Best Portable Generator for Your Food Truck Business (Inverters) – Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Manager Access

Unlike restaurants, you don’t always have access to power in a food truck.

For times where you do not have electricity access, you are going to need a generator.

This is especially important for potential blackouts or faulty event plugs where a generator could save your whole weekend.

In this post, I will compare 10 of the top generators that are both reliable and fuel efficient to give you the best generator for your food truck.

Wattage requirement differ; however, many food trucks are running between a 5,000-7,000 watt portable generator to safely power all of their appliances.

Why so much? Big appliances like fridges, fryers, air conditioning units, and ovens demand high wattage, and depending on the size of your food truck, you may need a larger generator than you think.

For those with smaller setups that run one or two appliances, a smaller generator inverter would be the best bet.

In this post, we will compare 10 generators for your food truck, including variables to consider when making your purchase: running watts, starting watts, weights, runtime, and operating volume.

1. Westinghouse WGEN7500 – My #1 Choice, Most Comprehensive & Best Performing Food Truck Generator

If you want an all-in-one generator solution for your food truck, you are going to want something relatively light, quiet, and powerful enough for all of your appliances.

The Westinghouse WGEN7500 is my #1 pick when it comes to a comprehensive solution for all of these factors.

Producing 7,500 running watts and 9,500 starting watts, this generator is powerful enough to run most food trucks.

At 192 lbs, it isn’t the lightest, but for the features it has, it is lightweight compared to its competitors.

The Westinghouse generator is not the quietest generator available, but it is relatively quiet when compared to the competition (and has more extras than most).

It has a run time of 16 hours at 25% load, so you have no worries about a generator lasting all day at your next event or festival.

WGen7500 Generator features

• 306cc Briggs & Stratton engine
• Running watts: 7,500 watts
• Starting watts: 9,500 watts
• Weight: 192 lbs
• 6.6-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 16-hour runtime @ 25% load
• (4) 120V-20A GFCI outlets
• (1) 120V/240V, 30A locking outlet
• Westinghouse smart switch ready
• Sound level: 73 decibels from 23 feet away
• Recoil style start
• Remote electric start

Westinghouse offers a 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support to give you the peace of mind that their team is here for you when you need them.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This generator has made the top of my list due to its versatility and high performing features. With a relatively lightweight operation, this generator is still able to push out 7,500 running watts and 9,500 starting watts.

2. Honda 7000W Super-Quiet, Lightweight Inverter – When Noise Levels Really Matter

If a quiet generator is your #1 priority, the Honda EU7000is is going to be the generator for you. Operating at only 58 dba at 23 feet, this inverter is the quietest on our list.

Just because it is the quietest, though, does not mean it puts out the least amount of power.

It is actually the second-highest wattage capable generator on our list.

Putting out 5,500 running watts with a 7,000 starting watt rating, this generator is a perfect candidate for a food truck that wants to keep the noise levels down.

These great features do come with a few drawbacks. Honda EU7000iS generator is the heaviest on our list, tipping the scales at a staggering 261lbs.

It also only has a 6.5 hour run-time at 100% (5500 Watt) load. This could be a problem for those operating for extended periods of time. If time and weight are not a factor, then this is the way to go!

Honda EU7000is generator features

• • • 389cc Honda GX390 EFI
    • Running watts: 5,500 watts
    • Starting watts: 7,000 watts
    • Weight: 261 lbs
    • 5.1-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 6.5-hour runtime @ 100% load (5500 Watts)
    • 1 – 120v 30A L14-30R
    • 1 – 120v/250v 30A L14-30R
    • 2 – 120v 20A receptacles (household style outlets)
    • Sound level: 58 decibels from 23 feet away
    • Recoil style start

Backed by a 3-year warranty, you get the reassurance that your generator is built to last and that Honda is here for you if problems arise.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Honda EU7000is is a great option for food truck owners who want a quiet generator that can power many appliances. If the heavy weight and low run times aren’t a factor, then this is the generator for you.

3. Briggs & Stratton 30675A Q6500 – A Close Contender

Falling in the number 3 spot in my list is the Briggs & Stratton 30675A Q6500.

This portable generator was a very close contender for numbers 1 and 2 but fell short due to wattage and run-time.

The Q6500 puts out an impressive 5,000 running watts and 6,500 starting watts from its 306cc Briggs & Stratton motor.

This is a great option for food truck owners with a wide range of appliances, but probably not the best for larger trucks with a demanding wattage.

Marketed as a super quiet inverter, it puts out a mere 66 dba at 23 feet. While this is quiet compared to most, it falls short of the Honda 7000w in this category.

Where it outshines its competitors is the run-time of 14 hours.

Briggs & Stratton 3067A Q6500 Generator Features:

• • • 306cc Briggs & Stratton engine
    • Running watts: 5,000 watts
    • Starting watts: 6,500 watts
    • Weight: 138 lbs
    • 5-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 14-hour runtime @ 25% load
    • (4) 120V-20A GFCI outlets
    • (1) 120V/240V, 30A locking outlet
    • (2) USB outlets
    • Sound level: 66 decibels from 23 feet away
    • Recoil style start

Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year consumer and 1-year commercial warranty on this generator with a customer satisfaction guarantee.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
IMHO: This generator has made the top of my list due to its versatility and high performing features. With relatively quiet and lightweight operation, this generator is still able to push out 5,000 running watts and 6,500 starting watts.

