7 Best 10000 Watt Generators of 2024 – [Portable & Powerful]
In this article, we have included the Best 10000 Watt Generator reviews, a proper buyer’s guide, and the most searched FAQs. The generators we picked on our list are close to 10,000 watts (running watts). Surge watts may be close to 12,000 for some models.
The purchase of heavy-duty generators has increased over the past years because of the increasing number of hurricanes, wildfires, and blackouts leaving homes without local electricity.
Even businesses, worksites, and houses in suburban areas or large cities need anything between 8,000 and 10,000-watt portable generators nowadays.
Even If you are not facing such extreme conditions and want to find a 10 KW generator as backup, road camping in your RV, or for other reasons, you are at the right place.
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Best 10000-Watt Generator
My team and I tested the noise, power output, portability, and reliability of 21 generators in the range of 10,000 to 12,000 watts.
We chose only the top 7 best 10Kw generators, and we have reviewed them because of their budget-friendly price, popularity, durability, fuel efficiency, reliability, and noise levels.
Before we get to the detailed reviews, check out a quick summary of our list.
List Of Best 10000 Watt Generators of 2024
1. GENMAX GM10500iETC Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
From its stellar performance and tri-fuel versatility to its clean power output, I’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect.
So, in my unbiased opinion, this GENMAX GM10500iETC is an absolute beast of an inverter generator. But, of course, I won’t shy away from highlighting any drawbacks.
Performance: 5 out of 5
The GENMAX GM10500iETC is a beast when it comes to performance. With a rated wattage of 9000W and a peak output of 10500W, this generator packs quite a punch.
Whether you need it for emergency backup power during storms, outdoor events, or job sites, it delivers consistent and, most importantly, clean power. For a 10Kw inverter generator, a clean and consistent sine wave is truly amazing.
The GENMAX GM10500iETC boasts a clean control panel with controls for ease of use. It includes a built-in CO (carbon monoxide) sensor for enhanced safety, automatically shutting down the generator in case of dangerous CO levels.
Additionally, it offers a tonne of different outlets and a digital display for real-time performance monitoring.
Tri-Fuel Capability: 5 out of 5
One of the standout features of this generator is its tri-fuel capability. It can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you the flexibility to choose the fuel source that suits your needs and availability.
This versatility is a game-changer for me personally, especially during fuel shortages or when you want a cleaner-burning option.
Clean Sine Wave: 5 out of 5:
The inverter technology in the GM10500iETC is top-notch. It produces a stable and clean sine wave output, making it safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and even medical equipment.
You won’t have to worry about voltage spikes damaging your gadgets.
Portability and Design: 3 out of 5
Considering its power output, this generator is reasonably compact and has sturdy wheels for easy maneuverability.
It’s not feather-light, but it’s manageable for most users. The design is rugged and built to withstand the elements, which is crucial for outdoor use and during rough weather.
Load Test: 5 out of 5
On Natural Gas:
For this review, I decided on the load for natural gas because it is rated the lowest.
I used a full-blown, half-inch inlet to hook the natural gas pipeline. The quick-connect hose comes with the generator. To convert to natural gas, just go down to the natural gas symbol using the switch.
You wouldn’t believe it, but the generator fired up on the very first try after turning the eco-throttle off.
I was so surprised that even on the natural gas, it starts without any hiccups. I connected the watchdog to show you the output.
I connected my 30-amp heater, which is super power-hungry, and I was surprised by the results. The GENMAX GM10500iETC is rated at 6400 on natural gas, and it was able to shoot 7400 watts without even overloading. Crazy right?
Finally, the overload light turned on after I connected another small heater. The final result was:
- 7400 watts before the overload light turned on.
- 7900 watts just before the generator overloaded.
ON Propane:
So just like the natural gas, I connect the propane hose and my watchdog device to monitor the output for you guys.
I tested it on one of my friends’ RVs, which is equipped with all modern appliances, including a massive refrigerator.
Even after running both the AC and the refrigerator, the sincerity was pure, which is amazing for a large inverter generator. That right there is 10/10 from me.
I kept on giving it the load, and finally, the results were:
- 8900 watts before the overload light turned on.
- 9130 watts just before the generator overloaded.
Noise Test: 4 out of 5
I understand that noise can be a concern, especially if you plan to use your generator in residential areas or during quiet outdoor gatherings.
So, I conducted a noise test to see how the GM10500iETC performs in this aspect. From a distance of about 20 feet, the generator registered approximately 72 decibels at full load, which is completely normal.
While it’s not the quietest generator on the market, it’s certainly quieter than many others in its class.
In conclusion, the GENMAX GM10500iETC Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator is a powerhouse that lives up to its promises.
Its tri-fuel versatility, clean power output, and impressive performance make it a standout choice for a variety of applications.
