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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 by1,189
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
257 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 by1,189
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
257 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

Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered, Low THD - Safe for Electronics, Parallel Capable, CO Sensor

Rating
8.5
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
1134 reviews

Fuel Type
Switching between propane and gasoline is seamless, making it versatile and convenient for various fuel availability scenarios.
Noise Level
Despite being noisier than some competitors, its robust build and reliable performance make it worth the price.
Portability and Size
It's heavy but the built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move around.
Run Time
The generator performs flawlessly, running continuously for several days during power outages without any issues.
Starting Mechanism
The remote electric start is incredibly handy, allowing operation without needing to step outside.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator stands out as a powerful option for food trucks, delivering 9000 running watts on gasoline and 8100 on propane. This generator is a solid choice for those needing reliable power for cooking equipment and appliances, thanks to its low total harmonic distortion (THD), which protects sensitive electronics.

One of its key strengths is its versatility in fuel options, allowing users to switch between gasoline and propane. This feature can be particularly beneficial in outdoor settings where access to fuel may vary. The generator also boasts an impressive run time of up to 17 hours, ensuring long periods of operation without frequent refueling, which is essential during busy service hours.

The generator is designed for ease of use with a remote electric start, which is a handy feature for food truck operators who may want to start it without leaving their station. Additionally, the digital display provides valuable real-time information about fuel levels and power usage, making it user-friendly. However, at 187.4 pounds, this generator is relatively heavy, which may pose challenges in terms of portability, especially in a confined food truck environment. While it is designed to be transportable, lifting and relocating it could be cumbersome. Lastly, while it comes with various safety features, including a carbon monoxide sensor, ensuring compliance with local safety standards is crucial for food truck operations.

Rating
8.5
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Portability and Size

Most important from
1134 reviews

Fuel Type
Switching between propane and gasoline is seamless, making it versatile and convenient for various fuel availability scenarios.
Noise Level
Despite being noisier than some competitors, its robust build and reliable performance make it worth the price.
Portability and Size
It's heavy but the built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move around.
Run Time
The generator performs flawlessly, running continuously for several days during power outages without any issues.
Starting Mechanism
The remote electric start is incredibly handy, allowing operation without needing to step outside.
#3

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A & 50A Outlets, Gas Powered

Rating
8.2
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
26973 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers powerful and reliable electricity capable of handling multiple appliances simultaneously, perfect for demanding food truck operations.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability adds flexibility, allowing use of propane as an alternative to gasoline.
Noise Level
The generator’s noise level is noticeable but typical for its power range, requiring consideration for quieter environments.
Portability and Size
Fold-down handle and dolly make wheeling the heavy 220-pound unit more manageable despite its bulk.
Run Time
Runs up to 12 hours on a full 6.6-gallon gasoline tank, supporting long workdays without frequent refueling.
Starting Mechanism
The remote electric start with key fob and backup recoil start provide convenient and flexible ignition options.

The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Portable Generator is a strong contender for food truck owners who need a reliable and powerful source of electricity. With a running wattage of 9500 watts and a peak output of 12500 watts, it can handle multiple appliances and equipment simultaneously, which is crucial for a busy food truck. It runs on gasoline, a common and easy-to-find fuel type, with a 6.6-gallon tank offering up to 12 hours of run time—meaning you can operate through a full workday without frequent refueling. Starting it is convenient thanks to the remote electric start with a key fob, plus a backup recoil (manual) start, providing flexibility and ease during busy hours.

The generator includes a variety of outlets, including standard household plugs, a transfer switch-ready outlet, and 5V USB ports, which adds versatility for powering different devices safely. An automatic voltage regulator helps protect your sensitive electronics. On the downside, it weighs about 220 pounds and has a relatively bulky size, which may make moving it around challenging without assistance, impacting portability. The noise level is rated at 74 dB, which is fairly loud and might be noticeable in quieter areas or late at night. However, this is common for generators of this power range.

This generator provides the power and practical features food truck operators need, as long as they have the space and setup to handle its size and noise.

Rating
8.2
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
26973 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers powerful and reliable electricity capable of handling multiple appliances simultaneously, perfect for demanding food truck operations.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability adds flexibility, allowing use of propane as an alternative to gasoline.
Noise Level
The generator’s noise level is noticeable but typical for its power range, requiring consideration for quieter environments.
Portability and Size
Fold-down handle and dolly make wheeling the heavy 220-pound unit more manageable despite its bulk.
Run Time
Runs up to 12 hours on a full 6.6-gallon gasoline tank, supporting long workdays without frequent refueling.
Starting Mechanism
The remote electric start with key fob and backup recoil start provide convenient and flexible ignition options.

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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