9 Best 10000 Watt Generators: Beasts in Compact Size

For all the people having a high power requirement during power outages, at construction sites, for big RVs and trailers, and heavy tools, a 10000 watts generator is perfect. It is just like a beast in a compact size. You get a lot of power with portability and excellent running time and a 50 amp outlet in most generators. You can run any appliance you want on a 10000 watts generator. It has no problem in powering heavy appliances like AC, freezer, refrigerators, furnaces, water heaters, well pumps, dishwashers, lights, fans, and many others. When it comes to commercial tools, you can run air compressors, drills, saws, battery chargers, and many more. It is also perfect for big RVs, trailers, and large camping groups.

Ten thousand watts generators are expensive to buy; hence you must be very careful while making the final decision. There are hundreds of options available in the market, and if you aren’t aware of the ins and outs of the generator world, you can end up with the wrong unit. To help you make the best purchase decision, we have developed this guide. We will review the nine best 10000-watt generators for you, along with a buying guide and a FAQ section aimed at making you aware of all the features you want to have.

Let’s look at the nine best 10000-watt generators!

10000-watt Generator Reviews

1. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Best Among all

Dual Fuel Option: If you are looking for the best and most powerful 10000-watt generator, then DuroMax XP12000EH is the perfect choice for you. It is a dual fuel generator that can run on both gasoline and propane.

Engine: It comes with a powerful DuroMax 18 HP, 457cc OHV engine.

Power: With 12000 peak (starting) watts and 9500 rated (running) watts on gasoline and 11400 peak watts and 9025 rated watts on propane, you can power your various essentials with ease.

Tank Size and Runtime: If you are running your generator on propane, then you will get 7.2 hours of runtime at 50% load. But an 8.3-gallon gas tank can give 8.8-hour runtime at 50% load.

Control Panel: The control panel of XP12000EH is full of power outlets and other essentials. You have a voltmeter, engine switch, an idle control switch, circuit breakers, and oil alert and recharge indicators. The voltmeter shows voltages, an oil alert tells you about the lower oil levels, and an idle control switch increases or decreases the engine’s speed according to the load applied.

Also, there is an MX2 switch that features DuroMax MX2 technology. With the help of this switch, you can either operate the generator at a full 120V or 120V and 240V simultaneously. Moreover, two 120V 20A household outlets, one 120/240V 50A outlet, a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet are part of the control panel.

Starting System: Both electric and recoil start systems are featured in this generator.

Decibel Rating:72 dB (A) is its decibel rating.

Weight and Warranty: DuroMax XP12000EH weighs 236 pounds. Its warranty period is of 3 years.

Portability: You have fold-down handles and two big, durable tires for easy transportation.

Safety: Its safety features include overload protection, low-oil shutoff, and a spark arrestor. Overload protection is there to keep your generator free from overloading issues. The low-oil shutdown sensor automatically turns off the engine when it finds that the oil level is dangerously low. And the spark arrestor makes the generator safe to use in parks.

My Opinion:

2. A-iPower SUA12000E Gasoline Powered Generator – Loud 10000-watt Generator

 

Fuel Option: It is a gasoline-powered generator that can run only on gasoline.

Decibel Rating: A-iPower SUA12000E is noisy that operates at 78 dB (A).

Engine: A powerful 16 HP, 459cc OHV engine is part of this generator.

Power: It can produce 12000 starting watts and 9000 running watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: If we focus on its tank size, then a 7-gallon fuel tank gives 9 hours of runtime at 50% load.

Weight and Warranty: This unit’s weight is 206 pounds and is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Control Panel: Its control panel has four 120V 20A household outlets, one 120/240V 30A outlet, one 120/240V 50A outlet, and a 12V DC outlet. All these power outlets are GFCI protected. GFCI is a circuit breaker that cuts down the electric power when it finds a difference between outgoing and incoming currents. Also, we have an engine switch, low-oil indicator, circuit breaker, and an hour meter that shows the runtime.

