Whether you are finding a generator for your food truck, we are here to introduce the 7 best generators for food trucks that make your business 1 step up!
If you are a chef and want to take your craft on the road, there is no better alternative to a food truck. Believe it or not, the food truck business is booming right now, so if you have skills in the kitchen, now is the time to use it.
However, every food truck requires a power source to provide electricity to the appliances. No matter the size of your kitchen, or the electric equipment you use, you need to make sure that you have the best generators for the food trucks to keep things flowing smoothly
In this article, we will give you a complete rundown on the top machines that you can buy for this purpose and also give you a complete idea of what to look for when you are looking for it. So, without further ado, let us dive in.
Contents
What are the Best Generators for Food Trucks
- Editor’s Choice: Honda EU3000iS
- Best Quiet: Briggs & Stratton P2200
- Best for Gas-Powered: Briggs & Stratton 30676
- Best Value: Westinghouse iGen4200
- Best Budget Pick: Pulsar PG2300iS
- Best for Power: Westinghouse iGen4500
Top Generators for Food Trucks Comparison
 | Best Editor’s Choice! Honda EU3000iS |
| Check On Amazon! |
 | Best Quiet! Briggs & Stratton P2200 |
| Check On Amazon! |
 | Best for Gas-Powered! Briggs & Stratton 30676 |
| Check On Amazon! |
 | Best Value! Westinghouse iGen4200 |
| Check On Amazon! |
 | Best Budget Pick! Pulsar PG2300iS |
| Check On Amazon! |
 | Best for Power! Westinghouse iGen4500 |
| Check On Amazon! |
Top 7 Best Generators for Food Trucks Reviews – Updated Lists!
If you understand why you need a generator for your food truck, we can head into the reviews of the products. We have gone through the trouble of testing each of the products ourselves to make sure they can serve you without any additional hassle on your part.
In the following section of the article, we will take a look at the seven best generators for a food truck that you can buy from the market and expect to get a good result.
Honda EU3000iS Portable Inverter
Starting off our list, we have this high-performance gasoline generator by Honda. With a running power of 2800 watts, this machine is capable of powering RVs of 13500 BTU effortlessly. With this much power in the bank, you can be sure that it can handle your food truck perfectly.
The machine has a superior runtime of up to 20 hours with a full tank. Its maximum fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons, and even on bad days, you can expect to get at least 7 hours out of the machine. Because of its efficient fuel conversion, it is a prime candidate for almost any purpose.
Apart from the runtime, the machine is also super quiet. It has an extremely low noise level of around 49 to a maximum of 58 dBA, which is almost the same as talking to another person. You will barely even notice it running on the background while you serve your customers.
Thanks to the advanced inverter technology in the unit, it can provide clean and reliable power to all your electrical appliances. Whether you are using an HVAC system, or a personal computer, you do not need to worry about power surges or overloads with the unit. It also features an auto shut-off feature when the oil runs low.
Pros:
- Highly efficient fuel conversion
- Lightweight and compact design
- Extremely quiet
- Provides clean power
Cons:
- Not very affordable
Briggs & Stratton P2200 Generator
The next product on our radar is a smart inverter generator by the brand Briggs & Stratton. This innovative machine comes with many interesting features and a respectable 1700 watts of running power. It is also very lightweight and takes up only a little bit of space in the corner of your room.
The fuel capacity in the unit is not that much, but the runtime is definitely impressive. With 1 gallon of fuel in the tank, you can expect up to 8 hours of runtime under 25 percent load. Thanks to the parallel port, you can hook this unit up to another of the same model and run two of them simultaneously.
One of the best features of the product is its outlet options. It runs on 120V and comes with two 20A household outlets that are perfect for your food truck. You also get a handy DC outlet of 12V 5A that comes with a USB adapter. SO along with powering your appliances, you can even charge your phone.
