10,000 watts are enough to provide the level of comfort we used to have under any conditions, whether during hurricanes and blackouts or camping. In this article, I explain how to choose the best 10000-watt generator for your purposes and closely examine 5 generators I find suitable for different cases.
However, manufacturers usually emphasize the maximal number of watts a generator can produce. There is a second figure to know, called running watts. It defines the stable capacity an engine can produce during work hours. The next important characteristics are the fuel tank’s capacity and running time.
Depending on them, you can define the necessary amount of fuel to wait out a storm or set up a road trip. Finally, pay attention to the level of noise and weight since they might influence your and your neighbor’s comfort. I picked DuroMax XP10000EH for my needs since it can use 2 types of fuel and has a low noise level.
Best 10000 Watt Generator: 5 Tools to Power Your House in Case of Emergency
Contents
- DuroMax XP10000EH: Top Rated 10 000 Watt Generator for Home and Traveling – My Choice
- No products found. – Great Value
- Firman Performance Series 8000/10000W Generator: Generator With the Longest Runtime – Best Overall
- HONDA EB10000 Industrial Generator: Quiet 10000 Watt Generator for Basic Needs
- Champion Power Equipment 100416: Best 10KW Generator for Travelers
Here I provide 5 10000-watt generator reviews to explain essential features with examples. I also name only trustworthy brands, so you feel more confident when selecting an instrument.
1. DuroMax XP10000EH: Top Rated 10 000 Watt Generator for Home and Traveling
Generators that feature dual fuel technology seem more trustworthy to me than ordinary ones. DuroMax XP10000EH is the machine I decided to buy for myself. It runs both on gasoline and propane. Depending on the fuel, this instrument shows different capacities. When run by gasoline, power reaches 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts.
Propane gives a bit lower figures, 9,500 starting watts, and 7,600 running watts. The runtime also differs: at half a load, gasoline runs DuroMax XP10000EH for 10 hours, and propane for an hour shorter. I believe these differences are not crucial, especially compared to the advantage of flexible choice.
The machine features an analog voltmeter and an automatic voltage regulation to control the current. Apart from these displays, DuroMax XP10000EH has a fuel gauge, allowing one to follow the amount of fuel. This piece of equipment works quieter than I expected from a tool with such a capacity. The noise level reaches only 72 dB.
The main properties:
- 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts (gasoline);
- 9,500 starting watts and 7,600 running watts (propane);
- 10 hours of run time on gasoline or 9 hours on propane at half-load;
- 220 pounds.
DuroMax XP10000EH is a multipurpose machine that will hedge you in case of emergency, make traveling more comfortable and provide a building sire with heavy-duty power tools. Dual fuel technology allows choosing a more profitable kind of fuel.
- Features dual fuel technology;
- Includes a 14-50R receptacle, which makes it RV-ready;
- Acceptable noise level (72 dB).
- The choke needs to be adjusted manually.
2. All Power America G10000EGL: Convenient Generator With Dual Fuel Technology
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As well as the first item, All Power America G10000EGL uses 2 types of fuel: gasoline and LPG, but the difference between the wattage they give is bigger. Run by gasoline, this generator delivers 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts, while LPG provides only 8,500 starting watts and 7,000 running watts.
On the other hand, it has an advantage over DuroMax XP10000EH: this model is equipped with a handle to switch between the fuels and keep working easily. It also has an hour meter that allows following the runtime and counting the approximate amount of fuel.
All Power America G10000EGL runs for an hour longer than DuroMax XP10000EH, particularly for 11 hours of run time at half-load. The noise level reaches 76 dBA, which is close to the noise a vacuum cleaner makes.
The main properties:
- 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts (gasoline);
- 8,500 starting watts and 7,000 running watts (LPG);
- 11 hours of run time at half-load;
- 235 pounds.
According to the properties, All Power America G10000EGL is as good as DuroMax XP10000EH, yet they meet slightly different requirements. This generator provides 2 fuel types, easy switching between them, and long runtime. It suits both at home for power outages, outdoor work, and camping.
- 2 types of fuel are available (gasoline and LPG);
- Easy switch between the types of fuel;
- A solid steel frame allows carrying it around safely.
- The noticeable difference between the wattage of gasoline and LPG is.
