A 10,000-watt generator might not be everyone’s necessity, but when you have one, you’d appreciate it. 10,000 watts is enough power to run RV accessories, large appliances, and even power food trucks during a power outage. These generators are revered for their ability to operate different types of appliances while remaining easy to transport. But selecting the best 10,000-watt generator can be daunting. Besides, not all top-rated generators are as good as they’re advertised.
So, how do you go about it? The market is flooded with a plethora of generators, with each product described to offer the best performance. However, you need to be cautious as this is not entirely true. Fortunately, we rummaged through various products and consulted connoisseurs to compile the list of the best 10,000-watt generators on the market. We considered essential features such as noise level, dimensions, tank capacity, weight, runtime, and warranty. This is to help you find the most reliable product seamlessly and in the shortest time possible.
More features: 18 hp engine, 2 120V outlets, 12V DC, charging posts, EPA and CARB approved, 240V heavy-duty outlet, low oil detection, electric start
DuroStar is known for being a reliable brand. So you can be sure their products are robust and of high quality. It’s evident through the Durostar DS10,000E engine. This is a powerful machine which is powered by a DuroStar 18 HP 440cc OHV engine. It has automatic low oil shutoff to ensure the engine stops working when it runs low on fuel. With a fuel capacity of 8.3 gallons, the machine can power heavy appliances for long during an outage. The noise level is 72dB, which is friendly.
With 10,000 peak watts and 8,000 running watts, this machine is a workhorse that delivers plenty of power to handle different jobs. And with DuroStar MX2 technology, the unit provides maximum power from each of the 120V outlets. You can choose between operating the generator at both 240V and 120V concurrently or at 120V only with full power.
Like all DuroStar generators, the Durostar DS10,000E is CARB and EPA approved for use in the US.
It’s a 10-hour runtime generator, which ensures your home is sufficiently applied with power. Moreover, it’s backed by a 1-year commercial warranty and 3-year residential warranty.
What we liked: Durostar DS10,000E is a versatile machine that can operate anything from air conditioners, basic home power to air compressors.
What could be better: It could have been designed with some wheels to make it easy to push rather than dragging it.
More features: dual fuel, 439cc OHV DuroMax engine, 50 amp outlet, push-button start
This is a generator that packs a real punch when it comes to the sort of power levels it can constantly hit, without having to worry about it giving up after an hour of use. It’s suitable for use in a commercial setting as it can provide you with a huge level of power, delivered via your choice of 120V 30AMP outlet, one 120/240V 30AMP twist-lock outlet, and a heavy-duty 120/240V 50AMP outlet.
The safety features are impressive, which is something that you should need when you’re carrying that much power around. It has a CO alert which means that if carbon monoxide levels become unsafe then the generator will automatically switch off. Safety comes first.
One of the things you’ll notice is that this lets you choose how you power it, either with propane or gasoline. You can choose which is the most efficient way of doing things.
The interface is simple and digital so you can see the voltage, and even how many hours until the generator needs maintenance.
At 228 lbs, this is relatively heavy, but this is not out of the ordinary for the 10,000 watts it provides, and the wheeled design makes transport easy.
More features: CARB approved, 440cc OHV engine, 18 hp engine, 3600 rpm engine speed,
DuroMax XP10000EH is designed to supply power to your home or work site. This powerful unit features DuroMax 18 HP, 440CC OHV engine, ensuring its performance is at the peak.
The best generator should offer plenty of power to provide better results. DuroMax XP10000EH is no exception. Its design is a combination of versatility, power, and durability. With 10,000 staring watts and 8,000 running watts, this machine can handle heavy loads from the refrigerator, lights, to home air conditioners, and other high amp power appliances.
For ultimate performance, the unit is designed with MX2 technology, ensuring you get maximum power from each 120V. You can either choose between operating the generator at both 240V and 120V concurrently. Alternatively, you can decide to run it at 120V only with full power.
It’s equipped with low oil shutoff mode that protects your unit by automatically shutting off when oil is low. This prevents the engine from wearing out and knocking out.
Additionally, the idle control feature is one of the exciting features of this unit. The generator will lower RPMs when not in use, saving fuel and minimizing noise. It’s also suitable for situations such as job sites when power is used sporadically.
What we liked: DuroMax XP10000EH is equipped with a low oil shutoff feature, which generously protects the engine by automatically shutting off when oil is low.
What could be better: It could have been better if the unit was equipped with pneumatic wheels for a smoother ride and less shaking.
