When operating a food truck business, a generator is one of the most essential pieces of equipment you will need. This equipment will power up your other equipment, like fryers, POS systems, refrigerators, freezers, and more. However, with so many generators to choose from, how do you ensure you have the best generator for food trucks in the market today? So, to help you get started, we have researched the BEST food truck generators and listed the TOP picks below. With that said,

The generators below are perfect for any size food truck and can power all necessary equipment. And we have also listed generators within different price ranges, so you will definitely find one that’s right for you within your budget.


1) Westinghouse 12500 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke

 

Westinghouse 12500 is the top pick of best generators for food trucks. This generator has a minimum of 9500 watts with a peak of 12500 watts providing you with enough power to start up your MOST essential equipment. This food truck generator can maintain power on fryers, refrigerators, freezers, and all the other equipment you need to operate your business efficiently. The Westinghouse 12500 is also considered one of the BEST quiet generators for food trucks because it can be started remotely with the KEY FOB and run up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank. This food generator utilizes a 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine and has the following outlets for your convenience: 2 x GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacle, 1x transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, 1x  RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R, and 2 x 5V USB ports (outlets have rubber covers for safety). With that said,

The Westinghouse 12500 series is constructed from a long-lasting cast Iron sleeve and has an automatic low oil shutdown/digital hour meter. It currently weighs approx. 220 pounds!

9500 running watts/12500 peak watts

Remote start with an included key fob

Electric and recoil start (up to 12 hours of run time on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank)

2 x GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacle

1x transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R

1x  RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R

2 x 5V USB ports (outlets have rubber covers for safety)

Powered by a heavy-duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine

Long-lasting cast Iron sleeve (automatic low oil shutdown and digital hour meter)

Plug-and-play (comes with remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, oil Funnel, a tool kit)

Weight: 220 Pounds


2) Westinghouse 4500 Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Wheel & Handle Kit

 


Again we have Westinghouse on our list of best generators for food trucks, but this is model 4500. This model has a peak wattage of 4500 and is perfect for small to mid-size food trucks. This model has a telescoping handle for easy transport and is gas-powered. This unit can be remotely started using the KEY FOB (electric and recoil start) and features a 5–20R 120V duplex household outlet, RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 amp outlet, and 2 x USB outlets. This Westinghouse 4500-watt generator is also one of the best food trailer generators because it offers a LED data center with a rotating digital display showing fuel level, power output, remaining run time, voltage showing, and lifetime hours. With that said,

This unit is extremely quiet with a run time of up to 18 hours on a 3. 4-gallon gas tank, has an economy mode, and weighs approx: 104.7 Pounds.

4500 peak watts/ 3700 rated watts at less than 3% THD

Telescoping handle

Gas powered

Remote start with included key FOB

Electric and recoil start

Features a 5–20R 120V Duplex household outlet

RV-Ready Tt-30R 30 amp outlet

2 x USB outlets

Led data center i.e., rotating digital display (shows fuel level, power output, remaining run time, voltage output, and lifetime hours)

Extremely quiet

Fuel efficient ( as Low as 52 dBA noise output)

Up to 18 h run time on 3. 4-gallon gas tank

Economy mode (maximum fuel efficiency)

Weight: 104.7 Pounds


3) GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator,3200W ultra-quiet gas engine & RV Ready, EPA Compliant, Eco-Mode Feature

This is one of the BEST food truck generators trending in the market today. With an enormous 5.2 horsepower gas engine, this beast generates at its peak 3200 surging watts of electricity. This food truck generator is ideal for medium to small food trucks looking to power their equipment for up to 8 hours on just 1 gallon of fuel. GENMAX is considered one of the BEST inverter generator for food trucks because it is super quiet and has a fully enclosed design to reduce noise. Not to mention, it utilizes inverter technology, which is clean and stable, providing consistency throughout the day. Some other features include an economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency, a robust panel with parallel function (LED indicators alert when low on oil, overloaded, or ready-to-use, and ultra-lightweight construction (weighing around 47.3 pounds) for easy transportation. With that said,

The GENMAX food generator has USB ports to charge mobile devices, 120v 20A duplex, and 120v 30A covered outlets. Finally, this generator is parallel ready to connect two GM3200i inverter generators for twice the power (KIT sold separately)

Enormous power (HIGH speed 5.2 HP 145cc gas engine)

3200 surging watts/2800 running watts

Super quiet

Fully enclosed design (reduces noise levels).

