmeter, circuit breakers, low oil indicator, and idle control; all you can find on the control panel. The DuroMax XP10000 comes with a variety of prongs to fit different power outlets.
Also, the machine is quite easy to use with the electric keyed start and recoil that ensure rev up.
Carrying this generator on a truck is worry-free since it got rigged in a heavy-duty steel frame fully isolating the motor mounts. If it ever falls off on the ride, the damage is minimized.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 8.3 |
| Run time at 50% load | 10.4 hours |
| Item weight (lb.) | 260 |
| Running Watts | 8,000W |
| Starting Watts | 10,000W |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 72 |
| Highlight features | The powerful engine renders longer running hours for the longest electricity need in a food trailer |
Backed by a strong engine, this DuroMax generator will have you covered since you don’t have to worry about losing electricity that spoils food on your truck.
All Power America 10000 Watt Dual Fuel Generator
- Affordable
- Long run time
- Solid build
- Easy assembly
- Various outlets
- Relatively heavy
- Not C.A.R.B. Compliant
Rated for 8,000 watts and surge protection for a peak of 10,000 watts of power, the machine is loaded with features in a portable body with large wheels and folding handles. It can fold away when not needed to preserve its space-saving compact design.
The machine comes with the electric push start mechanism as well as the manual recoil for backup. It runs on unleaded gasoline with a capacity of 8 gallons.
Is that all?
You will receive a one-year limited manufacturer warranty for peace of mind ownership. This tough machine is EPA approved to guarantee it’s safe for your health.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 8 |
| Run time at 50% load (hours) | 11 |
| Item weight (lb.) | 235 |
| Running Watts | 8,000W |
| Starting Watts | 10,000W |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 76 |
| Highlight features | Has a high capacity of tank and efficiency to handle long hours of running, include hour meter, maintenance free battery and flat free wheel kit |
You can expect this machine to deliver high satisfaction to your demand for a good generator for food truck as a whole.
Pulsar G10KBN Space Gray 10,000 Watt Portable Dual-Fuel Generator
- Lightweight
- Easy duel fuel switch
- Affordable
- Long runtime
- Very loud
- Not suitable for rolling on the grass
We believe in our experience with this machine that on 6 gallons of propane, you can make it run for at least 13 to 16 hours; that’s a long runtime.
Equipped with the convenient Drop-Down Handles and 10” Never-Flat Wheels, you don’t have to worry about trolling this to the spot you want.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 6.6 |
| Run time at 50% load (hours) | 12 |
| Item weight (lb.) | 197 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 8,000W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 10,000W |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 65 |
| Highlight features | Dual Fuel Capability ideally for food truck use. Easy to handle with the bar and worry free to carry with the never-flat wheels |
This machine is versatile for the major appliances you have in the food truck business on a lightweight body.
Honda Eu7000is 7,000 Watt – Super Quiet
- Quiet operation
- Compact size
- Powerful for the size
- Small size tank
The number one difference is the Fuel-injected making the machine a lot quieter. Besides, there is inverter that provides stable power to equipment.
You can expect the Eco-Throttle to ramp up around from 6 to 18 hours on a single tank.
On the panel, you get the iMonitor to track hours efficiently. Honda also equips handles so that you can latch the machine in place.
| Fuel capacity (gal.) | 5.1 |
| Run time at 50% load (hours) | 9 |
| Item weight (lb.) | 51.31 |
| AC Rated Output Running Watts | 5,000W |
| AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 8,000W |
| Noise Level (dBA) | 60 |
| Highlight features | Very powerful and quite in a compact footprint |
The Honda generator has an operating of a cool 60 decibels which is no louder than a typical home washing machine.
How to choose the best generator for a food truck (buying guide)
Having all the best models in hand doesn’t mean you can pick any out of the list. Some criteria matter your shopping decision.
Let’s take a look at what to need to buy the right generator for your truck.
Type of fuel source
While most generators accept only gasoline, modern generators can operate on a duel-fuel engine.
For food trucks, gasoline-powered and duel-fuel generators are better options because you can refill the tank with gas when you do that for the truck’s tank. Besides, gasoline produces greater wattage than propane.
But not all the goods come to gasoline. This fuel source is more expensive but longer in runtime.