More features: 9.5-inch wheels, one-touch button, 16 hp engine, electric start
A-iPower SUA12000E is one of the best 10,000 watt generators, designed to deliver power when you need it. Most home appliances and work tools always stop functioning during a power outage. Companies lose productivity. To avoid such mishaps, having a reliable generator will save you the agony.
A-iPower SUA12000E has 12000 starting watts with 9000 running watts for excellent power delivery. And you don’t need to worry about starting the unit. It comes with detailed and precise instructions to enable you to operate it efficiently. Furthermore, the electric start mode allows you to start the machine stress-free.
7 gallons of large, heavy-duty fuel tanks provide up to 9 hours of the run time of half load. The tank is made of steel for added durability. A-iPower SUA12000E comes with large 9.5 inches of never-flat wheels, designed for heavy-duty loads. It enhances traction and mobility over rugged terrain. The Gfci protected outlets deliver added protection and safety under damp conditions.
A built-in DC adapter is constructed for charging your battery. You can also use the USB adapter to charge the mobile phone. The unit features a cord protective cover for added safety to keep all wires concealed, protected, and give an organized look.
What we liked: A-iPower SUA12000E has high watts for the ultimate power supply. Additionally, it’s easy to start with a keyless, one-touch push button.
What could be better: The manufacturer could have focused more on battery life.
More features: selection dial, 457cc engine, four 120V GFCI outlets, 9-inch wheels
WEN has been in the industry since 1951, and for over 5 decades, they have been providing reliable products for ultimate customer satisfaction. And whether you need home electricity during a power outage or charging family cell phones, the WEN DF1100T is explicitly designed to provide power when you need it most. With this unit, you’ll be able to create power from two sources.
The generator’s 457cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine runs up to 3600 RPM to supply uninterrupted power for all your needs. And you don’t need to have special skills to start the unit. The reliable electric start system allows you to power the unit with a simple yet intuitive engine switch.
Furthermore, the 9.5-inch wheels combined with space-saving fold-down handles provides seamless storage and portability. The voltage of WEN DF1100T quickly goes from 120V to 240V, which is suitable for transfer switches and emergency backup.
The 6.6-gallon tank provides up to 8 solid hours of half load runtime. The unit also features a 47-inch LPG hose for immediate connection to propane tanks. The digital LED hour counter enables you to track down the remaining hours of power supply.
What we liked: WEN DF1100T is a CARB and EPA compliant generator, which is a perfect companion for emergency backup. A 2-year warranty backs up the product.
What could be better: Improving the tank fuel capacity could have offered more hours of runtime.
More features: 457cc engine, six 120V outlets, electric push start, low oil detection, heavy duty wheels
Westinghouse has done it again, and this time it’s better and bigger. WGen9500DFis the best Westinghouse 9500 dual-fuel generator on the market. The unit produces an impressive 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts. It’s capable of powering major appliances in the event of a power outage. This product gives you the ability to choose between two different fuel sources. It has an option to run your generator on either gasoline or liquid propane.
The heavy-duty 459cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine is cast iron with a protective steel sleeve and lasts up to 12 hours on a 6.6 gallon (25 L) gas tank, keeping you powered through the day with an included fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, and GFCI outlets.
The WGen9500DF generator is ideal for powering your home or office in the event of a power outage. With its push-button electric start and remote start key fob, starting the generator is easy. The intuitive control panel makes it easy to keep track of volt output, frequency, and lifetime hours.
The convenient portability of the WGen9500DF, with its included set of heavy-duty never-flat wheels, handle, and lift bracket, makes it easy to move around. The generator also comes with a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.
What we liked: If you’re looking for an efficient dual-fuel generator, WGen9500DFis is the ultimate choice. Besides, it’s portable with extended run time.
What could be better: If the unit was designed to use inverter technology, it could have offered more performance.
More features: 457cc engine, four 120V outlets, hour meter included, electric start
The last but one on our list of the best 10,000-watt generators is FORD 11050W. This unit is excellent on the job or at home. It’s large and powerful enough to run several large appliances.
When it comes to mobility, most generators prove hard to transport. The weight hinders the owner from moving it from one point to another. However, it’s different with FORD 11050W. With dimensions of 32 x 23 x 23 inches and a weight of 196 lbs; the product is portable. Additionally, it’s equipped with an excellent wheel kit for stability on rugged terrain. It also makes maneuverability seamless.
Putting out an impressive 11,050 peak watts and 9,000 running watts, this FORD 11050W generator can run up to 9,5 hours at 50% power. The unit features a 457cc OHV air-cooled engine that delivers excellent performance. There is a maintenance-free battery that provides more power.