I can’t think of any drawbacks except for the price, which is certainly on the higher end.
9.8 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
2. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual-Fuel 10000 Watt Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
DuroMax XP12000EH is one of the most versatile, popular, and powerful dual-fuel generators with a ton of outlets to practically run anything. I consider this to be the best 10000-watt generator overall.
A 10000-watt generator means convenience and reliability because of the price we are paying, and DuroMax XP12000EH has 4 different types of power receptacles so that you can plug and run anything during power outages.
I just love the design, it is not like those big ass generators that are super hard to carry anywhere. DuroMax XP12000EH is portable and has a wheel to drag it around.
But, the wheels that come with this unit are just terrible, I changed them with 10-inch diameter wheels of my own. I know 6 people did the same so DuroMax XP12000EH should step up their game.
It takes about 1.1 liters and 37 ounces of oil. It starts smoothly, there aren’t any stuttering or bad vibrations while it runs.
Like other models, it did some noise tests of my own. The noise was 88 to 90dB from 5 feet with no load. That’s not terrible. You will be about 75 to 80dB from 30 feet away.
That is to be expected considering the wattage output and size of this beast.
According to the spec sheet, DuroMax XP12000EH dual-fuel generator is supposed to run for 10 hours at 50% on gasoline, and 20 hours at 50% on liquid propane.
I tested that on the idle mode by giving it just about 55% load. On gasoline, it ran for about 11.3 hours, and 20.4 hours on liquid propane. It performed even better than advertised. The fuel I was using was ethanol-free.
Overall, DuroMax XP12000EH dual-fuel generator provides great value for the money. It is budget-friendly, it is versatile, powerful, highly fuel-efficient, and not as quiet as HONDA and other expensive 10000-watt running generators, but it isn’t too loud as well.
Sometimes the negative cable is not attached to the battery, so remove the faceplate and check that. The battery doesn’t always come fully charged so you might as well take out the battery and charge it overnight.
9.7 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
3. Westinghouse WGen9500DF Heavy Duty Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Westinghouse WGen9500DF is an updated and slightly lighter version of the previous Westinghouse WGen9500 with dual fuel capabilities. Westinghouse WGen9500DFc version comes with a CO (carbon monoxide) sensor and it is a bit expensive, but we are reviewing Westinghouse WGen9500DF which doesn’t have a CO sensor because I have used this one.
This model has received highly positive reviews online, and I know some people in my friend circle that been using WGen9500DF model for some time now. All of them have given it 5 stars on AMAZON.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF can pretty much run your entire house thanks to that 50A outlet. It will provide as much power as it has been advertised and then some more.
So in the box, you will get a very detailed user manual, measured oil, a funnel, some tools, a spark plug wrench, and front feet with vibration isolation, and wheels. Assembly takes about 12 to 15 minutes only.
The design is really good, all the outlets are covered, indicator lights and stuff are neatly placed. I like that the 30AMP outlet comes with 120V/240V.
First of all, I checked the noise levels and it was pretty much the same as other 10000-watt range generators. I got about 79 to 80dB from 20 to 25 feet away. It is not too loud but don’t expect a super silent generator in this power and size range.
As far as the performance is concerned, it will run pretty much everything even a 6000-watt dryer without any problem. I have pushed it to the limits, and after crossing 9000 watts continuously, it does bog down a bit but nothing significant.
On liquid propane, you get 1000 watts less than gasoline. 8500 running watts is still high but don’t try to run it close to 8500 watts on propane, the sound pattern changes a little bit which is to be expected.
The newer model Westinghouse WGen9500DFc 10000-watt generator comes with a CO (carbon monoxide) sensor. Other than that, both units are identical.
I would suggest getting Westinghouse WGen9500DFc with a CO sensor because CO is a poisonous gas and most of the time we don’t take care of the proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in such situations and can be harmful.
Overall, Westinghouse WGen9500DF dual fuel generator is a total beast with amazing fuel efficiency. This thing is legit.
9.6 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
4. Durostar DS10000E 10000 Watt Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Durostar DS10000E 10000-watt generator is underrated. This machine produces a whopping 8000 running watts and 10000 surge watts at an affordable price. I assure you that Durostar DS10000E is one of the most durable 10000 portable generators on the market.
Durostar generators are known for their durability in a budget price tag, and Durostar DS10000E is no different.
Though I have using this generator as a backup power source for about 8 months now, some of my mates are using it on farms and job sites because it is pretty reliable and has certifications from the EPA and CARB
It is pretty safe around people because incomplete combustion (CO) levels are extremely low.
The generator in itself is a bit bulky and heavy. Add an extra 50 pounds of fuel and you’re a pretty heavy machine. The wheel does help to move it around but it is a bit bulky nonetheless.
