Best Generators For Food Trucks 2023

There are no outlets available to connect all of your appliances into when operating a food truck. Generators are now an essential part of any food truck because you’ll need a way to generate transportable electricity if you want to use those items properly.

Although there are many generators available, not all of them are the best options for food trucks because they have very specialized needs. You’ll experience a lot of aggravation and lost time if you buy a generator that doesn’t suit your demands.

In the reviews that follow, we’ve compared some of the most common generators that you might pick for your food truck in an effort to help you avoid such a catastrophe. They should assist you in selecting a generator that will run your appliances for many years.

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Best Generators for Food Trucks

DuroMax XP4400EH Portable Generator – Best Overall

The DuroMax XP4400EH portable generator, which has a 208cc engine that generates 7 horsepower and a maximum output of 4,400 watts, is our choice for the best generator for food trucks. It generates 3,500 operating watts, enabling you to run your business and your appliances. This generator also has 240-volt outlets, so running large appliances won’t be a problem.

This generator is a terrific option regardless of where you operate because it is EPA and CARB authorized in all 50 states. You can still hear your clients with this running close thanks to its 69 decibel operating volume. Furthermore, you won’t ever have to stop serving because of a gasoline shortage thanks to the dual-fuel system.

The thin warranty is the only thing that worries us about this generator. You have a 30-day replacement warranty, so you should use it vigorously during the first month to make sure you got a good item.

PROS

• 208cc motor makes 7 HP
• Offers 120V and 240V electricity
• CARB and EPA approved in all 50 states
• Quiet operation of just 69 dB
• Dual-fuel system

CONS

• Weak 30-day replacement warranty

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WEN 56475 Portable Generator – Best Value

WEN is renowned for producing high-quality but inexpensive tools that can compete with much more expensive goods. The portable generator model 56375 is no exception, and we believe it to be one of the most cost-effective generators for food trucks. Although it is reasonably priced, it offers performance comparable devices that are significantly more expensive.

There are several features on this model. It has an electronic start, which makes it simple to start in any conditions. However, this generator’s battery has a reputation for being a weak spot. Replacements are very hard to come by.

If the oil level drops, the motor is safeguarded by a low-oil shutdown. Due to the automatic voltage management, just the amount of electricity required at any given time is produced, preventing fuel waste. Additionally, overload protection prevents accidents with your generator and other equipment.

You can operate with 3,750 operating watts and 4,750 peak watts on this computer. You can dependably use it anyplace because it is legal in 50 states. The 4-gallon tank uses less fuel than many comparable models and can run for ten hours at half-load.

PROS

• 50-state CARB and EPA III legal
• 4,750 peak watts
• Automatic voltage regulator
• Affordably priced
• Low-oil shutdown

CONS

• Replacement batteries are difficult to find

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Briggs & Stratton P4500 Inverter Generator – Premium Choice

Inverter generators offer quieter operation and cleaner electricity that’s safer for delicate equipment and electronics. The Briggs & Stratton P4500 is an inverter generator with a maximum output of 4,500 watts and a reliable operating output of 3,700 watts. It runs at just 61 decibels, making it simple to speak with your customers, even if the generator is parked close.

You can drive your vehicle for 16 hours at 25% load on a full tank of petrol, which is 3.5 gallons. Fortunately, this machine will control the engine speed to only generate the amount of electricity needed by the plugged-in devices. This keeps the noise level low and guarantees that you always obtain the best fuel efficiency.

While this generator has some other good features such as automatic shutdown for excessive carbon monoxide levels, it’s primarily the clean electricity and quiet operation volume that you’re paying for. And because this generator is not inexpensive, you should be prepared to pay more.

PROS

• Makes clean power that’s safe for sensitive electronics
• Quiet operation of just 61 dB
• Automatic carbon monoxide shutdown
• Runs for 16 hours on a full tank

CONS

• It’s prohibitively expensive

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Champion Power Equipment 76533 RV Ready Portable Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 76533 RV ready portable generator features a dual-fuel design that ensures it never runs out of fuel. It will only make 68 decibels of noise at a distance of 23 feet. For when you need a little additional power, you’ll have 3,800 watts of running power and 4,750 peak watts overall.

The 224cc Champion engine in this generator has an electronic start. It can run for nine hours on the 3.4 gallons of petrol in the tank. Although we wouldn’t describe the fuel efficiency as poor, it’s not terrific either.

