Discover the best 15000 watt generators so you can power a lot without the risk and inconvenience of bad models.
- Westinghouse wGen12000 – Best & quietest 15000 watt generator (low THD)
- Westinghouse wGen12000DF – Best & quietest 15000 watt dual fuel generator (low THD)
- Champion 201161 – Best 15000 watt natural gas generator (high THD, tri fuel)
- Champion 100111 (high THD)
- DuroMax XP15000EH (high THD, dual fuel)
Generally, one of the three top 15000 watt generators will be the best choice. Which one depends on your fuel preferences.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen12000 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5 | <5% | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 4 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse wGen12000DF | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5 | <5% | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 4 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201161 | 9.5 | 9 | 4 | 12% To 20% | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 4.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 100111 | 9.5 | 9 | 4 | 12% To 20% | 7.5 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 4.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| DuroMax XP15000EH | 10 | 9 | 3 | High THD | 8 | 9 | 8 | 3.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best 15000 watt generators reviewed in-depth
If you know what fuel types you want to use, the list of top picks and the performance table are generally enough to choose the best 15000 watt generator for your situation.
That being said, checking out the in-depth reviews of the options before investing in one of these machines can make your choice easier.
1. Westinghouse wGen12000 – Best & quietest 15000 watt generator
Our top pick for the best 15000 watt generator is the Westinghouse wGen12000 thanks to the combination of solid features, high reliability, low THD, and reasonable price.
Additionally, while there are still a few exceptional cases of technical issues, the Westinghouse wGen12000 is also still the top rated 9500 watt generator.
You do want to keep in mind that the noise levels of 74 dBA will be somewhat loud to your (and your neighbor’s) ears.
At the same time, the Westinghouse wGen12000 is also the quietest model on the list so there is no escaping from some noise around 15000 watts.
Pros
- Westinghouse wGen12000 offers 15000 starting watts, 12000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Nice run time of 11 hours at 50% load
- Less than 5% THD
- Has electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Version with CO sensor available too
- Weight of 352 lb (160 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 74 dBA are already somewhat loud
- A few exceptional cases of technical issues
Something that positively stands out in the Westinghouse wGen12000 is the low THD power you get.
This allows you to safely run sensitive electronics like a TV, microwave, refrigerator, and certain AC systems.
On top of that, the electric and remote start make it easy to get the Westinghouse wGen12000 going and turn it off.
Even from the comfort of your home.
Add the nice run time of 11 hours at 50% load to all these features and your choice becomes relatively clear if you want a gasoline-compatible 15000 watt generator.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen12000 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5 | <5% | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 4 | $$$ | Check Price |
2. Westinghouse wGen12000DF – Best & quietest 15000 watt dual fuel generator
The top spot for the best 15000 watt dual fuel generator was somewhat harder to choose but the Westinghouse wGen12000DF is ultimately a straightforward choice too.
Thanks to the dual fuel feature, the Westinghouse wGen12000DF can run on both gasoline and propane.
One benefit of propane as a fuel type is that it typically stores longer than gasoline. This makes it more convenient to stay prepared for power outages or live off-grid.
In some emergencies, gasoline is also simply harder to get. Partly because it is such a popular fuel type.
Pros
- Westinghouse wGen12000DF offers 15000 starting watts, 12000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Nice run time of 11 hours at 50% load
- Less than 5% THD
- Has electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Version with CO sensor available too
- Weight of 352 lb (160 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 74 dBA are already somewhat loud
- A few exceptional cases of technical issues
In other areas, the Westinghouse wGen12000DF is similar in quality to the gasoline-only model mentioned above.
That means you again get a low THD 15000 watt generator that allows you to power sensitive electronics safely.
In case there are any exceptional issues, there are the three years limited residential and one year limited commercial warranties to fall back on.
The noise levels of the Westinghouse wGen12000DF may not be as impressive as small portable generators.
However, if you want a quality and relatively “quiet” 15000 watt generator, this will still typically be the best choice.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen12000DF | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5 | <5% | 9 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 4 | $$$ | Check Price |
3. Champion 201161 – Best 15000 watt natural gas generator
Being able to run on both gasoline and propane is nice but if you want even more flexibility, a tri fuel 15000 watt generator like the Champion 201161 could be the right choice.
In some areas and situations, natural gas is an even more convenient fuel type for power outages and off-grid living.
One thing you do want to keep in mind is that the Champion 201161 provides power with THD levels that are not suited for sensitive electronics.
At least if you don’t have your own way to “clean up” the power.
Additionally, compared to certain other good tri fuel generators, the Champion 201161 is not as “proven” due to the small number of customers (so far).