3. Firman Performance Series 8000/10000W Generator: Generator With the Longest Runtime
Firman Generator stands out from the previous items due to various starting methods. Except for every generator’s electric start, this model provides 2 alternatives: remote start for more convenience and classical recoil start to ensure the engine will work under any conditions. Unlike the tools I’ve already named, this one uses only gasoline.
On the other hand, its 8-gallon fuel tank provides a longer runtime. Firman Generator runs for 12 hours of runtime at half-load.
This generator features a low oil shut-off, extending the machine’s lifetime. This technology monitors the amount of oil and automatically stops the engine when it is too low since lack of oil leads to quick wearing down and malfunctions. Moreover, Firman Generator is equipped with an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) that protects all electronics against voltage fluctuations.
The main properties:
- 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts;
- 12 hours of run time at half-load;
- 221 pounds.
Firman Generator is a reliable instrument you can rely on in emergency cases. It has the longest runtime on the list and features low oil shut-off and an automatic voltage regulator for more safety.
- 3 ways to start (electrical, remote, recoil);
- Long runtime (12 hours of run time at half-load);
- Equipped with an automatic voltage regulator;
- Small business.
- It might seem louder than other generators on the list.
4. HONDA EB10000 Industrial Generator: Quiet 10000 Watt Generator for Basic Needs
HONDA EB10000 Industrial Generator provides all the essential functions you need to hedge yourself in case of power outages. It has the highest power rating on the list, 10,000 starting watts, and 9 000 running watts. This machine offers an 8.19-gallon fuel tank and 8 hours of run time at half-load.
To ensure safety, it provides an oil alert and a fuel gauge. Oil alert signals about the running of oil. This function is important since a lack of oil can lead to engine failure.
The noise level is medium compared to other instruments and reaches 73 dBA. HONDA EB10000 is equipped with a decent set of outlets. It includes two 20A 125V Duplex, a 30A 125/250V Locking Plug, a 30A 125V Locking Plug, and a 50A 125/250V Locking Plug.
The main properties:
10,000 starting watts and 9,000 running watts;
8 hours of run time at half-load;
403 pounds.
Considering running wattage and weight, I recommend this generator mostly for use at home. It is a reliable machine to power a house during a storm, but it seems too heavy to carry around for camping.
- Low level of noise (73 dBA);
- Oil alert and fuel gauge prevent early wearing down and enable sustainable work;
- Has a decent set of outlets.
- Twice heavier than items on the list.
5. Champion Power Equipment 100416: Best 10KW Generator for Travelers
Champion Power Equipment 100416 is an outstanding tool since it can use 3 types of fuel: natural gas, propane, and gasoline. Gasoline has the biggest capacity: 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts. Propane provides 9,000 starting watts and 7,200 running watts, closely followed by natural gas, which gives 8,750 starting watts and 7,000 running watts.
The difference between wattages seems not crucial, yet, running time varies more. Gasoline runs this generator for more than 12 hours at half a load, while propane finishes almost twice quicker.
To ensure safe work, Champion Power Equipment 100416 features CO Shield technology. To prevent you from poisoning with carbon monoxide, any generator produces monitors the concentration of this gas and shuts down when its level becomes disturbing. This model tracks voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time; these parameters allow monitoring output and track maintenance intervals.
The main properties:
- 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts (gasoline);
- 9,000 starting watts and 7,200 running watts (propane);
- 8,750 starting watts and 7,000 running watts (natural gas);
- 12.5 hours of run time on gasoline or 5 hours on propane at half-load;
- 207 pounds.
Three kinds of fuel are an impressive advantage, yet I advise considering Champion Power Equipment 100416 for those who are sure they will need this option. Apart from this feature, it is the lightest item on the list, which makes me think it is the best 10kw generator for travelers.
- 3 kinds of fuel are available;
- Carbon monoxide prevents poisoning;
- Voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time tracking;
- The lightest on the list.
- The limited set of outlets.
Buyer’s Guide
After taking a close look at the particular instruments, let’s move to general questions you will face as soon as trying to pick one generator for your purposes.
What are rated power and peak power?
Although you mainly see one wattage figure in the generator’s brief description, there are 2 types of power: rated and peak.
