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10 Best Generator For Food Truck 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,204
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
251 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers immense power capable of running an entire house including heavy appliances like 5-ton AC units and dryers without struggle.
Fuel Type
Supports multiple fuel types—gasoline, propane, and natural gas—offering great flexibility and reliable performance across all.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quieter than smaller generators of lower wattage, though still loud enough to be noticeable.
Portability and Size
Heavy and bulky, weighing over 600 pounds when fueled, requiring multiple people or equipment to move, but solid wheels and a sturdy frame aid mobility.
Run Time
Provides long run times with a large fuel tank, capable of powering a full day of service or household use on a single fill.
Starting Mechanism
Starts effortlessly with a robotic electric start and remote control, making operation simple and convenient.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator offers an impressive amount of power, with up to 28,000 peak watts running on gasoline, and slightly less on propane or natural gas. This makes it more than capable of running multiple appliances and equipment commonly found in a food truck, such as refrigerators, grills, and lights, without struggling. It supports three fuel types (gasoline, propane, natural gas), which adds great flexibility depending on fuel availability and cost. The generator features an electric start with remote control, making it easy to turn on without manual effort.

Its run time is solid—up to 13 hours at 25% load—so it can cover a full day of service with a large 17.2-gallon tank. However, the generator is quite large and heavy (over 550 pounds), which could be a challenge if your food truck has limited space or if you need frequent moves; though it does have large wheels and foldable handles to help with mobility. The unit includes multiple outlets and is transfer switch ready, making it easy to connect your equipment safely. It also produces clean power safe for sensitive electronics, which is a plus for running things like POS systems or phones.

This generator is well-suited for food truck owners who need high, reliable power and flexibility in fuel options and don’t mind a heavier unit. If portability and quiet operation are top priorities, you might want to consider smaller or quieter alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,204
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
251 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers immense power capable of running an entire house including heavy appliances like 5-ton AC units and dryers without struggle.
Fuel Type
Supports multiple fuel types—gasoline, propane, and natural gas—offering great flexibility and reliable performance across all.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quieter than smaller generators of lower wattage, though still loud enough to be noticeable.
Portability and Size
Heavy and bulky, weighing over 600 pounds when fueled, requiring multiple people or equipment to move, but solid wheels and a sturdy frame aid mobility.
Run Time
Provides long run times with a large fuel tank, capable of powering a full day of service or household use on a single fill.
Starting Mechanism
Starts effortlessly with a robotic electric start and remote control, making operation simple and convenient.
#2

DuroMax XP15000HX 15,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - Gas & Propane, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
8.2
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
2338 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers strong, smooth starts and runs reliably on propane, powering multiple appliances effortlessly over long periods.
Fuel Type
Delivers strong, smooth starts and runs reliably on propane, powering multiple appliances effortlessly over long periods.
Noise Level
Noise level is noticeable but expected for a large open-frame generator with a powerful 500 cc motor.
Portability and Size
Heavy but manageable with built-in wheels and handles, making transportation easier despite its substantial weight.
Run Time
Proven durability with continuous operation for up to 15 hours without issues, supporting food truck and home backup needs.
Starting Mechanism
The electric choke feature automatically adjusts after startup, simplifying operation without manual intervention.

The DuroMax XP15000HX is a powerful generator offering up to 15,000 watts of starting power and 12,000 watts running power, which is sufficient to run multiple appliances and equipment on a food truck simultaneously. Its dual fuel capability (gasoline and propane) provides flexibility to choose a cleaner, longer-lasting propane or the more commonly available gasoline, which is beneficial for food truck operators needing reliable fuel options on the go.

A handy feature is its remote electric start and push-button controls, making it easy to operate without manual effort. It also includes a safety CO sensor that automatically shuts the unit off if dangerous fumes are detected, helping protect you and your team. The generator has a variety of outlets and is transfer switch ready, allowing connection to different types of devices or setups. Though it weighs 345 pounds, which makes it heavy and less easy to move frequently, it comes with a wheel and handle kit for better portability.

Noise considerations are important since food trucks often operate in busy or noise-sensitive areas. Run time depends on the fuel used, but propane’s efficiency means longer operation without refueling. This generator is suitable for food truck owners who need a high-power, versatile, and durable solution and have space to accommodate its size and weight. Those seeking something lighter or quieter might want to explore smaller models.

