A generator isn’t on everyone’s purchase list, but if you are running a business that’s highly dependent on electricity, it should be high time you consider an appropriate backup. Fortunately, many firms are selling good generators, although this brings about problems when selecting your ideal match.
However, you shouldn’t worry about this anymore, as this blog has all your concerns covered. I have prepared a list of the best performing 12000 Watt generators to ensure your buying process is easy, and you end up with non-regrettable purchases. Before that, bear in mind that there are essential considerations to make before buying a portable generator.
These include ensuring the tool’s handle is sturdy, and the wheels are ideally made for frequent ferrying. Other than that, the device should have multiple output receptacles to enable you to connect to as many appliances as possible.
Top 10 Best 12000-Watt Portable Generators
Contents
To help you choose the best 12000 Watt portable generator for your specific needs, I have extensively analyzed the upcoming 10 choices in terms of portability, ease of use, efficacy, and cost. I can assure you they are the best options to consider. The devices are arranged in order of popularity to ensure you pick the best option with ease.
1. Westinghouse WGen9500 – Best Portable 12000 Watt Generator
This generator is manufactured by a company well known for delivering quality machinery. Fortunately, the device here is no exception, and it gets almost a 5-star rating when it comes to its quality. At 270 pounds, portability might be an issue for some people, although the incorporated heavy-duty wheels ensure that ferrying the piece is the least of your concerns.
In terms of power, the device will definitely exceed your expectations. It is powered by a 457cc 4-Stroke OHV engine and produces 9500 Watts during normal running and 12500 Watts at its peak. The power is enough for any commercial use, and this makes the piece an ideal backup option.
Besides that, this heavy-duty generator has a 6.6-gallon fuel capacity, which enables it to run for about 17.5 hours without stopping. So, in the event of extreme power outage cases, you have nothing to worry about as the machine will serve your needs to perfection. The engine is also perfectly shielded from any damage.
But you might be wondering if the oil you applied will last 17.5 hours. Well, the generator of 12000 watts is automated to shut down any time the oil level is low. There is, however, a meter where you will take the oil’s reading and know when to add oil so that you can prevent regular shutting.
Besides that, all the necessary accessories are conveyed during item acquisition, including a 12V battery. The generator has a total of 6 receptacles to ensure your power as many appliances as possible. It possesses a remote powering feature, and its start key is conveyed upon item purchase.
Finally, assembling the piece is the least of your concerns. The seller includes an assembly manual when you purchase the generator. You also get a 3-year limited service warranty, and there are different models available, especially if you need a low-power generator.
- Electric switch and remote start feature
- 17.5 hours runtime
- The device shuts down if the oil level is low
- It is powered by a 457cc 4-Stroke OHV engine
- 3-year limited service
- It is slightly loud, although tolerable
- It is heavy at 270 pounds
2. Pulsar G12KBN – An Amazingly Portable Model
With the item having an ideal handle and perfectly crafted wheels, it unquestionably passes the first test, which has to do with portability. Secondly, does it make up the best 12,000-watt portable generators? Well, its features, especially its power output, will show pulsar 12000-watt generator reviews if the piece fits under this category.
So, the generator is powered by a 457cc engine, producing 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts on gasoline. It also yields 10800 peak watts and 8550 running watts when using propane gas, given the way it is a dual-fuel model. The output is enough to power all home and commercial appliances, thereby making the item ideal in terms of electric production.
But does it have the outlets to feed all these channels or appliances? Well, there are 7 outlets, including 4 120V outlets, so there are enough channels to power your devices. Lastly, does the generator have the capacity to run for long without shutting down? The machine has an 8-gallon fuel tank.
It provides over 12 hours of running time when the generator is half-load. Sounds short? Well, that’s more than most machines under review; therefore, the running time is perfectly great. There are also additional features that might excite you, and these include:
- An electric start shielded by a resilient powder-coated frame.
