Whether you have a family RV or need a generator for other applications, the 50 Amp generators come in pretty handy. There are powerful units that give you enough power to handle your needs. They are excellent, not only for use in RVs, but also at ranches and construction sites. With this impressive resume, you might be thinking of getting yourself one of these generators. Choosing one, though, is easier said than done because there are several options on the market right now. In this post, we will review some of the best 50 Amp generator options available right now.
In creating this list of products, plenty of work went into deciding which factors or features would be important. Well, some of the features that we considered include the type, starting system, peaked/rated watts, engine, fuel type, fuel tank, runtime, outlets, noise level, warranty, dimensions, and weight. In the buying section of this roundup, we will see why these factors are important. In the meantime, let’s consider the best options available.
The Westinghouse WGen9500 is our number one pick on this roundup – for several reasons. It comes with several impressive features and combines cost, design and performance to give one of the best 50 Amp generators that you can spend money on right now.
It is a dual-powered generator that can run on either gasoline or propane. From our testing, it starts on gasoline and switches to propane during use. The ability to switch fuel means that it runs for a longer time than your typical generator. In addition to the runtime delivered because of the generator’s ability to switch fuel, there is also a 6.6 gallon tank. This tank gives you plenty of power and fuel that extends the generator’s runtime to up to 12 hours at a go.
The design of the unit will ensure that it lasts for a long time. All the parts are made from high-quality materials and the frame is made of steel. Therefore, the Westinghouse WGen9500 will survive rough use without sustaining damage. Additionally, the steel frame has large wheels with excellent traction. Generators usually generate a lot of noise, and noise is to be expected from this model. However, the addition of rubber brushings on the front will absorb vibration and help to reduce the noise production.
Under the hood, there is a powerful 457cc 4-stroke motor that will deliver powerful energy output.
Starting the generator is a breeze since you have an electric start and a key fob. Therefore, you can start it in either way.
Power delivery is one of the best things about this model. It comes with a peak wattage of 12,500 watts when it runs in gasoline. When it runs propane, the power output dips to 11,200 watts. Either way, it offers some serious overall power. Due to this ability, it will help to power most of the appliances in your home in cases of blackout.
Outlets are also excellent on this model. It is fitted with a pair of GFCI 120V 5-20R standard outlets, a pair of 5V USB ports, and a handy transfer switch. Therefore, there are enough outlets to power your RV or home. For the best runtime and durability, all the outlets have a rubber cover. This will prevent any issues from water damage and make everything safer to use. There is an automatic shutdown feature too that will switch off the generator whenever it approaches low oil levels.
Starting the generator is pretty easy, but using it is made even easier because of the intuitive control panel. This panel includes the VFT Data CENTER Program. Because of this panel, you will get important reminders and updates as soon as they are required. Therefore, you can notice if there are any maintenance steps to be taken before these become big issues.
The Westinghouse WGen9500 offers you lovely design, a 3-year warranty and powerful performance that you will certainly love.
What we liked: The Westinghouse WGen9500 comes with high power output that will power most of your devices. It offers plenty of safety features as well. The large tank capacity and dual-fuel usage also makes for an impressive generator.
What could be better: Well, all of these features come at a cost. The Westinghouse WGen9500 is a very heavy unit, and portability is barely aided by the wheels at the base.
The DuroMax XP12000EH is the next model on this roundup. It is our value buy because it offers several impressive features that are only found in more expensive units. It is a super powerful generator that will certainly help to power all the appliances in your home. From your lights to TV and even the oven, you can rest assured that the DuroMax XP12000EH will give all the power that you need. The engine gives you up to 12000 Watts of output, which is certainly what will power through.
Additionally, it is a dual-fuel unit. That means that it works on either gasoline or propane. The gasoline is an excellent fuel because it helps you to start the generator even when the weather is pretty cold. Propane might not give you the ability to start in the winter, but since it burns slower, it improves the runtime of the generator. In other words, the gasoline starts the generator while the propane will keep it running. Therefore, it offers more economical performance and will increase the runtime.
The DuroMax XP12000EH has a 457cc motor. This dual-overhead motor gives the unit the ability to run a lot of power. Therefore, you can rest assured that it will power through. In view of the plenty of power available, it is important to have a unit with impressive durability. Thankfully, that is what you get with this generator. It is built out of high quality, durable parts. These will ensure that the vibration doesn’t adversely affect the parts of the generator. This model is also heavy, just like our number choice. However, the manufacturer has provided large tires that will help you to move it. If you are using it for your RV or on a job site, this portability surely comes in handy.