Rating
8.2
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
2338 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers strong, smooth starts and runs reliably on propane, powering multiple appliances effortlessly over long periods.
Fuel Type
Delivers strong, smooth starts and runs reliably on propane, powering multiple appliances effortlessly over long periods.
Noise Level
Noise level is noticeable but expected for a large open-frame generator with a powerful 500 cc motor.
Portability and Size
Heavy but manageable with built-in wheels and handles, making transportation easier despite its substantial weight.
Run Time
Proven durability with continuous operation for up to 15 hours without issues, supporting food truck and home backup needs.
Starting Mechanism
The electric choke feature automatically adjusts after startup, simplifying operation without manual intervention.
#3

Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
7.6
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
2511 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers stable power capable of running heavy-duty appliances like a 5-ton AC, multiple refrigerators, and electronics simultaneously without flickering or interruptions.
Fuel Type
Tri-fuel capability offers valuable flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas depending on availability and cost.
Noise Level
Noise level is expectedly loud for a generator of this size but improved compared to older models, balancing power with manageable sound.
Portability and Size
Heavy yet portable enough to transport with a vehicle, making it ideal for food trucks that prioritize dependable, long-lasting power over lightweight convenience.
Run Time
Runs long enough to cover a full day of food truck operations, with up to 19 hours on gasoline and about 7 hours on a propane tank.
Starting Mechanism
Starts immediately every time and includes a convenient remote key fob for effortless electric starting.

The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator offers a robust power output ideal for food trucks needing reliable electricity to run multiple appliances at once. It delivers up to 14,500 starting watts and 11,500 running watts on gasoline, with slightly lower but still strong power when using propane or natural gas. This tri-fuel capability is a big advantage, giving you flexibility to use whichever fuel is most convenient or economical. The generator features an electric start with a key fob remote, making it easy to start without manual effort.

It runs for up to 19 hours on a full 9.5-gallon gas tank, or about 7 hours on a 20-pound propane tank, which is solid for a full day of food truck operations. However, it weighs 230 pounds and has a fairly large size, so while it's portable enough to move with a vehicle, it’s not something you’d want to carry around by hand frequently. The unit is designed with features like automatic voltage regulation and a CO sensor for safety and protecting sensitive electronics such as POS systems or refrigerators.

Given its high power, fuel options, and ease of starting, this generator is well suited for food trucks that require dependable, long-lasting power while accommodating the unit’s size and weight. For smaller or highly mobile setups, a lighter, quieter model might be preferable.

Rating
7.6
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
2511 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers stable power capable of running heavy-duty appliances like a 5-ton AC, multiple refrigerators, and electronics simultaneously without flickering or interruptions.
Fuel Type
Tri-fuel capability offers valuable flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas depending on availability and cost.
Noise Level
Noise level is expectedly loud for a generator of this size but improved compared to older models, balancing power with manageable sound.
Portability and Size
Heavy yet portable enough to transport with a vehicle, making it ideal for food trucks that prioritize dependable, long-lasting power over lightweight convenience.
Run Time
Runs long enough to cover a full day of food truck operations, with up to 19 hours on gasoline and about 7 hours on a propane tank.
Starting Mechanism
Starts immediately every time and includes a convenient remote key fob for effortless electric starting.

Buying Guide for the Best Generator For Food Truck

Choosing the right generator for your food truck is crucial to ensure that all your appliances and equipment run smoothly. A generator provides the necessary power to keep your food truck operational, especially when you are at locations without direct access to electricity. When selecting a generator, you need to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your power needs, is reliable, and fits within the space constraints of your food truck.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much electricity the generator can produce. This is important because it determines whether the generator can handle the combined power requirements of all your appliances. To navigate this, calculate the total wattage of all the equipment you plan to run simultaneously. Generators typically come in different wattage ranges: low (up to 2000 watts), medium (2000-5000 watts), and high (5000+ watts). Choose a generator with a wattage that exceeds your total requirement to ensure smooth operation and to accommodate any additional equipment you might add in the future.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on various types of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas. The fuel type affects the generator's efficiency, cost of operation, and availability of fuel. Gasoline generators are common and easy to refuel but can be less efficient and more expensive to run. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient and durable but can be noisier. Propane generators are cleaner and quieter but require a propane supply. Choose a fuel type based on availability, cost, and your preference for efficiency and noise levels.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a generator, measured in decibels (dB), is important for maintaining a pleasant environment for your customers and complying with local noise regulations. Generators can be categorized into low noise (below 60 dB), moderate noise (60-75 dB), and high noise (above 75 dB). For a food truck, a quieter generator is generally preferable to avoid disturbing customers and nearby businesses. Look for generators labeled as 'quiet' or 'silent' if noise is a significant concern.
Portability and SizePortability and size are crucial for a food truck where space is limited. A compact and lightweight generator is easier to transport and store. Generators can range from small, portable units to larger, more stationary models. Consider the available space in your food truck and how often you will need to move the generator. Choose a generator that fits comfortably within your space constraints and is easy to maneuver if necessary.
Run TimeRun time refers to how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is important for ensuring that your food truck can run continuously during business hours without frequent refueling. Generators with longer run times are more convenient and reduce downtime. Run times can vary from a few hours to over 10 hours. Choose a generator with a run time that matches your operating hours to minimize interruptions.
Starting MechanismThe starting mechanism of a generator can be manual (pull-start) or electric (push-button or remote start). This affects the ease of starting the generator. Manual start generators are typically more affordable but require more effort to start. Electric start generators are more convenient and easier to use, especially if you need to start the generator frequently. Choose a starting mechanism based on your preference for convenience and ease of use.

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