- Comfy drop-down handles
- 10-inch flat-free wheels
- Low-oil shut-off feature
- Propane pip
- Auto voltage regulator
- Digital meter
- It is a dual-fuel generator
- Contains flat-free wheels
- Long runtime when using gasoline
- Large fuel tank
- An ideally shielded electric start
- Short warranty
Read more: about dual-fuel generators.
3. Durostar DS12000EH – Heavy-Duty 457cc Home Backup
DuroMax Power Equipment is an Ontario-based company specializing in dual-fuel portable generators. Its tools can run both liquid propane and gas. While this doesn’t look new to you and me, the reduced price of the engine can be very helpful. Another convenient aspect is that the starting power is 12,000 watts, and the running power is 9,500 watts.
Despite the affordability of the tool, it has enough power to run not only AC 120V but AC 120V and 240V simultaneously. The set of outlets and the presence of an electric key starter are also impressive. Experience and other user reviews show that the starter is highly reliable and doesn’t fail.
However, the best feature of this tool is its construction-grade durability. The entire rack, including the wheels, is made of sturdy metal alloy. As for me, it’s a huge relief to know that the wheels won’t crack all of a sudden when they encounter a handful of stones.
- Runs on liquid propane or gasoline
- The affordable electric-start hybrid model
- All-metal rack and wheels
- 8.3 gal tank for extended runtime
- 9,500 running watts for both gas and propane
- The sockets aren’t protected
- No direct USB charging for sensitive electronics
4. DuroMax XP12000EH – Portable 12000 Watt Generator
There are over 8 DuroMax generator models to choose from, meaning that it is super easy to get a machine that meets your demands and fits your budget. However, the unit under review is powered by an 18HP, 457cc engine, meaning the power output is enough and, in most cases, beyond your demands.
All in all, the machine is suitable for commercial application, home use, and usage as an ideal backup plan. In terms of fuel consumption, the piece offers you unbelievable flexibility, as it uses propane or gasoline, depending on your budget. It produces over 9500 running watts, and it has an incredible 12000 starting watts.
Read More: Portable Generator for RV.
Full power is only accessible through the use of one of the 120V receptacles at a time. However, there’s a choice to use the receptacles simultaneously, especially if you don’t need maximum power to run your appliances. Away from that, your portability concerns are ideally solved by the available heavy-duty wheels.
It has an 8.3-gallon fuel tank, suitable to offer a full-day service without refilling. It is also made of high-quality metal to ensure it lasts long without damage. There are 5 outlets to enable you to power several devices when using the tool. Finally, powering the machine is stress-free, all thanks to the fused electric start technology. It is also covered by a 3-year warranty.
- 3-year warranty
- Dual fuel technology
- 8.3-gallon fuel tank
- Heavy-duty construction
- Misses automated low-oil lockdown feature
- Lacks an oil gauge meter
5. Champion Power Equipment 100111 – Universal Gas Generator with Electric Start
Champion Power Equipment is a relatively young company (est. in 2003), but it has already earned the reputation of a highly reliable brand that provides the best quality and has become a leader in the niche.
The 100111 12K-watt is a super-powerful model that has 15,000 starting watts and stable 12,000 running watts. Due to this, you can connect more appliances to this tool than to, say, Durostar DS12000EH. Such a huge output is produced by a 717-cc V-Twin engine. Surprisingly, it consumes less fuel than some generators with less powerful engines. The 10.9-gallon tank is enough for up to 10 hours of work at 50%.
The control panel includes 7 120V and 240V outlets, including NEMA L5-30R, L14-30R, and 4 NEMA 5-20R. You can run all of them simultaneously without the need to switch between the modes. All the sockets are protected from dust and splatter.
Along with a sturdy metal rack and large reinforced plastic/rubber wheels and a powerful air filter, you can bring the tool to the construction site without being cautious. If something happens anyway, you can use the free lifetime technical support or get the tool replaced within the 3 years.