Starting System: A-iPower SUA12000E comes with a one-touch push-button electric start system.

Portability: It is also highly portable. You have never-flat tires and a comfortable fold-down handle for easy pulling.

Safety: GFCI-protected outlets and a low-oil shutdown sensor are included in its safety features. 

My Opinion:

3. Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Generator Under $1000

Dual Fuel Option: The second dual fuel portable generator in our list is the Pulsar PG10000B16. You can use either gas or propane to run your generator during power outages. Its switch and go technology allows seamless switching between gas and propane while in operation.

Engine: Its engine is slightly less powerful than the DuroMax XP12000EH. It comes with a 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine.

Power: On gas, the generator can produce 10,000 starting watts and 8000 rated watts, but on propane, it can produce 9000 peak watts and 7000 rated watts. 

Tank Size and Runtime: Pulsar PG10000B16 can run for about 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon gas tank at a 50% load.

Decibel Rating: It is louder than DuroMax XP12000EH with a 75 dB (A) noise level.

Control Panel: There are four 120V AC outlets, one 120/240V RV outlet, one 120/240V twist-lock outlet, and a 12V DC outlet. Also, there is a fuel selector knob, engine switch, and an hour meter.

Starting System: You can either start it manually or with the help of an electric switch.

Weight and Warranty: It comes with a warranty period of two years and weighs 209 pounds.

Portability: Never-flat tires and a fold-down handle that make the unit easy to move.

My Opinion:

4. Durostar DS10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator

Fuel Option: You can only run this generator on gasoline. It is not a dual fuel unit.

Weight and Warranty: It comes with a 2-year warranty and weighs 260 pounds.

Engine: Durostar DS10000Ehas a powerful 457cc, 16 HP Durostar OHV engine.

Power: It can generate 10,000 peak watts and 8000 rated watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: Its fuel tank is 8.3 gallons that can give up to 10 hours of runtime at 50% load.

Control Panel: There are two 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, one 120/240V 30A outlet, and one 120/240V 50A outlet. Also, there is a voltmeter, engine switch, idle control switch, circuit breakers, and oil alert and recharge indicators. Also, a voltage transfer switch allows for easy switching between 120V and 120/240V.

Starting System: You can only turn on the generator by using a recoil start system.

Decibel Rating: It is less noisy as compared to the A-iPower SUA12000E. It operates at 72 dB (A).

Portability: The same big tires and fold-down handles make transportation easier.

Safety: Low-oil shutdown and spark arrestor.

My Opinion:

5. All Power America APG3590CN Portable Generator

Fuel Option: This APG3590CN portable generator from All Power America is propane powered.

Engine: It comes with a 420cc, 15 HP OHV engine.

Power: If we talk about its peak power, it is 10,000 watts, and it can produce 7500 rated watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: There is a 5-gallon fuel tank that can give 8 hours of runtime.

Control Panel: Its control panel is featured with four 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC outlet, a 120V twist-lock outlet, and one 120/240V twist-lock outlet. Also, we have an engine switch, an hour meter, and a voltmeter.

Starting System: Both the recoil and electric start systems are part of this generator.

Decibel Rating: Its operational sound is equal to 75 dB (A).

Weight and Warranty: The warranty period of this generator is only one year. And it weighs 208 pounds.

Portability: Convenient handles and durable tires make transportation easier.

Safety: There is a low-oil shutdown sensor that senses lower oil levels and shuts off the engine automatically.

My Opinion:

6. Ford FG11050PBE Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Portable

Dual Fuel Option: The Ford FG11050PBE can also run on either gasoline or propane. Its fuel selector knob allows easy switching between propane and gas during operation.

Engine: It is powered by a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with an air-cooled cooling system.

Power: On gas, the unit can produce 11050 peak watts and 9000 rated watts. But it generates 10500 peak watts and 8100 rated watts on propane.

Tank Size and Runtime: It has a 6.6-gallon fuel tank that gives a runtime of up to 10 hours at 50% load. 

