Table of Contents
A 10000 watt generator is a great option if you are looking for something as powerful as a small standby generator, but with the convenience of being moved around.
10000 watt portable generators pack enough juice to run pretty much any appliance you’d find in a small-to-medium size home. They are also heavily employed in most off-grid construction sites, and also offer a reliable powerhouse for all your landscaping equipment and tools.
So, which are the best 10000 watt generators to buy this year?
Let’s find out.
Our Top Pick
DuroMax XP12000EH
- Dual fuel functionality
- Good build quality
- High power outlets
How to Choose the Best 10000 Watt Portable Generator
Do you really need a 10000 watt generator and how to choose the best for you? We will try to answer these questions in the following lines.
So, whether you need a 10k watt portable generator or not will highly depend on the number of devices you would like to run simultaneously when power from the main grid is not available.
Check the power requirements of your appliances to see how much total power you will need. Then check generator’s peak and running wattage. Peak wattage (a.k.a starting watts) refers to the maximum wattage that the generator can afford for a few seconds to let you start high-power motor-run tools and equipment. Running watts refers to the maximum load that the generator can accommodate without tripping or overheating. If the generator doesn’t cover the needed watts, then you should look for another model.
Another thing to consider is the size of the tank. The best 10000 watt generators are fitted with large engines that require a higher volume of fuel to produce this enormous amount of power. A larger tank will mean a longer runtime (at least in most cases).
In addition, you also want to get a generator with the best convenience and safety features within your budget. These include a circuit breaker, main switch, low-oil alert light, and automatic shutdown, fuel gauge, and electric starter. It also pays to go for a generator with lots of power outlets to let you spread the load safely.
Best 10000 Watt Generators Reviews
DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator
- Dual functionality
- Good build quality
- High power outlets
- Heavy
- Pricey
| DuroMax XP12000EH Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 12000 (gasoline), 11400 (propane) |
| Running Watts | 9500 (gasoline), 9025 (propane) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane |
| Noise Level | 74 dBA |
| Tank size (gal) | 8.3 |
| Run Time | 8.83 hrs (gasoline), 7.2 hrs (propane) |
| Dimensions (in) | 40 x 29 x 27.5 |
| Weight (lbs) | 269 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Dubbed ‘the Beast’ by its manufacturer, Duromax XP12000EH uses a 457cc engine which is designed, crafted, and assembled right here in the USA.
As proof of its quality, this engine provides 12000 watts of surge power and 9500 watts of continuous output.
This massive power output is what makes the Beast a go-to generator for most house builders and road contractors around the world. And this makes more sense with the fact that Duromax does ship spare parts globally.
The XP12000EH also has everything you’d need to use it as a portable or standby emergency backup solution at home. This generator has a recoil and electric starter and a fully packed panel with (1) 120v/30A Twist-Lock outlet, (1) 120v/240v 30A receptacle, (2) 120v/20A outlets, and a 50A heavy-duty outlet for the most demanding appliances.
But what we find so impressive about this generator is its dual-fuel functionality. You can switch between gasoline and propane when either of the 2 is either unavailable or too expensive.
This generator weighs a massive 269 lbs. With its 8.3-gallon tank full, the Beast can offer a runtime of 8.83 hours at half load, and 7.2 hours on a 20-pound propane tank at the same load.
A-iPower SUA12000E 12,000-Watt Portable Generator
- Very affordable
- Heavy-duty construction
- Electric starter
- Lots of power
- Loud
| A-iPower SUA12000E Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 12000 |
| Running Watts | 9000 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Noise Level | 78 dBA |
| Tank size (gal) | 7 |
| Run Time | 9 hrs |
| Dimensions (in) | 27 x 27 x 27 |
| Weight (lbs) | 206 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
A-iPower is a relatively new brand headquartered in Los Angeles, California. If you can turn a blind eye to brand’s low popularity, SUA12000E is hands down the best 10000-watt generator that you can get for its price.
This is a very powerful and equally reliable beast with tons of features that you’ll only find with generators several hundred bucks pricier.
It is fitted with a 459cc China-made engine that outputs 9000 watts of continuous power. This is enough wattage to keep most of the appliances in a small home humming throughout a storm.
In addition, it has no issue maxing out its output to 12000 watts of peak power to let you start most of your construction and landscaping appliances without the anxiety of tripping.
The A-iPower SUA12000E is equipped with a 7.0-gallon tank, and what won us over is its ability to provide at least 9 hours of continuous runtime at 50% of its total load.
