A 10,000-watt generator, also known as a 10KW generator, is a class of generator that is designed to provide a peak supply of at least 10,000 watts of power. The best 10,000-watt generator will run all day before needing to be refueled, will be quiet, will be EPA approved, and will be able to supply about 8,000 watts of continuous power.
Modern generators are very easy to maintain and even easier to use, and contemporary models are much quieter than prior generators. They are basically just engines that run at a fixed speed while driving an alternator and an inverter (Source).
With a 10,000 watt generator, you are no longer dependent on your local power grid. In times of crisis, you will be able to power your entire home, and still have extra power to spare. Knowing that you have the ability to completely power your home during an outage gives you peace of mind and security (Source).
With the overwhelming number of 10KW generators on the market, choosing the appropriate model can feel overwhelming. Before you purchase a 10,000-watt generator, consider its price, weight, and fuel capacity. You should also consider its warranty, noise level, and EPA status.
In this list, we will take a comprehensive look at all the top-rated 10,000-watt generators. All of the generators in this review will provide reliable power wherever, and whenever you need it, whether you are running a job site that doesn’t have the power on yet, or you are just going camping and want to take your power with you.
Can a 10,000 Watt Generator Power a House?
A 10,000-watt generator can certainly power a house. Even most 5,000 to 7,500-watt generators can power your typical household devices, such as refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, laptops, lighting, TV’s, and more.
How Much Does a 10,000 Watt Generator Cost?
Based on the engine capacity, fuel type, and additional features, different 10,000-watt generators come at different price points. Most 10,000 watt generators cost between $1,000 and $2,300. In addition to the generator cost, you also need to factor in the cost of the required accessories.
One of the important generator accessories is a transfer switch. Manual transfer switches are priced between $100 and $800, while the lunatic ones can cost as much as $2,000. You also need to factor in the labor cost, if you will be hiring a professional to install the generator.
Comparing the Best 10,000 Watt Generators
| DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator | ||||
| Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra Duty Portable Generator | ||||
| A-iPower SUA12000E 12,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Generator | ||||
| All Power America APGG10000, 10000W Watt Generator | ||||
| Pulsar Non-CARB 10,000W Dual Fuel Switch & Go Technology Generator |
1. DuroMax XP12000EH – The Best 10,000-Watt Portable Generator
This DuroMax model is one of the best dual-fuel generators in the market, capable of running on either gasoline or propane. It features a user-friendly, keyed electric start, and an optional recoil start. The generator is powered by a 457cc, 18HP DuroMax OHV Engine, capable of producing up to 12,000 watts of power.
On its panel, the model features one 120v/30AMP twist-lock outlet, two 120V/20AMP outlets, a 120/240V 30AMP outlet. The unit also has a 50-amp heavy-duty outlet that is meant for the more demanding applications. Additionally, it is equipped with a voltmeter, low-oil indicator, circuit breakers, idle control, and a unique MX2.
2. Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra Duty Portable Generator – The Best TV Ready 10,000 Watts Generator
The model has been proven to deliver optimal rated and peak wattages with a harmonic distortion of less than five percent. It is fitted with four 5-20R GFCI household outlets, one L5-30R outlet, one 14-50R receptacle, and two 5-volt USB ports, for enhanced versatility.
The generator features remote electric start and Smart idle capabilities. It is powered by a powerful, yet economical V-Twin engine. This 713cc gasoline engine produces about 22HP for reliable and consistent power generation. Fitted with a 10.5-gallon tank, the model delivers a runtime of about 16hours.
3. A-iPower SUA12000E 12,000-Watt Gasoline-Powered Generator – The Most Portable 10,000-Watt Generator
It features a keyless one-touch button for easy electric start, allowing for an effortless startup of the generator. Its GFCI Protected Outlets provides added protection and safety, especially when the generator is used under damp conditions. The 1-1/4in heavy-duty full frame of the generator offers enhanced strength and protection.
You will also like the ergonomically angled control panel, which features a DC adapter plug and convenient USB ports. It has been proven to be powerful enough to power up lights, TV, refrigerator, pump, air conditioner, and fan simultaneously.
4. All Power America APGG10000, 10000W Watt Generator – The Best Gasoline-Powered 10,000-Watt Generator
If you are looking for an American brand quality in your generator, the All Power American APGG10000 model will be a great choice. The unit is suited for an area of applications, ranging from general home use, and emergency power backup to Be standby generator uses.In addition to its strong and durable construction, the generator is EPA Certified. For home applications, the model has a NEMA L-14 socket, which delivers up to 240V of power at 30 amps. This allows you to connect the generator to your home and power small to mid-range appliances. The outlets are rugged and durable because All Power believes in providing quality products for their customers.
You will also find the generator relatively easy to start, with its push electric start button. Additionally, it features a recoil start system as a backup for when the electric start fails.
5. Pulsar Non-CARB 10,000W Dual Fuel Switch & Go Technology Generator – The Best Dual-Fuel 10,000-Watt Generator
If you are using LPG to run the generator, you can only achieve about 7,000 watts in running power and 9,000 watts in peak power. Although the power output is comparatively low, the generator may be used as a backup power source for larger applicants and electronic devices.
It features convenient Switch & Go technology, allowing fora seamless transition between fuel sources, without having to shut the generator down. You will also like its durable steel frame, never-flat wheels, and convenient drop-down handles. These make the unit easier to move and store.
