How many watts does a food warmer / steam table use?
Updated
Running watts
1,000 W
Starting watts
1,000 W
Energy per day
6.0 kWh
A food warmer / steam table typically draws about 1,000 watts while running. At about 6 h of use a day, that is roughly 6.0 kWh per day. These are typical values from generator wattage charts: the label on your own appliance (or its EnergyGuide sticker) gives the exact figure.
What size generator do I need for a food warmer / steam table?
Plan for at least 1,200 W: 1,000 W to get through the start-up surge, plus a 20% margin so the generator never runs flat out. Of the common sizes, a 2,000 W generator is the smallest that fits.
| Generator | Can it run a food warmer / steam table? |
|---|---|
| 2,000 W | Yes |
| 3,500 W | Yes |
| 5,000 W | Yes |
| 7,500 W | Yes |
| 10,000 W | Yes |
| 15,000 W | Yes |
How long will a power station run a food warmer / steam table?
Running continuously at 1,000 W, assuming 85% of the battery is usable. The station's AC output must also handle the 1,000 W start-up surge.
| Battery capacity | Runtime |
|---|---|
| 1,000 Wh | about 51 min |
| 2,000 Wh | about 2 h |
| 3,600 Wh | about 3 h |
Running more than one appliance?
Starting surges don't add up the way running watts do. Pick everything you want to power to get your real number.
Open the Food Truck Generator Size CalculatorFrequently asked questions
What size generator do I need to run a food warmer / steam table?
At least 1,200 W: 1,000 W to cover the start-up surge, plus a 20% safety margin.
Can a 2,000 watt generator run a food warmer / steam table?
Yes. 2,000 W covers its 1,000 W starting surge with room to spare.
Can a 3,500 watt generator run a food warmer / steam table?
Yes. 3,500 W covers its 1,000 W starting surge with room to spare.
How long will a 1,000 Wh power station run a food warmer / steam table?
About 51 min, assuming 85% usable capacity, as long as the station's AC output is rated for 1,000 W of surge.
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage: see the CPSC safety guide.