FORD 11050W features one 120V 20 amp receptacles and one 120V/240V heavy-duty outlet. You can use the 12V DC to charge the battery. It’s ultra-quiet at 78DB and includes an hour meter.
What we liked: The Gentron Power Equipment GG10020GU is a large, powerful generator, suitable for home and job use. Despite being a 6,6-gallon fuel tank capacity, the unit is portable.
What could be better: The run time is relatively low for its capacity. Plus, the noise level is a bit high.
More features: recoil/electric start, lct 420cc/ 15Hp OHV engine
The Green-Power America GPG10000EW Pro Series Recoil Electric Start Generator has 10,000 surge watts and 7,500 running watts of power. All of this runs on a 6.6 gallon gasoline tank.
It’s relatively lightweight compared to some of the other models on the list due to the fact that the tank capacity isn’t as high as, say, the DuroMax XP10000HX. However, this model cleverly provides a decent level of power and a runtime of 9 hours at 50% capacity.
There are a lot of outlets too, including four 120-volt AC outlets, (1) 120-volt twist lock AC outlet, (1) 120/240-v twist lock AC outlet, and (1) 12-Volt/ 8.3A DC outlet, so there are loads of options for power use.
The electric start makes it easy to push a button and get started, and you can also monitor the fuel levels with ease.
“Green Power” is presumably the name given to this model due to the fact it has a lower exhaust emission than some of the previous incarnations and a highly efficient alternator, which makes the power output stable and reduces waste.
Safety features also mean this shuts off when the oil levels become dangerously low, keeping your product protected so it doesn’t get damaged while it is in use.
More features: 420cc engine, two AC duplex outlets, hour meter included, 15hp engine, EPA certified
All Power America APGG10,000 is designed with you in mind. This all power 10,000 watt generator is easy to start. You can use the button to start the unit. The switch saves you time and energy from manually doing a recoil start. The recoil system is also one of the systems just in case the other operating system fails.
If there is a power outage, the All Power America APGG10,000 is ready for anything. It comes with a NEMA L14-30 socket to provide up to 240V and 30 amps of power, where it supplies power to your home and small-to-mid range appliances. The outlets are robust and durable to power multiple appliances.
With a fuel tank capacity of 8 gallons, the APGG10,000 will run for 11 hours on half load. It’s designed with a special coating to deliver years of reliable use.
Take the All Power America APGG10,000 generator anywhere. The unit comes with a wheel kit to ensure the portability of the unit is seamless. The wheels are filled to ensure you’ll never worry about them going flat.
This machine is constructed out of a sturdy metal frame for added strength and durability. The tough construction ensures the unit performs well.
What we liked: All Power America APGG10,000 is among the cost-effective generators among its competitors.
What could be better: Unfortunately, the unit is not fitted with a low oil shutoff valve.
More features: 420cc engine, electric push start, four 120V outlets, low oil detection, 15hp engine
Do you want the best RV generator? Pulsar PG10,000 is the ultimate bet. This gas-powered generator is a reliable portable power source. It will always have your back when you need it the most. It’s 10,000 peak watts and 8,000 running watts for powering multiple tools, devices, and major appliances.
When it comes to buying a generator, the majority of people consider the runtime. With a large 8-gallon fuel tank, Pulsar PG10,000 will deliver up to 12 hours of uninterrupted power supply at half load. It features a single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine protected by a heavy-duty powder-coated frame for safety and added durability.
The unit is also endowed with convenient electric push start and recoil backup to make operation quick and seamless. The powerful 420cc, 15 HP engine delivers an impressive 10,000 starting watts, so you can easily power appliances without worry.
The Pulsar PG10,000 comes equipped with dual drop-down handles and a set of never-flat wheels for effortless mobility and easy storage. So, whether you need a portable energy supply or caught in a power outage, the PG10,000 got you covered.
What we liked: The Pulsar PG10,000 is a rugged and reliable portable power source with impressive 10,000 peak watts for running a myriad of appliances.
What could be better: It would have been much better if it was a little bit quiet.
With the best 10,000-watt generator, you’re assured of continuous power supply for a given period. The unit provides power for a construction job site, your RV, home, and other situations that need portable power. But in recent years, the market has received a myriad of generators. They come in different features, though the primary goal is to offer an alternative power supply. Hence, selecting a generator becomes a hurdle. Read this guide to figure out how you can pick a 10,000-watt generator stress-free.
