All of us have indeed observed food trucks in our streets or city. These food trucks are moving kitchens. Operating these kitchens is not a very cheap option, you need to do a lot of expenses, especially on fuel. Most importantly, you need a generator for the functioning of electrical equipment.
Selecting the best inverter generator for a food truck will help you keep your entire setup portable while providing dependable power to your kitchen without frustrating your customers.
In this article, the team of our experts has studied and researched a lot to find the best generator for your food truck that will be very helpful for you in running your setup conveniently. We have looked for those specific elements that are crucial and can affect the power output, runtime, and cost of operating your generator, we looked at whether they run on gasoline or propane.
The number of appliances and tiny devices you’ll be using will be determined by the rated and maximum output, which we will also discuss here. So, let’s move toward the topic:
Best Generators for Food Trucks – Quick Comparison
1. Westinghouse 4500 Watt – Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Nowadays, everyone knows about the Westinghouse brand. This brand is best known for high-end manufacturing generators and this model is also one of them. Outstanding value, power, and quality for the price it has a long history of happy customers that’s why we have put it first on our top pick list.
Super quiet: amazingly, this generator has a low-tone muffler, asymmetrical cooling fans, and a double-insulated acoustic enclosure combined to create a design that is as quiet as 52dB. This super quiet feature of this generator is far better than the other Westinghouse generators having 64db of the noise level.
Best for Camping: this model is best suitable for camping or running a food truck it is strong enough to power the majority of tools and appliances and it will effortlessly keep your fridge operating during a power outage while doing several other things at once. (3700W Run / 4500W Peak)
LED Display: Monitoring for carbon monoxide can save your life as this poisonous gas is hazardous. Each year, many individuals pass away from CO poisoning brought on by using a generator in or adjacent to an enclosed environment, such as a garage. This will immediately stop working to stop such tragedies.
Ports: it accompanies a good selection of outlets One 120V Duplex 5-20R (20A) and 1x 120V TT-30R (30A). It is portable thanks to its handle and wheels that make it easy to transport from one place to another making it best for camping. However, a majority of inverter generators lack wheels.
Specifications
| Brand | Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment |
| Wattage | 4500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Liquefied Petroleum Gas |
| Item Weight | 104.7 Pounds |
Verdict
I like the feature that monitors power usage and adjusts the output accordingly. It has all the excellent features that make it distinguished except the bit high weight that is 100 pounds. Overall, an excellent food truck generator.
2. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator
The 6,500 starting watts2 of the Q6500 QuietPowerTM Series inverter generator, which is intended to provide you peace of mind during power outages, is more than 60% quieter1 than that of normal generators.
Quiet generator: Inverter technology such as the QuietPower Series delivers power that is 60% quieter than conventional generators while supplying steady power for critical appliances and delicate electronics.
Integrated Engine/Alternator: The extremely effective 306cc engine/alternator offers a runtime of up to 14 hours. Westinghouse iGen 4500 is similar to this generator with true sine wave inverter technology.
Protective Shell: Internal components are safeguarded and noise is reduced by using an all-steel frame wrapped in a protective shell.
Design: Moving and storing your generator is a breeze thanks to its design, which is 45% more compact and 30% lighter than typical generators.
Flexible Handle: It has a telescoping handle designed like a suitcase. Its previous model although doesn’t accompany this handle.
Telescopic Handle: The generator can be moved about your garage and property with ease thanks to a telescoping handle designed like a suitcase.
Multiple Outlets: The four 120A-20A outlets, two USB outlets, and one 120V-240V lockable outlet allow you to simultaneously power many different equipment and gadgets.
Specifications
| Brand | Briggs & Stratton |
| Wattage | 6500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke |
Verdict
This generator is very affordable. I have only ever been able to start this one via electric start. All 3 began to slowly leak oil after a few hundred hours.
3. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Generator
The Duromax XP12000EH, sometimes known as “The Beast,” is a dual-fuel generator that was designed with toughness in mind. It produces 9500 watts of operating power and 12000 watts of starting power, allowing for the operation of many tools or pieces of equipment at once. People who are searching for a hybrid option can choose this generator.
