Best 5000 Watt Generators Comparison and Buying Guide

Why 5000 watts generator? 

A 5000 watts generator is perfect in the following situations.

• Powering a majority of appliances in your home/office and outdoors
• Running heavy tools at worksites
• Constructions sites away from grid power
• RVs, tailgating, and campsites
• Food trucks and many more

What appliances 5000-watt generators run?

A 5000 watts generator is capable of powering a majority of appliances in your home, such as air conditioning units, microwave oven, refrigerators, well pump, furnace, TV, lights, and many other machines. It may not be able to run them all together, but with some load management, you can treat a 5000 watts generator as a whole-house unit (for small homes). At work, a 5000 watts generator can power many appliances like air compressors, circular and table saws, power drills, small welding units, and any machine having a starting wattage below 5000 watts. It can also run an entire RV and provide power for tailgating and camping.

In short, 5000 watts is perfect for people looking for a power punch in not so big size. If you live in a severe climatic zone, want power for worksite or RVs, you will need for a 5000 watts generator. Picking the right unit according to your needs can be challenging because of the hundreds of options available. We have sorted this out for you. We have reviewed the best models in this article. This article will also take you through a buying guide and a FAQ section to help you make an educated and well-informed decision.

Let’s look at the 9 best 5000-watt generators.

5000-watt Generator Reviews

1. Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator – Overall Best

Starting and Running Power: This Westinghouse WGen5500 is a transfer switch ready unit that produces 6850 peak watts (starting watts) and 5500 running watts. With this power, you can run various appliances with ease like fridges, fans, freezers, pumps, and so on.

Start System: It features a manual (recoil) start system.

Engine: The powerful and fuel-efficient 420cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine features a cast-iron sleeve for durability.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: A big fuel tank of 6.6-gallon gives up to 20 hours of runtime.

Control Panel: Its control panel has an engine switch and circuit breakers. There is also a Data Center that displays volts, frequency, and hours. More we have four 120V 20A AC GFCI-protected outlets and a 120/240V 30A transfer switch outlet. Here GFCI means Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter that turns off the electric power supply when it detects a lack of balance between the incoming and outgoing current. 

Operational Sound: It is a noisy unit that operates at 72 dB (A).

Safety Features: The fuel gauge tells you about the fuel levels. Also, there is a low-oil shutoff feature along with an automatic voltage regulator. The low-oil shutoff sensor senses the lower oil levels and turns off the engine immediately to prevent damages. On the other hand, the automatic voltage regulator ensures a constant voltage level.

Certifications: The unit is CSA (Canadian Standards Association), CARB (California Air Resources Board), and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)approved.

Weight and Warranty: If we focus on its weight, then it is 170 pounds. And it comes with a warranty of 3 years.

Portability: Fold-down handle and two never-flat tires make the unit easy to move from one place to another.

My Opinion:

2. Generac 5939 GP5500 Gas Powered Portable Generator – Best 5000-watt Generator under $550

Starting and Running Power: Here comes the Generac 5939 GP5500 that generates 6875 watts of peak power and 5500 watts of running power.

Start System: It also comes with a pull start system.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown and overload protection are the two included safety features.

Certifications: Generac GP5500 is not CARB or CSA compliant. You cannot ship it to California.

Engine: It has a less powerful engine as compared to the Westinghouse WGen5500. It is powered by a Generac 389cc OHV engine.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: Its fuel tank size is bigger than the Westinghouse WGen5500, but its runtime is not that great. It can only run for up to 10 hours at 50% load.

Operational Sound: GP5500 is a little bit louder than the Westinghouse WGen5500 with a decibel rating of 74 dB (A).

Weight and Warranty: The weight of this unit is 180 pounds. And it has a 2-year limited warranty.

Portability: Two big never-flat wheels and a carrying fold-down handle make it highly portable. For 11 more portable generators, check out portable generator reviews.

Control Panel: Its control panel is also simple. We have four 120V 20A household outlets that are protected with covers. Also, there is a cover-protected 120/240V AC outlet. Moreover, we have an hour meter with maintenance alerts.

