What Size Generator to Run Electric Burger Tralier?

by Rachel
(Kent)


So confused.......just need any advice on wat sort is best and size of generator I need to run my small burger trailer, I have a fridge, griddle, Bwine Marie, Stella fridge, grill, tea urn, microwave, fryer and the light???? Was told when I brought it run of a 5kva generator but think I was fobbed off to be honest. Please be nice to me as this is giving me a headache lol! Obviously don't wanna just go out and buy one if I'm unsure wat kva I will need.
Also any advice in diesel, lpg etc etc!

Also I have two fuse boards so two leads to be able to plug in to.....

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Oct 17, 2025
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by: MobCater

If everything in your burger trailer is electric — your griddle, fryer, grill, fridge, Bain Marie, tea urn, microwave and lights — then you’ll need a very powerful generator. All those items together can use around 12 to 15 kilowatts (kW) of electricity when running, and sometimes more when they first switch on.

A 5 kVA generator is far too small for that amount of power. You’d need something closer to a 20 kVA diesel generator to run everything safely. Diesel generators are built for heavy work, last longer, and are better for running all day. Petrol ones at that size would use too much fuel and wear out fast.

Here’s the simple version:

Add up all your watts (each machine has a sticker
showing how many it uses).

Divide by 1,000 to get kW.

Then multiply by 1.25 to give the generator some breathing space.

So if your trailer uses about 12,000 watts, you’ll need around 15 kW, which equals about 18–20 kVA.

Because you’ve got two fuse boards, make sure your generator has both 32 amp and 16 amp sockets so each board can plug in safely. Get an electrician to check the wiring before you hook it all up.

In short:

You’ll need around a 20 kVA diesel generator.

5 kVA is way too small.

If you ever switch your griddle and fryer to LPG gas, you could drop down to an 8–9 kVA generator, which is much cheaper and easier to run.

Your best bet going forward would be to exchange some of those appliances for LPG Gas or find a site that supplies access to electricity.

Best of luck,
David

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