4000 watts generators are the most sought after in the US. Why and what’s so special about them? A 4000 watts generator is the epitome of balance between power, size, portability, and fuel efficiency. It gives you the freedom to power a majority of appliances in your home, RV, and outdoors. With a 4000 watts generator, you will have enough room to adjust large tools as well. It can also be used for commercial purposes.
With so many benefits and capabilities, a 4000 watts generator is a must for all people looking for an alternate electricity source. If you are one of them and want to buy the best generator, you are at the right place. We have done considerable research on 4000 watts generators and included the best ones on our list. In this article, you will also find a buying guide, a FAQ section to help you make the best purchase decision.
Let’s check out the 5 best 4000 watts generators.
Table of Contents
4000-watt Generator Reviews
Image | Product | Features | Ratings | Check Price |
 | DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator |
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 | Champion Power Equipment 46539 Portable Generator |
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 | WEN GN400i Open Frame Inverter Generator |
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 | DuroMax XP4000S Portable Generator |
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 | All Power America APGG4000 Portable Generator |
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1. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator – Best 4000-watt Generator for the Money
Generator Type: It is a gas-powered portable conventional generator perfect for RVs, camping, job sites, tailgates, and home back-up power.
Engine: DuroStar DS4000S is powered by a 208cc, 7HP OHV engine with an air-cooled cooling system.
Power Output: It produces 4000 peaks (starting watts) and 3300 rated (running watts).
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: This generator’s fuel tank capacity is 3.96 gallons that can give up to an 8-hour runtime at 50% load. It also features a fuel gauge that tells the amount of fuel available.
Start System: There is only a recoil start system.
Safety: An automatic low-oil shutoff sensor turns off the engine when it senses lower oil levels. The generator is also equipped with a surge arrester that protects your electric equipment from over-voltage transients caused by any internal or external event.
Power Outlets: If we focus on power outlets, we have two 120V AC 20A household outlets and one 120V AC 30A twist-lock outlet.
Operational Sound: DuroStar DS4000S operates at 69 dB (A), thanks to its super quiet muffler.
Certifications: It is an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved unit. Both these certifications make this generator safe for the environment.
Weight and Warranty: The DS4000S is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and weighs 94 pounds.
Other features include a voltmeter (voltage meter), an optional wheel kit, and GFCI protected outlets. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit or shuts off the electric power to protect you from an ongoing electric shock. It compares the amount of incoming and outgoing current from equipment along the circuit conductors and acts accordingly.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a reliable generator that is quite easy to start and maintain. It is light in weight, operates without making much sound, and have GFCI protected outlets. Also, its 3-year warranty period is a plus.
Cons: It has a bad customer support service.
2. Champion Power Equipment 46539 Portable Generator – Best 4000-watt Generator for RV
Generator Type: It is a conventional gas-powered generator that can also power RVs since it is an RV-ready unit.
Start System: All three start mechanisms are available (electric, remote, and recoil). There is a 3-way ignition switch for electric start. And the remote start mechanism includes a wireless remote key fob. You can quickly turn your generator on and off from up to 80 feet away. Also, the unit features a cold start technology that ensures easy starts in winters.
Certifications: Champion 46539 fully meets the standards set by EPA and CARB.
Weight and Warranty: This generator’s weight is 140 pounds, and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Engine: It is equipped with a Champion 196cc single-cylinder OHV engine. Its engine is less potent than the DuroStar DS4000S.
Power Output: You will get 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: On a 3.8-gallon gas fuel tank, you will get 12 hours of continuous power at 50% load.
Safety: Safety features include Volt Guard and low-oil shutoff. Volt Guard is a built-in surge protector that keeps your appliances and equipment safe from damages caused due to overloading. It protects against power surges.
Power Outlets: The power outlets include two 120V AC household outlets, one 120V AC 30A twist-lock outlet, and one 120V RV-ready outlet.