Despite the presence of wheels, though, it should be noted that it still remains a heavy unit. It weighs 260 pounds, which, means it’s not something you just move at a moments’ notice.
Aside from the heavy weight, there are several benefits of using this model. For one, it is pretty easy to use. There is a control panel that has all the instruction legible and easy to read. Therefore, you can use it with ease whether in the home or for work.
Just as our top pick, this model comes with some safety features. For example, it offers you a low-oil shut off mechanism that will turn off the engine when the oil reaches dangerous levels. This will prevent damage and make it work for a longer time.
What we liked: The DuroMax XP12000EH comes with a durable, all-metal build that ensures that you will use it for a long time. It also comes with safety features that will ensure longer use. The powerful motor produces enough power to carry your appliances
What could be better: Just like the Westinghouse, the DuroMax XP12000EH is heavy. We also noticed that the support from the manufacturer is rather limited.
Buying a 50 Amp generator can be an expensive endeavor. There are several models on the market that are rather expensive and will cost a pretty penny. If you are looking for a low-cost model, though, then you’ll certainly enjoy the Pulsar G12KBN. This generator is a 50 Amp generator with plenty of impressive benefits that still manages to come at a relatively low price.
Just like the two units that we have reviewed above, this budget option comes with dual-fuel technology. Therefore, it gives you excellent versatility and power. It starts on gasoline, and with this fuel, it will give an output of 9500 watts and a peak wattage of 12000 watts. This certainly will handle your pressing needs. When you switch to propane, the generator has a rated wattage of 8550 watts and peak wattage of 10800 watts. Therefore, whether you run it on propane or gasoline, you have enough power for most of your requirements. Additionally, it is a dual-fuel unit. That means that it works on either gasoline or propane. The gasoline is an excellent fuel because it helps you to start the generator even when the weather is pretty cold. Propane might not give you the ability to start in the winter, but since it burns slower, it improves the runtime of the generator. In other words, the gasoline starts the generator while the propane will keep it running. Therefore, it offers more economical performance and will increase the runtime
In spite of the plenty power, it has a relatively quiet performance. During our testing, we registered a noise level of 76 decibels. While this is still loud, it offers good performance in general. Switching it on is quite a breeze as well since you can use an electric starter or a pull-start mechanism.
Runtime is an important consideration when choosing a generator. Thankfully, the 8 gallon tank capacity gives enough fuel to give an runtime of about 12 hours at half load. However, if you run on propane, it will work for about five hours.
Outlets are awesome here because you have quite a lot of them. You will find a DC outlet , an L14-30R receptacle, and more.
Although this is reportedly portable, the portability is in relation to the others that we have reviewed so far. Although it is lighter than the others we have considered, the 209 pound weight is still heavy. Fortunately, the wheel kit comes in really handy and makes it easier to move the generator around.
Away from the dimensions, the Pulsar G12KBN has other nice features that make it easier to use and maintain. The control panel is conveniently placed and will show the important parameters. These parameters range from the voltage to the frequency and runtime. Although there isn’t an auto-shutoff feature, there is a light indicator to show when the oil levels are dangerously low.
The Pulsar G12KBN is CARB-compliant and has a spark arrestor. These features make it safe to use and friendly on the environment.
What we liked: Overall, the Pulsar G12KBN is designed for home owners that want a portable and powerful generator as a backup in times of power outages. It comes with plenty of useful outlets, delivers a more than decent amount of power and runtime.
What could be better: It is a loud unit which is a bummer. It also lacks a remote start features
With a tank capacity of 10.9 gallons, the Champion Power Equipment 100111 is the best in terms of the tank capacity. This large capacity means that you have a model that will provide you with excellent runtime. However, while the tank capacity is an excellent feature, there are still other features that make it an even better generator. If you are looking for a powerful 50 Amp generator that will help with your job and that can be used in the home, then look no further than the Champion Power Equipment 100111.
It should be noted that in terms of size, this is one of the biggest on this list. It comes from the Champion Power brand, which is known for the high quality of its generators. This particular model is primarily designed for your job site requirements. The 12000 running watts capacity means that it will power almost anything that you want on the site. It also has a starting wattage of 15000W.
Under the hood, so to speak, there is a powerful 717cc Champion engine. This engine is one of the most powerful engines created by the brand. Among other things, it has a Cold Start Technology feature. You also have an electric start function. Therefore, you will find it pretty easy to start and use. The running and starting wattage provides all the power you need. Although it is a big generator, it offers some portability and can be moved a bit.
Outlets are a big deal when choosing any generator. Well, Champion Power Equipment 100111 comes with an impressive collection of outlets. Therefore, you have a lot of options to select from. Aside from the number of outlets available, another nice thing about these outlets is that you have plastic covers on them. Therefore, it offers a better level of protection that what you’d get from other models.