The control is neatly designed and easy to use. An autothrottle switch, an engine key, a couple of circuit breakers, the main circuit breaker, and a Voltmeter. A couple of indicator lights are also installed.
I did a little load test when I first got my hands on these little beats. On idle mode, I was trying to get near 7000 watts without any change in the noise levels, Durostar DS10000E was delivered as promised.
I have this 10000-watt generator to the limit, I got 8120 running watts for a moment, and 8105 watts constant.
The noise levels are not true in the spec sheet. From a distance of 5 feet, it is close to 88 to 90 dB.
From a distance of 30 feet which is the standard distance for whenever I run any generator, I got about 76 to 80dB on full load. It is not that bad but feels a little louder despite that quiet muffler they have installed.
I should give 10 hours of runtime at 50% load, I gave it 45% load and I got about 10 hours and 20 minutes of runtime. I don’t have any complaints because it was on the second time I was running it.
9.6 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
5. WEN DF1100T 11000 Watt Dual-fuel Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
WEN DF1100T is a dual fuel generator that gives about 11,000 surge watts, 8,300 running watts on gasoline, and 9,500 surge watts, 7,500 running watts on propane.
It is an extreme machine that has an electric start, automatic energy controller, and surplus protection.
Gas and propane can be interchanged at the flick of a switch, it is that simple. It is CARB and EPA-compliant which means it is pretty safe around living things.
It has a data meter on the control panel that can tell how many watts you are pulling or hours on the machine.
This generator is made in China. WEN brand has been known for making excellent tools since 1951.
The generator comes with oil, a wheel kit, a propane connection hose, a spark plug wrench, and a helpful user manual.
I don’t think you will need help during the assembly process, but if you do, you can call their customer service during US business hours.
Assembly is easy, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to fully assemble WEN DF1100T.
Even though it is pretty heavy, it can be moved around using the extendable handle and wheel. Still, I won’t label it as portable because it will be hard to get it into the back of a pickup.
Put a gallon or more to first start the generator and remember that it sits on flat ground. The fuel pickup is on the bottom of the fuel tank on one side.
Under no load, I conducted a noise test from 20 feet away, it was between 78 – 80 dB (A).
I gave it a total draw of 5700+ watts to test the change in noise patterns. From 20 feet away, I got 79 – 81dB. There weren’t any changes in the sound pattern.
This is not a super quiet generator none of them are in this size and power range.
It is hard to beat WEN DF1100T 10000-watt generator as far as value for money is concerned. The dual-fuel ability, 50Amp output, is extremely efficient on fuel (confirmed), and super budget-friendly.
9.5 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
6. Pulsar G12KBN-SG Dual-Fuel 10000 Watt Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Pulsar G12KBN-SG has 9500 running watts and it certainly fits the 10,000-watt category. This one is the latest edition of the Pulsar generator family and is powered by a 457cc engine. It is a dual-fuel model with 12,000 peak watts on gasoline and 10,800 peak watts on propane.
Like other generators in the 10,000 watts, Pulsar G12KBN-SG also features wheels and a drop-down handle to carry it around, nothing special.
So back in November, one of my buddies used this exact model in an event they planned, I was there too. They placed the generator 200 feet away, and it powered 8 crockpots simultaneously and some lights.
They ran it for 8 hours. I was immediately hooked up and ordered it from AMAZON this past December.
It was so easy to set up, the machine looks heavy duty with all that metal frame and neat control panel. I like that they have given a 120V/240V 50A outlet and a 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet for heavy-duty use.
I have tested the noise levels from 30 feet, it gave me around 82 to 86dB. I am not sitting close to this generator anyway but is not a quieter model by any means. Generators are expected to be loud in the power range, but this thing is extra loud.
The manufacturer said the harmonic distortion is between 3 to 5%, but I have found it is greater than 5% which is not good, but it is not greater than 6% so it won’t cause malfunctioning in electronic devices.
One of my employees has a 1200-square-foot house that has 4 window units, a water well (30A double-pole), a septic system pump (30amp), and a water heater. He has been using Pulsar G12KBN-SG portable generator since September 2021 and it is running his entire house. He changes the oil every 3 days, and the spark plug every 2 weeks.
This Pulsar G12KBN-SG dual-fuel generator is legit. It has a decent tank capacity, it is not heavy and bulky, the runtime is decent, and its overall performance is incredible.
My only problem is the extra noise and the harmonic distortion. I am going to use this generator regardless of these two issues.
9.5 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
7. A-iPower SUA12000E Portable Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
A-iPower is not a well-known brand like HONDA, Champion, Westinghouse, etc. but it is on par with the best in every department at an affordable price tag. This one is the best 10000-watt portable generator on our list.