Control Panel: All the power outlets present on the control panel are GFCI protected. Four of them are 120V 20A household outlets, and the remaining outlets include one 120V 30A outlet and a 120/240V 50A outlet. More, we have an engine switch, an hour meter, and circuit breakers. 

Starting System: Electric push start system is there, along with a recoil start system. 

Decibel Rating: It operates at 72 dB (A).

Weight: The weight of this unit is 196 pounds.

Portability: Drop-down handles and never-flat tires make it easy to move the unit.

Safety: Low-oil shutdown and automatic voltage regulator are included in its safety features. The automatic voltage regulator keeps the voltage level constant throughout the generator’s operation.

My Opinion:

7. CAT RP12000E Gas Powered Portable Generator – Heaviest 10000-watt Generator

Fuel Option: It is a portable gas-powered generator that is beyond 10,000 watts.

Weight and Warranty: The weight of this unit is 347 pounds. And, it has a 3-year limited warranty.

Engine: a 670cc V-Twin OHV engine powers CAT RP12000E

Power: It produces 15,000 watts of peak power and 12,000 watts of continuous power.

Tank Size and Runtime: The fuel tank capacity of this generator is huge. Its 13.2-gallon fuel tank gives 11 hours of runtime at 50% load.

Control Panel: There are four 120V household-style outlets, two 120V 30A twist-lock outlets, a 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, one 120/240V 50A twist-lock outlet, and a 12V DC outlet. Also, we have an idle control switch, a 4-in-1 data center, and circuit breakers. The 4-in-1 data center displays volts, frequency, runtime, and low-oil warning.

Starting System: It comes with an electric start system.

Portability: CAT RP12000E is easy to move with the help of two durable tires and a fold-down handle.

Safety: Low-oil shutdown sensor is included in its safety feature.

My Opinion:

8. Gentron GG10020 Gas Powered Portable Generator – Under $1000

Fuel Option: It is also a gas-powered generator.

Weight and Warranty: Gentron GG10020 is backed by a 2-year limited warranty and weighs 220 pounds.

Engine: There is a 420cc OHV engine.

Power: It generates 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts.

Tank Size and Runtime: This generator’s fuel tank size is 8 gallons that can give 9-hour runtime at 50% load.

Control Panel: We have four 120V AC household outlets, one 12V DC outlet for battery charging, one 240V AC twist-lock outlet, and one 120/240V twist-lock outlet.

Starting System: The GG10020 is an electric start generator. Also, there is a backup recoil start mechanism.

Decibel Rating: It operates at 78 dB (A).

Portability: Two fold-down handles and never-flat tires make it highly portable.

Safety: Overload protection and low-oil shutdown sensor.

My Opinion:

9. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator – Best under $1000

Fuel Type and Power Output: It is a dual fuel machine. On gasoline, the unit delivers 12500 starting watts and 9500 running watts. The propane produces 11200 peak and 8500 rated watts. The power output is enough to run almost all your compulsory appliances in your home. This generator is sufficient to power a medium-sized RV.

Tank Capacity and Runtime: The tank capacity is 6.6 gallons, and it provides a runtime of up to 17 hours at 25% load. On 50% load, the backup time is around 8 hours. The runtime on propane varies according to the load applied and the size of the cylinder.

Engine Specifications: It features a 457cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine. The engine is made from a cast iron sleeve which is durable and will go a long way with you. You can start the engine through a recoil, electric, and remote starting mechanism. The remote start range is 260 feet.

Outlets: You get one 120/240V 50A AC outlet, two 120V 20A GFCI outlets, one 120/240V 30A outlet, and an ST switch outlet. All the outlets are rubber protected. The 240V outlet enables you to run heavy machines without any issues.

Safety Features: The safety features include low oil shutdown, surge voltage protection, overload protection, and indicators for low oil, output, and overloading. Westinghouse ensures that you get a safe experience while working with this machine.

Control Panel: On the control panel, you get a fuel selector knob, engine shut-off switch, push start button, breakers, data center (volts, output, frequency, and hours), and a battery charging port. The control panel is advanced and yet easy to operate.