57 DBA with no load, 62 DBA with 25% load, 68 DBA with a full load.

inverter technology (clean, stable power)

8 hours running time (1 gallon of fuel)

Economy mode (maximum fuel efficiency)

Ultra-Lightweight ( 47.3 pounds)

Easy transportation

Parallel ready to connect two GM3200i inverter generators for twice the power (KIT sold separately)

Strong panel with parallel function (LED indicators alert when low on oil, overloaded or ready-to-use

USB ports to charge mobile devices

120v 20A duplex and 120v 30A covered outlets



4) DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray

 

DuraMax is our top pick for best portable generator for food truck because it has all the powerful features you need to power up your food truck business. This model is powered by a 500cc OHV Duromax Engine, which provides 13000 watts of power. It runs on both gasoline and propane and has a wide range of outlets available to you, for example, 1 x 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 x 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 x 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 x 120V 20A household outlets. Not to mention, this food truck generator also has a fully featured power panel with a push-button start and a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility. With that said,

The DuraMax is built from an iron sleeve for durability and is also EPA and CARB-approved. This food truck generator weighs approx 248lbs and can be easily transported since it has a two (2) wheel design. Oh, this generator can power any size food truck business since it can push a peak wattage of 13000 watts.

POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE (XP13000EH is powered by a 500cc OHV Duromax Engine) Engine Speed-3600 RPM

Gasoline: Peak Wattage – 13,000

Dual fuel (run on Propane  or Gasoline)

Wide selection of outlets(1 x 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 x 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 x 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 x 120V 20A household outlets)

EPA and CARB approved

Complies with Emissions Standards

Cast Iron Sleeve

BOX: XP13000EH Generator, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, tool set, wheel & handle kit, and owner’s manual

Weight: 248-lbs


5) Westinghouse 9500 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered

 

The Westinghouse 9500 portable generator for your food trucking business has all the bells and whistles you need. This generator has 7500 running watts and, at its peak, pushes 9500 watts, more than enough to run large to mid-size food truck businesses. Oh, it’s powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine. You also have a remote start option using the KEY FOB, and this food truck generator has up to 11 hours of run time on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank. Some other impressive features include multiple power outlets, for example, 2 x GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V household duplex receptacle, 1x  L14-30R 120/240V twist-lock receptacle. All outlets have rubber covers! With that said,

Westinghouse 9500 is also considered one of the best generators for food trucks because it has an automatic low-oil shutdown, digital hour meter, and it is EPA and CARB Compliant. This is truly a plug n play generator because it comes with everything you need to get started, including a remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, oil Funnel, a tool kit). It weighs 220 Pounds.

7500 running watts and 9500 peak watts

Remote start with included key FOB

Electric and recoil start

Up to 11 hours of run time (on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank)

Grounding system-bonded neutral

2 x GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V household duplex receptacle

1x  L14-30R 120/240V twist-lock receptacle

All outlets have rubber covers

Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine

Long-lasting cast iron sleeve

Automatic low-oil shutdown

Digital hour meter

EPA and CARB Compliant

Plug-and-play (comes with remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil, oil Funnel, a tool kit)

Weight: 220 Pounds


6) Generac G0082500 GP2500I Generator, Orange/Black

The Generac G0082500 portable food truck generator is compact and LIGHTWEIGHT. This generator is perfect for small/medium food trucks. This truck is easy to transport and has an ECO mode that auto-adjusts the engine speeds to save fuel and reduce sound emissions. Not to mention, the LED indicators ALERT you when the unit is low on oil, overloaded, or ready to use. The Generac G0082500 food truck generator can run up to 8 hours on 1 gallon of fuel and has USB ports to charge your devices. With that said,

Some other impressive features include parallel-ready capabilities allowing you to connect two GP2500i inverter generators for twice the power, a low-oil level shutdown system, covered outlets integrated ON/OFF/choke knob. In addition, this generator is ULTRA-lightweight at just 47.3 pounds.

Compact and Lightweight

Easy transport (built-in handle)

Economy Mode (auto adjusts engine speeds to save fuel and reduce sound emissions)

LED Indicators (alert you when the unit is low on oil, overloaded, or ready to use)

USB Ports (charging devices)

8 hours running time (1 gallon of fuel)

Parallel Ready

Allows you to connect two GP2500i inverter generators for twice the power

Low-oil Level Shutdown

Automatically safeguards the engine from incurring damage.