The large tank capacity gives you excellent runtime of up to nine hours at half load. You can therefore complete a day’s worth of work using this generator.
What we liked: The Champion Power Equipment 100111 has unique features that make it an excellent pick. It offers you a push button start, Volt Guard, large wattage rating and good technology to meet the needs of your job site.
What could be better: Unlike the options that we have reviewed so far, this is not a dual-fuel unit. It runs purely on gasoline. A dual-fuel feature would have added even more runtime to the unit.
With the A-iPower SUA12000E, you have a 50 Amp generator that will give you excellent overall performance, and comes with remarkable features without costing a fortune. It is a very affordable unit that will work perfectly in times of power outage.
Inside the generator is a 59cc four-stroke engine that will give you all the power that you need. It gives a starting wattage of 12000 W and running wattage of 9500W. Therefore, you have plenty of power to work with. It will help with running plenty of your appliances. You will therefore have a unit that will power everything, from the AC to entertainment systems and more.
While it is excellent for home use, it is also sturdy and powerful enough to serve you on a job site. You can use it with welders and similar machines. When on the job site, it is important that the unit is protected from weather damage. That is why we love that it comes with a high quality build. The parts are completely made of steel and the fuel tank is protected from water or weather. Additionally, it is a one fuel unit. That means that it works on gasoline. The gasoline is an excellent fuel because it helps you to start the generator even when the weather is pretty cold.
The tank and the body are durable and have an attractive design. To help with moving around, the unit boasts of a pair of wheels. These are inflated and have excellent traction. Thus, you can use it over different terrains easily.
Runtime is also cool because it runs for up to 8 hours at half load. It offers relatively good fuel conservation.
Outlets are one of the best things about this generator. Aside from offering the basic outlets found in most generators, it also comes with other very useful outlets. For example, it has a DC adapter plug and a USB adapter for charging your devices.
Noise level is manageable here, although it still is louder than some more expensive model.
What we liked: Well, this model offers a decent runtime despite the smaller tank capacity. It has plenty of useful outlets and is affordable to boot.
What could be better: This model has parts that might be difficult to replace.
The DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator is not the cheapest model out there, but if you need something to reliably give you a huge level of power and heavy loads then it could be the ideal model for you. A lot of people are using this sort of generator for things like power outages in their home, and the 439cc OHV DuroMax Engine means that it can handle really demanding home appliances including things like air conditioners.
Much of the power comes from the MX2 technology which gives two 120-volt receptacles, so it is a bit like running generators in parallel. You can run at both 120 V and 240 at the same time, or just use one 120 V output with full power.
The generator is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 of the United States. So, you can rest assured that this is built with plenty of quality.
The generator can run at 8000 watts continuous, and at about 50% capacity you should expect to get 10.4 hours of run time out of a tank, which is pretty impressive. The peak of 10,000 watts is almost up there with the most powerful models on this list. Even if you are having to run the power for the whole house, you can rest assured that it isn’t going to give up on you in a hurry or leave you having to refill all the time.
Sturdy and sizable wheels make it relatively easy to transport, but at over 200 lb you do need a bit of strength to take it long distances, or if you need to take it in a vehicle, for instance. It has the capacity for over 8 gallons of fuel, so it makes sense that this is hardly as light as a feather.
There’s a one-year warranty for commercial users, which may be a little frustrating when you realise that the warranty is three times that amount for those who are using the generator in a residential setting.
This is another option for those who are satisfied with 8,000 watts of continuous power, and it does a really good job of providing this power for a long time, with 11 hours of runtime, compared to some of the competing models that only offer 8-10 hours at a similar capacity.
The weight is also slightly lower than some of the other 10,000 watt models. While 198 lbs is still pretty hefty, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility to take this out and about on trips with you to give yourself huge levels of power when on the go.
Like a lot of the products on the list, a 3-year warranty is only extended to those who are using the product in a residential setting, if you are in a commercial setting then you might not be able to enjoy this same level of protection as there’s only one year of warranty from the manufacturer.
Many of the top generators are trying to outdo the competition by adding some smart features, and the Generac 7676 has an added feature to “do more with less”. It has 30% more starting capacity, a feature they call “power rush” so in spite of not having to increase the fuel capacity or other functions you can still enjoy this little power boost.
This generator is very rugged in its design, so built to handle even tough environments. There are covers over the outlets to protect them from the elements and the wheels are useful for transport but also guaranteed to never go flat due to their design. There’s a clever “fold-down” handle, easy to whip out and use when you need to move the generator from one spot to the next.