A 10,000-watt generator is powerfully designed to run multiple tasks. The machine can run all essential items such as air conditioners, light circuits, freezer, furnace, refrigerator. And in most cases, you can run the devices concurrently.
Undoubtedly, a generator is an invaluable product that can help your life feel normal again during a power outage. However, you should never overlook basic safety measures while operating the equipment.
Carbon monoxide can kill you in less than five minutes. To reduce this risk, some units are designed with built-in sensors to trigger automatic shutoff if the CO builds to toxic levels. Whether you’re operating an older model or you want to buy a new generator, these safety tips are essential:
Most generator mishaps, deaths, and injuries involve carbon monoxide poisoning, either indoors or enclosed. Running a generator in a garage or basement is dangerous. Ensure your unit is at least 20 feet away from the house. The exhaust should also be directed away from doors and windows. You may also consider using battery-operated units for added safety.
There is a myriad of tools that can be used to protect the generator from rainwater. Invest in a reliable generator tent to protect the unit but still offer excellent ventilation. You can find tents in both online and local stores.
3. Always Let the Generator Cool
Before you refuel the generator, allow it to cool by turning it off. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine can ignite. A cooled engine reduces the risks of burns while refueling.
It’s recommendable to change the engine oil after every 20 hours of usage. If you want to store the equipment for more than 30 days, change the oil too. Alternatively, use an oil stabilizer.
To buy a 10,000-watt generator, consider the unit endowed with the CO alarm feature. Modern generators are equipped with devices that detect toxic levels of CO and automatically turn off the machine.
Generators come in different prices and sizes. But for a 10,000-watt generator, you might consider digging deeper into your pocket. The price ranges from $200 to approximately $1,000. Anything below $200 might not deliver the expected result. But if you want more features, more power, and incredible performance, you might consider a unit worth more than $1,000.
Buying the best 10,000-watt generator involves more than just walking into a store and swiping your card. You need to pay attention to several factors. Some of the essential features to consider include:
Like cars, generators are designed to use different kinds of fuels, including propane, gasoline, natural gas, and diesel. Fuel consumption varies based on electrical capacity, fuel type, brand, and weather conditions.
Gasoline generators, such as WEN DF1100T, are designed to be lightweight and compact. They don’t have large and heavy fuel tanks, resulting in shorter run time. Their fuel economy can be as much as 40%. Gasoline is a common energy resource, which is easy to obtain. However, it’s highly flammable and dangerous to accumulate in great volumes.
Diesel isn’t popular for generators but is more effective and efficient compared to gasoline. And it’s safer and inexpensive to run. It’s not as flammable as most fuels. It has decent fuel efficiency and serves various purposes, including permanent power supply for RVs, emergency backup, and construction site power.
On the other hand, propane fuel is the safest fuel type for generators. It burns clean, can be stored for an extended period and seamlessly kept in different cylinder sizes. Propane burns quietly and delivers longer operations hours. This type of fuel minimizes carbon emission, making it eco-friendly.
The beauty of using a portable generator is that you can move it to wherever power supply is needed. Now, 10,000-watt generators are quite heavy, but most come with transportation wheels that make it easy to cart them around. And you can transport them in the car if you wish to use them in a distant location. Remember that not all generators have wheels, so choose carefully, and pick one with large wheels because they roll easier. Ensure that it has a handle that you can use to push or lift the generator.
The high-power output from 10,000-watt generators makes it possible for you to power most of your home appliances concurrently. Many of these generators have an output of 10,000 starting watts and between 8,000 and 9,000 running watts. With this wattage, you can power all the home essentials, including lights, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, TV, and the sump pump. You can also connect things like water heaters, a large air conditioning unit, and even a well pump.
A generator with a high fuel tank capacity will run uninterrupted for longer periods of time. If the tank can only hold a small amount of fuel, it means the runtime will be shorter. You’ll also need to refill the tank more frequently than you would if the generator had a bigger fuel tank. An eight-gallon generator tank will run for 10-12 hours at half load, making it possible for you to enjoy uninterrupted power supply for those important tasks you may have. Durostar DS10000E, Pulsar PG10000, DuroMax XP10000EH, All Power America APGG10,000, and Gentron Power Equipment GG10020GU will all give you this.
The amount of noise a generator produces depends on the engine size, design of the enclosure, the type of insulation used, the quality of mufflers used, and how efficient the air flow is. Because all these vary from generator to generator, the noise level also varies across different generators. But on average, 10,000-watt generators produce between 70-79 dBA. This would be the noise equivalent of an electric drill, power lawn mower, vacuum cleaner, or freeway traffic.