Pros
- Champion 201161 offers 15000 starting watts, 12000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Tri fuel feature allows you to run on natural gas, propane, and gasoline
- Nice run time of 9 hours at 50% load
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Has a CO sensor
- Weight of 331 lb (150.1 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
Cons
- THD of 12% to 20% is not suited for sensitive electronics
- Not that many customers yet
- Noise levels of 78 dBA are loud
That being said, Champion tends to be one of the more reliable generator brands out there so you would expect something similar from this Champion 201161.
If you do happen to use gasoline instead of natural gas or propane anyway, you get a nice run time of 9 hours at 50% load on a full tank.
The electric start also makes it a bit more convenient to get the Champion 201161 going.
In short, the Champion 201161 may be somewhat standard for a 15000 watt generator in most areas.
However, because of the natural gas compatibility, it could still be the right investment for certain locations and situations.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201161 | 9.5 | 9 | 4 | 12% To 20% | 8 | 6.5 | 8 | 4.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
4. Champion 100111
In theory, you could consider the Champion 100111 if you really want to save as much money as possible in the short term.
In practice, you likely want to invest a bit more in one of the 15000 watt generators with a better reliability reputation.
For example, there are a few cases where the first Champion 100111 customers got did not function as desired.
Champion customer support seems to deal well with these cases but they do involve spending time without those 15000 watts available.
Pros
- Champion 100111 offers 15000 starting watts, 12000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Nice run time of 9 hours at 50% load
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 329.6 lb (149.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- THD of 12% to 20% is not suited for sensitive electronics
- Noise levels of 78 dBA are loud
- Some cases where the first generator people got did not function as desired
- A people with early wear and tear
Additionally, there are some cases where people notice early wear and tear in their Champion 100111.
Some of these reviews are on the older side so it is possible that the quality is more what you would expect from Champion when you read this.
That being said, at this price point and with how good the Westinghouse wGen12000 is, you likely want to pass on this 15000 watt generator.
Especially considering the Champion 100111 produces high THD power and is somewhat average in other areas.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 100111 | 9.5 | 9 | 4 | 12% To 20% | 7.5 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 4.5 | $$ | Check Price |
5. DuroMax XP15000EH
The DuroMax XP15000EH is a good 15000 watt dual fuel generator but impressive deals or DuroMax fans aside, I don’t see how you would prefer this option over the Westinghouse wGen12000DF.
One of the first reasons is that the DuroMax XP15000EH provides high THD power.
To run sensitive electronics safely you would need your own inverter or other way to “clean up” the energy.
Additionally, the noise levels of the DuroMax XP15000EH are even louder at 83 dBA.
Especially considering that the difference in noise between one decibel extra gets higher and higher as you go up the ladder.
Pros
- DuroMax XP15000EH offers 15000 starting watts, 12500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Nice run time of 18 hours at 25% load
- Has electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 380 lb (172.4 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- High THD power is not suited for sensitive electronics
- Noise levels of 83 dBA are loud
- User manual is not that helpful
- A few cases of technical issues
Next, the DuroMax XP15000EH is reasonably reliable overall.
However, there are still seemingly more technical issues than with the Westinghouse wGen12000DF.
The DuroMax XP15000EH also does not come with a remote start, a helpful manual, or a more budget-friendly price.
In short, the DuroMax XP15000EH is a good 15000 watt generator overall but you will likely find the Westinghouse wGen12000DF a better choice.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP15000EH | 10 | 9 | 3 | High THD | 8 | 9 | 8 | 3.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
How to choose a 15000 watt generator?
To choose the best 15000 watt generator you want to pay attention to these specifications and details:
- Run time
- Fuel types
- Outlets
- Fuel efficiency
- Noise levels
- User reviews
- Reliability
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
Think about what you want in these 15000 watt generator details and choose the machine that fulfills these needs the best in your situation.
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FAQ about 15000 watt generators
How much does a 15000 watt generator cost?
At the time of writing, a 15000 watt generator typically costs around 2000 to 3000 US dollars.
Will a 15000 watt generator run a house?
A 15000 watt generator will be enough to run many houses and devices in them.
At the same time, you likely still want to check the power needs of the devices inside of your house to see how many of them you can run and whether or not you need a stronger model.
Additionally, keep in mind that the THD levels of the 15000 watt generator influence whether or not you can safely run the sensitive electronics inside of your home.
How long will a 15kW generator run?
A 15kW generator will typically run around 8 to 11 hours depending on the specific model.
There are also 15000 watt generators with run times outside of this range.
Is there a 15000 watt inverter generator?
According to my research, there is currently no 15000 watt inverter generator.
That being said, the two top options on our list do have less than 5% THD which is generally low enough for sensitive electronics.
What is the best 15000 watt generator?
The best 15000 watt generator is typically the Westinghouse wGen12000.
However, the Westinghouse wGen12000DF could be a better option if you want to be able to run on both propane and gasoline.
Additionally, the Champion 201161 could be the right choice if you want to use natural gas too and don’t mind the high THD power.
