The equipment which provides you power in conditions of power outages are generators, and we are going to discuss here the most powerful of them. There are generators available with a power rating of 10,000 watts to 15,000 watts. But our discussion will be limited to only 10,000-watt generators.
These are the only generators you are going to need to power all appliances in your house. It can run the bulbs, and it can also run the heavy-duty air conditioners. When the next power outages hit, you would like to be ready. There is a possibility of a power outage, which may even run for days. In that case, a 10,000-watt generator becomes an extreme necessity.
These generators are excellent tools for the construction site as well because you won’t need many generators to power all the tools. You can power many with only one big generator.
So, if you are looking for one, then you are at the right place. We have reviewed the best 10,000-watt generators in the market; go through them to find the best one for your need.
| DuroMax XP12000EH (Best Overall)
 
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| WEN DF1100T (Cheapest yet Quality Generator)
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| Westinghouse WGen9500
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| Champion 100110
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| Rainier R12000DF
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| A-iPower SUA12000E
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| DuroMax XP10000E
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| Champion 100111
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| Pulsar G12KBN-SG
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Table of Contents
Best 10,000-Watt Generator
1. DuroMax XP12000EH Gas/Propane Generator
Duromax has presented us with the generator bear so powerful and durable that it will be hard to find anything like it in this category and that too with this price point.
This generator provides you the flexibility to use either gasoline or propane as fuel. If you don’t have access to one, you can use another. It is especially helpful in remote areas and towns where you might not have access to the propane but can find the gasoline very easily.
Moreover, the starting of the generator is a hassle-free process thanks to its electric start, and for some reason, if it refuses to start the generator, then you will have a backup from the recoil start. The powerhouse of the generator is a 457cc 18 HP 4-stroke engine, which is EPA and CARB compliant and generates 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts.
This power can be accessed through the various outlet on the control panel, and the control panel consists of two 120V/20AMP outlets, one 120v/30AMP twist-lock outlet, a 120/240V 30AMP outlet, and a 50-amp heavy-duty outlet to power the most demanding needs.
Along with the outlets, the panel also accommodates a volt-meter, circuit breakers, a low oil indicator, and an MX2 switch. This MX2 switch lets you double the power output through a power outlet.
To store the gasoline, the generator features 8.3 gallons of the fuel tank; when the tank is full with the generator gives a runtime of 8 hours at the half load. If we attach the 20 lb. propane tank, then the runtime will increase to 20 hours at half load.
To reduce the noise of this “Beast”, the construction is done with an all-metal frame, and there are also noise-reducing mufflers.
That being said, the unit is also easy to move around with the use of a handle kit and solid flat tires at the base. With the lasting durability of this unit, the manufacturer also offers the 3-years of limited warranty.
Read the Full Review of Duromax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Pros
- Immense power output.
- Works on dual fuel.
- MX2 switch to double the voltage.
- Durable built.
- CRB and EPA compliant engine.
Cons
- It is heavy.
- Significant noise.
2. WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Wen is known for its reliable and strong products. This powerful generator provides the starting watts of 11,000 and 8,300 running watts on gasoline, but with the use of propane, the starting watts would be 9,500, and running watts would be 7,500. And yes, you should have guessed by now that it is a dual fuel generator that works on either gasoline or propane.
When you invest in any gadgets, you expect them to be convenient and easy to use and maintain, and this generator promises that. It can be started with just a push-button electric start, no hassle there.
When it starts generating power, you can have access to it through power outlets on a control panel. It has 120V GFCI outlets, a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, a 120V/240V 50A outlet, and a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug.
The backend of the generator for the generation of the power is an engine, and the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine is CARB & EPA III compliant, which will supply the power to your appliances in power outage conditions.
Furthermore, to keep your appliances from harm, the generator comes with an automatic voltage regulator, and to protect the generator, it comes with overvoltage protection.
When the generator’s fuel tank is full of gasoline, the unit will run for 8.5 hours. The maximum amount of fuel a generator can hold is 6.6 gallons.
The generator comes with a 47-inch long hose, which is a good addition to the kit and makes the connection of the LPG tank to the generator easier. On top of this, the generator comes with friendly customer support if you encounter any problems, and if you can’t fix it, they will do it for you, free of cost, if your generator is not more than 2 years old.