Operational Sound: 68 dB (A) is its operational sound.
Other Features: There is an intelligauge that shows volts, frequency in hertz, and runtime hours. Also, there are wheels and fold-down handles that make transportation easier.
My Opinion:
Pros: It comes with all three starting mechanisms, which is a great thing. It also offers excellent runtime, runs at lower decibels, and features an intelligauge. Moreover, it offers great technical support.
Cons: Remote start mechanism fails to work sometimes in cold weather.
3. WEN GN400i Open Frame Inverter Generator – Best 4000-watt Inverter Generator
Generator Type: WEN GN400i is an open frame inverter generator that runs on gasoline.
Engine: We have a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
Power Output: It produces 4000 watts of peak power and 3500 watts of running power.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: WEN GN400i is a small unit, and that’s why its fuel tank capacity is only 1.85 gallons. On a full tank, you will be able to power your appliances for up to 7 hours.
Start System: You can start the generator with a simple pull.
Safety: There is built-in overload protection along with low-fuel and low-oil automatic shutdown.
Power Outlets: Two 5V DC USB ports, two 120V AC outlets, and one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet
THD Rating: Its THD rating is relatively low since it is an inverter generator. At no load, its THD rating is less than 0.3%, and at full load, it is under 1.2%.
Weight and Warranty: If we focus on its warranty, then it is for two years. And its weight is 70.5 pounds.
Other Features: An Eco-mode switch changes the engine’s speed as you add or remove the load. It allows you to save fuel as well as money. The generator is also parallel capable. It means you can connect another WEN GN400i with the help of a WEN parallel connection kit. More, we have three light indicators (low-oil, output, and overload). The output indicator shows that the unit is ready to use, the low-oil indicator tells that your unit is running out of oil, and the overload indicator notifies that the generator is taking the extra load.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is an inverter generator that takes care of your sensitive electronics. It is light in weight and has a good runtime. You can also generate more output power with the help of parallel connection ports.
Cons: Its wheel kit is junk.
4. DuroMax XP4000S Portable Generator – Best 4000-watt Generator with Extended Runtime
Generator Type: DuroMax XP4000S is also a gasoline-powered conventional generator with a wheel and handles kit for easy transportation.
Engine: It is powered by a 208cc, 7HP 4-cycle air-cooled engine.
Start System: You can turn on the generator with the help of a recoil start system.
Power Output: The XP4000S can generate 4000 starting watts and 3300 running watts.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: On a 3.96-gallon fuel tank, the generator can run up to 12.3 hours at half load.
Safety: Safety features include low-oil shutoff and overload protection.
Power Outlets: It has two 120V 20A outlets and one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet.
Weight and Warranty: The weight of XP4000S is 90 pounds, and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Operational Sound: It has a decibel rating of 69 dB (A).
Certifications: You cannot ship this generator to California since it is not a CARB compliant unit.
Other Features: There is a voltmeter along with a low-oil indicator.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP4000Sis easy to start and maintain. It is also less noisy, built to last, and features a durable engine.
Cons: The unit may start leaking oil after few months of usage.
5. All Power America APGG4000 Portable Generator – Best 4000-watt Portable Generator
Generator Type: The last but not the least 4000-watt generator in our list is the All Power America APGG4000. It is a conventional gas-powered generator.
Power Output: It can produce 4000 peak watts and 3300 rated watts.
Engine: We have a 208cc, 7HP OHV air-cooled engine.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: Get an 8-hour runtime at 50% load on a 4-gallon fuel tank. Its runtime is equal to DuroStar DS4000S but lower than Champion Power Equipment 46539 and DuroMax XP4000S.
More Duromax generators here: DuroMax Generator Reviews: Top 5 Picks
Operational Sound: It operates at 72 dB (A).
Start System: Recoil start system
Safety: Low-oil level shutdown sensor
Power Outlets: All Power America APGG4000 has one 12V DC outlet, two 120V 20A outlets, and one 120/240V twist-lock outlet.
