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Finding the best 10,000-watt generator might be a challenge. If you have a good idea of how they work and what they can be used for, then the search may not be so difficult.
The important thing to note is that these generators can be used in just about any situation where you’ll need a good amount of power for your home, RV, camp, or any place where electricity may be hard to come by due to various situations. Even when disaster strikes, you’ll need a generator that is long-lasting and reliable in the times when you need it most.
In order to help you find the best one for you, we’ve taken the liberty of putting together a list of the six best 10,000-watt generators currently on the market. Before we get to the list itself, we’ll talk about what the best uses are for these types of generators and the characteristics and features of the models we chose for the list.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 10000 Watt Generator
- OUR TOP PICK: DuroMax 12,000
- Pulsar PG10000B16
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: All Power America APG3590CN
Comparison Chart of the Best 10000-Watt Generators
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What Are The Best Uses For a 10,000-Watt Generator?
A 10,000-watt generator can be a saving grace or something that you can regularly use. Either way, they exist for a reason and you’d be hard-pressed to find one for any other reason than the following uses below:
Handy in Case of Power Outages
When the power goes out due to disasters or unexplained reasons, it’s better to be prepared than be left out in the dark. A great 10,000-watt generator will certainly stand out as your best friend if you need to keep the lights on in the middle of a blackout. In fact, there may be someone in your household that depends on electricity for their medical equipment. So a 10,000-watt generator may even be life-saving.
Camping
Whether you are at a small camp or in an RV, a great 10,000-watt generator might be exactly what you need while you’re out in the woods. So if you hate the idea of just getting around with a simple flashlight and want to keep your RV or camp nice and bright in the middle of a dark wooded area, you’ll need a generator.
For Your Place of Business
If you own a small business and have a small enough building to handle a generator, then you’re in luck. Some places rely on a powerful generator that will keep products at a certain temperature (like those stored in coolers or freezers). However, you’ll need to keep in mind that if you have a business located in a much larger building, a 10,000-watt generator may not be enough.
Characteristics of Our Favorite Models
Keep in mind that these generators were not added to the list at random. They have been chosen due to a few characteristics and features we think were interesting enough. You should follow a similar plan as you search for a generator of your own. Here are the following characteristics to look out for:
Price
If you are on a budget, there’s a good chance the price tag will be the first thing to look at. What’s important is the quality and performance of the generator. You should invest in the best you can afford in terms of these attributes. A cheap generator just won’t be enough due to it being unreliable and under-performing in the situations where you might need it most.
Size
The size of a generator may matter to you for a few reasons. One common reason is storage. You want a generator that will be easy to store and won’t take up too much room when it’s not in use. Granted, some generators may be large in size and thus, are heavier in weight, making them difficult to transport.
Easy to Transport
We strive to find the best 10,000-watt generator for users that want to carry it from point A to point B. As you look through each generator, take note of the weight. This way, you’ll be able to determine whether or not it can be transported easily. Some heavier generators may even be easy to transport if a set of sturdy wheels are attached to it.
Review of the Best 10,000-Watt Generators
The following is a list of the six best 10,000-watt generators currently on the market. As you go through each one, it is important to note the features and characteristics. This way, you’ll know which one will be the closest to your ideal generator.
Find one that is a close enough match and you know that it’s a winner. Now, let’s take a look at the first on our list -- our “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
DuroMax 12,000
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were happy with the generator. They said that despite being a bit heavier in weight, it was actually easy to move around and transport. The wheels were solid and able to handle most terrain like pavement and gravel. One user said he has this for his whole home and reports that it kicks in almost immediately after a power outage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This generator has the ability to be powered by battery or by fuel. Either way, you can easily find a way to power this generator to ensure that you are not left in the dark in the direst of situations. So in truth, you have one of the most flexible generators on the market when it comes to how it should be powered. Not to mention, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly. So if you want to burn fuel without threatening the surrounding environment in any way, this is the generator you’ll want to have.