Pros
- Good power output even with the propane.
- Easy to use.
- Comes with wheels and handles to move around.
- Switching between fuels is possible even when it is running.
Cons
- Little noisy.
- Need to be careful to power electronics.
3. DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator
With the powerful 440cc 18hp engine, this generator can power the whole house in case of an emergency. The engine works on a generator that can supply 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts. With this many running watts, you can easily run the air conditioners, refrigerator, and other heavy power tools.
On the control panel of this generator, you will see two 120V household GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, one 240V 30A outlet, and one 240V 50A outlet from where you will access the power for your appliances.
Along with these outlets, there will be an MX2 switch that is used to increase the voltage of the outlet from 120V to 240 V, which means you will get double power if you desire. The panel also has a circuit breaker, which will prevent any accidents from happening.
There is one more safety feature that will turn off the generator if the oil level is low. The generator also improves the fuel consumption where the need for power is intermittent by lowering the speed of the generator. Also, the generator is CARB and EPA compliant, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
Moving on, the generator can be started manually by using a pull-start, or a simple push of a button is enough because it also features an electric start.
The major highlight of this generator is the fuel tank that can hold a maximum of 8.3 gallons of gasoline and it gives a runtime of 10 hours when the generator runs at a 50% load. Moreover, the generator is backed by a 1 years limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Simple electric starting.
- Supplies enough power for the whole house.
- Durable built.
- 10 hours of runtime at 50% load.
Cons
- It’s bulky.
4. Champion 100110 11,500-watt Portable Generator
If you are looking for a generator to power your tools at the job site or a simple backup power to your home, this generator should be on your list.
It features a powerful 459cc 4-stroke engine to generate electricity, and it produces 11,500 running watts and 9,200 running watts. Keep in mind this generator is not for a small household.
Another convenient thing is its electric start, just toggle the electronic switch, and the generator will roar with life. If you generally had many problems with your generator to start them in cold weather, then you won’t have that problem here, thanks to its cold start technology.
Also, the generator features a 7.7 gallons fuel tank. When the generator is running with 50 % load and the tank is full, it offers a runtime of 50% load. When working, the generator will produce a 74 dBA of noise if heard from the 23 feet distance, which is an average noise level for the generator of this size.
The control panel on the front is equipped with a wide variety of outlets. It has a 120-Volt/240-Volt 30 Amp locking outlet, a 120-Volt/240-Volt 50 Amp outlet, and four covered 120-Volt 20 Amp GFCI protected household outlets. The control panel also has an Intelligauge to monitor the runtime, frequency, and voltage of the generator.
It is bulky with a weight of 250 pounds. It poses a little challenge to move it around, but don’t worry with the attached wheels and the handle makes the moving process much easier.
With its powerful performance and easy start, the company also offers a 3 years limited warranty on this generator.
Pros
- Strong build quality.
- Electric start.
- 3 years warranty.
- 7.7 gallons of large fuel tanks.
- Comes with a variety of outlets.
Cons
- It is quite heavy.
- It doesn’t have a fuel gauge.
5. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start
This is a robust and powerful dual fuel generator from the Rainier, and you can either use gasoline or propane to get the electricity. It has a 457cc OHV 4 stroke engine, which gives a runtime of up to 17 hours when the generator runs on a 25% load.
The noise it makes while operating is 72db, which is low compared to what other generators in this category make. If we talk about the output power, then gasoline supplies more power than propane. When gasoline is used, the generator supplies 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts. On the other hand, when the propane is used, the generator delivers 10,800 starting watts and 8550 running watts.
The fuel tank can hold a maximum of 6.6 gallons of fuel. The generator comes with a fuel gauge so that you know when to add the fuel, and if the fuel level drops below a certain level, then the generator will automatically shut off thanks to its low oil shutdown feature.
One more convenient feature in this is an electric start, and there is also a recoil start if the generator fails to operate by an electric start.
The control panel of this generator is equipped with many electrical outlets; it has two 120v 20a GFCI household outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, one 120V 30A outlet, and one 120/240 V 50 A outlet. Along with the electrical outlets, there are two grounding ports and a VFT display that shows the volt, frequency, and lifetime hours.