- Rated power is the main characteristic of any generator. It measures the number of watts a machine can produce for a long time. Rated power can also be called running power.
- Peak power is the parameter to know to avoid overloading. It refers to the starting wattage. This figure stands for the maximum number of watts a generator can provide. A machine can produce such power only for a limited time, mainly at the start. You need to know this parameter to prevent overloading.
What can you run with a 10,000-watt generator?
10,000 watts is enough power to run large applications like a refrigerator or a freezer, a water or sump pump, an air-conditioner, or a furnace. You can also run smaller devices and lightning at the same time.
If you are looking for an instrument to hedge yourself in case of emergency, a 10,000 watts generator is the most reliable option since it runs for about 10 hours at half a load, and it might be difficult for you to create a full load unless you plug in all the applications you have.
Generators are intended not only for hedging you a few days a year, but you can also use them to facilitate road trips and camps. This machine easies everyday life in nature, so you can spend more time discovering the site, reading, meditating, having conversations, and doing anything else you want to do without the city noise.
Building sites also require an independent power source to run corded instruments and recharge those run by batteries. Even if you work in your own yard, an outlet might be too far to use, so a generator will give you more freedom and save time.
Here is a table to see the wattage of the applications you need to provide comfort in everyday life and compare it to the running wattage of the generator you’ve selected.
Kitchen:
- Electric Stove – 1,500W
- Refrigerator/Freezer – 700W
- Microwave Oven – 625 Watts
- Washing Machine – 500W
Workplace:
- Computer – 800W
- Laptop – 300W
- Light bulb – 60 Watts
- Mobile Phone Charger – 10W
How to pick a good 10 kW generator?
You need to ask yourself 2 questions before picking a suitable generator: in which cases you will use it and in which devices you will plug in. Depending on your needs, pay attention to this list of parameters.
- There are 2 kinds of power generators produced: starting and running wattage. Starting watts refers to the amount of power an engine can produce in the first seconds of the work. Knowing this parameter allows for avoiding overloading. It shows its biggest capacity to start the whole mechanism now. Running watts is a constant figure of power an engine can produce. You need to know to count which and how many devices you can plug in at once.
- A generator is a tool you need to rely on in emergency cases. Thus, the longer runtime it has, the better. A 10,000-watt generator usually runs for about 10 hours at half a load, but this characteristic depends on the model and fuel type.
- There is no standard set of outlets for every generator, so consider which applications you need to plug in, and if there are any, you are up to buy. Notice that if there is a TT-30R or a 14-50R outlet, they allow plugging in recreation vehicles without any adapters.
- Weight might seem the least significant feature, but it matters when you need to carry it around. An average 10,000 watts generator weighs about 200 pounds, but some lighter models suit home use and traveling. However, even the heaviest generators are equipped with wheels and handles for more portability.
- No matter where you use a generator, no one wants to hear its noise. Their level of noise varies from 50dBA to 75dBA. The highest noise level is no louder than a vacuum cleaner; the quieter a generator is, the more sites and conditions it suits.
FAQ on 10,000-watt generators
No matter which generator you selected, I believe you still have some uncertainty about using it. Here are the answers to the most common questions about 10,000-watt generators.
Can a 10,000-watt generator power a house?
A 10,000-watt generator is your most powerful machine for domestic needs. It handles such critical applications as a fridge, an air conditioner, a water pump, lightning, and smaller devices.
What does a 10,000-watt generator cost?
The cost of any generator depends on several parameters, and the most important is the type of fuel. When choosing a generator, count how much money it takes to run a particular model apart from the price.
What size generator does the average house need?
The required capacity of a generator depends on the number of family members and their needs. Crucial applications to run during a power outage are a fridge, heating devices, and sometimes a water pump. Count how much power they need and add the number of watts other devices use, so you’ll get the answer.
What Is the Best 10KW Generator?
Selecting a generator might seem challenging unless you know the essential parameters to check and trustworthy brands. Yet, the first thing to define is your purpose since a generator can hedge you in an emergency and travel with you around the wilderness. To understand if the particular model meets your requirements, check its wattage, running time, fuel, and outlets.
You should also ensure the machine is safe and durable, so pay attention to the low oil shut-down and carbon monoxide control.
Are you looking for a multipurpose generator, or do you have one particular image of using it? Please share in the comments.