Who Will Use This Most
This would be the ideal generator for those looking for something to add to their homes. But it definitely stands out as the generator to use if you happen to be camping. So no matter where you go with it, you have a generator that will give you a good amount of power so you have light wherever you are.
Bottom Line
The DuroMax 12,000 will stand out as the best home or camp generator on the market for a few good reasons. It’s solidly built, easy to transport, and has more than one way to run. Whether you’re running on battery or fuel, this generator is ready to put the work in.
Runner-up:
Pulsar PG10000B16
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were pretty happy with the generator and how it was able to power homes by any available means. They were able to power it using either gasoline or propane. Most new users were impressed with how long the generator lasted on a tank of fuel (regardless of what they used). One user said it definitely helped him out during a power outage that lasted about a week after a major hurricane hit his area.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This generator might as well win an award for being the most flexible generator on the market. While it can run on either gasoline or propane, it is probably one of the most fuel-efficient generators available. So if you want something that will last on fuel, this could be the generator to go with, especially when you need to rely on a generator for long-term power outages. In a situation like the aftermath of a disaster, fuel would be rather hard to come by. This generator will definitely excel in a time of need.
Who Will Use This Most
This stands out as an excellent home generator that will come in handy when the power goes out. Whether it’s due to unexplained blackouts or bad weather, the power can go out at any point in time, which is why a good 10,000-watt generator will do you some good in these situations. So if you want something that will kick in the clutch at the direst times, this generator will answer the call of duty.
Bottom Line
The Pulsar 10,000-Watt Generator will certainly hold up as one of the best generators in the business. Don’t be shocked if it winds up taking over the best overall spot in the future. For something that is flexible and fuel-efficient, you’ll scratch your head wondering why it’s a runner in the first place.
Best for the Money:
All Power America APG3590CN
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were pretty happy with the generator. Not only was it affordable for most budget users, but they were also impressed with how long it was able to power their homes on very little gas. One user said he was pretty confident in the running power and says he is ready to rely on it in the event of long-term power outages.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This generator runs on a 15 HP 420 OHV engine that can be powered on gasoline. Even with a little bit in the tank, it gives you plenty of time. Not to mention, it’s solid in terms of construction. And even though it’s heavy in weight, it’s pretty easy to transport thanks to the attached wheels. Plus, the wheels themselves are excellent in quality. So if you want something that is tough all-over, you’d be hard-pressed to find a generator quite like this.
Who Will Use This Most
This generator is perfect for home or camp. It will power any area well and for a long period of time, depending on how you power it. So if you want a generator that is quite useful on either battery or fuel, this might be exactly what you’re looking for. Besides, it’s quite affordable for most budgets, so this might be worth the investment if you’re a first-time generator owner.
Bottom Line
The All Power America 10000-Watt Propane Portable Generator will certainly be a good choice for all your power needs. For something that is affordable, you’ll be getting a steal of a lifetime since the generator itself performs pretty well. If you want a generator that will be great when you need it most, this should stand out as a great option.
Best Honda 10,000-Watt Generator:
Honda EB10000 Industrial Generator
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of recent buyers were satisfied with just how great the generator can run. They said it delivered great performance in making sure their homes, camps, and even construction sites were able to get power. One user said it wasn’t as loud as some of the generators that he has used in the past. But nonetheless, it got the job done in providing power to his home during a recent power outage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Honda might be known for lots of things (like automobiles). However, they go above and beyond and deliver an excellent generator that is industrial-grade and will provide just enough power to last you through a long-term power outage. And best of all, it’s solidly built and can definitely stand out as one of the best home or industrial generators in the business.
Who Will Use This Most
This would do a good job at being a home generator, but would also be useful at job sites that are not connected to power. Somehow, someway your floodlights need to be powered so you can get around obstacles while doing construction jobs at night. Whether it’s residential or industrial, this generator will certainly stand the test of time and performance and will pass with flying colors.