With this power rating, the generator is expected to be heavy, but to make transportation easy, it comes with two 10 inch wheels and two foam grip handles. For your peace of mind, the generator comes with a 3 years warranty.
Pros
- Powerful engine.
- Easy to access control panel.
- Protection from overload.
- Automatic low oil shutdown.
- Electric start.
Cons
- Makes more noise.
- High noise level.
6. Pulsar G12KBN-SG Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
Pulsar G12KBN-SG is a powerful portable generator that takes in either gas or propane as fuel. This 10,000-watt generator supplies a massive amount of power to run almost all appliances of medium to large households, including air conditioners, fridges, and other demanding appliances too.
When you use gasoline, the generator can provide up to 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, but if the propane is used, the generator will offer 10,800 peak watts and 8,550 running watts. I know that when using propane, the power drops a few hundred watts, but propane has other advantages like less noise while running, no frequent maintenance, and it also increases the lifetime of the device.
The generator features a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine, which is CARB compliant, so you can use it even in countries with strict rules about pollution. On top of that, it features an electric start, which means a convenient start with just a push of a button is ensured.
To store the gasoline, the generator has an 8-gallon fuel tank; if it is full, you can expect 12 hours of continuous runtime from the generator when the connected load is half of the rated load.
You will also be able to power various appliances through this generator due to its collection of versatile outlets on a control panel. It has four 120V 20A AC outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, one 120V/240V 50A outlet, one 12V DC output.
The generator is quite heavy, but the drop-down handle and never-flat wheels make it easier to move around. Also, the quality of the construction material is excellent, which makes it very sturdy and durable.
To give the consumers peace of mind, the manufacturer provides a warranty of 1-year on this tool.
Pros
- So many outlets.
- Powerful and CARB compliant engine.
- Easy electric start.
- Direct connection to the transfer switch and RV is possible.
Cons
- It’s heavy.
- Makes noise.
7. Westinghouse WGen9500 Portable Generator
Westinghouse has been providing quality products since the age of a time, and this generator is no different. It features a 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine, and it is constructed from cast iron, which makes it highly durable and sturdy.
With the power of the engine, the generator supplies 12,500 maximum peak watts and 9,500 running watts. Also, note that the generator uses gasoline as fuel, and with the 6.6 gallons of tank, it will give a continuous runtime of 12 hours at 50% load.
To keep an eye on a fuel level, it comes with a built-in fuel gauge. The generator needs oil for the rotating parts to function properly, and if the oil level falls below a certain level, then the generator will automatically shut down.
This product offers two starting methods, you can use either a push-button electric start to conveniently start the generator, or you can use a remote start feature. Remote start is possible with the key fob which comes with the generator. When you keep the generator away for less noise, this feature comes in very handy.
You will be able to power all major appliances like an air conditioner, refrigerator, etc., from the larger 14-50R outlets on the control panel, and it also has an outlet for a direct connection to the transfer switch. To keep an eye on different parameters, the generator also has a VFT display that will show you the voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours.
The generator is very convenient to move around with the help of heavy-duty never-flat wheels, foam grip handle, and lift bracket.
The 3-years warranty and the nationwide customer support from the manufacturers imply that you can surely invest in this generator without a doubt.
Read the Full Review of Westinghouse WGEN9500DF Dual Fuel Generator
Pros
- Long runtime of 12 hours.
- Remote and electric start.
- 50 A outlet.
- CARB compliant engine.
- Large fuel tank.
Cons
- It’s bulky and heavy.
- It makes noise.
What to Look for When Buying Heavy-Duty Generators?
Before buying a generator, go over these parameters because it will help you make a better choice.
Fuel Availability
You can choose a generator that either uses a single fuel or dual fuel to generate electricity. The choice of the generator should be based on the availability of a specific fuel in your area. If you live in a remote town, then propane may not be available there, so the safe choice would be to go with the gas-powered generator or the dual fuel generator.
Generally, the gas-powered generator is the most preferred because of its ability to supply more power, but you will have to wait until the generator cools down when refueling. While for the propane, you won’t need to wait; you can directly attach another tank as soon as one goes out.
We recommend that you go with the dual fuel generator. If there is a shortage of one type in some natural disaster condition, then your power needs will be ensured by another fuel.
