2023 Reviews : Best 10,000 Watt Generator? Reliable Power

The DuroMax XP10000HX is just one of a new breed of generators entering the market. This model (see above) is certainly one of the best 10,000W generators if you need a heavy-duty grade dual-fuel model. It’s ideal for home backup power or for the jobsite, or DIY workshop. It’s built tough and has all of the outlets you need, including a 30A and 50A. It’s transfer switch ready and, it has a carbon monoxide sensor which will shut-down the generator if CO levels are too high, potentially saving your life.

You’ll notice that newer generators all have CO sensors, which I applaud. Finally this is becoming a standard feature and I would sincerely advise you to spend the extra money to get this feature. Just my opinion. The choice is yours. Either way, this 10,000W DuroMax generator is one great option — but just one of many.

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The Champion 100416 is a rare Tri-fuel generator, able to run off of gas, propane and natural gas. It has 10KW for starting and 8KW for running power, and has a carbon monoxide shut-down system, among many other quality features. It may not be what you were thinking of but it’s so versatile and practical, it’s impossible not to recommend it. When fuel is scarce during an emergency or natural disaster, this is the ultimate 10,000W generator. And the Westinghouse WGen9500C has 9500W of running power, and is also an excellent generator to consider. Also available as a dual-fuel.

Current prices for 10Kw Generators, and up :

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Another Year, Welcome to 2023

Every year there’s a new list for the best 10,000W generators as new models enter the market and older generators get discontinued. Sometimes it’s challenging to keep up with ensuring our recommendations are current and include the newest generators. This pandemic has affected our lives in different ways, with more people buying stuff online, and all of us having our own personal struggles. Times have been challenging but somehow life goes on. Finally, we’ve been able to update this article to share with you our top recommendations for generators around 10,000W. You’ll find a variety of sizes for those of you who want 10KW of starting power or for those who prefer 10KW of running power. Some people may not be aware of the difference, but I’ll explain it in this article to clarify why it matters.

Generac GP8000E / 10KW Starting

One of the best quality 10,000W generator.

Whenever I go by a construction site I typically see one of two generators being used : It’s either a Honda or Generac. All of their generators are made to high standards, and some models are more suited for homeowners while others are made for the jobsite. This model is made for homeowners, making it perfect to connect to your transfer switch, specifically if you have a HomeLink transfer switch. Because the GP8000E has a 7.9 gallon fuel tank, which is an above average size, it can run for around 10 hours when it’s running at 50% load.

This isn’t the cheapest 10KW generator, in fact it’s one of the more expensive models, but you’re paying for the high-profile brand and the proprietary engineering making their generators so reliable. Let’s be honest, everyone has their favorite generator or power equipment brand, in the same way that some people either love Apple phones or Android phones. The GP8000E is another excellent option if 10KW of starting power and 8KW or run power is enough for you. Truth is, you’re paying more money for less features when compared to brands already highlighted in this guide, such as : Westinghouse, DuroMax, Champion, WEN, etc.

Features :

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Is 10KW Enough Power for Home Backup?

Yes, 10,000-watts is a good size to be able to power your entire home, but probably not everything at the same time. It’s enough power to get you through the worst of times, or to keep your tools running on the jobsite. Even though these are fairly heavy machines, they all have wheels making them easy to move around. It’s not simple to answer the question of the best 10,000-watt generator because it depends on what you need it for, and your budget. There are many models to choose from but there are a few generators from reputable brands that stand out from the crowd, and have a track record of reliability and quality. We never recommend a product we wouldn’t buy personally, for whatever that’s worth. I personally hate wasting my money on poorly made products, including generators.

9000W Inverter Generator / Quiet Home Backup : DuroMax XP9000iH

Not quite 10KW but this is a special option because it’s one of the most powerful inverter generators available. And, it’s also much quieter than a traditional gas generator, as well as : Smaller, more fuel efficient plus it’s RV and Transfer Switch Ready. It’s also half the price of the classic Honda EU7000iS. No, it’s not quite as good or as quiet but it’s still a good value to consider. Produces clean power for sensitive devices and tools.