- Starting power is 15,000 watts
- 7 covered outlets
- Electric start
- Up to 9 hours of runtime
- 717cc V-Twin engine
- It’s an expensive one
- It’s heavy (329lbs)
6. Pulsar 12,000W – The Most Powerful Item on the List
The generator produces about 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts when you use gasoline, compared to 10800 peak watts and 8550 running watts when you use propane gas. This fueling flexibility makes the device easy to use and affordable. With the unit being the biggest among the components sold by the company, there are several smaller pieces to purchase if your budget is low.
Like most of the reviewed generators, it is powered by a 457cc OHV engine and has 7 outlets, including 4 120V outlets. It has an electric start and a transfer switch making it super easy to use. It is perfectly made to ease your ferrying concerns, all on the account of the drop-down handles and flat-free wheels.
There’s also an incorporated digital meter, and the generator has a unique sturdy design. The support service is great and highly responsive, which will save your day if the generator develops an issue.
- Powerful in gasoline and propane modes
- Has an electric start and transfer switch
- It is easily portable, thanks to the well-build handles
- Durable make
- Inconsistent power output
- No warranty
7. All Power America APGG12000 – 12000 Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start
With three sizes and models to pick from, getting the ideal fit for your needs here is equally simple. All power 12000-watt generator is powerful, and it perfectly suits all house applications. Besides that, you can use it for commercial power, as it has a peak output of 12000 watts and a running power of 9000 watts.
However, the 9000 running watts are slightly lower than the items reviewed above, although the difference in price might turn the piece into a bargain. The device also has an electric start feature; therefore, you have a stress-free starting procedure. Its engine is slightly more powerful, compared to the above-reviewed generators, as it is an 18HP, 459cc OHV air-cooled engine.
Its fuel capacity is 8 gallons, and in terms of noise produced, the product is slightly loud. The machine’s runtime is a bit low, at 10 hours. However, it has an hour meter reader that will help you know the oil and fuel readings. All essential accessories are included upon item purchase, and two of these are unique.
The upkeep-free battery and flat-free wheel kit are ideal bargains. This means that you will have zero worries when it comes to starting the machine and zero concerns when it comes to ferrying it. There are a total of 7 outlets, including 4 120V outlets and 1 12V DC outlet. Finally, it weighs about 240 pounds, but the wheels are perfectly made for the most convenient ferrying.
- 459cc air-cooled engine
- It comes with an upkeep-free battery
- You receive a flat-free wheel
- 8-gallon fuel tank
- Has an electric start feature
- It is loud
- It has a short runtime
8. WEN DF1100T – Your 12000w Generator Multioutlet Helper
Wen 11000-watt generator reviews contain dual fuel and electric start features. Besides that, there are wheels to ease your ferrying concerns. The generator is powered by a 457 cc 4-Stroke OHV engine, which is turned on by the use of a key. There are also other two options to consider, including a 9500-watt single-fuel and 13000 watts dual fuel generator.
When using the machine under review, you will get up to 11000 peak watts and 8300 running watts when using gasoline, while propane gas will help you get about 9500 peak watts and 7500 running watts. These are enough to power most home appliances, although they are slightly low compared to the other items under review.
Easily double your power from 120V to 240V when using the device. Enjoy up to 8 hours of runtime when the generator is half-loaded. Get multiple power outlets anytime you use the generator, and have every appliance running without hindrance. That said, you will get numerous gifts when you purchase the piece, including:
- A cigar light plug
- A bottle of oil
- A 47-inch LPG connecting pipe
- 2-year warranty
Finally, there’s an LED hour counter and an automated voltage regulator. You are also protected from overload.
- Uses gasoline and propane gas
- Easy to start
- 2-year warranty
- Multiple outlets
- Up to 7500 running watts when using propane gas
9. Rainier R12000DF – A Quiet and Powerful Tool
With three models to pick from, getting a good fit for your budget must be so easy to achieve. Luckily enough, this isn’t the only advantage to benefit from this great quietest 12000-watt generator purchase, as you get a dual fuel device, which offers flexibility in terms of fuel to use. Enjoy up to 12000 peak watts and 9500 running watts when using gasoline.