Multiple outlets: While there are only two 3-prong outlets, there are three larger outlets that can accommodate RV ports and twist-lock style plugs, allowing for the connection of large appliances or equipment.
Runtime: The 8.3-gallon tank offers up to 20 hours of operation on a 20lb propane tank and 10 hours of operation at 50% load on gasoline. You can continue using that amount of fuel without having to refuel for a few days.
Low oil pressure detector: Due to dual fuel technology, users have the option and flexibility to choose their preferred fuel. immediately turn off the generator when it detects low oil pressure to protect your investment.
Powerful engine: Powerful enough to handle heavy loads, including lights, a refrigerator, a home air conditioner, and high-amperage power tools. It has a starting wattage of 12,000 and a running wattage of 9,500.
Westinghouse 9500dfc generator is almost similar to this one and has a 12-hour run time. This generator is also quieter than the Duramax 12000EH generator having 4 4-stroke powerful engine.
Maximum power: Utilize each 120-volt outlet to its full potential with DuroMax MX2 technology. Select whether to run the generator at 240 and 120 volts simultaneously or at 120 volts with full power.
Specifications
| Brand | DuroMax |
| Wattage | 12000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Item Weight | 224 Pounds |
Verdict
This generator is overall a good generator having an excellently heavy engine. The only drawback is it is not easy to operate.
4. Generac 7127 IQ3500 3,500-Watt – Gas Powered Portable Generator
With the iQ3500 portable inverter generator, you can bring power anywhere you go, including tailgating events, camping trips, job sites, and more. The robust yet lightweight construction is specially designed for simple mobility. Generac generators are thus the name of dependability and reliability.
User friendly: The user-friendly PowerDial® blends the start, run, and stop operations into a single, easy-to-use dial and offers Electric Start functionality (battery included) in a convenient location for faster startup.
Adjustable speed: Choose between two engine speeds based on your requirements to either enhance power response or considerably reduce noise and fuel consumption. In contrast to normal generators, inverter generators produce AC electricity using a different kind of alternator. As a result, a portable generator that is ultra-clean, lighter, smaller, and more powerful than before is created. It can safely power delicate devices and tools.
Advanced inverter technology: and enclosure design offer the quietest performance possible. By providing over 50% greater beginning capacity. This TECHNOLOGY enables you to accomplish more with less.
Recommended usage: This generator is perfect for use on job sites or for leisure activities because of its sturdy steel shell, clean inverter power, and easy transportation.
Settings: Three operation settings are incorporated into a single, easy-to-use dial with the ELECTRIC START* WITH POWERDIAL® Start/Run/Stop (*Battery Included) feature.
Display: Digital Smart LCD with 30A of fuel capacity, a digital wattage meter, a runtime remaining display, a generator status display, and an hour meter. Utilize the full power of the generator with a twist-lock outlet.
Specifications
| Brand | Generac |
| Wattage | 3500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Item Weight | 109.1 Pounds |
Verdict
This is a nice little generator, ran well, and is probably good for various types of uses, but did not work for heavy needs
5. GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator, 9000W Super Quiet Gas Powered
Power portable, This generator’s 9000 peak watts, and 7600 operating watts make it ideal for job sites, RV camping, and emergency home electricity. When it comes to designing and manufacturing dependable and long-lasting power supplies for the North American and international markets, GENMAX is a technology company that specializes in research, production, and sales.
GENMAX generators are the best option for your home, place of employment, place of entertainment, or preparation for natural disasters. GENMAX products are the benchmark for performance excellence.
Electric Start Remote: has a reliable electric push-button start technology that makes starting and stopping the generator simple. The choke of the engine runs automatically, making starting as easy as pressing a button.
Outlets: You can parallel 240V or 120V with a voltage transfer switch. Connect two GM9000iE inverters with confidence to increase your power to 18,000 peak watts and 15,200 operating watts. (Parallel kit available for purchase separately.)