There are some safety features, too, including regular maintenance alerts to warn you when you may need to get the generator seen to or serviced, and added protection in case of low oil, which makes the generator cut out before any damage is done.
There are plenty of outlets to choose between, including multiple Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI, (1) 120/240V 30A (L14-30R). It’s easy to hook up your appliances.
“Turn it up to 11” – in this case, we mean 11,000 watts of power, slightly higher than most of the models that seem to settle for 10,000, meaning there’s that little extra bit of surge power. If you are happy running at a standard 8,300 watts most of the time but occasionally need a little bit of extra as the appliances get more demanding then this could be a brilliant choice for you.
WEN is an exceptional name in the world of generators, the company started in the 1950s and it has gone from strength to strength since then. As you would expect, this is one of the most sturdy, yet high-technology models on the market today.
This has a Dual Fuel design which means you can choose your preferred method of power. It is up to you whether you use gasoline or LPG, as there is an LPG hose allowing you to hook it up straight into a propane tank. While there are extra safety precautions to be taken with this, it is great to be able to keep the generator running and not really have to worry about refilling as regularly. If you do choose to run it off the tank, you can use up to 6.6 gallons of gasoline, which provide you with up to 8.5 hours of runtime on half load. This is a little bit lower than some of the other models out there that manage to provide longer with similar capacities.
In terms of the connections, you aren’t short of options, there’s a set of four 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R), a 120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R), there is even a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug so if you have device chargers that would otherwise fit in your cigarette lighter you can connect them here.
There is a two-year warranty that is not limited to people who use it in any commercial setting. WEN products are undeniably impressive and because the brand are so big, you can rely on their support. There are service technicians all over the country and even a friendly customer support phone line you can rely on if you have any troubles.
There is a digital display on this model, and an automatic voltage regulator, so these extra safety precautions can come in really handy.
In the section above, we reviewed five of the best 50 Amp generators that you can buy right now. Admittedly, there are several options on the market today. However, by reviewing five of the best options, we have reduced the options so that you can choose better. In choosing the above models, we considered some vital features. In this buying guide, we will discuss some of these important factors. Reading about these will help you to know what to look out for when you are making a buying decision.
In simple terms, a 50 Amp generator is a generator that has a means of drawing 50 Amp of current. All of the models that we considered above are 50 Amp generators and have receptacles dedicated to that function.
These excellent generators are very versatile and come with a hookup that has separate hotlines that provide 50 Amps of current each to provide a total of 100 Amps. The advantage of this type of generator is that you enjoy far more power than other generators.
They are very powerful due to this and will let you use them for RVs, homes, job sites, and other places where you have to power at least a pair of high current appliances at the same time. With this type of generator, you will take care of your electrical needs without needing to sacrifice using one appliance over the other.
There are several features to consider before you make a buying choice. In this section, we will consider some of these features briefly.
Before you make a purchase, consider the amount of power than you will need. Consider the output of the generator and compare that with the requirements of the appliances that you are looking to run.
You should also consider the starting and running watts of the generator. Other important factors include how long the generator will run and the fuel that will power it.
There are different types if 50 Amp generators on the market, with the main distinction being the fuel that powers it.
This type of generator is powered by petrol. It often has a 2 or 4-stroke motor. If it uses a 2-stroke motor, you will need to add some oil to the fuel to act as a lubricant. 4-stroke motors on the other hand do not require the addition of oil.
A diesel generator offers plenty of advantages, especially for industrial uses. Due to the noise and smell, these are not very common in residential areas. The emissions are also frowned upon by several regulatory bodies. They offer a lot of power, though, which makes it a good choice for anyone that wants it for industrial applications.
Propane generators are very popular and the most common types of generators. They offer plenty of power as well and leave very little emissions. Since they are cheaper to maintain, most people prefer them to other types of generators.
These are dual-fuel options. They run on propane and gasoline or other combination. Some of the units that we have reviewed on this roundup come with this feature. For example, the Westinghouse WGen9500, Pulsar G12KBN and DuroMax XP12000EH come with this type of function. They start with gasoline then switch to propane. Thus, they have a high starting wattage and longer runtime.
You have to decide which of these types to choose from. If you are using a gasoline or diesel model, you should note that you will have to do more maintenance than on a propane powered generator.
If you are using the generator as a backup means of power, then you should consider the transfer switch. It is this switch that will make it safe for the generator to be used when there is a power outage. It makes it easier to power the generator on and will prevent damage to the generator.
In this regard, you have to determine the type of transfer switch your generator should have. There are two types of transfer switches – Automatic and Manual.