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Because these are powerful machines with large engines, their prices can be quite steep. So we should consider affordability as being quite high on the list of priorities when choosing the best 10000-watt generator. Going cheap is all good and well but, even then, they’ll never be too cheap. So you want to know that you’re getting what you pay for. Quality and durability are very important.

A 10000W generator will meet most of your household needs as far as electricity supply goes. This makes them an invaluable lifesaver when a natural disaster strikes and you’re left in the dark for days. Using a 10000W generator, you’re able to keep a refrigerator (or two) powered up, as well as your AC, sump pump and all the essentials – lights, TV and most other general appliances.

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Two Excellent Value 10KW to 11KW Generators

Can Power : TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, and more. Great emergency backup power in time of need, after a disaster, or on the jobsite.

These generators are also great for contractors as they provide enough power to keep a whole lot of power tools running at the same time. They’ll also supply the amps needed for high-power equipment like air compressors and table saws. Their portability makes them ideal for working on site and to supply power to your RV for camping trips. It’s the ultimate power supply for an outdoor vacation because 10KW gives you the power to have all the creature comforts of home, no matter where you are.

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More 10KW Generators

Okay, so there are plenty of reasons why you may want one of these portable generators, but can you find good quality 10000W generator that’s still affordable? We’ve done the research and found a few models that not only give you the quality and power that you’re looking for, but they all come at a very reasonable price. For this review of the best 10000W generator, we’ve chosen three great products:

All of these generators are rated for a peak power of 10000W (or very close to this), their constant load power output will be about 75%-90% of the rated peak (surge) watts. This means that they can handle a constant load of between 7500 and 9000 watts depending on which model we’re looking at. The DuroMax can handle a peak power output of 10000W for about a second or two, allowing for high-current startup equipment, like refrigerators, air conditioners, pumps and power tools.

I should point out, before reviewing these 10000W generators that they are not in the same league as the really expensive heavy-duty machines – like the 10KW Honda, DeWalt, Generac, or CAT generators. This begs the question: why do we see these models as the best 10000W generators? It comes down to price vs durability and features. I suppose that if you’re planning to buy a generator that’s going to work hard all day, every day, it would be worth considering the high-end machines. But how many of us are going to work our generator that hard on a constant basis?

Commercial Grade 10KW vs Residential Grade

Here’s an example of what you get with the absolute best quality 10,000W (EB10000) generator from Honda. It’s 5x to 6x more expensive than any residential generator in this article. This is made for construction sites and industrial applications. Most homeowners can’t afford this for home backup, nor is it necessary, unless you’re renovating your home, turning it into a construction site.

Best Industrial-Grade 10KW : Honda EB10000

If you’ve ever wondered what type of features you might be not be getting with a typical residential generator, this feature list for the Honda EB10000E will give you a good idea. Also note that this has a 688cc Honda engine. That’s a lot of power, and it has the reliability of a Honda. Don’t forget, Honda cars are one of the most reliable car brands on the market. All of these proprietary components add up to a lot of money. If you need an industrial grade 10KW generator then look no further, but for most readers I’m including this to give you a frame of reference, and I personally find it interesting to see the difference in the level of features available.

Features :

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When it comes down to it, we need to strike a balance between how much we’re paying for the generator and what our expectations are. The generators we’ve chosen have proven themselves to be reliable workhorses.

For most home users and many contractors, these generators will provide many years of faithful service and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. So it’s very much about value for money. To this end, these machines can certainly be classified as the best 10000W generators. Each has their own strong points. It’s really a matter of looking at what features they offer and deciding which one is going to best meet your needs.