My Opinion:

3. Champion Power Equipment 6250-watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter – Best 5000-watt Inverter Generator

Starting and Running Power: Champion Power Equipment provides clean and stable power to your appliances and electronics. It generates 6250 peak watts and 5000 running watts.

See more: Champion generator reviews.

Engine: It is powered by a 301cc 4-stroke engine.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: Champion 100519 can run for 12.5 hours at 25% load on a 4-gallon fuel tank.

Start System: Its recoil start system works effectively even in cold weather conditions.

Eco-Mode: There is also an Eco-mode that allows the engine to change its speed automatically according to the load applied. This ensures maximum fuel efficiency, longer engine life, and less noisy operation.

Control Panel: The control panel of this generator has four GFCI-protected 120V AC outlets, one 120/240V outlet, and a 12V DC outlet featuring a dual USB adapter. More we have an engine switch, eco-mode switch, three light indicators (low-oil, overload, and output), and an intelligauge that shows runtime in hours, volts, and frequency in hertz.

Operational Sound: The operational sound of Champion 100519 is 69 dB (A).

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown sensor and GFCI-protected outlets

Certifications: It is not only an EPA-certified unit but also a CARB-compliant product.

Weight and Warranty: Its weight is 132 pounds, and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Also, there is free lifetime technical support.

Portability: You can easily move the unit with the help of a folding handle and big, never-flat wheels.

My Opinion:

4. Simpson Cleaning SPG5568 Portable Gas Generator – Best 5000-watt Generator under $900

Starting and Running Power: The Simpson Cleaning SPG5568 produces 6800 peak watts and 5500 running watts.

Start System: It features a manual start option.

Engine: A 420cc SIMPSON OHV engine is the part of this generator.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: It is featured with a 6.08-gallon fuel tank that offers a runtime up to 9 hours at 50% load.

Control Panel: There are four 120V 20A household outlets and a 120/240V 30A outlet. All these outlets are rubber covered. Along with power outlets, we have a data center and an engine switch.

Operational Sound: Its operational sound is not mentioned.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown sensor is there, and you can also add a spark arrestor to use the generator in parks freely.

Certifications: Simpson Cleaning SPG5568 is both EPA certified and CARB compliant.

Weight and Warranty: The weight of this generator is 178 pounds.

Portability: A folding handle with two big, durable tires make it easy to transport the unit.

My Opinion:

5. Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator – Quietest 5000 Watt Inverter

Fuel Type and Power Output: The Briggs and Stratton inverter runs on gasoline and provides 6500 starting and 5000 running watts. The best thing about this unit is that it is an inverter with large power output and less than 3% THD.

Tank Capacity and Runtime: With a tank capacity of 5 gallons, the machine can provide you with 14 hours runtime at 25% load. The backup time (7 hours) at 50% load is outstanding as well.

Engine Specifications: It comes with a 306cc Briggs and Stratton engine. The engine can produce reliable power during emergencies and will start in a couple of attempts in extremely cold weather. It can be started through a recoil starting mechanism.

Outlets: The machine aces the other units in terms of outlets. You get four 120V 20A outlets, two USB outlets, and one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet. A large number of outlets eliminate the need for power extensions.

Safety Features: You get low oil shutdown, overload protection, surge voltage protection. The best thing about this machine is that it comes with a CO guard technology. The CO guard automatically detects the carbon monoxide levels in the surroundings and forces the generator to shut down.

Control Panel: On the control panel, you will find the starting rope, output indicator, choke, fuel gauge, and fuel on/off button. The unit misses out on a data center and LED indicators for low oil and overloading.

Dimensions, Weight, and Portability: The inverter measures 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches and weighs 145 pounds. It is a lightweight unit. The best thing about this machine is that it is extremely portable. The telescopic handle and wheels allow you to take the machine wherever you want it. It just feels like moving with a suitcase.

Noise Level: The noise level is 65 dBA. All the metal parts of this machine are enclosed in an outer casing. This makes it a silent machine.

Warranty and Certifications: It comes with a 2-year residential and 1-year commercial warranty. Please keep in mind that this machine is not CARB compliant and cannot be used in California.