Simple to Transport and Use: With a sturdy steel handle and two wheels for mobility, the Digital Control Center has an LCD that shows the load level, hours of operation, and voltage output.
Accessories: Multiple sockets, 4 120V domestic GFCI outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 1 120V/ 240V 50A outlet are all included in the control panel. It also has a voltage switch, low idle switch, twin 5V 1A/2.1A DC USB ports, and a single key start button.
Specifications
| Brand | Generac |
| Wattage | 3500 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120 Volts (AC) |
Verdict
After using this generator for almost 2 hours, I finally decided to pull the spark plug and found it completely broken in half. Overall, I’m very happy with this purchase.
6. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
WEN is also a well-known generator brand that has been known for serving the world for over a decade. This grand is reliable and affordable at the same time. You have access to all the information you require thanks to their simple-to-read digital display. Keep an eye on your fuel supply, frequency, runtime, voltage, and power.
Inverter generator: The WEN 3800 Watt Inverter can power even the most delicate devices with less than 1.2 percent total harmonic distortion from a genuine sine wave.
Integrated Spark Arrestor: With the integrated spark arrestor, the TT-30R outlet’s 28 amps of silent electricity for your RV is suitable for usage in all national parks and forests.
Convenient: The WEN 3800 Watt Inverter Generator’s lightweight construction, integrated wheels, and collapsible handle make storage and movement easier.
Specifications
| Brand | WEN |
| Wattage | 3800 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
7. Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter
Who doesn’t know Champion? Anyone who is searching for the best generator has almost once heard about this generator. This Innovative Digital Hybrid from Champion is 20% lighter and 50% quieter than a typical 3500-watt generator. Our cutting-edge, fully-featured power solution includes Clean Power, Extended Run Time, Quiet Technology, and Economy Mode. You can also quickly expand your power with the optional Parallel Kit.
Support from Champions: Your purchase will be backed by a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical assistance from Champion Support and our nationwide network of service facilities.
Parallel Ready: With the optional Parallel Kit, you may connect up to two inverters or digital hybrids of 2800 watts or more, which will increase your power output.
Cold Start Technology: The dependable 224cc Champion engine generates 4000 starting watts, and 3500 running watts and operates for 17 hours at 25% load when the 2.9-gallon fuel tank is full. Champion’s Recoil Start also has Cold Start Technology.
Multiple outlets: There are three 120V 20A residential outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adaptor and battery-charging cables in this RV Ready inverter’s list of outlets.
Specifications
| Brand | Champion Power Equipment |
| Power Source | gas-powered |
| Wattage | 4000 watts |
Verdict
I have not found any big issues with this generator. It works Great on fuel. The sound is very tolerable. And for a small generator, its
power output is great for most things.
Buying guide for food truck generators
So before choosing the best generators for the food truck, you should keep the following factors in your mind. This buyer guide helps you to get the best generator that fulfills your demands.
Engine
The engine is the most important part of any generator since it determines how much power the unit can produce. The DuroMax generator, with its 457cc engine, has the biggest engine volume and, as a result, the greatest claimed power output of any model we looked at.
You should also consider whether you need a two-stroke or four-stroke engine for your generator. Generators with four-stroke engines, are often quieter and consume less gas than their two-stroke counterparts.
Fuel type
A lot of newer generators can only operate on gasoline or propane, but others, like the one made by Westinghouse, are dual-fuel, meaning they can run on either fuel. In dual-fuel generators, the fundamental benefit of gasoline is that it generates more watts than propane.
Fuel is cheap and plentiful; you can refuel your food truck and its generator simultaneously time. These considerations suggest that gasoline-powered or dual-fuel generators are preferable to propane-only models for powering mobile eateries. Propane or natural gas-powered generators are better than gasoline-powered ones if you want to run the unit continuously for long periods.