4. Pulsar Products PG5250B – Dual Fuel Capabilities

For those looking for the versatility of using gas or propane, the Pulsar PG5250B should be on your list.

This Hybrid generator allows you to use gas or propane for fuel, which is great for having a backup power source when gas isn’t available.

The PG5250B puts out 4,750 running watts and 5,250 starting watts for a great mid-level generator capable of powering most generic food trucks with standard appliances.

This generator is very lightweight at 115 lbs, making it easy to remove and transport if necessary.

However, if you are looking to keep noise levels to a minimum, you may look elsewhere as this Pulsar generator comes in at the top of the noise level list at 78 dba at 23 feet.

Pulsar PG5250B generator features:

• • • • 224cc OHV engine
      • Running watts: 4,750 watts
      • Starting watts: 5,250 watts
      • Weight: 115 lbs
      • 4-gallon capacity fuel tank
      • 15-hour runtime @ 50% load
      • 2-120V outlets (household style outlets)
      • 1-120V/240V twist-lock outlet
      • 1 30 amp RV port
      • Sound level: 74 decibels from 23 feet away
      • Recoil style start

Pulsar has an industry leading warranty on their generators and a dedicated customer service team to answer any questions you many have.

If you are interested in Dual Fuel (propane + gasoline) portable generators, see my buying guide here: https://generatorgrid.com/dual-fuel/

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
While this would not be a generator best suited for food trucks where noise levels are important, it still packs a good punch with being lightweight. If noise is not a factor, this generator might be a great contender on your list.

5. Champion 3800 Watt Dual Fuel – Mid-Level Dual-Fuel Capable

For food truck owners looking for a higher-end, mid-level generator, the Champion 3800W RV Ready Generator provides everything you need all in one.

The Champion 3800 is rated at 3,800 running watts with 4,750 starting watts, making it a great generator for a decent-sized truck with multiple appliances.

Due to its dual-fuel capabilities, you can run this generator at 9 hours with gas or 10.5 hours on a 20lb propane tank at 25% load.

Champion 3800 generator features:

• • • • • 224cc OHV engine
        • Running watts: 3,800 watts
        • Starting watts: 4,750 watts
        • Weight: 122 lbs
        • 3.4-gallon capacity fuel tank
        • 9 hours gas/10.5 hours w/ 20lb propane tank at 25% load
        • 2-120V outlets
        • 1- 240V twist-lock outlet
        • 1- 12V DC outlet
        • Sound Level: 68 dBa
        • Recoil style start

The Champion generators are supported with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime of expert technical support.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Champion 3800 dual-fuel generator would be in my top picks for a dual-fuel generator. Although the run-times are considerable shorter than most, having the capability to switch over to another fuel source is a great feature.

6. Sportsmans GEN4000DF – The Little Generator That Could

Following the trend of hybrid generators leads us to the next one on our list, the Sportsmans GEN4000DF.

This dual fuel generator is much smaller than its competitors, but don’t let that fool you: it still puts out respectable power.

At only 90 lbs, this generator is still able to push out 4,000 starting watts and an impressive 3,500 running watts.

Producing only 69 dBa at 23 feet, the Sportsman’s generator runs for 10 hours on gas or propane, making it a great solution for those seeking an alternate fuel source for longer events.

Unlike the last few generators we have discussed, this generator has 4 120V outlets to help power even smaller appliances while keeping your larger appliances running.

Sportsmans GEN4000DF generator features:

• • • • • • 212cc engine
          • Running watts: 3,500 watts
          • Starting watts: 4,000 watts
          • Weight: 90 lbs
          • 3.6-gallon capacity fuel tank
          • 10-hour runtime @ 50% load
          • 4-120V outlets (household style outlets)
          • 1- 240V twist-lock outlet
          • 1 -12V DC outlet
          • Sound level: 69 decibels from 23 feet away

Warranty information is provided by Sportsmans directly.

To receive information about warranties, please contact Sportsman.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Although the warranty information is not stated, I would say this is a great contender for those needing a smaller generator. It’s lightweight and dual-fuel capabilities would win me over if I had a mid-size appliance arsenal.

7. Champion 3400 Watt Dual Fuel – Quiet Dual-Fuel Inverter for Your Truck

If having a dual-fuel inverter and generating little noise matters to you, the Champion 3400 Watt dual fuel inverter is your answer.

This generator is great for the food truck owner who has an average number of appliances and does not require a large amount of wattage.

The Champion 3400 put out a healthy 3,400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts, great for powering large appliances while still being able to support lower power needs.

This inverter runs off of gas or propane and only puts out 59 dba at 23 feet.

Due to its dual-fuel capabilities, you can run this generator at 7.5 hours with gas or 14.5 hours on a 20lb propane tank at a 25% load.

