What Size Generator Does A Food Truck Need?
Key takeaways:
- Most food trucks require generators in the 10kVA to 20kVA range, depending on the equipment being used
- Refrigeration systems, freezers, and other motor-driven equipment can create significant startup loads that must be factored into generator sizing
- Silent generators are commonly preferred for food trucks operating at events, markets, festivals, and public venues
- Fuel consumption should be considered when selecting a generator, particularly for long operating hours and multi-day events
- Choosing the correct generator size helps improve reliability, reduce running costs, and minimise the risk of power interruptions
- Food trucks with coffee machines, air conditioning, and multiple cooking appliances may require additional capacity beyond their running load requirements
- A properly sized generator provides the flexibility to support future equipment upgrades and changing power demands
Choosing the right generator is one of the most important decisions for any food truck operator.
A generator that is too small can cause equipment failures, tripped breakers, and downtime during service. A generator that is too large may increase fuel consumption and operating costs unnecessarily.
The ideal generator size depends on the equipment installed in your food truck, how many appliances operate simultaneously, and whether high-startup-load equipment such as refrigeration units or air conditioning systems are being used.
Why Food Trucks Need Reliable Generator Power
Food trucks depend on electricity to operate safely and efficiently.
Power interruptions can affect:
- Refrigeration
- Food preparation equipment
- Lighting
- Point-of-sale systems
- Ventilation systems
- Coffee machines
- Customer service
Unlike many commercial premises, food trucks often operate without access to mains power, making generator reliability essential.
Maintaining safe refrigeration temperatures is critical for food businesses operating from mobile kitchens and food trucks.
Typical Food Truck Equipment And Power Requirements
Every food truck is different, but most use a combination of the following equipment.
| Equipment | Typical Power Demand |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | Low to medium |
| Freezers | Medium |
| Coffee machines | Medium |
| POS systems | Low |
| Internal lighting | Low |
| Exhaust systems | Medium |
| Air conditioning | Medium to high |
| Water pumps | Low |
| Small appliances | Low |
The challenge is that several items may operate at the same time.
Startup loads can also be significantly higher than normal operating loads.
If you're unsure how generator sizing works, our guide on kVA, kW, amps and watts explained explains the key electrical concepts involved.
What Size Generator Is Suitable For A Small Food Truck?
A small food truck with:
- Refrigeration
- Basic lighting
- POS equipment
- Small kitchen appliances
may often operate successfully with a 10kVA generator.
A 10kVA generator typically provides approximately 8kW of usable power.
Learn more in our guide on what will a 10kVA generator run.
What Size Generator Is Suitable For A Coffee Van?
Coffee vans often have unique power requirements.
Equipment may include:
- Commercial coffee machines
- Grinders
- Refrigeration
- Water pumps
- Lighting
Depending on the equipment installed, many coffee vans operate comfortably with generators in the 10kVA to 20kVA range.
Correct sizing becomes particularly important when multiple high-demand appliances operate simultaneously.
What Size Generator Is Suitable For A Large Catering Truck?
Larger catering trucks typically require additional power for:
- Multiple refrigeration systems
- Cooking equipment
- Ventilation systems
- Air conditioning
- Additional preparation equipment
In these situations, a 20kVA generator is often a suitable option.
A 20kVA generator provides approximately 16kW of usable power and offers flexibility for growing power requirements.
See our guide on what will a 20kVA generator run for more examples.
Silent Generator Considerations
Many food trucks operate at:
- Festivals
- Markets
- Sporting events
- Community events
- Corporate functions
Noise can be a significant factor.
Silent generators help reduce disruption to customers and neighbouring vendors while still providing reliable power.
Many event organisers also prefer quieter power solutions.
Fuel Consumption For Food Trucks
Fuel costs can have a noticeable impact on operating expenses, particularly for trucks that operate regularly throughout the week.
When choosing a generator, consider:
- Daily runtime
- Fuel consumption
- Generator efficiency
- Tank capacity
Our Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption Guide explains how fuel usage varies by generator size and load.
Generator Hire Vs Buying For Food Trucks
The best option depends on how frequently the generator will be used.
Generator Hire
Generator hire may be suitable for:
- New businesses
- Seasonal operations
- Festivals
- Temporary events
- Short-term requirements
Benefits include:
- Lower upfront costs
- Access to newer equipment
- Maintenance support
- Flexible sizing
Generator Ownership
Purchasing a generator may make sense for businesses that operate frequently and require ongoing access to power.
Many operators choose commercial generator sales solutions when long-term reliability and ownership are priorities.
Common Food Truck Generator Sizing Mistakes
Ignoring Startup Loads
Refrigeration units and air conditioning systems can require significantly more power during startup.
Only Calculating Individual Appliance Loads
The total load of all equipment operating simultaneously must be considered.
Choosing A Generator Based On Price Alone
The cheapest generator is not always the most reliable or efficient option.
Forgetting About Future Expansion
Additional equipment may be added as the business grows.
Allowing some spare capacity can help avoid future upgrades.
Electrical systems should always be operated within their design limits to help reduce the risk of equipment damage and safety issues.
How To Choose The Right Food Truck Generator
The right generator should:
- Handle startup loads
- Support all equipment safely
- Operate efficiently
- Meet venue noise requirements
- Provide sufficient runtime
If you're unsure what size generator is required, our What Size Generator Do I Need? guide provides a broader overview of generator sizing considerations.
Need Help Choosing A Food Truck Generator?
SGH provides generator hire, temporary power solutions, commercial generator sales, and ongoing support across Australia.
Whether you're operating a coffee van, food truck, catering trailer, or mobile kitchen, our team can help you select the right generator for your power requirements.
Explore our Generator Hire, Sales & Services Across Australia or speak with SGH about your power needs today.
FAQs
What size generator does a food truck need?
Most food trucks require generators between 10kVA and 20kVA depending on equipment and power demand.
Can a 10kVA generator run a food truck?
Many smaller food trucks and coffee vans can operate successfully with a 10kVA generator.
Do food trucks need silent generators?
Many food trucks prefer silent generators, particularly when operating at public events, markets, and festivals.
How much fuel does a food truck generator use?
Fuel consumption depends on generator size, runtime, and load. Our Diesel Generator Fuel Consumption Guide provides more detailed examples.
Is generator hire suitable for food trucks?
Yes. Generator hire is often a cost-effective option for seasonal operators, events, and businesses that do not require a permanent generator solution.