Bottom Line
The Honda Industrial Generator is a heavy-duty unit that will serve its purpose at home or on the job site. So if you need a lot of power, you’ll probably want this generator for your own use. Don’t be shocked if this puppy lasts you a good decade or two before you need to look for another generator.
Best Generac 10,000-Watt Generator:
Generac 5802
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a lot of new users were happy with the generator. They said the starting ability was easy and quick. Because of that, they said it was perhaps one of the most reliable generators on the market for that purpose. One user said he bought this in preparation for any future power outages and is confident it will get the job done as advertised.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This generator has a PowerBar (no, not the one you eat). It’s designed to keep track of the wattage the unit outputs while you run the generator. So it would be great if you’re looking to watch how much power you’re using for the generator itself. If you are someone that is adamant about how much power you intend to use during a power outage, this might be the generator you want to have on-hand. You’d be quite happy with what it can do in even the direst situations where power can be non-existent.
Who Will Use This Most
This generator is perfect for residential use. In times of need, it will definitely work hard to ensure you have power to last you through longest power outages. While generators are a temporary solution, they certainly will be reliable in most situations where you’ll need power for the most important appliances in your home.
Bottom Line
The Generac 10,000-Watt Generator just might be one of the most reliable generators on the market for a few good reasons. If you want something that will power your residence for the short-term until the power grid is back online, this generator will be your cup of coffee. It will last you quite a while and will be easy to operate for most users.
Best Duromax 10,000-Watt Generator:
DuroMax XP10000E
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most new users said the generator was quite easy to set up and use. And it kicks into the clutch in disaster situations. One user said he was using it for major hurricanes in Florida where power outages would last weeks. He said it was the best investment he’s made in years. And he would do it all over again, if he had the chance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This generator is solidly built and is flexible when it comes to its power options. You can use a battery or fuel options like gas or propane. Either way, there is no limit to what you can use. So if you want something that will make your home stand out in the middle of darkness, this generator just might be exactly what you’re looking for. As something that is easy to set up and start, you’d be insane to pass up the chance to give this a closer look.
Who Will Use This Most
This will stand out as one of the best residential generators on the market, especially one that will be perfect in terms of use during times of disaster (and the aftermath of it). It’s solid in terms of construction and will probably be a short-term solution for giving you power until things are back up and running. In a time of need, you need a generator that will work hard and power your home. This might be what you’ll want.
Bottom Line
The Duromax 10,000-Watt Generator is built to last and built to run a long time whenever you need power. With all the options you have to keep it running, it’s a pretty good generator to have whenever the power goes out and stays out for a long period of time. Your home will stay in good running order while the rest of the neighborhood sits in darkness.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
While a list of features and characteristics are important, it’s important to know some of the other aspects that should factor into your final purchasing decision. These should be given some consideration before you write them off as unimportant or irrelevant to your personal needs and wants. Here are some things to mull over:
Should I Use Gas or Propane?
There are generators that will be powered using alternative sources. You can use gasoline or propane, if you so choose. Keep in mind that one may be much more efficient than the other. If you must, test out each one before deciding on which fuel source is better for your generator.
How Often Should it Be Used?
Most generators won’t be run on a regular basis. As such, they are only used in certain situations. For example, you can use them for longer periods of time if you are either in an outdoor environment where there are no sources of electricity or if you are at home and the power has been out for longer periods of time. Either way, they should not be used for consistent, long-term use unless the situation proves otherwise.
Does it Have to Be Portable?
The short answer is, it depends. Are you planning on taking it with you to camp? Will you also be using it at home? If you answer yes to both questions, it is highly recommended that you go with a generator that will be easy to transport and portable enough to go from one place to the next without any issue.
Conclusion
The best 10,000-watt generator is out there. You should find one that will be best for your home or any situation where you’ll need to use electricity where power is not available. Find one that will fit your personal needs and preferences and you’ll have something to rely on, even in the most serious disasters and situations where electricity may be hard to access.
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