The total weight of the unit is a little over 50 pounds. To complement its lightweight features, it also comes with an H-handle on the top for easy transport. Its noise level might not be the best out there but is still quite admirable. The maximum noise level you can expect from the machine is 59 dBA.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Inclusion of a DC outlet
- Parallel connectivity options
- Great construction quality
Cons:
- Low fuel capacity
Briggs & Stratton 30676 4375 Generator
Next, we have another product by the brand Briggs & Stratton, but this one comes with massive power capacity. For those who need to use a lot of power-hungry appliances running at once in the food truck, this unit might be worth checking. It will surely not disappoint you.
With a starting power of 3500 watts, you can be sure that this machine can power anything. It might not be the most portable unit out there, but you still have some options with the two trolly wheels added at the rear. The pullcord at the side of the unit feels sturdy and will not fail you anytime soon.
This unit is for people who need to keep their equipment running for an extended period. Featuring 14 hours of runtime, the machine promises to be your faithful companion in the truck every single day. The unit weighs around 114.6 pounds, which is surprising when you consider its power.
The unit also gives you massive options in terms of outlets. It is loaded with four 120V 20A outlets, 2 USB outlets, and one dual voltage locking outlet. So whatever your requirements might be, the unit can match it with no effort. It generates around 68 dBA of noise under 25 percent load.
Pros:
- Massive power capacity
- Great outlet options
- High runtime
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons:
- Can get quite loud
Westinghouse iGen4200 Generator
Coming up next is the Hybrid Open Frame Inverter generator by the brand Westinghouse. The device comes with a peak power of 4200 watts and provides 3500 watts of continuous power. The capacity is more than enough to satisfy all your power requirements in your portable kitchen.
The product is powered by a 4-stroke OHV engine and has a runtime of whopping 18 hours. With its large 2.6 gallon tank, you can keep the machine running almost a whole day without any strain. Considering the performance, the loud noise level of the unit is almost forgivable.
In terms of connectivity, the machine outputs 120V of clean power. It is loaded with five 20A outlet, an RV ready 30A outlet, and two additional USB outlets. Because of its large number of output options, it is perfectly capable of meeting all your expectations in the food truck.
It also features an economy mode to ensure that you can maximize your fuel efficiency. Apart from the machine itself, you get oil, funnel for the oil, a tool kit, and a handy instruction manual with your purchase. The tools required for assembly are included, which is a nice addition.
Pros:
- High power capacity
- A large number of outlets
- Economy mode is a great addition.
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Open frame design might not appeal to everyone.
Pulsar PG2300iS Generator
If you want a machine that is truly portable, stays out of your way, and takes as little space as possible, then this generator by Pulsar might be just what you need. This tiny machine is capable of delivering up to 1800 watts of continuous power, which is something that you should never underestimate.
Under continuous operation, you can expect a runtime of around 6 hours. Keep in mind, this is not a one solution unit, and 6 hours is highly acceptable for the price that it comes at. In addition, it has a very low noise floor of only 59 dBA, which means it does not get annoying in a small space.
The power generated might not be as high as the rest of the units on our list; it is still enough to power a small food truck. It gives you a stable sine wave, which means you do not need to worry about sensitive equipment. Furthermore, it features a low oil-shut off system to protect all electrical equipment when the fuel runs low.
Despite its small size, the construction quality is solid. The compact suitcase design houses a total of four outlets, two of which are 120V, and a 12V 5A and 5V DC USB outlets. The total fuel tank size sits at around 1.18 gallons and the weight of the entire machine is around 47 pounds.
Pros:
- Small compact design
- Extremely lightweight
- Amazing value for cost
- Parallel connectivity options
Cons:
- Not very powerful
Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator
Dual fuel generators are a great option for food trucks as you are always on the move. If you get to a location where you can have easy access to propane, your cost of fuel is reduced drastically. This dual fuel unit by Westinghouse is the perfect example of what is so great about this type of generator.
It features a massive 3700 watts of continuous power. Thanks to the handy ignition switch, you can instantly turn on your machine without having to fiddle around with the pull cords.