However, when you use propane gas, the peak watts reduce to 10,800, and the running watts stand at 8550 watts. Fortunately, the power is enough to use in the home and commercial stores, so you have nothing to worry about irrespective of the fuel you use. Away from that, the machine has a 6.6-gallon fuel tank to store enough fuel for full-day use.
There’s a fuel gauge in place, and it’s an automated set to shut down when the oil level is low. It is powerful, all thanks to the 457cc 4-Stroke engine powering it. It will serve you for up to 17 hours when you use about a quarter of its output channels. There are many outlets to ensure the utmost convenience when using this machine.
It’s quiet, producing about 72 dB of noise. There’s an electric start feature to ensure the utmost smoothness in operation. The fitted recoil start is there as a backup option. Unlike other items under review, the quiet 12000-watt generator has a display feature to ensure you see its runtime hours, volts, and frequency.
There’s also a control panel, and the item is under a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer. It is surely a fitting choice for many and a non-regrettable purchase option.
- Low oil and overload protection features
- Dual fuel
- Comfy handles
- Electric start
- Quiet
- Data display feature
- Short runtime when on half load
10. A-iPower SUA12000ED – Excellent Hybrid Jobsite & Emergency Generator
A-iPOWER is a US-based manufacturer of generators, water pumps, pressure washers, and gas engines. With over 30 years of experience in the field, the company has been amongst the best-selling generator brands in Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club.
The SUA12000ED is a high-end power tool with a heavy-duty 4-stroke hybrid engine and a 7-gallon fuel tank. With 459cc “under the hood,” it can run up to 9 hours at 50% load and around 6-7 hours at 100%. Due to the electric start feature, you don’t have to use the pull-start every time, even when the engine is cold. The automatics measure the oil level and turn off the engine if extra oil is needed.
The set of outlets is ready for professional use and includes a set of 6 outlets with different voltage and amperage as well as a single USB-ready 12V8.3A Multifunction Port, which lets you connect sensitive electronics without harming the batteries. All the ports are sealed for higher safety.
Although the tool is heavy (214 lbs), you can transport it quite easily with the largely hidden handle. It’s covered in soft foam, so moving the generator around the worksite won’t end up with blisters.
- Convenient hidden handle
- Reliable electric start
- A good set of sockets with a USB-ready port
- Works up to 7 hours at 100% load
- Hybrid engine
- Propane starting/running wattages are much lower
Essential Considerations before Buying a 12000-watt Generator
Having gone through the best quality 12000-watt portable generator reviews, you might have noticed that it might be a tough choice to pick from hundreds of such products that are available for sale.
However, market saturation shouldn’t pose any purchasing problems if you understand the essential features of the item you are looking for, and that’s why I have prepared this section to ease your purchase hassle. The section entails a brief look at the ideal features to consider during the 12000-watt generator purchase.
Transfer Switch
It offers the utmost safety when using a generator as your backup plan. It also bolsters your powering ability and protects your generator from damage. You can choose between a manual and an automated transfer switch, although the automatic one is slightly more expensive.
Noise
Running the generator at home or in a busy office might make you realize how noisy some machines can be. Fortunately, there are quite quiet generators that produce as low as 55 dB at half-load. Such devices are the ideal choices to consider. However, a 70 dB sound might also be tolerable, as this is in the range of a normal conversation.
Upkeep Needs
A generator is a machine that requires regular checks to run ideally. One important factor you should always check is the oil level, although this has been simplified by the automatic shutdown feature that’s incorporated in most devices. All in all, check the fuel level and keep it clean. Replace the filters with time.
Local Laws
Are there regulations prohibiting the use of generators in your state? Well, understand the rules of the land, as some states might consider your machine as a sound or air pollutant.