Covered Outlets

Provide added protection from the environment

Integrated ON/OFF/choke knob

Ultra-Lightweight ( 47.3 pounds)


7) GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator, 9000W Super Quiet Gas Powered Engine with Parallel Capability, Remote/Electric Start, Digital display,EPA Compliant

 

GENMAX is one of the best portable generators for food trucks available on the market today. This generator has ultimate power with a 458cc 4-stroke OHV engine. It pumps out a minimum of 7600 and a maximum of 9000 peak watts of power. It can handle heavy loads from fryers, lights, freezers, etc. For easy transport, this food truck generator has 2-rolling wheels and a digital control center with an LCD showing hours run, voltage output, and load level. Another impressive feature is the ability to start remotely with a control key from a distance. GENMAX is also considered one of the best generators for food trucks because it has multiple outlets, for example, 4 x 120V household GFCI outlets, 1 x 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 x 120V/ 240V 50A outlet, and dual 5V 1A/2.1A DC USB posts. With that said,

This generator automatically turns off the generator when an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected and weighs approx. 259 pounds.

Supreme power 458cc 4-stroke OHV engine

9000 peak watts/7600 rated watts

Can handle heavy loads, from lights, refrigerators, etc.

Easy to transport (strong steel handle)

2 rolling wheels for easy travel

Digital control center (LCD display showing hours run, voltage output, and load level)

Start remotely with control key far away

Remote control pairing function allows you to easily pair when key is lost.

Voltage Transfer switch allows you parallel both 120V or 240V

4 x 120V household GFCI outlets

1 x 120V 30A twist lock outlet

1 x 120V/ 240V 50A outlet.

Dual 5V 1A/2.1A DC USB posts

Voltage switch

Low idle switch

Single key start button.

Automatically turns off the generator when an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected

Weight: 259 pounds



8) Champion Power Equipment 100891 9375/7500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start

The Champion food truck generator can dual operate at 7500 watts on gasoline and propane. The gas run time is 10 hours, while propane can run up to 5.5 hours. The Champion power generator has wheels for easy transport and a low oil shut-off sensor. What also makes this one of the best portable generators for food trucks is that it can power up to 439cc with a rocker switch and has an INTELLIGAUGE to track voltage, hertz, and run-time hours. With that said,

The Champion food truck generator also utilizes a trust volt guard, built-in surge protector to prevent overloads and comes with a 3-year limited warranty with a weight of 205lbs.

Dual fuel operating at 7500-watt

Gasoline or propane

Gas run time: 10 hours

Propane: 5.5 hours

Wheels for easy transport

Low oil shut-off sensor

Power up 439cc with rocker switch, battery included

INTELLIGAUGE (track voltage, hertz, and run-time hours)

Trust volt guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads

Includes 3-year limited warranty

Weight: 205lbs


9) A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator Heavy Duty Gas Powered with Electric Start for Jobsite, RV, and Whole House Backup Emergency

With 12,000 peak watts and 9,000 running watts, the A-iPower SUA12000E generator is one of the best generators for food trucks in the market today. This model runs on a powerful 459 cc OHV 4-stroke engine and has all the bells and whistles like a low oil alert/automatic shutdown system. The A-iPower SUA12000E food truck generator has an electric start capability and a large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank providing an average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load. You have multiple ports for the MOST important equipment. These outlets include 2x 5-20R Duplex GFCI (20A, 120V), 1xL14-30R (30A, 120/240V), and 1×14-50R (50A, 120/240V), and1xMultifunction port USB ready automotive style outlet (8.3A, 12V). All of these ports have rubber covers.

12,000 watts/9,000 running watts

Powerful 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine

Low oil alert light

Low oil automatic shutdown

Large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank provides average run time of 7 hours at 100% load

9 hours at 50% load

Electric start capability

2x 5-20R Duplex GFCI (20A, 120V)

1xL14-30R (30A, 120/240V)

1×14-50R (50A, 120/240V)

1xMultifunction port USB ready automotive style outlet (8.3A, 12V).

All outlets include rubber covers


10) DuroMax XP9000iH 9000-Watt 459cc Dual Fuel Digital Inverter Hybrid Portable Generator

Finally, on our list of BEST generators for food trucks we have the DuroMAX XP9000iH, which runs on both gasoline and propane. This generator has a remote start function and wheels for easy transport. The DuroMAX will provide you with essential information through a digital multimeter. The running time is anywhere from 9-20 hours, depending on if gasoline or propane is used. Other impressive features include an automatic transfer switch and a low oil sensor. With that said,

The DuroMax provides extremely clean power and has 4 x household outlets so that you can plug in all your MOST essential devices. This food truck generator weighs approx: 253lbs.

9,000 peak watts/7,600 running watts

Runs on gasoline or propane.