On the other hand, propane can be refilled without having to cool down the generator. It is also possible to hook up with a second propane tank to take up the place when the first tank is exhausted. That guarantees you no downtime to your power supply.
Runtime
You don’t want to keep refilling the generator once in a few hours, do you?
That is why runtime is significant for a food truck.
A long-running generator saves you a lot of time taking care of your customers instead of running back and forth to refill the tank
That said, gasoline-powered machines are not optimal because their fuel reservoirs are limited in size.
But the fuel efficiency also matters when it comes to runtime. More fuel-efficient engines boast the engine’s longevity for the same amount of fuel.
Portability
Working on a food truck, you will have to move the generator outside when operating. It’s easy to understand why you need a portable generator.
Size is a factor that impacts a generator’s portability. It will be difficult to move a big unit around alone. Also, you want to make sure it fits your trailer.
Many generators come with handles and wheels to leverage its weight. And if you are serious of portability, you should seek machines feature heavy-duty carry housing.
Warranty
Don’t skip this last factor because you will need it in the long run since your generator is a business investment.
Honda, Champion, and Wen are manufacturers that provide a 3-year warranty to most of their products. It can be more expensive, but you will see how useful long-warranty is as you put the machine to daily use.
Who makes the best generator for a food truck?
Champion
Champion defines their brand to be a market leader in power generation equipment. Products of Champion are not only high in efficiency but also superior and innovative in quality and design.
Westinghouse
Established since 1846, Westinghouse envisaged being a top-lined producer of smart appliances for energy solutions. Up to now, their modest power items have utilized the newest technology and received tons of warm feedback from consumers.
Honda
The representative of Asia has made its step in the energy industry since 1952 with milestones of product lines. Although well-known in the automobile industry, Honda has been successful in applying their engines for generators which are no less competitive than any global brand.
FAQs
Do food trucks need generators?
A: Such appliances like refrigerator, air conditioner, oven loaded on a food truck, need the power to operate. But you cannot supply them electricity with the tiny engine of the truck. That is why food trailers definitely need generators.
How many Generators do I need for a Food Truck?
A: The size of the food truck may not matter, but the setup scale of it: the more appliances you need to run, the more powerful the generator you need. In many cases, your trailer may require more than one generator to compensate your business’s high demand.
In particular, if you food truck makes use of well water, you’re going to need power to operate the pumper. It requires wattage from 3,800 units.
A food trailer with more than one appliance to run may go with a 10,000W generator. It should power up 5 light bulbs of 70W, an electric stove, one refrigerator, a microwave, a toaster, a washing machine, and most of the basic items in your kitchen.
But keep in mind that as many as electric stuff on the run, they will consume the material faster. So, consider turning off those appliances that you don’t need.
Can you put Gas in a Generator while it’s Running?
A: NEVER. Because it’s dangerous to refuel an engine that is heating.
We already mentioned that gasoline generators should be turned off and cooled down before it can receive more power source. Living with now power for 15 minutes won’t kill anyone, but a gas fire or explosion certainly could.
How Do I Ground My Generator?
A: When you connect an electrical circuit to a reference ground, it means grounding.
In this case, you will need to connect the frame of the generator to a grounding rod.
This connection from your generator’s frame to the grounding rod grounds will make the generator operate more safely.
What you need:
- Wire strippers
- Copper ground wire
- Copper grounding rod, 4 foot
- Hammer
- Wrench
- Pliers
Step 1: Drive the copper ground rod into the ground using a hammer at 8 feet for a proper ground for the least.
Step 2: Use pliers to strip the copper wire and wrap it around the copper ground rod.
Step 3: Loosen a grounding bolt on your generator to wrap the stripped wire around it. Then, tighten down the wire stripe.
Wrapping up
Isn’t it great to see your mobile kitchen running on properly?
A generator is a worthwhile investment than anything. Not only you can use it your food trailer but also anywhere that needs power.
Out of the suggestions above, we reckon the Champion 7500 Duel Portable Generator fits most of the demand for a nice-looking, powerful, extended warranty, and portable generator. It may cost you a bit more, but with every penny you spent, you get it right back and more in every use for your food vehicle.
Hope you enjoy our best generator for food truck review. Please share this post and let us know your pick for the next power machine.
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I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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