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DuroMax XP10000E / XP10000EH (Dual-Fuel) Review

8000 Running Watts / 10000 Starting Watts

Features:

• DuroMax Engine: 439cc OHV DuroMax Engine
• 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts : Can handle heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, home conditioners and high amperage power tools.
• MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
• EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
• XP10000EH = Dual-fuel model
• XP10000E = Gas only model

Overview

DuroMax generators often feature in reviews of the best generators of all sizes and descriptions. Their reputation for supplying tough, hard-working generators at a price that suits just about anyone has made them a firm favorite across the board. With 8000 running watts and 10000 peak watts, the DuroMax XP10000E fits nicely into the category of best 10000W generators.

I should just clear up a matter that has caused some confusion regarding the XP10000E as far CARB certification is concerned. On the Amazon website, I saw this model listed as being both CARB and EPA certified. This is not the case. The DuroMax XP10000E is EPA certified but not CARB certified. DuroMax sells the same generator with a CARB certified engine (DuroMax XP10000E-CA), I guess the CA at the end stands for California. The specs for both models will be the same, CARB certification usually requires some modifications to the fuel system, carburetor and muffler, all other components won’t differ to those used in the manufacturing of either generator.

Full Featured Control Panel

The 16 HP engine with low oil protection is safe to use, durable and isn’t very noisy for a generator of this size. It has a very generous 8.3-gallon gas tank that will give you 10-hours of runtime at 50% load, which translates to 4.8-kilowatt-hours per gallon – slightly less thirsty than the Pulsar. The DuroMax XP10000E has both electric and recoil starting, like the others which is really cool.

The control panel on the DuroMax isn’t quite as comprehensive as that on the Pulsar with fewer standard household outlets and isn’t as well laid out either. Though I wouldn’t say that it’s difficult to understand or use this generator and it has a 120V 30A outlet. This is something the Pulsar doesn’t have and can be very handy if you’re using large power tools or other high-current 120V equipment. One thing that I really like on the DuroMax is the idle control switch. If you’re going to be using the generator for an extended time period, you may often find that it’s going to run for long periods with no load.

Most generators will continue running at full revs, even when there’s no power demand. This wastes fuel and it can be an irritation as far as unnecessary noise is concerned. The DuroMax XP10000E allows you to switch the generator so that it lowers the revs to idle RPM when there isn’t a demand for electricity. This is going to save on fuel and reduce noise levels. It has two standard 120V household outlets, a 120V 30A outlet, a large 120V/240V 50A outlet for connecting power directly to your house wiring, and a 120V/240V RV outlet. All these circuits are protected by individual circuit breakers and there’s a main 33A circuit breaker. The DuroMax XP10000E also has a 12V battery charging outlet and you also get an old-fashioned analog voltmeter.

The square tubing frame offers great protection and provides better protection for the fuel tank than most open frame generators. The large wheels are really impressive with good tread and steel rims. It has good fold down handles, similar to those on the Pulsar. The DuroMax XP10000E is even heavier than the Pulsar, weighing 249 LBS, lifting this generator is a tough job.

The DuroMax is designed to give you great service for many years, it really is a tough machine. It’s very similar to Pulsar in most respects but doesn’t have as many standard power outlets. It does have the advantage of 30A 120V outlet which great for large power tools and it has the idle control which can be of great benefit to most users. These are some obvious reasons why so many consider the DuroMax XP10000E to be the best 10000W generator.

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Connecting a 10,000W Generator to your Home

The biggest advantage of having a portable generator this size is that it can handle most of your household electrical requirements. To safely connect a generator to your house, you’ll need to use a transfer switch. This makes it safe to switch between generator and utility power and will prevent any harm coming to your generator or your person. You get many different transfer switch kits that include everything you need to ensure safe connection and operation of a portable generator for your house. I’d recommend using a professional electrician familiar with this type of installation to do it for you. Even though the kits have detailed instructions and include all the necessary cabling and breakers, it isn’t a simple DIY job and needs to be certified as being compliant with local regulations.