Its control panel is quite accommodative too and includes (4) NEMA 120V 20A GCFI outlets, (1) NEMA 120/240v 50A L4-50R receptacle, (1) NEMA 120/240v 30A L14-30R Twist-Lock outlet, and a 12v 8.3A for batteries and handheld devices. It also features a keyless one-touch electric starter button for effortless startups.
Operating at 78 dB, this generator is quite loud but this is expected for the power it provides.
For more models from the same brand, check our A-iPower generator reviews.
All Power America APGG10000GL Dual Fuel Generator
- Great value
- Solid build
- Dual fuel
- Longer runtime
- Plastic wheels may need replacement soon
| All Power America APGG10000GL Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 10000 (gasoline), 8500 (propane) |
| Running Watts | 8500 (gasoline), 7000 (propane) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane |
| Noise Level | 76 dBA |
| Tank size (gal) | 8 |
| Run Time | 11 hrs (gasoline) |
| Dimensions (in) | 28 x 19 x 23 |
| Weight (lbs) | 229 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
If the dual power versatility of Duromax XP12000EH interests you but you’d prefer something much more affordable, we recommend you to check out the All Power America APGG10000GL.
This dual fuel generator can run on either propane or gasoline depending on your preference and current situation.
The All Power America’s generator has a slightly lower power performance compared to DuroMax and A-iPower models. This one produces 10000 watts of peak power and 8000 running watts when running on gas, and 8500 watts surge power and 7000 watts of running power on propane.
As compensation for its slightly lower power output compared to its competitors, this generator offers you a slightly longer runtime which adds to its overall convenience.
This generator’s 420cc engine can output half its maximum power for 11-14 hours with its 8.0-gallon gasoline tank full.
Designed to offer optimum convenience during a power outage, this generator also has an electric starter. Its outlet panel has the usual four 120v household receptacles, one 120v/240v twist-lock outlet, one 120v twist-lock outlet, and one 12v DC outlet to keep your battery-powered tools fully charged.
Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel Generator
- Switch between LPG and gas without turning the generator off
- Multiple outlets
- Fuel efficient
- Quite loud
| Pulsar PG10000B16 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 10000 (gasoline), 8000 (propane) |
| Running Watts | 8000 (gasoline), 7000 (propane) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, Propane |
| Noise Level | 74 dBA |
| Tank size (gal) | 6.6 |
| Run Time | 12-18 hrs (gasoline) |
| Dimensions (in) | 28.5 x 22.2 x 21.8 |
| Weight (lbs) | 209 |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Pulsar PG10000B16 Our is 10000 watt portable generator built for RVing in mind.
It is a dual fuel generator with a 420cc OHV engine with a peak power performance of 10000 watts and a continuous power output of 8,000 watts on gasoline. When running on LPG, the peak output is slightly higher than that of the All Power America at 9,0000 watts although the running power remains the same- 7,000 watts.
This generator also has an electric starter for quick and breezy start-ups and a sturdy wheel kit that make moving its 209-pound weight easy.
The first thing that attracted us to this generator was its unbeatable fuel efficiency. Notwithstanding its comparatively smaller 6.6-gal tank, the Pulsar can run for 12-18 hours at half load which, in my opinion, is unbeatable for a conventional generator.
Another great feature here is the ability to switch from gasoline to propane without having to turn off the generator first. This is a bonus feature that guarantees non-stop power output at any given time.
Lastly, this generator has pretty much all the outlets you’d ever need; (4) 120V AC outlets, (1) 120/240V twist-lock outlet, (1) 50 Amp RV Port, and (1) 12-volt DC output.
Generac 5802 Portable Generator
- Massive power output
- Lots of outlets
- Large fuel tank
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Lots of negative reports
| Generac 5802 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Starting Watts | 12500 |
| Running Watts | 10000 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Noise Level | 78 dBA |
| Tank size (gal) | 10 |
| Run Time | 10 hrs |
| Dimensions (in) | 32 x 29.5 x 33 |
| Weight (lbs) | 300 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Generac 5802 is a professional-grade generator that is engineered to meet both household and light commercial power needs.
This generator’s 580cc OHVI engine is the biggest in these reviews and outputs 12,500 watts of surge power and 10000 watts of running power.
In case of a blackout at home, this wattage is enough to keep your security systems powered besides allowing you to run up to 2 refrigerators, a sump pump, an electric stove, and a window AC.
For construction and landscaping, this generator is capable of powering large tools and devices including air compressors, table saws, belt sanders, and lawn mowers.
This generator’s 10-gallon fuel tank guarantees a whole 10 hours on non-stop power production at 50% load.
It has an electric starter, a built-in fuel gauge to alert you on the need for fuel and a Power Bar that monitors wattage usage.