The Champion 76533 has a number of outlets, but none of them is 240 volts. You will need to explore elsewhere for 240V hookups. However, you will receive a 3-year limited warranty and unlimited free technical assistance, making this an overall strong contender.

PROS

• 3-year limited warranty
• Dual-fuel design
• Free lifetime technical support
• Operating volume is 68 dB at 23’

CONS

• Fuel efficiency isn’t the best
• No 240V outlets

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Pulsar G65BN Portable Dual Fuel Generator

The Pulsar G65BN portable generator has a peak output of 6,500 watts and a running output of 5,500 watts, so it has plenty of power to run all of your essential appliances and equipment. This generator has a 274cc motor that generates eight horsepower, and a powder-coated frame surrounds it all.

This machine has a 5.2 gallon fuel tank, which provides 11.5 hours of power while running at 50% load. With a wide variety of outlets, including 120V, 30-amp RV, 120V/240V twist lock, and 12V DC outlets, you also get a ton of connectivity.

Although this device generates more power than some of the other options we’ve discussed, it is also somewhat heavier, weighing just under 150 pounds. With this generator, some portability will be lost. With a volume of 76 decibels, it is also quite loud. Yet another consistent performer, although not one of our top choices.

PROS

• Runs on propane or gas
• 5,500 running watts
• 8 HP motor
• Outlets for both 120V and 240V electricity

CONS

• Weighs a hefty 148 pounds
• 76-dB operating volume

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Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

If you are aware that you require extra power, you can choose a portable generator like the Westinghouse WGen9500DF. When using gasoline, this machine provides amazing 12,500 peak power and 9,500 operating watts. But since it can also run on propane, you are not limited to using gasoline as a fuel source.

You’ll have access to 120V and 240V outlets with this generator. The fuel tank carries 6.6 gallons of gasoline, which, if you use it sparingly, will only provide you around 12 hours of run-time.

Compared to the majority of the rival models we’ve discussed, this generator is quite a bit more expensive. Although it does provide greater power than many of others, it has numerous disadvantages, like a low fuel efficiency and a heavy weight of 220 pounds.

PROS

• 12,500 peak watts
• Runs on propane or gasoline
• 3-year limited warranty
• Offers both 120V and 240V electricity

CONS

• 12 hours run time from 6 gallons of fuel
• Weighs a hefty 220 pounds
• Far costlier than other options

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All Power America APGG4000 Portable Generator

The 208cc, 7 horsepower All Power America APGG4000 portable generator has 240V and 120V outlets for powering both large and small appliances. The majority of food trucks should be able to use the 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 operating watts that this unit produces.

But this generator is quite noisy. If it’s too close, you won’t be able to talk to your customers because the engine is operating at 72 decibels with only half the load. And it’s not exactly environmentally friendly. Although this model has received EPA certification, it is not CARB compliant, making it illegal in all 50 states. Additionally, at 136 pounds, it’s rather heavy, negating the benefit of portability. The APGG4000 has a reasonable pricing, but without any additional features that make it worthwhile, we’ll have to pass.

PROS

• Affordable pricing
• Provides 240V and 120V outlets
• 208cc motor produces 7 HP

CONS

• Loud — 72 dB
• Not 50-state legal
• Heavy at 136 pounds

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Firman H03651 Dual Fuel Portable Generator

The Firman H03651 portable generator seems like a good option at first glance. It has a dual-fuel configuration that enables it to function with either gasoline or propane. Additionally, with 3,650 operating watts and 4,550 starting watts, this generator should be able to power all of your appliances. In fact, it is legal in all 50 states, so you can use it almost anyplace.

However, a closer look reveals that things aren’t quite as good as they appear. For instance, even though it can run on propane, trying to start it with propane is a frustrating experience. The same goes for using this machine outside in the heat. It repeatedly overheats, even in fairly warm temperatures. We don’t advise using this generator for any food trucks because it causes us more frustration than it does value.

PROS

• Dual-fuel design
• 50-state legal

CONS

• Only 3,650 running watts
• Overheats in warm weather
• Very difficult to start on propane

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Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Generator for a Food Truck

When searching for a generator to run the appliances on your food truck, there are many factors to take into account. The success of your entire company may depend on one choice. If your generator breaks down, you might not be able to work until it is fixed. It can be intimidating to choose the proper generator with all the pressure that comes with it. This buyer’s guide was created to assist you in focusing on the factors that really important so you can make an informed decision about your generator if you find yourself in a situation similar to mine.

