Gorilla Power GP2000i Inverter Generator Review: The Lightest Option for Mobile Caterers

The Gorilla Power GP2000i is the entry point to the generator range — and for a surprising number of mobile caterers, it is all the generator they actually need. At 21 kg and the size of a small suitcase, you can carry it in one hand. It produces 1,800 watts of clean inverter power, which is enough to run a commercial fridge, LED lights, a till, a card machine, and all the electronic ancillaries for an LPG-based cooking setup. If your fryer, griddle, and hob all run on propane, the GP2000i handles the rest. For a full comparison across the range, see our complete generator buying guide.

GP2000i Technical Specifications (From the Manufacturer Manual)

What Can 1,800 Watts Actually Power?

The answer depends entirely on whether your cooking equipment runs on LPG or electricity. If you run an LPG-based setup — which is the standard for mobile catering in the UK — the GP2000i has more than enough capacity.

A full LPG burger van setup — fryer, griddle, bain marie, fridge, lights, and payment system — draws roughly 600-800W. The GP2000i handles this at less than half capacity, which means it runs in eco mode most of the time: quieter, more fuel-efficient, and under minimal stress.

Where it falls short: the GP2000i cannot run a dual fuel coffee machine (1,500-2,500W electric element), an electric microwave (1,000-1,500W), or any high-draw electric cooking appliance. If coffee is part of your offer, step up to the GP3500i (3,000W running) or the Champion Atom Fusion (3,500W running with dual fuel).

Watch the fridge startup surge: a commercial fridge compressor can draw 3× its rated watts for a fraction of a second when it kicks in. A fridge rated at 150W might surge to 450W momentarily. The GP2000i’s 2,000W peak handles this, but if you are running close to 1,800W continuous when the fridge compressor cycles, you could trip the overload protection. Leave at least 400W of headroom.

Who Is the GP2000i For?

Ideal for:

• Market stall and farmers’ market traders — at 21 kg you carry it from the car to your pitch in one hand. No trolley needed. No second person needed.
• Pop-up street food operators — setting up at different locations daily means loading and unloading. Weight matters.
• LPG-only cooking setups — if everything hot runs on propane and you just need power for fridge, lights, and till, 1,800W is plenty.
• Backup or secondary generator — keep one in the van for emergencies. At suitcase size, it takes up almost no space.
• Budget-conscious startups — the GP2000i is the most affordable generator in the range. If you are starting a mobile catering business and need to keep costs down, start here and upgrade later if your power needs grow.

Not ideal for:

• Coffee-based businesses — a dual fuel coffee machine needs 1,500-2,500W. The GP2000i cannot support this. Look at the GP3500i or Atom Fusion.
• Large trailer setups with multiple electric appliances — if you run electric warmers, microwaves, or other high-draw items alongside your LPG equipment, you need the GP5500E-DF or larger.
• All-electric cooking — induction hobs, electric fryers, and electric ovens each draw 2,000-3,000W. A single appliance would max out the GP2000i.

GP2000i vs Other Suitcase Generators

The GP2000i and GP3500i are almost identical in size and weight — the GP3500i weighs just 500g more but produces 67% more power. If the price difference is within your budget, the GP3500i is the better long-term investment because it gives you room to add a coffee grinder, an extra fridge, or other electric equipment without upgrading the generator.

If dual fuel matters to you — running the generator on the same propane you use for cooking — the Champion Mighty Atom is worth comparing. It is 3 kg lighter than the GP2000i, produces 100W more, and runs on propane as well as petrol. The trade-off is price and brand ecosystem.

Running Costs and Maintenance

The GP2000i’s 79.7cc engine is small, frugal, and low-maintenance.

Fuel Consumption

At 50% load (900W — typical for an LPG mobile catering setup), expect approximately 0.5-0.7 litres per hour. A full 4-litre tank gives roughly 6-8 hours of running at this load — enough for a standard trading day with a small buffer. At current petrol prices (~£1.40/litre), that is £0.70-0.98 per hour, or roughly £5.60-7.80 for an 8-hour day.

Eco mode tip: always run with eco mode ON unless you have a specific reason not to. In eco mode, the engine throttles down when the load drops, cutting fuel consumption significantly during quiet periods. Most mobile caterers find eco mode saves 20-30% on fuel over a full day.

Maintenance Schedule

Storage: if the GP2000i sits unused for more than 2-3 weeks, drain the petrol or add fuel stabiliser. Small engines with small carburettors are particularly prone to gumming from stale fuel — this is the most common reason generators fail to start after storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the GP2000i run a coffee machine?

No. A dual fuel espresso machine draws 1,500-2,500W from its electric heating element, which exceeds the GP2000i’s 1,800W continuous rating. For coffee, you need at least the GP3500i (3,000W running) or the Champion Atom Fusion (3,500W running).

Is 2,000 watts enough for a mobile catering setup?

Yes — if your cooking equipment runs on LPG. A typical LPG-based burger van or food trailer draws 600-800W for all its electrical needs (fridge, lights, till, card machine, ignition systems). The GP2000i handles this easily with headroom to spare. It is only insufficient if you rely on electric cooking appliances like induction hobs, electric fryers, or microwaves.

How long will the GP2000i run on a single tank?

The 4-litre petrol tank gives approximately 6-8 hours at 50% load (900W), which is a typical mobile catering draw. For a full trading day of 8-10 hours, you may need a top-up. Keep a 5-litre jerry can as backup. Always refuel with the engine stopped and cooled — never pour petrol into a running or hot generator.

Is the GP2000i quiet enough for markets and events?

At approximately 58 dBA, the GP2000i is very quiet — roughly the level of a normal conversation. In eco mode under light load, it drops even lower. You can comfortably use this at farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and events without noise complaints. It is one of the quietest generators in its class.

Can I run a fridge and lights overnight on the GP2000i?

Technically yes — a fridge (100-200W) and lights (50W) draw roughly 150-250W, well within capacity. However, the 4-litre tank will not last a full night unattended. You would need to refuel after 8-10 hours. If overnight power is a regular need, consider a battery power station instead.

Does the GP2000i have electric start?

No. The GP2000i uses recoil (pull-start) only. It is a small, lightweight engine and starts easily with one or two pulls when maintained properly. If electric start matters to you, the GP3800iE is the next model up with electric and remote start options.

What is the difference between the GP2000i and GP3500i?

The GP3500i produces 3,500W peak / 3,000W running — 67% more power than the GP2000i — but weighs almost the same (21.5 kg vs 21 kg) and has the same suitcase form factor. The GP3500i has a larger 6-litre fuel tank for longer run times. If budget allows, the GP3500i is the better choice for most mobile caterers because it provides room to grow.