See this review of top Pulsar generators for other options.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a 10,000 Watt Generator
The suitability of a power generator to any application mainly depends on its power output. As a matter of fact, generators are sold by power output, as measured in watts.
A more powerful generator will allow you to run more appliances and tools at the same time without overworking the machine.
In addition to the wattage, there are several other things you need to consider while shopping for the best 10,000-watt generator, including:
Surge Vs Rated Power
Most of the leading 10,000-watt generator manufacturers only include two power ratings on their products; the rated and the surge wattage. The rated generator wattage refers to the maximum watts the generator can sustain over an extended period.
Surge wattage, on the other hand, is the maximum power the unit can produce, but can only be exploited for a few seconds.
The surge wattage of a generator may also be referred to as the peak, spike, or maximum power output. Even with the best 10,000-watt generators, it is not advisable to run the unit at peak wattage for more than 30 minutes.
When Do You Need the Surge Watts?
Most generator applications do not require the extra surge watts your preferred 10,000 watts generator has to offer.
However, the surge watts of the generator will come in handy when using the generator to power components and tools that need to build momentum. Such appliances include fans, refrigerators, and compressors.
Surge watts will also be utilized when the unit is used to power high-resistant tools like chainsaws. However, appliances and devices that generate heat and light, such as space heaters, only draw a flat amount of water, hence will not require the surge watts.
Fuel Type
Most of the larger generators are powered by engines that run on fossil fuels. As you may have noticed, the various 10,000-watt generator models in the market run on different fuel types.
Your choice of the right generator fuel should be influenced by its availability in your area as well as affordability in the long run. If you want the choice to switch between fuels, you may opt to purchase one of these top-rated tri-fuel portable generators.
In this regard, here are the main generator fuel types you should consider:
- Liquid Propane (LP)
This is one of the fuel types that is commonly used to power generators today. Liquid propane is particularly common with portable generators.
To power such a generator, you will need to connect it to an LP cylinder as you would a barbeque grill.
Once the propane in the cylinder has been depleted, you will need to replace it with a pre-filled cylinder, available in most gas stations throughout the country.
To get longer runtime from the generator, you may connect it to a larger external liquid propane tank. As compared to gasoline generators, LP units have a comparatively longer runtime and burn clean.
However, you have to be extremely careful with these generators to avoid LP leaks, which can have dire consequences. Again, they may not be the right choice for cold places because LP may not remain pressurized under the low temperature.
- Gasoline
10,000-watt gasoline generators are rather common. Their preference over other types of generators may be attributed to the easy availability of the fuel. Gasoline is also easy to refill and works great in small engines.
With gasoline-powered 10,0000 watt generators, you will have numerous models to choose from. The runtime of such generators depends on their consumption as well as on the size of their reservoir tanks. The downside to gasoline generators is that they produce toxic fumes and exhaust gases.
- Diesel
Diesel is used as a fuel in generators that have large and heavy engines, especially the industrial and backup generators. As such, you will not find a 10,000-watt generator, diesel-based, and portable.
The good thing with diesel-powered generators is that they deliver Extremely high energy outputs and only require minimal maintenance.
- Natural Gas (NG)
These are designed to connect to the piped natural gas in your home like a regular stove. Just as is the case with LP generators, you need to be careful with NG generators to avoid leaks. Generators that run on natural gas burn clean and are cheap to run in the long run.
Although most of the leading 10,000 watts generators run exclusively on one fuel type, some are capable of using different types of fuel. For instance, some of the best dual-fuel 10,000-watt generators can run in either gasoline or propane.
Type and Number of Outlets
Different generator models are equipped with an assortment of power outlet ports.
Some will only have one type of outlet while others have multiple outlet types. Your choice of the right generator outlet port should be based on the desired application.
These are the three main generator outlet types you should consider:
Wall Outlets
Most of the best 10,000 watts generator brands come with at least two regular 120-volt wall outlets as standard. The more powerful generator models tend to have more of these outlets.
If you would like to connect multiple appliances to the generator, you should consider getting a more powerful unit that features multiple wall outlets. If the generator is meant for use in damp conditions, it is advisable to go for a mod that has GFCI outlets instead.
120/240-Volt Outlets
In addition to wall outlets, larger generator models are also fitted with an additional locking 120/240 volt outlet. Such an outlet is best suited for use with water pumps and other larger appliances, or tools. These ports are only available on gyrators that produce at least 4,000 watts.
RV Outlets
Are you looking forward to using your generator to power a recreational vehicle (RV)? If so, you should go for a 10,000 watts model that features a 30- RV outlet as well. In most of the leading brands, the RV output port is circular in shape and features a twist-lock mechanism.
The twist-lock mechanism prevents the power cord from pulling out accidentally. If your RV I’d not compatible with this standard port shape, you will need to get an adapter. Better still, you should get a generator that has a compatible RV port.
Ready to Use a 10,000 Watt Generator?
The power of a generator is expressed in watts and determines the number and type of appliances the unit can power at once. The same is the case for a 10kw generator, diesel or some other fuel-based.
Cumulatively, the wattage of the appliances and electronic devices you will be connecting to a generator should be lower than its rated wattage.
Additionally, your preferred generator should have the outlets you need, and use the type of fuel you prefer. With this guide at your disposal, you should have an easy time choosing the best 10,000-watt generator for whichever application.
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