Certifications: It is an EPA certified unit but not CARB compliant.
Weight and Warranty: The weight of APGG4000 is 136 pounds.
Other Features: There is a voltage switch that allows you to switch between 120V and 240V but never try to switch between voltages when there is load. Also, we have power and low-oil indicators.
My Opinion:
Pros: The APGG4000 allows you to switch between voltages. It is a decent quality unit that is easy to use. Also, its maintenance is quite straightforward.
Cons: It is a louder unit. Also, its runtime is not according to its fuel tank size.
Buyer’s Guide
Inverter or Conventional Generator
Before deciding the type of generator, consider your usage pattern. Do you use your generator to power only the sensitive appliances; is your use occasional, and you prefer a quieter generator? Do you want to connect the appliances directly to the generator? If the answer to all these questions is in positive, then inverter is the best option. It is also reliable for powering sensitive appliances like laptop and phone chargers, medical equipment, and devices that need clean and stable current. Conventional generators are perfect for people who want more power and use the generator frequently. Conventional generators are rugged than inverters and can withstand more wear and tear. They are cheaper than inverters but produce more exhaust and noise.
Type of Fuel
The next important thing to consider is the type of fuel. Going for a dual fuel generator is the best option if you live in a remote area or a severe climatic region. The reason is that you can store propane for emergency use. When a natural disaster strikes, gas availability is jeopardized. Apart from long shelf life, propane is also cheaper than gas and provides a better run time than gas (only in smaller generators). On the other hand, gas burns better and provides more output, but its exhaust is more harmful than propane. To conclude, it is enough to say that a dual fuel generator is a better option than a single fuel generator because it gives you the freedom to run your generator on two different fuels.
Power Needs
Before making the final purchase, make sure that all your appliances have starting wattage below 4000 watts or fall under the generator’s peak wattage. If the running wattage of an appliance is higher than the maximum output of your generator, you won’t be able to run it. Therefore, check the starting and running wattage of all your appliances and then buy the relevant generator.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime
Try to buy a generator with a big fuel tank. If you plan to use your generator regularly, a big fuel tank will come in handy. You will be able to get more runtime. Similarly, if you plan to use your 4000 watts generator for work sites, you will need a big fuel tank and a high runtime. If you are an occasional user and plan to use your generator only for outdoor or recreational purposes, a small fuel tank will be fine. The runtime increases/decreases as the load applied varies. When the load applied is 25% of the generator’s total output, fuel efficiency is the highest. Experts suggest keeping the load at 50% to streamline fuel usage and runtime.
Starting System
Some models come with a push-button start; others come with a recoil starting mechanism. Some of the models also feature a remote start operation. The price varies from one model to another. Remote start generators are costly. The choice of starting mechanism is based on your preferences. It has no link with the operational efficiency of the generator.
Control Panel
Control panel helps you in controlling the generator when it is running. A fully advanced control panel will come with all the latest features such as an odometer, on/off buttons, choke, meter reading, and power outlets. Please note that generators with advanced control panels are a bit costly as compared to basic units.
Power Outlets
Never ignore the power outlets on the generator. You need them to connect the appliances directly to the generator. For this purpose, you must have the maximum number of outlets on the generator. Look for AC/DC outlets, USB outlets, car adapter outlets, and an RV outlet. If you want to run heavy appliances, it is better to have a 240V conversion switch.
Safety Features
Look for a generator with maximum safety features. Don’t ignore them, even if you have to pay a bit more. Your generator must have surge voltage protection, low oil shutdown, overload shutdown, and indication for low engine oil. It is better to buy a generator with covered outlets as it keeps the outlets and plugs safe from rain and dust.
Portability
4000 watts generators are used for various purposes such as powering your home during a blackout, running your RV, and powering tools at worksites. All these purposes require you to move your generator from one point to another. So, you need high-quality and durable wheels along with push /pull handles to move your generator. You must also check the weight of your generator. Too heavy generators are difficult to move around, and you will need additional help in doing so.