Its control panel also features (1) 120/240v 30A L14-30R Twist-Lock outlet, (1) 120/240v 30A L5-30R Twist-Lock outlet, (1) 120/240v 50A 14-50R outlet, and a 12v DC battery charger outlet.
Best 10000 Watt Generators Comparison
| Generator | Rating | Starting Watts | Running Watts | Fuel Type | Noise Level | Tank size (gal) | Run Time | Dimensions (in) | Weight (lbs) | Engine Displacement | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-iPower SUA12000E | 4.4/5 | 12000 | 9000 | Gasoline | 78 dBA | 7 | 9 hrs | 27 x 27 x 27 | 206 | 459cc | 2 years |
| Duromax XP12000EH | 4.5/5 | 12000 (gasoline), 11400 (propane) | 9500 (gasoline), 9025 (propane) | Gasoline, Propane | 74 dBA | 8.3 | 8.83 hrs (gasoline), 7.2 hrs (propane) | 40 x 29 x 27.5 | 269 | 457cc | 3 years |
| All Power America APGG10000GL | 4.8/5 | 10000 (gasoline), 8500 (propane) | 8500 (gasoline), 7000 (propane) | Gasoline, Propane | 76 dBA | 8 | 11 hrs (gasoline) | 28 x 19 x 23 | 229 | 420cc | 2 years |
| Pulsar PG10000B16 | 4.2/5 | 10000 (gasoline), 9000 (propane) | 8000 (gasoline), 7000 (propane) | Gasoline, Propane | 74 dBA | 6.6 | 12-18 hrs (gasoline) | 28.5 x 22.2 x 21.8 | 209 | 420cc | 3 years |
| Generac 5802 | 3.2/5 | 12500 | 10000 | Gasoline | 78 dBA | 10 | 10 hrs | 32 x 29.5 x 33 | 300 | 580cc | 2 years |
What can you run on a 10000 watt generator?
A 10000 watt generator will provide enough power to run most of your essential home systems during an outage. Such a generator could power a freezer, furnace, sump pump, and refrigerator and still leave you with lots of power to let you make a quick cup of coffee using the coffeemaker and later toast some slices of bread. You could also add in some lights, TV, computer, and gaming console before getting closer to its maximum running wattage.
A 10000 watt portable generator could also be very useful at construction sites where it’s necessary to keep several big appetite power tools including air compressors running simultaneously. A generator with a 9,500 watts of running power packs enough juice to let you run a hammer drill, circular saw, miter saw, 1 HP Air Compressor, and Sander without hitting its continuous power rating.
To understand what you can power with a 10000 watt generator, make a list of all the items that you wish to power at a go together with their running watts and starting watts. Next, add all the running watts and then add the highest starting watts from the list. The number you get is the least number of starting watts that the generator should output.
Here is a list of popular home appliances with their starting and running watts:
Household AppliancesStarting wattsRunning watts
| Microwave oven | 1500 | 1500 |
| Furnace fan ½ HP | 2350 | 875 |
| Dishwasher | 540 | 216 |
| Electric fry pan | 600 | 600 |
| Clothes Dryer | 6750 | 5400 |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 2200 | 1500 |
| Automatic Washer | 1200 | 1200 |
| Sump Pump ½ HP | 2150 | 1050 |
| Hot Water Heater | 4500 | 4500 |
| Garage Door Opener | 1420 | 720 |
| Freezer/Refrigerator (energy star) | 1200 | 132-192 |
| Construction Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Air Compressor 1 HP | 4500 | 1600 |
| Electric Drill ½’’ | 900 | 600 |
| Hammer Drill | 3000 | 1000 |
| Circular Saw 7-1/4’’ | 2300 | 1400 |
| Belt Sander | 2400 | 1200 |
| Table Saw | 2000 | 2000 |
| Electric Lawn Mower | 4320 | 1200 |
Conclusion
Having a 10000 watt portable generator at home can be very useful when you want to keep your AC, freezer and several other appliances running at the same time during an outage.
These generators are capable of powering pretty much all the appliances in a small-to-medium sized home, while still sparing additional power for your lighting system. Albeit heavy, 10000 watt generators can be moved to power up construction and landscaping projects too.
All generators in our reviews deserved to be proclaimed as the best 10000 watt generator. However, if we need to point out a particular model, we would recommend DuroMax XP12000EH. We like that it comes from a reliable manufacturer and has a notable reputation in terms of power performance. In addition, this dual fuel generator has several high power outlets to complement its enormous power output whether you intend to use it at home or for commercial purposes.