FAQ About 12 000-watt Portable Generators
There can’t be too much knowledge. Especially, when you’re looking for such a complicated tool as a portable 12 K-watt generator. Here are quick answers to some of the most frequent and reasonable questions.
What can you power with a 12000-watt generator?
You can power a lot with a 12,000-watt generator. These generators can keep a home running by powering lights, fans, TVs, refrigerators, computers, space heaters, and other appliances that use an outlet.
Who makes the best quality portable generators?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are many brands that make high-quality portable generators. Some of the most popular brands include Westinghouse, Pulsar, Honda, DuroMax, DuroStar, Champion, All Power America, WEN, and Generac.
How many home appliances can I connect to a 12 000-watt generator?
With such a voluminous amount of power, you can start and run heavy-duty industrial appliances that usually have the same starting and running wattage. 12,000 watts is enough to run 3-4 power tools simultaneously and without the need to turn any of them off to launch another one. With an average run time of 5 to 10 hours, such a generator is perfect for a variety of uses on remote construction sites.
This running wattage is also considered high enough for electricity shutoff emergencies. Using a transfer switch or an appropriate inlet box, you can use a 12,000-watt generator to launch and run the essential home appliances, including a refrigerator (approx. 1600 watts), lights (100 – 500 watts), a microwave oven (1500-2000 watts), a flatscreen TV (150-300 watts), a desktop PC (150-800 watt), and some other devices.
How many hours can a 12,000-watt generator run?
It’s difficult to say exactly how long a 12000-watt generator can run as it depends on a number of factors, including the load, size of the gas tank, engine brand, and even the climate. However, most 12000-watt generators can run for between 8 and 12 hours at 50% load. At 100% load, the tank may run low in 4-7 hours. To get a more precise idea of how long the generator can run, you can divide the gas/propane tank capacity (in gallons) by the declared hourly fuel consumption (in gallons/hour). It’s important to remember to not run the generator until the fuel runs out. Gas-powered machinery needs regular rest and alternation to avoid quick wear and tear.
The important thing to remember is not to keep the generator running until the fuel runs out. Gas-powered machinery needs regular rest and works alteration to avoid quick wear-off and overheating. While this is a general rule, some generator models are explicitly designed for the continuous workload. In this case, you will find the manufacturer’s permission to run the tool without interruptions. In other cases, you should give them time to rest after every 4-5 hours of uninterrupted work.
Propane-powered models let you connect tanks of different sizes to the generator, which theoretically means longer runtime. You should keep following the rule and stop the engine regularly unless the opposite is provided for the particular generator model.
How much does a 12 000-watt generator cost?
The cost of a 12 000-watt generator depends on a variety of factors. They include:
- The power and type of the motor – the higher it is, the more expensive a tool is. Hybrid models are also generally more expensive than average gas-powered ones;
- Starter type – most generators come with an average pull-start feature. The price can be a bit higher if a pull start part is made with a unique technology that makes starting the engine easier. If a tool comes with an electric start feature, be ready to pay a significantly higher price. It can be from $1800 to $2,800, but the feature is really worth it. Finally, some generators include both starter options and a remote start controller;
- Gas tank size – the bigger it is, the more the tool costs;
- The number of ports – the more you want, the more you pay;
- Extra features – this aspect can affect the price, but not necessarily as some small or new brands try to attract buyers’ attention by offering extras without rising the cost;
- Brand – some brands have a reputation as industry leaders, innovators, and quality benchmarks, which gives them the right to set higher prices for quality and service.
Will a 12,000-watt generator power the entire house?
Yes, such wattage is enough to power a house via an appropriate transfer switch or an inlet box. However, you should be careful and turn off every appliance that isn’t necessary to maintain the essential parts of your house. Unlike industrial tools, many domestic appliances have a higher starting wattage. It means that you have to find the actual figures for each device and make a reference table of starting and running wattages. Hang it somewhere everyone sees it and make sure to instruct your family members on how to connect and run appliances when the house is powered by a generator. Your house wiring must be prepared for the generator power supply, so make sure to call a master to adjust and test-run the system.
