Powering a commercial food truck efficiently is not always straightforward.

Between noise level, portability and run time, the right generator for your food truck should tick all the boxes (and then some).

Luckily, our experts have narrowed down the choice for you.

Here we’ll look at how to choose the best food truck generator for your needs, and the 2 best models on the market.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes A Good Food Truck Generator?

No two food trucks are the same. So, you’ll want to take the time to ensure the generator meets your unique requirements.

Some important factors to help guide your decision include:

Power Output

Before you start your search, you must calculate how much power you're using. You can do this by adding up the watts on every appliance you need to run during operation.

Some appliances don’t list their wattage prerequisites, so you can work this out by multiplying the number of volts by the number of amps.

For example, if your total power needs come to 2,100 watts (2.1kW), look for a generator that supports at least this amount.

Low Noise

As a standard, generators with noise level ratings at 60 dBA or below are quiet enough to meet urban noise restrictions. Regardless, be sure to familarise yourself with your local council’s laws and regulations regarding generator noise.

For more information on the quietest generators on the market, see our article here.

Decent Run Time

Run time is crucial. You must make sure your generator provides the power you need and run your operations throughout the day.

This will vary depending on your daily operation schedule, but at least 7 hours should do the trick. The Honda EU70IS, for instance, will run for up to 18 hours on a single tank of fuel.

Note: Run time will vary depending on the load, fuel tank capacity and engine efficiency of the model. So, it may be best to over-estimate rather than under-estimate how long you want your generator to last.

Compact Size & Weight

If you’re dealing with limited kitchen space, the last thing you want is a large, bulky generator.

So, keep an eye out for a model that meets both your power and size requirements. For example, the popular Honda EU70IS offers an impressive 7000 watts of power in a compact 848 x 700 x 721 (mm) design.

The Best Generators For Food Trucks – Our Top 2 Picks

1. Honda EU70IS

With a four stroke Honda GX390 engine and 7000 watt power output, the Honda EU70IS is a suitable power choice for coffee carts and food trucks.

The EU70IS is one of the quietest generators in its power class, with a triple chamber construction ensuring a noise level of 52 dBA at ¼ load. Producing sine wave power, it'll safely power laptops, communication and cooking equipment for up to 18 hours. The EU70IS also features 2 wheels and fold down handles for simple storage and maneuverability.

The EU70IS will start the first time, every time, with both a push button and backup recoil starting options.

Key features of the EU70IS include:

• Rated voltage: 240V
• Rated frequency: 50Hz
• kVA: 7
• Phase: Single
• Fuel tank: 19L
• Noise level: 52 dBA
• Run time: Up to 18 hours
• Weight: 118kg
• Dimensions: 848 x 700 x 721 (mm)
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty

2. Kubota GL9000

With a direct coupled engine and alternator, the Kubota GL9000 is a compact power source for food trucks.

The GL9000’s 28L fuel tank and 8000 watt power output allow for continuous operation for over 8 hours at full load. Its large capacity radiator, oversize muffler and low fan speed ensure a noise output of 66 dBA at 7m.

The GL9000’s factory fitted circuit breakers protect against sudden power overloads damaging your food truck’s electrical equipment. To make maintenance fast and simple, all the generators’ control panels are centrally located and easy to use.

Key features of the Kubota GL9000 include:

• Rated voltage: 240V
• Frequency: 50Hz
• kVA: 8
• Phase: Single
• Fuel tank: 28L
• Noise level: 66.5 dBA at 7M
• Run time: 8.5 hours
• Weight: 295kg
• Dimensions: 1285mm x 607mm x 696mm
• Warranty: 2 year – 1000 hour warranty

For Reliable Power, Every Time, Contact Us Today

Blue Diamond Machinery has over 30 years' experience supplying generators for food trucks and coffee vans. We’ll provide you with the support you need to ensure you’re getting the best value for your individual requirements.

For more information on the best food truck generator to suit your power requirements, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.