How to Choose the Right Generator

The many generator models differ significantly from one another. These machines can vary greatly in terms of cost, power, fuel economy, size, and other factors. However, not all characteristics are equally crucial to a food truck business. Let’s look at the key factors you need to think about so you can make fewer choices and choose the best generator for your requirements.

How Much Power Do You Need?

Power is one of the most crucial factors. How much energy do you require? Since everyone has different power requirements, it’s important to know exactly what you need before buying a generator so that you can be sure it has enough power to run everything you need.

The best method to do this is to inspect each appliance and piece of machinery you want to use the generator to power. They ought to have labels that list the wattages that each item consumes. You may determine how powerful your generator has to be by adding up the combined wattages of all the appliances you need to utilize. But when it comes to generators, not all watts are created equal.

Starting Power vs Running Power

Understanding the distinction between starting watts and operating watts is essential when working with generators. A generator’s peak rating is always more than its operating power, therefore starting watts are also referred to as peak watts. Your generator can only operate at maximum output for a brief period of time, but it can maintain maximum running power for however long you require.

Why then do starting watts and running watts differ? Some devices, like an electric burner, start out slowly and gradually increase in power. However, a lot of other electronics need more power to start than they need to run. Even more electricity may be needed to get them going than they do to keep them going once they do.

When calculating the total amount of power used by all of your appliances, remember to take into account the increased need for beginning power. You might need more starting power than you think because they don’t always disclose the initial requirements.

Size and Portability

Being a food truck employee means that space is constantly limited. For any one thing, not even a generator, you can’t give up too much room. This implies that you should seek out the smallest device that can supply enough power for all of your equipment.

While some food trucks elect to leave the generator attached, others elect to run it a short distance from the vehicle. Weight is a factor that should be taken into account along with size if you intend to transport the generator. You won’t want to constantly have to lift something large onto and off of the vehicle.

Noise

The quantity of noise that a generator makes is another thing to consider. Even though these devices are now much quieter than previously, they are nonetheless annoyingly noisy. Some of our favorites are sufficiently quiet for discussion, while others are still much too loud to leave peacefully at a place where you’ll be receiving orders.

You won’t have to worry as much about noise when you relocate your generator further from your truck. However, you should also take into account how your loudness affects the nearby homes and businesses.

You should pick the quietest generator you can if you want to keep it close to the truck while you work. If not, it could be challenging to understand your customers when taking orders.

Fuel Efficiency

A generator is already a considerable expense. However, if your generator has poor fuel efficiency, you’ll always be throwing money away. Fuel economy should be a top concern for all food truck owners because you’ll be using this unit for several hours each day.

Outlets Offered

You should keep a few things in mind when you browse outlets. How many outlets must you first fill simultaneously? To determine how many outlets you need, do a head count of all the appliances you use.

Determine the types of containers you require next. Will ordinary 120-volt outlets suffice for you? Or perhaps a stronger 240-volt outlet is required for a larger stove or other device. Before selecting a specific generator model, ascertain these details.

Conclusion

Given everything that depends on it, selecting a generator to run the appliances in your food truck might be challenging. That generator better be dependable because your entire company depends on it to safely power all of your appliances. We’re going to leave you with our suggestions once again to help you keep them in the forefront of your mind as the goal of our reviews was to assist you in making an informed decision.

The DuroMax XP4400EH portable generator is our top pick for the finest generator for a food truck. This device has several wonderful features built-in, like the dual-fuel technology that enables it to run on either propane or gasoline, and it generates 3,500 operating watts. It is allowed in all 50 states and has 120V and 240V outlets.

We advise the portable WEN 56475 generator as a more cost-effective alternative. It has an automatic voltage regulator, which prevents power and fuel waste, as well as a low oil shutdown feature to safeguard the generator. It also has the power to operate whatever you need with 4,750 peak watts.

True sine wave electricity, produced by the Briggs & Stratton P4500 generator, is secure for use with electronics and sensitive equipment. Additionally, it operates at a whisper-quiet 61 dB.

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API