Wrap Up
Conclusively, you might have gone through the reviews and saw OHV engines and wondered whether it’s an essential consideration feature. Well, Overhead Valve engines are more efficient and reliable, so why not go for them? Away from that, you must have seen that most generators have an electric start.
What you never saw in all is the upkeep-free battery, which ensures your machine never fails to start. So, go for the machine with an up-keep-free battery. Low oil levels cause engine damage, and that’s why almost all generators under review have an automatic low oil shutdown feature.
Finally, load protection and automated voltage regulators are essential as they protect your appliances from damage resulting from high voltage. So, are you wondering if there are other essential consideration features during the generator purchase? Well, you will get more assistance if you share your buying concerns with me.
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Wylin_908: I bought a DuroMax generator for building a house and so that later it would remain as a backup in case of a power outage. The tank of this 12000 watt generator is large and can be operated for a long time without interruption. Now the generator is used as a backup power source. It is especially useful in the cold season. It’s easy to use, that’s why I taught all family members to use it.
Hello, Ronnie! Thank you for the review. Finally, I know something about generators. Could you tell me please which generator is compact to use in RV?
Hello, thanks for reading my blog and happy to help! The most compact portable generator in this collection is the Pulsar 12,000W Dual Fuel. It is small in size and does not take up much space. At the same time, it contains a lot of fuel due to the large fuel tank. It starts up quickly and runs for a long time. If compactness is important to you, this is the best option.
Thank you very much for this review. However, I wish you had included the quality of the output power (THD). Variations in cost, noise, etc. are unimportant if the generator ends up frying the electronics I’m using to receive information during a natural disaster.
Hi, Charles!
I heard you, I will update the article soon.
Thank you for the idea!
HI Ronnie
I like the Rainier r12000df, because of its quietness. But will it do well on my 240 volt equipment. Thanks
Hi, Joseph!
Yes, you can use a Rainer r1200df, but only on petrol, so that it gives out 240 volts. Gas will be 120 volts.
I’ve been doing a fair amount of research on generators since being without power for four days in texas during recent power generation fiasco. My little 4000 watt generac ran flawlessly once I finally broke down and got it out and running. I was impressed since it hadn’t run in about 15 years. Saved the food in the fridge but not much else. Looking to do 50AMP interlock connection to my main panel to run hot water heater, septic and pool equipment as well as lights and entertainment equipment. Focused on Dual Fuel generators so I can store good amount of propane (probably two hundred lb bottles). Would like a quiet generator if possible but my little generac was pretty loud so this is not the key concern. THD is a key concern as I have a lot of electronics. Not sure I trust the THD specs in your reviewed models. Also not sure noise levels are all accurate based on review of vendor specs. Maybe I’m missing something. For instance A-IPower SUA12000ED product page claims 69dba noise level and 5%THD. While a little less power than I wanted it met the other focus areas. The larger A-IPOWER more powerful SUA13000EFI and SUA15000EC also claim 5% THD but are not dual fuel. I could find no THD for Pulsar G12KBN. Your review says drifting higher than 8%. Can you provide your source. Higher could be 20%. With similar power and lower fuel consumption this might be a better choice than SUA12000ED but is noisier. The Westinghouse WGEN12000DF is a much bigger 713CC generator but also claims 5% THD. Most vendors are out of stock on these. Fuel consumption is much higher than the others on your list but this generator produces running 12000 watts. Westinghouse claims 74dba noise level which is similar to those on your list. The durostar/duromax family all appear to either not specify or have 12% or higher THD or I would consider one these. Appreciate any comments on the subject of lower THD dual fuel options.
Hi, Steven!
Sometimes when writing reviews, I can’t find some parameters of the equipment. In such cases, I write to support teams of manufacturing companies. Now I wrote to Pulsar support, here is their answer:
I completely agree with their suggestion: placing a UPS is a good idea to not worry about the appliances.
Thank you for your comment!