However, gasoline is more costly than propane and might be harder to keep within your food truck since it nearly always emits some odors. Propane is preferable since gasoline-powered generators have a certain amount of time they can operate before they need to be shut off, cooled down, and refueled. odors
Fuel tank capacity
Choosing a generator with a long runtime is crucial for a food truck since you can’t afford to lose electricity or have generator interruptions when serving customers. The capacity of gasoline-powered generators’ fuel tanks is a limiting factor; the Pulsar model has a tank that holds less than 4 gallons, while the Generac model holds more than 7.
Don’t forget that fuel economy and power consumption also play a role in determining how long a reservoir can last. As a result of their superior fuel efficiency, Honda can operate for very long periods on surprisingly little amounts of gasoline.
Outlets
Another consideration when selecting a generator for your food truck is whether or not it has enough electrical outlets to power all of your equipment. When compared to the conventional 120V-20A residential outlets available on practically every generator, the higher amperage and higher locking voltage requirements of certain heavy-duty appliances necessitate the usage of 240V outlets. Think about whether a 12V DC outlet or USB charging ports are necessities for you before purchasing a generator.
Power
When buying a food truck generator, wattage is the most important factor. You may calculate this by adding up the wattages of all the devices you want to use with the generator to get an idea of how many watts of power you will be continuously using.
It’s important to remember that your generator’s fuel consumption will increase proportionally when your power consumption approaches its maximum operational capability. We looked at various generators with starting power ranging from 3,500 watts to 9,500 watts.
It’s also crucial to account for the extra energy that motor-driven appliances like fridges, freezers, and air conditioners need when they’re initially turned on. To get motor-driven appliances going, most generators can handle a temporarily higher demand (the surge power) for some time. To avoid overloading your generator, you should only connect as many devices as can be powered by its surge power rating without exceeding the generator’s maximum power output.
Volume of noise
Another factor that should be taken into account is noise levels, which may have a significant impact on determining if your food truck is an enjoyable place for clients to enjoy. There are both very noisy and silent generators available. A quieter type may be preferable if your vehicle is parked in a crowded place, where the noise might drive away potential clients.
It’s important to be able to converse with your customers, both for the sake of taking orders and if you provide sitting, so that they may enjoy their meal while catching up with friends. The Westinghouse generator has a relatively low noise level at 52 dB, whereas the DuroMax generator has a level of over 70 dB.
Weight
The generator must be moved daily from inside the food truck for preservation to the outdoors for use. To power your food truck, you’ll need a generator that’s both lightweight and compact enough to store within your vehicle. A bigger rated power output and larger fuel tank will result in a larger and heavier generator. Choose a generator with a heavy-duty carry frame, like those made by Honda, DuroMax, or Generac, if portability is essential.
The Cost
A more powerful unit will cost more money, but it will have greater battery life and more appliances it can power before it has to be refueled. There is a wide price range for generators, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Warranty
You should make sure of the longevity of your business’s generator as it represents a big investment. Commercial generators often have shorter one-year manufacturer’s warranties. The Honda generator stands out as the only model on our list that offers a commercial guarantee longer than two years.
Best Generators for Food Trucks – FAQs
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a lot of considerations you need to make when selecting an inverter generator. First, think about what you’ll use it for, such as camping excursions or emergency backup power. Consider how much energy you will require next. Consider the unit’s size and weight as well, to finish.
On our list of the top inverter generators available, Westinghouse 4500 Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is at the top. It is a compact, portable device ideal for camping outings or tailgating events and food trucks. Additionally, it is not too noisy, so you won’t have to be concerned about disturbing your neighbors if there is an outage.
Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator is a fantastic alternative if you need additional power output, and RV enthusiasts will find it especially appealing. It has an amazing run time and a super quiet generator.
Our choice for the best value is the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Generator. Despite being one of our more economical alternatives, this generator still has a strong watt output. You may buy with confidence knowing that the generator is covered by a 3-year warranty.
You now know which food truck inverter generators we think are the best on the market. We are sure that one of these units will meet your needs, whether you’re searching for a lightweight, portable choice or something with a little more power.