Paralleling Capabilities
Two same model inverters can be connected to double the output and power outlets. To get this benefit, you must look for a generator that is parallel capable. Paralleling allows you to run heavy appliances that can’t be managed on a single inverter.
Noise Level
Always check the noise rating of the generator you are planning to buy. If it is loud, it will be a nuisance in your backyard. Noise pollution is harmful to your health and the environment. If you use your generator frequently for longer spells, you must buy a quieter model. If the noise rating is below 60 DB, it is very reasonable.
Warranty and Certifications
It is better to have a generator with a warranty. Why? Because warranty comes in handy while repairing your generator. You can save a considerable amount if anything wrong happens with your generator during the warranty period. The industry standard is 1-3 years. Some models also come with a warranty of 5 years. You must also consider what certifications your generator has. It must be certified by EPA and CARB (for California residents).
Price
4000 watts generators are known for the value of money they offer. Inverter generators are costly compared to conventional generators but offer quieter operation and stable current. If you are on a tight budget, you can buy a conventional generator. We suggest that you don’t compromise on the quality while trying to save few bucks.
FAQs
What can I run on a 4000-watt generator?
A 4000-watt generator, if used properly, has the capacity to power a lot of appliances. You can use it to run refrigerators, AC, microwave oven, TV, security system, furnace, lights, and heat pumps. You can also power your commercial appliances on it. Any appliance having a starting wattage below 4000 watts can be powered on a 4000 watts generator. If you know load management, a 4000 watts generator can run all the appliances that have a combined running wattage of 4000 watts. The best way to do this is to add loads one by one on the generator and switch off the appliances which are not needed.
Can I use a 4000 watts generator to power my home?
You can connect a 4000 watts generator to the main electric panel of your home. However, it will not be able to run everything in your home. It will only run appliances falling under its power output. It is best for apartments, small homes, and offices. For large homes, a 4000 watts generator is not sufficient for powering the whole house. Make sure you use a transfer switch while connecting the generator to your home.
Can I use a 4000 watts generator on my RV?
Yes. A 4000 watts generator is excellent for RV use. The generator must be RV ready.
Is it a good idea to use a 4000 watts generator at a construction site?
Yes. You can use a 4000 watts generator at a construction site. If your power needs are below 4000 watts, it is a great option. You will get a low running cost compared to larger units. Please keep in mind that you will have to switch off some machines to make room for others. It can lead to downtime during working hours.
How can I increase the runtime on my 4000 watts generator?
If you want more runtime, look for a generator with a big fuel tank. Make sure that the gas tank/propane cylinder is completely filled. Generators give a better runtime when the load is kept below 50% of your generator’s total output.
Is it a good idea to buy two 4000 watts inverter generators or should I buy one big unit?
It depends on your usage pattern. If you aim to power large machines on a generator, buy one single large unit. However, if you want versatility and two different backup options, getting two inverters is a better option. You can connect them to double the output and power outlets.
How to keep my generator safe while running?
To avoid generator theft, use chains, and cable locks. To keep your generator safe while running, keep it on a flat surface. Always use fresh gas and never overload it. Make sure you cover your generator with a tent when the conditions are overcast.
How to do maintenance for my generator?
To ensure that your generator works well for a long time, change engine oil timely, inspect spark plugs, keep all the components dust-free and never store your generator in a wet or humid place. Always cover your generator before storing it for a long time and perform periodic inspection and testing.
What are the limitations of a 4000 watts generator?
4000 watts generators are heavier than 2000 and 3000 watts generator. Their power output is also limited when compared to 6000-8000 watts generator and standby units.
Conclusion
We hope that the selection process has now been made easy for you. All the generators in our list are durable, reliable and time tested. You can select one and never worry about power outages again.