Champion 3400 Generator Features:

• • • • • • • • 192cc OHV engine
              • Running watts: 3,100 watts
              • Starting watts: 3,400 watts
              • Weight: 95.7 lbs
              • 1.6-gallon capacity fuel tank
              • 7.5 hours gas/14.5 hours w/ 20lb propane tank at 25% load
              • 2-120V outlets
              • 1- 240V twist-lock outlet
              • 1- 12V DC outlet
              • Sound level: 59 dBa
              • Recoil style start

The Champion generators are supported with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime of expert technical support.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Champion 3400 is a great dual-fuel generator with mid-level power and a low noise output. I would suggest this generator for any food truck owners who have a medium-sized setup and would benefit from the dual-fuel advantage and low-noise features.

8. Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 – Lightweight 3000W Inverter

If your food truck does not demand large wattage, you may be able to get by with a nice 3,000w inverter.

The Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 made the top of our list in the 3000w category for a number of reasons.

The Briggs & Stratton P3000 supplies 2,600 running watts and 3,000 starting watts to power smaller appliances in your truck.

At only 58 dBa, it is relatively quiet, making it a solid answer to your generator needs.

The 10-hour run-time gives you power for a full work day.

Briggs & Stratton P3000 generator features:

• • • • • • • • • 192cc OHV engine
                • Running watts: 2,600 watts
                • Starting watts: 3,000 watts
                • Weight: 85 lbs
                • 1.5-gallon capacity fuel tank
                • 10-hour run time
                • 4-120V outlets
                • 1- 240V twist-lock outlet
                • 1- USB port
                • 1 – parallel port
                • Sound level: 58 dBa
                • Recoil style start

Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year consumer and 1-year commercial warranty on this generator with a customer satisfaction guarantee.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Briggs & Stratton P3000, in my opinion, is a great option for food truck vendors who need a smaller inverter to keep their appliances running. With a small frame and low noise level, this generator could go anywhere you need it to go.

9. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 – Reliable & Cool Design

If you are looking for a smaller, more portable inverter to power your small appliances, consider the Yamaha EF2000iSv2.

The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 pumps out 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts, making it a solid inverter for your appliances that aren’t as load-demanding.

At only 44 pounds, this inverter can be transported anywhere and everywhere you may need it.

The 10-hour run time and 51.5 dba level make this small generator stand out against the competition.

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator Features:

• • • • • • • • • • 79cc OHV engine
                  • Running watts: 1,600
                  • Starting watts: 2,000
                  • Weight: 44 lbs
                  • 1.1-gallon capacity fuel tank
                  • 10-hour run time
                  • 2 -120V outlets
                  • Sound level: 51.5 dBa
                  • Recoil style start

Yamaha offers a 3-year warranty on their inverters to give you protection for years to come!

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This Yamaha inverter is a great inverter for those with smaller power needs on their food truck. It can easily be used for one large appliance or to power two smaller appliances. In my opinion, this would make a great backup inverter for larger trucks.

10. Wen 56200i – A Quiet, Budget-Friendly 2000w Generator

If money is a factor and you don’t need more than 2,000w from your inverter, then the Wen 56200i is our top pick.

Being the cheapest generator inverter on our list, the Wen 56200i is a great stand alone or backup inverter for your food truck.

Don’t let the low price fool you: this Wen generator still has all of the features you could want out of a 2,000w generator.

With 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 running watts, it’s still powerful enough to get a fridge or a couple of small appliances through your food event.

With a 5-hour runtime at 50% load, you may want to have some extra fuel handy.

Wen 56201i  generator features:

• • • • • • • • • • • 79.7cc OHV engine
                    • Running watts: 1,600 watts
                    • Starting watts: 2,000 watts
                    • Weight: 48 lbs
                    • 1-gallon capacity fuel tank
                    • 6-hour run time at 50% load
                    • 2-120V outlets
                    • 1- USB port
                    • 1 – 12v DC port
                    • Sound level: 51 dBa
                    • Recoil style start

Wen offers a 2-year warranty on this generator with a customer satisfaction guarantee.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This Wen inverter generator is a perfect solution for the food truck owner who needs a smaller wattage inverter and does not want to shell out a lot of money. This generator is budget friendly, quiet, and lightweight, making it great for more than just the truck!

Food Truck Generator Buyer’s Guide / Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion – About This Guide

There you have it.

I hope that this guide will help you make an educated decision on your food truck generator inverter.

There are many options, and it will ultimately come down to your wattage needs and budget.

Be sure to double-check which appliances you will need to power and calculate their power needs.

Having an inverter generator is not always necessary for food trucks; your set-up location may provide power.

However, to keep your food cold or cooking during the event of a power outage, your generator could pay for itself in a couple of hours.

With installation and grounding, always consult a professional electrician to have your generator wired correctly.

Faulty wiring can cause serious bodily injury or damage to your equipment.

As always, ensure that you are properly maintaining your generators to keep them working for years to come.

Are you currently running a generator on your food truck? If so, what size, and what appliances are you running with it?

Please consider sharing this post with anyone you know who might be in the market for a food truck generator!