Recommended size: 5,000–7,500W
A food truck needs a 5,000–7,500W generator to run a commercial refrigerator, griddle, fryer, lights, POS system, and exhaust fan simultaneously. Dual fuel models are preferred because propane is cleaner, quieter-smelling, and often required by food service regulations and venue noise ordinances.
Affordable dual fuel option with CO Alert safety shutoff and MX2 power boost technology. Runs on gas or propane for flexible fuel options during outages.
Food truck power demands sit squarely in the medium generator tier. A commercial undercounter refrigerator draws 200–350W running, a flat-top griddle pulls 1,500–3,000W, a small commercial deep fryer uses 1,500–1,800W, an exhaust hood fan draws 200–400W, LED lighting needs 100–200W, and a POS system with register takes 50–100W. The total running load for a typical setup is 3,500–5,500W, with higher peaks when heating elements cycle on simultaneously. A 7,500W generator covers the full range with headroom. The choice between 5,500W and 7,500W depends on whether you run a fryer — griddle-only trucks can get by with 5,500W while fryer-equipped trucks should step up to 7,500W for reliable operation during peak service.
Every piece of equipment in your truck draws from the same generator. A typical setup runs: commercial refrigerator (250W running, 750W starting), flat-top griddle (2,000–3,000W, no startup surge since it is resistive), deep fryer (1,500–1,800W, resistive), exhaust hood fan (300W running, 600W starting), interior LED lights (150W), POS system and register (75W), and phone/tablet chargers (25W). Total running load ranges from 4,300W to 5,600W depending on equipment size. The refrigerator and exhaust fan are the only motor loads with startup surges. A 7,500W generator handles everything comfortably, including the scenario where the fridge compressor kicks on while the griddle and fryer are at full heat.
Many event venues, farmers markets, and city permits limit generator noise to 70–75 dB at a specified distance. The generators in the 5,000–7,500W conventional range produce 69–74 dB, which is borderline for strict regulations. Running on propane reduces noise by 2–4 dB compared to gasoline and eliminates the smell of gas exhaust near food preparation areas. Some health departments and venue operators prefer or require propane-fueled generators for food service. Propane also burns cleaner, reducing carbon buildup in the engine and extending service intervals — important for a generator that runs 6–10 hours daily during food service.
Your menu dictates your power needs. A coffee and pastry truck with a commercial coffee maker (1,500W), display fridge (200W), and lights might get by with 3,500W. A taco truck with a griddle (2,500W), steam table (1,500W), and fridge needs 5,500W minimum. A full-service truck with griddle, fryer, fridge, and exhaust fan needs 7,500W. Add 500W of headroom to whatever you calculate — food trucks get hot, generators derate in heat, and you do not want brownouts during a lunch rush. For trucks that operate daily, invest in the 7,500W tier for reliability and longevity under sustained load.
Most food trucks need a 5,000–7,500W generator. A griddle-only truck can use 5,500W. If you run a deep fryer alongside a griddle, fridge, and exhaust fan, 7,500W provides the necessary headroom. Calculate your actual equipment wattage and add 500W for safety margin.
Propane is the better choice for food trucks. It burns cleaner (no gasoline smell near food), is quieter by 2–4 dB, stores indefinitely, and is preferred or required by many health departments and event venues. A dual fuel generator gives you the option to switch to gasoline if propane is unavailable.
At 50–75% load for 8 hours of service, a 7,500W generator burns about 4–5 gallons of gasoline ($15–20) or 30–40 lbs of propane ($15–25) per day. Monthly fuel costs range from $300–500 depending on your operating schedule and local fuel prices. Propane is often slightly cheaper and always cleaner.
Inverter generators are quieter and produce cleaner power, but models above 3,500W are significantly more expensive (often $2,000+) and harder to service. For food truck equipment — griddles, fryers, and commercial fridges — a conventional dual fuel generator works perfectly. The resistive heating elements in griddles and fryers do not benefit from inverter-clean power.
DuroMax
Affordable dual fuel option with CO Alert safety shutoff and MX2 power boost technology. Runs on gas or propane for flexible fuel options during outages.
Westinghouse
Dual fuel flexibility with CO sensor safety shutoff. Transfer-switch ready with remote electric start and 6.6-gallon tank.
Generac
Powers most essential home circuits during an outage. Electric start and dual fuel flexibility from a trusted brand.
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