Remote Start

Wheels for easy transport

Digital multimeter

Running time 9-20 hours (depends on gas or propane)

Automatic transfer switch ready

Co-ALERT technology

Clean power

Low oil sensor

4 x  household outlets

Weight: 253lbs



Choosing The RIGHT Food Truck Generator

Before purchasing a generator for your food truck business, you have to consider several things, like the size of your food truck, the equipment you will be powering, and your price range. However, even with all these considerations, you want to ENSURE you have the essential features available at your disposal if needed. So, here are the TOP 5 things to consider when choosing the BEST food truck generator. 

First, the peak wattage is absolutely the most crucial factor when purchasing your food truck generator. The wattage PEAK will determine how large of a truck you can power up WITHOUT any issues and what type of equipment you can power. For example, when running a food truck business, you need a fridge, fryers, freezers, POS systems, etc. So, think about this type of equipment and the size of your truck before finalizing your purchase. With that said,

Generally, the rule of thumb is that a 5,000-7,000 watt generator will be PERFECT for small-medium food trucks. And 9000+ for anything larger, running multiple fryers, etc. However, the size of your food truck is one consideration, while the type of equipment running is another. So not to worry, our list of best generators for food trucks has all models ideal for various types of food truck sizes and more.

Second, think about the run time you need when operating your business. In other words, ask yourself this question: How long will you be operating your business continuously through the day WITHOUT needing to refill for a charge? Most generators have a dual function operating on gasoline and propane. Typically gasoline operated food trucks have longer run times than propane, but you can still get anywhere between 8-12 hours WITHOUT any problems. Therefore, when skimming through our BEST food truck generators list, we recommend you pay close attention to the run time and choose one that fits your requirements.

Third, transportation and weight are necessary too because some of these models weigh 200+ pounds, so you need a convenient way to transport them from your site and back. We recommend choosing a model with wheels for easy transport, which you can connect to the back of your truck when transporting. However, some of the smaller, more LIGHTWEIGHT food truck generators weigh 50lbs which you can quickly load into your van. We have listed the weight of each model under the Quick Features section. Next,

Think about the features you want to have in your generator. For example, some of the best portable generators for food trucks have a LOW oil alert, auto shut-off valve, remote starter,  4+ outlets to plug in your devices, and more. So, before you finalize your choice, you should write down what extra features you would like to have when operating your business. Now, as the features go up, so does the generator’s price slightly, so consider this when making your purchase.

Last, some generators will cost you hundreds of dollars so ENSURE it has a comprehensive warranty policy. The warranty information is viewable on the products page, so keep your eye on it before making your purchase. Also, it’s not a one size fits all, meaning each manufacturer will offer their own coverage on the frame, parts, etc.


FAQS About Food Truck Generators

Before purchasing your next food truck generator, we have some common questions that will clarify what features to look for before finalizing your choice. With that said,

Here are some common questions customers posted on choosing the best generator for your food truck. Let’s jump right in!

1) What is the BEST generator for food trucks available today?

Currently, the best generator for food trucks in the market is the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator. This model has everything you need to operate any size food trucking business. At its peak, it provides 12500 watts so that you can power up all of your MOST necessary equipment like fryers, freezers, POS systems, and more. Not to mention, the Westinghouse 12500 generator has ample amounts of positive reviews from customers.

2) How much does a food truck generator cost?

A high-quality portable food truck generator can cost anywhere from $600-$1400 dollars depending on the manufacturer, model, and features. However, the size of your food truck business will determine the price. For example, since smaller trucks require less power and features, you won’t have to invest too much in a generator.

3) What features should I consider when buying a food truck generator?

This is a great question; the features should always depend on your requirements. For example, how many outlets and USB inputs do you require? How much wattage do you need? What is the ideal run time you require for your business? Why is this important? Well, the more features, the higher the investment, which may NOT be ideal if you are just starting. So, take a few days and think about what features you require for your food truck so you can successfully run and grow your business.

4) Does brand matter when buying a generator for my food truck?

When investing hundreds of dollars in a food truck generator, I recommend purchasing a brand known for producing high-quality products. Yes, you will be spending a bit more money buying a credible brand, but you will have peace of mind knowing you have a generator with a reputation for quality. Also, high-quality brands usually back up their products with more extended warranties too.

5) How do I know what wattage I require for my food trucking business? 

The wattage you require for your food truck will depend on the size of your truck and the equipment you will be operating. The good news is that every piece of equipment will have wattage requirements listed, so you should be able to calculate overall wattage easily. However, most smaller trucks require 4000 wattages while larger will require 9000+ watts.

6) Some generators run on gasoline while others on propane…what is the difference?

Propane run time is lower than gasoline run time. However, propane tanks can easily be replaced on-site. For example, gasoline has a higher run time than propane, but gas prices are much higher these days. So, you really have to weigh out your options. However, most of our food trucks are DUAL and can run gasoline and propane.


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