This CARB-approved model has about 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts and it fits perfectly in our 10000-watt generator category.
My older brother bought this machine after Hurricane Irma. Like other people, he was also facing power outages.
He was constantly running A-iPower SUA12000E for 13 to 14 hours and he was pretty much running everything that he needed including a 36000 BTU AC.
The average noise level is not 78dB, it is close to 86 to 89dB from 25 to 30 feet away. It is not that loud considering the wattage capacity, but it is not completely silent as well.
We are not going to use a 10000 running-watt generator near where we sit anyway, so all is good in the noise department.
I like the many outlets they provide, the engine size, and fuel efficiency are also good. I did some load tests of my own as I always do. I gave a whopping 10000-watt load.
It did kick a bit because we certainly went up than the advertised 9500 watts, but A-iPower SUA12000E gave me 98000 watts which is excellent.
They provide a protective cover over outlets which is also nice, but the main feature of this 10000 running-watt generator besides power is the portability and user-friendly design.
It is really easy to drag around thanks to those wheels. It is a compact model and doesn’t take up much space for a powerful machine.
I am reviewing A-iPower SUA12000E portable generator because it gave a solid performance when my brother needed it the most after Hurricane IRMA. A generator that is reliable under heavy loads is good.
It is the best 10000-watt portable generator on our list. Not all units in the power range can be moved around that easily.
9.3 OUT OF 10 OVERALL
Best 10000-Watt Generator Buying Guide
10000-watt generators are not cheap, and to find the best 10000-watt generator, we have summarized some things that should be considered before making a purchasing decision along with our list.
Price:
Some 10,000-watt generators like HONDA are expensive while most of them are $1000+ price range. Generators below this price range are not bad but they are no way near as quiet, powerful, efficient, and reliable as the expensive models.
That being said, some of the models like A-iPower SUA12000E, Pulsar G12KBN-SG, Westinghouse WGen9500DF, and WEN DF1100T are budget-friendly and excellent in terms of performance.
Fuel Type And Efficiency:
10,000-watt generators produce massive power. On gasoline, they will give more runtime, more surge watts, and more running watts compared to propane generators. Gasoline is available in abundance as well.
However, propane is the cheaper fuel it burns more cleanly compared to gasoline. The only downside is it provides lesser runtime and surge/peak watts. It is a bit difficult to find as well compared to gasoline.
Checkout our guide about What Will a 10000 Watt Generator Run?
Noise Levels:
Let’s be realistic here, Generators with 10,000-watt power are not gonna be quiet. Anything below 90dB from 30 feet is acceptable.
We are not gonna use these big-ass generators near us anyway. Keep them as far as possible from people’s presence.
Outlets:
A good number of handy outlets is extremely necessary for the best 10000-watt generator.
120V 20A AC outlets, x1 120V/240V 30A t, and x1 120V/240V 50A outlets are standard for big units to power the entire house. Apart from these, USB outlets for camping and a trickle charging outlet to keep the battery up and running are also preferred by outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, generators of this size should have the right number of outlets to power large households.
How Much Fuel Does a 10KW Generator Use?
| Generator | Tank size | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP12000EH | 8.3 gallons | 11 hours at 50% on gasoline |
| A-iPower SUA12000E | 7 gallons | 9 hours runtime at 50% load |
| Durostar DS10000E | 8.3 gallons | 10 hours runtime at 50% load |
| WEN DF1100T | 6.6 gallons | 8.5 hours runtime at 50% load |
| Westinghouse WGen9500DF | 6.6 gallons | 12 hours runtime at 50% load |
| Pulsar G12KBN-SG | 8 gallons | 12 hours runtime at 50% load |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will a 10,000-watt generator run?
If the individual outlets can handle the amps load of the item you plug into it, a 10,000-watt generator should run every major appliance in your house. It should run a fridge, a freezer, a microwave, a dishwasher, a ½ furnace, an electric oven, a water heater, and a washing machine. It can even run a 6750 electric clothes dryer with other small appliances.
What is the best 10000-watt generator?
DuroMax XP12000EH, A-iPower SUA12000E, Durostar DS10000E, WEN DF1100T, Westinghouse WGen9500DF, and Pulsar G12KBN-SG are some of the generators that to our list. Among them, Westinghouse WGen9500DF might be the best 10000-watt generator due to its low price and powerful performance on both gasoline and propane.
How loud is a 10,000-watt generator?
Let’s get realistic, Generators in this size range are not gonna be quiet. The standard noise is between 80 to 86dB from 25 to 35 feet away for most of them. Some models are super quiet like HONDA and WEN DF1100T.
What is the best 10000-watt portable generator?
A-iPower SUA12000E is the best 10000-watt portable generator on our list in some ways. A completely portable generator is extremely hard to find in this power range.
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.