Most transfer switch kits for a portable generator include a large 50A plug which means you can easily connect your generator to your home. It’s just as quick, easy and safe to disconnect the generator for storage or to use it elsewhere. While this is all very convenient and easy, there are some limitations to using a 10000W generator to power your home during an outage. Depending on the size of your home and the type of electrical equipment that you expect to be using, a 10000W generator will usually mean that you have to forgo some circuits in your home to allow for the maximum wattage that the generator delivers. This means selecting only certain circuits to run off generator power.

Powerful Inverter Generator | Briggs & Stratton Q6500

You want to make sure that you don’t overload the generator. While it’s not going to harm the generator or put you at any risk, overloading the generator circuit is going to cause the circuit breaker to trip. This will become very irritating if it happens all the time. So it’s a good idea to calculate your expected consumption to make sure that your needs are within the capabilities of the generator. This is not an exact science because you can’t be certain what equipment you’ll be using and when. There are many appliances that start automatically like refrigerators and air conditioners that use a thermostat to control them. This means that you don’t have complete control over your power consumption.

All things considered, it’s not essential that you limit all your appliances to within the output of your generator. A certain amount of common sense can help you ascertain the likelihood of all these appliances being used at the same time. If you’re prepared to be aware of these limitations when using the generator, you can make provision for a lot more than what the generator can handle at one time. You just need to be aware that you can’t use everything at once and always keep in mind that some appliance can switch on at any time.

One needs to start by looking at what is essential equipment and what would be nice if it’s possible. I recommend using gas for your cooking needs when running on a generator – electric stoves use massive amounts of power. Connecting a water heater also isn’t a good idea. Depending on your hot water storage capacity, the type of heat insulation that you’re using and your hot water consumption, it’s possible to keep your hot water supply adequately warm for up to two days (possibly three). A central heating furnace could be critical if you live in a very cold climate, though this can use 4KW or more so you may want to consider using a space heater during power outages. Air conditioners aren’t too bad, as long as it’s only a room AC and not a centralized unit with a large compressor. Below is a list of a typical household power consumption set up for a generator circuit.

• Mid-sized refrigerator 850W (1800W peak)
• Deep freeze 850W (1800W peak)
• Air conditioner 1200W (2500W peak)
• Sump pump 650W (1300W peak)
• Microwave oven 800W (1750W peak)
• Plasma TV 120W
• Desktop computer with monitor 350W
• Surround sound system 40W
• 10 X 20W CFL lights 200W
• Space heater 1000W
• Electric kettle 1200W

— Maximum continuous watt requirement : 7260W
— Maximum load including starting watts : 12060W

By this, you can see that our maximum continuous wattage falls just in range of the continuous power rating of the Champion Power generator that we’ve just reviewed, with a bit more to spare if you’re using either of the other two generators. The peak starting watts is more than any of these generators can supply. Not to mention that there are some small items that don’t appear on this list like cell phone chargers. Though it’s not important to include equipment like this, they only draw a few watts, so having the big stuff covered is what’s important here.

Even though this peak wattage might lead you to believe that a 10000W generator isn’t going to cut it, applying some simple logic will help. You’re not likely to be using all this equipment at once. If you’re using the AC, you’re not going to be using a space heater. Then we also need to take into account that it’s highly unlikely that all the high-current startup appliances are going to start at exactly at the same time. We also have some control over the situation. If you’re going to be using the microwave, for example, it’s not going to take too much effort to switch off the air conditioner for a while or make sure that the electric kettle is not in use at this time. If you want to use a hairdryer (±1000W) or an iron that draws a similar wattage, the same will apply. You just need to make sure that you’re not running too many appliances at the same time.

When it comes down to it, a 10000W generator is going to handle all these appliances with very little compromise on your part. If you do end up overloading the generator, this will be seldom. It’s unlikely that you’ll be running back and forth to reset the breaker all the time. It won’t take you long to get used to this – a few trips to the breaker box and you’ll soon learn what’s possible with the generator that you’re using.