The machine features a runtime of 18 hours thanks to its large 3.4 gallons gas tank. Furthermore, the economy mode is a great option if you want to maximize your fuel efficiency. It has a super-low noise floor of only 52 dBA, which is also a welcome addition.
With the unit, you get five 20r duplex outlets, an RV ready 30A outlet, and two handy USB outlets. The monitoring system in the unit allows you to keep track of voltage output, runtime, maintenance intervals, etc. effortlessly.
Pros:
- High power capacity
- Extremely quiet
- A large number of outlets
- Amazing runtime
Cons:
- Not affordable at all
Yamaha EF3000iS Portable Inverter
The last entry on our list is aimed towards people who are working with a limited budget. However, just because the machine is affordable does not mean you have to settle on an inferior unit. This portable generator by Yamaha comes packed with features that can stay on par with bigger and bulkier units.
Featuring 2800 watts of running power, this affordable generator is a true workhorse. It can run for up to 19 hours with a full tank. The unit is also encased in sound-absorbing material that can keep the noise floor at a respectable 53 to 60 dBA range.
Furthermore, the device comes with many performances enhancing features such as inverter technology, noise block, and smart throttle. It also has wheels attached to the rear for easy portability. Thanks to the Oil Watch Warning System, the machine turns off automatically when the fuel is running very low.
Another feature of the generator that comes in handy in a pinch is the Yamaha Boost technology. It essentially adds an extra 500 watts to the energy for 10 seconds by adding battery voltage to the alternator. This machine is the dream generator for any smart shopper looking to keep their expense to a minimum.
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Integrated Yamaha Boost Technology
- Massive runtime
- Smart throttle system
Cons:
- Not very durable
The Product is not available right now.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Special Generator for a Food Truck
Finding the best generator for a food truck is not an easy task, especially if you are not familiar with the machine. The device comes with many small characteristics that you must check before you invest your hard-earned money. Without proper information, you will more than likely end up with a mediocre product.
Why Do You Need A Special Generator For A Food Truck?
If you are thinking that you can get by without investing in a generator for your food truck, you are out of luck. Since you would be driving around, you need a portable energy source to power your kitchen. You cannot always rely on finding a wall socket on the side of the road.
The kitchen is the heart and soul of your food truck. Regardless of your menu, there are a number of appliances that you must use to prepare your dishes. Among them are blenders, ovens, refrigerators, or if you are feeling particularly fancy, an air conditioner.
These are all power-hungry machines. Even if you find a power source, you cannot just expect to plug in your appliances without permission. And the electricity cost can be massive since you will need to constantly keep the appliances running in order to serve food to your customers.
A generator is a solution to all of your power requirements. Yes, a generator can be quite expensive. But if you can overlook the up-front cost, you will be saving a lot of money in the long run. Besides, a generator also provides clean power, which means you do not need to worry about damaging your equipment.
Nearly all of the products mentioned in our list come with enough power and safety features to keep your food truck functional. Although investing in a generator may feel intimidating at first, there really is no substitute for portable and continuous power supply.
In the following section of the article, we will take a look at everything you need to know before buying a special generator for your food truck so that you do not make the wrong choice.
Power Requirements
Before looking at different generators, take some time to consider your power requirements. Calculate the maximum power consumption of all the appliances that you want to use in your food truck and check it against the power output of the generator.
Calculating your power requirement is not that hard since you can find all the information in the specification of your device. Most people make the mistake of not checking beforehand, only to realize later that their new generator cannot keep up with the load. So, you must always check for this factor before anything else.
Generator Type
Based on their design, generators usually come in two types: conventional and inverter. For a newbie, differentiating between the two can be quite confusing. We will try to give you a quick rundown of their function to help you choose which type of generator you need for your truck.
- Conventional generator
Conventional generators are the common form of machines you find on the market. To generate power, they come with a motor and an alternator. These units are usually cheaper and have a massive power capacity. However, they tend to be quite bulky and consume more fuel.