My Opinion:

6. Powermate PM0435005 Portable Generator – Best 5000-watt Generator with Big Fuel Tank

Starting and Running Power: The Powermate PM0435005 generates 6250 surge watts and 5000 running watts.

Start System: It comes with a recoil start system.

Engine: Powermate PM0435005 is powered by a 287cc Subaru EX30 OHV engine.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: The fuel tank size of this generator is 8 gallons that give a runtime of up to 14.4 hours at half load.

Control Panel: Control panel features four 120V 20A household outlets and a 120/240V twist-lock outlet. Also, there is circuit breaker protection.

Operational Sound: It has an average noise level.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown sensor protects the engine from damages.

Certifications: It is not a CARB compliant unit, so it cannot be sold in California.

Weight and Warranty: The weight of this machine is 162 pounds.

Portability: There are dual folding handles, and 10-inch never-flat tires make transportation easier.

My Opinion:

7. DuroMax XP5500E Gas Powered Electric Start Portable Generator – Best 5000-watt Generator under $600

Engine: This 5000-watt generator from DuroMax comes with a 224cc, 7.5 HP DuroMax engine.

Starting and Running Power: It has the ability to produce 5500, starting watts and 4500 running watts.

Certifications: DuroMax XP5500E is EPA certified and CARB compliant.

Weight and Warranty: The weight of the unit is 124 pounds, and it comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Start System: It is featured with both the recoil and electric start systems.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: You can get up to 8 hours of runtime on a 4-gallon fuel tank.

Control Panel: Its power panel features two 120V AC household receptacles and a 120/240V twist-lock outlet. There is a DuroMax MX2 RV switch that allows you to either get full 120V power from the receptacles or both 120V and 240V at the same time. Also, there are circuit breakers, a voltmeter, and a low-oil indicator.

Operational Sound: 69 dB (A) is its decibel rating.

Safety Features: Low-oil shutdown safety feature protects the engine from costly damages.

Portability: There are two durable tires that make the unit easy to move. Also, we have fold-down handles for easy pulling. 

My Opinion:

8. Pulsar PG6000 Portable Gas-Powered Generator – Best 5000-watt Generator under $750

Starting and Running Power: Pulsar PG6000 is another reliable 5000-watt generator that produces 6000 peak watts and 5000 running watts.

Start System: It is powered by a recoil start system.

Engine: PG6000 has a 302cc, 10 HP 4-stroke OHV engine.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: Its tank size is 6.6 gallons that give a 15-hour runtime at 50% load.

Safety Features: Automatic voltage regulator and low-oil shutdown.

Weight and Warranty: It is backed by a 1-year warranty and weighs 181 pounds.

Portability: Never-flat wheels and drop-down handles make it highly portable.

Control Panel:  There are four 120V outlets, one 120V twist-lock outlet, one 120/240V twist-lock outlet, and a 12V DC outlet for battery charging only. Also, there is an oil alert lamp, engine switch, and a voltage frequency hour meter.

Operational Sound: The sound of the unit is about 72 dB (A).

My Opinion:

9. Yamaha EF6300iSDE Gas Powered Portable Inverter –Best Quiet 5000 watt Generator

Certifications: This Yamaha EF6300iSDE portable inverter generator is CARB and EPA certified.

Starting and Running Power: It gives 6300 peak power output and 5500 running power output.

Start System: You have an electric start system. There is also an optional remote start system that you can use to run the generator from up to 66 feet away.

Engine: Yamaha EF6300iSDE features a 357cc 4-stroke OHV engine that adjusts its speed automatically according to the load applied, thanks to the Smart Throttle system.

Fuel Tank/Runtime: On a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, you will get up to 13 hours of runtime at a 25% load.

Control Panel: There are seven power outlets present on the control panel. Four outlets are of 120V AC and one of 12V DC. Also, we have a 120V twist-lock outlet and a 120/240V outlet. More, we have an engine switch, eco-mode switch, power meter, and three LED light indicators.

Operational Sound: It produces noise between 58 dB (A) and 64 dB (A).

Safety Features: Low-oil shutoff and overload protection

Weight and Warranty: It weighs 200 pounds and has a 3-year warranty.