These work exactly as their names imply. Apart from the method of switching the generator, the other difference between the two modes is the cost. A generator with an Automatic transfer switch will certainly be more expensive than a manual transfer switch. Our top pick, the Westinghouse WGen9500, for example, comes with an automatic transfer switch.
The noise level of the generator is an important consideration. It is dependent on the place you plan on using the generator. For example, if you are using the generator in a residential area, noise level would be important to you. You’ll certainly want a model that will not cause too much of a racket.
It might be difficult to find, but the good news is that there are generators that produce a little amount of noise.
Others, on the other hand are noisy. The units that we have considered in this roundup are generally loud with a noise level between 70 and 78 decibels. The DuroMax XP12000EH, for example has a noise level of 76 decibels.
Apart from the initial cost of buying the generator, you also have to consider the cost of maintaining it over time. A generator needs to be regularly checked and maintained, however, some require more maintenance than others.
There are several things that need to be checked frequently, for example, the oil level. Checking it manually can be cumbersome. Thankfully, some units come with screens or displays that will show the oil level of the generator. An example of such a unit is the Pulsar G12KBN. Others on the other hand come with an auto shut-off feature when the oil levels drop below a certain point. This will help to prolong the lifespan of the generator. An example is the DuroMax XP12000EH.
When choosing a 50 Amp generator, you should certainly consider how economical the unit is in terms of fuel usage. If there is no fuel, there will obviously be no electricity. Thus, you should seek a model that has the correct capacity and economical features that will increase the run time of the model.
From our experience, the generator should have at least five gallon tank capacity. That way, it can go on for some time before you need to refill it. The models that we have reviewed come with different tank capacities. For example, the Champion Power Equipment 100111 has a capacity of more tha 10 gallons and will run for up to 9 hours non-stop at 50% load.
However, in terms of fuel economy, the Westinghouse WGen9500 offers the best on this list. It has relatively small capacity of 6.6 gallons, but can run for up to 12 hours on a 50% load.
So, consider the fuel consumption, tank capacity and the runtime before you make a choice.
50 Amp generators are powerful, which means that they have sturdy build to carry all of the power. To that end, it is vital that the generator you choose has a reasonable level of portability. To help with that, several units have wheels at the base that let you move them from place to place. If your generator has a large tank, chances are pretty high that it will be quite heavy. Therefore, you should be ready to choose between capacity and portability.
If the generator is meant for work sites, then it is smart to look for a model that has a lower weight. The Pulsar G12KBN is one of the lightest options that you can find that will still give you plenty of power.
When choosing, look for models with wheels and ergonomic handles that will make it easy to transport the generator.
Buying a generator involves looking at how easy it would be for you to use it. Many come with a control panel that aims to make the generator easier to use. Well, it is important that you consider how easy the generator’s control panel is to understand. Some of the best models have an LCD screen that will tell you the details of the important parameters. An example of this type of generator is the Pulsar G12KBN.
Other might not have an LCD display but offer a gauge.
One of the most important things to consider when buying any electrical appliance is the safety. And this is doubly important when using a generator. Generators use highly flammable fuels, therefore, safety must be prioritized.
The best models on the market have these safety features. Let’s see some of these vital safety features.
This feature ensures that your appliances are safe from any surge in power that can cause damage.
This safety feature shuts down the generator when the oil levels drop below a certain point. That way, there is a reduced risk of the motor knocking because of a lack of oil.
This excellent feature stops any spark from coming from the motor. This will reduce the chances of fire accidents.
You have to take note of what you want to use the generator for, and if it will have the capacity to power through. The 50 Amp generators come from different brands and have different features, therefore, some are more powerful than others.
For example, the Champion Power Equipment 100111 offers the most power out of the models that we have reviewed.
Choosing the best 50 Amp generator can be a challenge if you do not know what to look out for. From our roundup, we recommend the best models on the market. Our top pick is the Westinghouse WGen9500. This is an impressive 50 Amp generator that gives enough power to run plenty of appliances in your home or RV. It is a dual fuel generator which means that you can run it on gas or propane. Our value pick is the DuroMax XP12000EH. This unit is a beast of a generator that will power all your appliances with minimal fuss. It offers excellent value for money and has a dual-fuel feature that allows you to run the generator on fuel or propane. For those on a budget, the Pulsar G12KBN is a good pick. This unit is a portable, budget generator that is powerful and easy to use. It comes with up to seven outlets and a relatively large tank capacity that improves the runtime.
We hope that you consider these three units and the other options that we have reviewed so far. Select any of them and rest assured that they are the best 50 Amp generator models.