- Inverter Generator
Inverter generators are a somewhat recent invention. They come with advanced circuitry and feature multiphase power. This makes them consume less fuel. They are also pretty lightweight and quiet. Despite their smaller size and stature, the machines feature a decent runtime. However, they can be quite expensive.
Thankfully, both units are a great option when you want to power your food truck. However, due to their drastic difference in options, you need to decide which one suits your needs better. Budget and available space is also something you should consider when choosing the type of generator.
Fuel options
When buying a generator, you should also consider the fuel you need to use with the machine. Generally, these devices use gasoline or propane as the primary fuel. Gasoline is easily available but expensive. Propane, on the other hand, is cheaper but can be difficult to find.
There are also dual fuel generators that you can buy that can use both forms of fuel. This type of generators is a great option as it gives you complete flexibility over which fuel you want to use. If you can afford it, investing in a dual fuel generator is always a good choice.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor to consider whenever you are purchasing a generator. The build quality and included safety features contribute to how long the device can give its peak performance. If you want to get the most out of your investment, you should always pay close attention to its construction and features.
Ideally, you would want to look for units that feature a die cast metal construction. This material will ensure that your generator will remain protected from any impact damage or rusting. Furthermore, you should look for durability enhancing features such as auto shut off or surge protectors.
Runtime
The usefulness of a generator only lasts as long as it is running. If your generator does not come with decent runtime, it will not be suitable for a food truck. You need to make sure you get a model that has enough uptime to last until you are on the road serving your customers.
All of the products in our review section feature an excellent runtime for their price and power. Whatever you do, you should never compromise when it comes to this factor. Otherwise, you will end up with a unit that runs out on you when you need it the most.
Noise level
Noise is also an issue when shopping for any generator, whether for a food truck or any other purpose. These machines can get quite loud, and with enough time, it can get extremely annoying. If you buy a unit that is particularly noisy, you cannot hope to have a good time in the truck.
For your food truck, your best bet would be to go with a unit that comes with a quiet operation feature. It will make it easier for you to be in the vicinity of the generator when it is running and keep up with your customers’ orders. We cannot stress how important it is to ensure you have a low noise generator for your food truck.
Portability
Portability is not much of an issue with a generator when you are using it in standby mode. Since the main job of a standby generator is to sit outside your home, providing steady power when your electricity runs out, you do not need to worry about moving it much.
However, for a food truck, it is entirely different. With bulky units, you will have to fight with the already cramped kitchen space. Portable generators are usually smaller and easier to maneuver. This attribute makes them the perfect choice when you are using it in a food truck.
Monitoring system
If you are buying a relatively new generator, it will most likely feature some form of the monitoring system. However, the capabilities of the system might differ drastically from unit to unit. With high-end models, you will get more options to track the performance of your generator and check for errors.
Ideally, you would want as many options as you can with the monitoring system. If you have to settle, make sure it comes with at least the basic functions. You should look for options to check the voltage, hertz, runtime, remaining fuel along with maintenance intervals in its monitoring system.
Number of outlets
Each generator comes with a number of outlets to provide power to different places or appliances. For people who require a lot of connections, it is a factor that cannot be ignored. And not all outlet is the same. So you need to be extra careful in checking for the outlets you want in your machine.
Most generators come with a maximum of four outlets. Whether you use 30A outlets or 20A outlets, it depends on your appliances. But having the option to choose freely is important as otherwise, it might take away your flexibility. Additionally, a 12V DC outlet is a great option to have if you want to charge your batteries.
Budget limitations
Budget is always a limiting factor in any investment. A generator is by no means an affordable piece of equipment. But due to the increasing number of competitions in the market, the price came down considerably over the years.
In our review section, we gave you a lot of different options for different price ranges. It is important for you to set yourself at a fixed price range before you start searching for your unit. With a fixed budget in mind, you will have an easier time figuring out the right product.
Final Thoughts
Imagine not being able to serve your customers just because you do not have enough power to run your kitchen. With the best generators for a food trucks in your hand, you never need to face this situation.
We hope you found our extensive reviews of the products and buying guide helpful and informative in your quest to find the right machine.