Portability: Four durable wheels and two carrying wheels will surely help you to move the unit with ease. 

My Opinion:

Buyer’s Guide

In this buyer’s guide section, we are going to share those factors that you must consider when buying your best 5000-watt machine.

Conventional vs. Inverter Generator 

Inverter generators have now become much more popular. People prefer inverter generators over conventional generators because they provide clean and stable power so that you can power your sensitive electronics. Also, they are less noisy than conventional generators. But they are expensive and produce lower output power.

Fuel Options

It is not an essential factor to consider if you don’t use your generator frequently. However, if you are buying a unit for frequent usage, then the fuel option becomes most important. The fuel you choose will affect the overall cost in the long run. So, it is necessary to choose fuel options wisely. Mainly dual fuel generators come with gasoline and propane fuel options, so it is good to have this generator use any fuel source based on its cost and availability in your area.

Engine and Output Power

Make sure that you are buying a generator with a powerful and reliable engine. The engine is the essential thing in a generator. If it is good, everything is good; if it is wrong, everything is terrible.

Now, as we are talking about 5000-watt generators, so you are aware of the power output. But still, you need to do some work at home. Make a list of those things that you will run on your generator. And then calculate the total watts to make sure it is not above 5000 watts.

Control Panel

A control panel helps you operate your generator easily. An advanced generator will come with features like an odometer, fuel gauges, wattage drew reading, total run hours, on/off buttons, and power outlets.

Power Outlets

If you plan to run your appliances directly through the generator, be careful while looking at the power outlets. It must have AC/DC outlets to support various machines at one time. You can also use extension cords to increase the number of power outlets. Inverters come with USB and car adapter outlets, which allow you to power sensitive appliances without any fears of surge voltage and fluctuations.

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime

If you are buying a conventional 5000-watt generator, you should go for more than a 6-gallon fuel tank to get a decent runtime. But in the case of an inverter generator, a 4-gallon fuel tank is enough to get the extended runtime. The reason behind this is that inverter generators are more fuel-efficient than conventional generators. Also, the runtime depends on the fuel option you are using and the load applied.

Portability

Never ignore the portability features while buying a 5000 watts generator. You will need to move your generator every time you need alternate power. If you plan to use your generator at worksites, it must have all the features that facilitate moving it around. You may need to move your generator from one floor to another floor. Therefore, a lifting hook is necessary. All the generators in our list come with heavy-duty big tires and handles.

Safety Features

Your generator must-have safety features like voltage surge protection, protection from overloading and overheating. Some latest models also come with low oil indications and auto shutdown in case of low oil. Such features enhance the life of the generator and keep your appliances safe from short circuits.

Paralleling Capabilities

Paralleling means connecting two same model inverters to double the output and power outlets. It helps you run heavy machines which can’t be powered on less power. Please keep in mind that only the same model inverters can be made parallel without any alterations. For conventional generators, you will need a paralleling kit, and the results won’t be satisfactory. There is a high chance of fluctuations.

Operational Sound

For tailgate parties, campgrounds, and other outdoor activities, generators must be quiet. For these purposes, try to get an inverter generator with a quiet operation. But for construction sites, homes, and offices, you may go for conventional generators with the loud operation. However, still, people don’t like a generator’s sound, so they always try to get a unit with lower decibel ratings.

Start System

Most of the inverter generators offer a single pull start system, but when selecting a conventional generator, try to find a unit with more than one start system (manual and electric). It will help you in running the big machine efficiently. However, the most convenient start system is the remote start.

Warranty and Certifications

Warranty on a generator comes useful at the times of repairs during the warranty period. Hence, you must look for a generator with a warranty cover. The industry standard for generator warranty is 1-3 years. Some brands also offer warranties up to 5 years. You must read all the terms and conditions related to the warranty agreement. Certifications from EPA or CARB (for Californians) ensure that the exhaust of your generator and running sound is according to the government guidelines.

Price

The last thing to consider is the price. 5000 watts generators don’t come cheap. We suggest that you consider all the features before deciding your budget. A generator is not something you buy every 6-8 months. You will like it to last for at least 10-15 years. Therefore, look for the best unit in your budget.

FAQs

Conclusion