Power Output
The power output of the generator is an important consideration. A generator will have two types of power output rating, the starting watts and the running watts.
Running watts is that power that your generator is capable of supplying for a continuous period without any problems. In contrast, the starting watts is the rating that the generator can supply for a short time to start an appliance. A starting watt is needed when the appliance contains the motor.
We suggest that you go with the generator, which has 10,000 running watts because it will be sufficient to power most of the heavy-duty appliances in the house. But the better thing will be to calculate the running and starting watts of all the appliances in the house and then buy the generator.
Noise Level
If you are going to use these high power generators for the house, then the consideration of the noise level becomes important. It will be relatively less important if your main use is to power the construction site tools. No one minds the generator’s noise when many types of machinery will be making noise much more than this little beast.
Besides, you can’t expect a 10,000-watt generator to be quiet, but the best choice is to go for the one with a noise level between 70 dB to 74 dB. More than that will disturb everyone around in the vicinity of the generator.
Runtime
Two things affect the generator’s runtime more than others, the first is fuel type, and the second is a load connected to the generator.
A generator running on gasoline will provide more runtime than the one which is running with propane as fuel. Also, if the load connected to the generator is more, the fuel consumption will be more, and the runtime will be less.
When the size of the generator is big, which denotes that the generator has a big storage tank, this big tank can store more fuel, which means more runtime. Generally, the runtime this generator offers can vary between 7 hours to 12 hours at 50% load, depending on the fuel tank size.
Also, if the engine of the generator is not so efficient, then the generator will also provide less runtime.
Portability
These are big and bulky generators, and they are going to weigh much more than the small portable generators. But, the extra weight is not going to be a problem since most of the sellers include the handles on the body to move it around, and also, the never-flat tire makes the job much easier.
But still, if you are someone who moves their generator a lot, then we suggest trying to find the smallest generator which fits your power needs.
Warranty
A generator is an electromechanical device; no matter how robust the construction is, it still is a piece of equipment, and the equipment is prone to damage and internal problems. If this problem arises in your unit, then it will be much convenient to tackle if you have a warranty.
So, make sure the generator manufacturers offer the warranty for enough period and also know from the dealer what is covered under warranty. The minimum period for the warranty should be 2 years.
FAQs
Q. When Will You Need a 10000-Watt Generator?
There was a time when you would have seen a 10,000-watt generator only at construction sites, but now it is a common thing to have at home. The reason being the frequent power outages, which can even last for a week if there is a natural disaster like, hurricane, tsunami, etc.
You may experience a power outage even if there is no natural disaster, this can be due to many reasons like extreme weather conditions or fallen electric poles. The reason is irrelevant, the main thing is a power outage, you will experience it.
A 10,000-watt generator keeps everything running in your house starting from the fan to the demanding air conditioner.
Besides, you need this kind of power at a construction site if there is no power supply to power your biggest tools. It can also keep the A/C running at the site.
Q. What is the Fuel Consumption of A 10,000-Watt Generator?
The consumption of fuel depends on many factors. It depends on the size of a fuel tank, and it will also depend on the runtime of a generator. The runtime is an obvious dependency. As you know, if the runtime of a generator is more, then the generator is going to use less fuel and vice versa.
If the engine of the generator is less efficient, then the generator is going to use more fuel. A general estimate for the consumption of fuel would be more than 18 gallons to run for 24 hours.
Q. What Can You Run with A 10,000-Watt Generator?
A 10,000 watt is a very high amount of power, and you can run most of the appliances of your household like lightbulbs, freezer, refrigerator, and even that power-consuming air conditioning unit. If you run a few high power-consuming appliances simultaneously, it will not be possible if the total wattage increases the power output.
Also, if you are at a construction site, it can run a majority of your equipment, but similarly, if the load is out of its capacity, then the generator may not work properly.
Q. How Noisy Are These Big Generators?
The first thing to note would be their engines. To produce this much power, the engines have to be powerful, and you can’t generate power silently. The generators which offer a power output of more than 10,000 watts are going to be noisy.
Most of the generators we have discussed here fall in the category of 70 dB to 75 dB, which is the acceptable noise limit to use at any household if the noise level exceeds that then it may affect your living and hearing.
