Food Van & Food Truck Generators

Power for food vans, food trucks, coffee carts and catering trailers, from built-in Cummins Onan and MacGen USR generators to units sized for your exact menu. We're an authorised Cummins Onan installer and service agent for food and coffee vans, so we can supply, fit and service your generator. Not sure what size you need? Call 1300 MAC GEN or use our power calculator.

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Choosing a generator for your food van or truck

The right generator keeps your coffee machine, fridges and cooking gear running through a full shift without tripping, stalling or annoying the stall next door. Three things decide it: how much power you draw at once, whether the generator is built in or carried, and how quietly it needs to run.

Built-in or portable?

Built-in (Cummins Onan, MacGen USR) Portable inverter
Best for Food trucks and vans that trade every day Trailers, carts and part-time stalls
Setup Mounted in a compartment and wired in; starts from inside the van Unloaded, placed and plugged in at each site
Security Locked inside the vehicle Needs to be chained or packed away
Installation Professional install required Ready to use
Upfront cost Higher Lower

How much power does a food van need?

Add up the equipment that runs at the same time, not everything you own. Use the wattage on each appliance's rating plate; the ranges below are typical starting points only.

Equipment Typical running power
Commercial espresso machine (2-group) 3 – 5 kW
Coffee grinder 0.3 – 1 kW
Under-bench fridge or freezer 0.2 – 0.6 kW (2–3× that for a moment at start-up)
Bain-marie or food warmer 1 – 3 kW
Electric fryer 2.4 – 10 kW (benchtop to commercial)
Commercial microwave 1.5 – 3 kW
Lights, EFTPOS, pumps and fans Under 0.5 kW combined

To size your generator:

  1. Add the running power of everything that runs together.
  2. Add the start-up surge of your biggest motor (usually a fridge or compressor).
  3. Add 20–25% headroom so the generator isn't working flat out all day.
  4. Convert to kVA: kVA ≈ kW ÷ 0.8.

A coffee van running a two-group machine, a grinder and a fridge often lands in the 6–10kVA range; vans with electric cooking gear need more. Our power calculator does the maths, or send us your equipment list and we'll size it for you.

Built-in generators: Cummins Onan and MacGen USR

Built-in generators are designed to live in a vehicle compartment and run for long trading days. We supply new Cummins Onan generators and pre-owned Onan sets, and install and service them as an authorised Cummins Onan installer and service agent for food and coffee vans.

MacGen USR is our own range of enclosed generators, built on Honda and Kubota engines for vans and vehicles, with diesel inverter and AVR models available.

Building or Upgrading a Food Van? Meet MacGen USR.

Our own range of enclosed generators, built on Honda and Kubota engines to fit inside food and coffee vans. Tell us what you need to power and we'll match the right MacGen USR, then supply, install and service it.

Match My Generator

Portable generators for carts and trailers

For coffee carts, food trailers and market stalls, a portable inverter generator is often enough. Inverter generators produce stable power for espresso machine electronics and EFTPOS terminals, and throttle down when demand drops, which saves fuel and noise. We're a Maxwatt dealer and service agent and an authorised Pramac agent. See our inverter generators.

Want it ready to trade on arrival? Add our optional $150 pre-delivery inspection: we unpack it, add oil and fuel, then start and test it before dispatch.

Petrol, diesel or LPG?

  • Petrol: lighter and cheaper upfront; common for portable inverters.
  • Diesel: efficient over long trading days; common for built-in units.
  • LPG: cleaner-burning and easy to store; check gas compliance with your licensed gas fitter.

Noise

Many councils and event organisers set noise limits for food vendors, so check before you buy. Enclosed built-in units and inverter generators are the quietest options for trading close to customers.

Installation, servicing and parts

We install built-in generators in food and coffee vans, service Cummins Onan and Maxwatt generators, and stock Cummins Onan parts. Delivery is Australia-wide, or click and collect from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth.

Business finance

Food van operators can finance $1,500 to $75,000 of generators and installation through Procuret, subject to terms and credit eligibility. Applications take about two minutes, with a result typically within 15 minutes. See finance options.

Food Van & Food Truck Generators FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Food Van & Food Truck Generators

Add up the equipment that runs at the same time, allow for fridge start-up surge and add 20–25% headroom. A coffee van running a two-group machine, grinder and fridge often needs around 6–10kVA; vans with electric cooking gear need more. Send us your equipment list and we'll size it.

An inverter generator, or a built-in unit with good voltage regulation, is the safer choice. Espresso machines and EFTPOS terminals have electronics that prefer stable power.

Built-in suits vans and trucks that trade daily: it's secure, always ready and starts from inside. Portable suits carts, trailers and part-time stalls that need flexibility and a lower upfront cost.

Yes. We're an authorised Cummins Onan installer and service agent for food and coffee vans, and we also supply and install MacGen USR. Tell us your van, the compartment size and what you need to power.

Yes, through Procuret business finance: $1,500 to $75,000, subject to terms and credit eligibility. The application must be completed by a director or shareholder.

Yes.

Pre-owned units carry no warranty unless one is stated in writing at the point of sale. New generators carry their manufacturer's warranty, which we support.

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Australia's longest-running generator specialists. We've powered businesses and homes since 1949.

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100% Australian owned and operated. Your purchase supports local workers and the national economy.

Ready-to-Use Delivery

Every generator is pre-tested and set up so you can start using it the moment it arrives.

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Join thousands of satisfied customers across Australia who rely on our generators daily.

How to find what power generator you need

The Macfarlane Generators Power Calculator helps you estimate the generator size required for your application by calculating power demand, motor starting loads, and electrical conversions such as kVA, kW, amps, and horsepower. Designed for homeowners, tradies, and industrial operators, it provides practical tools and power consumption guides to help you select the right generator with confidence. Whether you're planning backup power, construction site equipment, or large-scale operations, the calculator simplifies generator sizing and power planning.

Power Calculator Questions? Call us on 1300 622 436