Dimensions, Weight, and Portability: The measurements are 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches, and it weighs 220 pounds. It is a lightweight machine compared to other models with the same power output. The included wheel kits and handle make this machine portable.

Noise Level: The machine produces 70 dBA from a distance of 30-40 feet. It is a noisy unit, and you may have to keep it quite a distance away to make it quiet.

Warranty and Certifications: It comes with a warranty of 3-years and is certified by EPA and CARB. You can use it in all 50 states.

Included Accessories: You get a remote start key fob, 12V battery charger, oil and oil funnel, tool kit, spark plug wrench, and a tool kit with this machine.

My Opinion:

Buyer’s Guide

While buying a 10,000-watt generator, make sure you have checked the following features.

Single Fuel vs. Dual Fuel

First, make sure you know the type of generator you want, a single fuel or a dual fuel? Gas is the preferred fuel source, but propane has its benefits. The usage of any fuel depends on the availability of that product in your area. If gas is easy to reach, use gas, and if propane is easily and readily available, go for propane. Or if both are available, then keep both the fuels in your hands.

Gas gives higher power output than propane, but propane doesn’t need a cool-down generator for refueling. Also, you can store as many LPG tanks as you want, but you know the limits.

Rated and Peak Power Output

Make sure you are getting 10,000 rated watts from your generator. Starting watts may vary from generator to generator. Starting watts support those appliances with a motor that needs extra watts to start. Maximum or peak power is only used for seconds, whereas minimum or rated power is continuous and throughout. Always ensure that the total peak and rated watts of the appliances you are going to power are less or equal to the generator’s peak and rated watts.

Fuel Tank Size and Running Time

Fuel tank size affects the generator’s runtime. Big-sized fuel tanks will surely give more runtime than small-sized tanks, but the runtime is also affected by different other factors. These factors include the engine’s fuel efficiency, the fuel option you are using, and the load applied. If the engine is not fuel-efficient, you will not get a good runtime. Gas offers good and extended runtime as compared to propane. Also, the amount of load changes the runtime. The generator will give different runtime at 25% load and different at 50% and 75%.

Control Panel

Never ignore the importance of a control panel in your generator. A fully advanced control panel offers a 120 to 240V conversion switch, an odometer, fuel gauges (only in advanced models), total reading hours display, on/off buttons, and warning lights for low fuel, oil, and overloading.

Noise Level

You cannot expect a noise-free operation with a 10,000-watt generator. But still, try to find a unit with lower decibel ratings. Operational sound between 70 dB (A) and 74 dB (A) is bearable. Whether the distance between your neighbor’s house and your house is great or not, operational sound can disturb those living in your house. So, for house usage, never go above 74 dB (A).

Power Outlets

Make sure the power outlets available on the control panel of your generator are according to your needs. There must be multiple 120V household outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, and one 120/240V 30A outlet, along with a 120/240V 50A outlet. Also, the DC outlet is a plus.

Starting System

While you are buying a 10000-watt generator, make sure that it has an electric start feature. It adds convenience and makes the unit user-friendly. Please keep in mind that electric start models are expensive than recoil starting units.

Safety

Regardless of the size of the generator, it must have all the essential safety features. Look for surge voltage protection, overload and overheating shutdown, and GFCI outlets.

Weight, Warranty, and Portability

You cannot expect a lightweight 10,000-watt generator. Most of these units are heavy and bulky, but the comfortable pulling handles and big never-flat tires make these units easy to move around. But still, try to find a medium-sized generator if you need to move your machine more. Also, focus on the quality of the wheel kit before the purchase.

Moreover, never forget to check the generator’s warranty period. It must be at least two years. Also, never forget to ask the seller what is covered in the warranty.

Price

10000-watt generators are expensive units. However, there is no point in saving a few bucks and buying a low-quality unit. We don’t want you to end up with a unit that is not durable. To avoid this, we have included only the best units in our list.

FAQs

Conclusion