If you will be using the generator for long periods at a time, choose a unit with a lower noise level just to reduce your exposure to the noise. Note that even between two generators whose noise rating is nearly the same, the actual noise that each emits can be very different.
Generator runtime depends on the fuel tank capacity and the machine’s fuel efficiency. Most portable generators have a runtime of 10-13 hours at half load. Some can go for 24 hours, and some modern models have a 72-hour runtime, but these are few. This translates to a lifetime runtime of 10,000-20,000 hours at half load, which is the equivalent of 1 or 2 decades if you use the generator occasionally. If you use the generator constantly to the point where you’re running it close to 24 hours a day, its lifetime runtime will be drastically reduced.
As with any mechanical machine, something could go wrong and the generator suddenly stops working. A warranty ensures that the manufacturer or seller can take care of such a problem at no cost to you. Be sure that you check the kind of warranty the manufacturer gives for the generator you want, how long it lasts, and what it covers. Most generators come with a 2- or 3-year warranty. Few are guaranteed for only 1 year, and some are covered for more than 3 years.
Many modern generators come with a carbon-monoxide detector that automatically shuts off the engine if it detects high CO levels in the room. In addition to this, some generator engines produce low amounts of CO. To know whether the generator you’re about to buy meets the standards for CO emission, check whether it has the ANSI/UL2201 certification for CO safety. Some also have an auto-shutoff feature that is activated during an emergency.
You must observe safety precautions when using the generator to minimize risk of electrocution and/or blowing up any plugged-in appliances. Some critical things to observe are:
Portable generators come with built-in outlets which you can use to connect extension cords. This applies if you have not connected the generator to your circuit-breaker panel via a transfer switch.
The generator usually has double outlets, with each supplying 120 volts. Some also have a 12-volt outlet where you can plug in 12V appliances. The more outlets the generator has, the more appliances you can connect. Each outlet has a circuit breaker that safeguards the generator from overloads, although in some models, the generator’s main circuit breaker also serves as the circuit breaker for the outlets.
Where possible, choose a generator with ground fault protected outlets (GFCI) as these are designed to protect you from electric shock.
An electric start system is easier to turn on than a manual one. Plus, it does come in handy in situations where it’s impossible to start the generator manually, for example, during a storm.
Fuel gauge and oil gauge – These show you how much fuel and oil you have left in the generator, so you’re never caught unawares when either runs out.
Low oil shutoff and indicator – Generators with this feature automatically shut down if the oil level becomes dangerously low. And the indicator will let you know that you’re low on oil so you’re not left wondering what could be the problem.
Display – Some generators have a display for the oil gauge, fuel gauge, and watts consumed versus available watts. The latter helps you figure out what devices to the plugin so you don’t overload the generator.
In this case, the best 10,000-watt portable generator is Pulsar G10KBN. At 197 pounds, the unit is easy to move. It’s equipped with a 6.6-gallon fuel tank to deliver 12 hours of continuous operation. This is an impressive runtime compared to the tank size. The dual-fuel capability enables you to choose between LPG and Gasoline fuel sources.
The first step of maintenance is to check the oil. At least change it after 20 hours of use. Ensure you store the unit away from moisture, corrosive vapors, excessive dirt, and dust. Ensure you don’t hose the equipment down with water.
If you’re storing the unit for more than a month, empty the fuel. Alternatively, you can add a fuel stabilizer and run it through the system.
Finally, clean your generator periodically using a damp cloth. You may also use a soft bristle brush to prevent scratches on your equipment.
Fortunately, you’ll find the decibel rating on most generators. When you’re choosing the unit, ensure it’s fitted with an internal silent muffler. Some generators are designed with totally enclosed casing or rubber isolation feet to minimize noise. Remember, the material used affects noise levels.
The generators above are all designed to deliver excellent performance. However, we have picked the best three.
Our first pick is the Durostar DS10000E. This is the best quiet 10,000-watt generator. It’s powered by a reliable 440cc OHV engine, with an automatic low oil shutoff feature. The unit is designed with MX2 technology to offer maximum power from each 120V outlet.
Our second pick is DuroMaxXP10000HX. It is a great alternative to the Pulsar PG10000 with loads of power and outputs for both commercial and residential use. This is a generator that won’t let you down.
Our worksite pick is DuroMax XP10000EH. It’s a perfect 10,000-watt generator for house support during power losses that has a noise level of 72 dB, 10.4 hours of run time and an 18 hp engine power.
