Discover the best generator by power capacities so you can find the right machines for your specific electricity needs.
- Best 4500 watt generator: WEN 56450i
- Best 10000 watt generator: Champion 201035
- Best 2500 watt generator: Westinghouse iGen2500
- Best 7500+ watt generator: Champion 201067 9000
- Best 3000+ watt generator: WEN 56380i 3800
These generators perform differently in other areas too. Find how they score in these areas in the table below.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56450i | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 201035 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | High THD | 9 | 7 | 6.5 | 5.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen2500 | 5.5 | 7 | 9 | <3% | 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 201067 9000 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6 | $$$ | Check Price |
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 7 | 7.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
1. WEN 56450i
The WEN 56450i is the best 4500 watt generator thanks to its 4500 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
This generator typically provides enough power to use a 15k BTU window air conditioner, table saw, 1 HP air compressor, or 1/2 HP furnace fan separately.
The WEN 56450i can typically power devices like a small sump pump, refrigerator, dishwasher, and toaster at the same time.
A benefit of the WEN 56450i is its quiet operation at 58 dBA. This noise level is similar to a conversation so it should not disturb your activities or even sleep too much.
Pros
- WEN 56450i offers 4500 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 29.1 amps, and 120 volts
- Relatively low noise levels of 58 dBA
- Run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Battery hookup manual guidelines are sometimes for a different model
Another benefit of the WEN 56450i is the cheap price compared to alternatives. At the same time, this generator is still reliable according to the many customer reviews.
One small downside of the WEN 56450i is that some customers get the wrong manual. This makes generator tasks like hooking up the battery more confusing.
Another small downside of the WEN 56450i is that its run time is slightly shorter than some alternatives.
In short, the WEN 56450i is typically the best generator if you want a medium amount of power, want to use gasoline, and like good value for the money.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56450i | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
2. Champion 201035
The Champion 201035 is the best 10000 watt generator thanks to its 10000 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
This amount of power is typically enough to run a 4-ton AC system. At least if this AC system can deal with high THD power.
A downside of the Champion 201035 is that it does not have a built-in inverter. This generator can not safely power electronics like a TV, microwave, or refrigerator directly.
For this purpose, you will need your own inverter or another way to clean up the electricity.
Another downside of the Champion 201035 is its loud noise levels. This generator can be too loud for your ears or neighbors due to the noise of 74 dBA at 25% loud.
Pros
- Champion 201035 offers 10000 starting watts, 8000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane too
- Good run time of 10 hours at 50% load (gasoline)
- Weight of 203 lb (92.1 kg)
- Has electric start
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- Noise levels of 74 dBA are somewhat louder
- High THD is not suited for sensitive electronics
You do want to know that these downsides are common for 10000 watt generators.
A benefit of the Champion 201035 is its dual fuel feature. This allows you to generate power from both gasoline and propane.
In turn, using your generator occasionally and staying prepared for emergencies become more convenient when you use propane.
So the Champion 201035 can be the best 10000 watt generator if you don’t mind the high THD power and loud noise levels.
Putting two medium inverter generators in parallel can be a better option if you do mind these things.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201035 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | High THD | 9 | 7 | 6.5 | 5.5 | $$ | Check Price |
3. Westinghouse iGen2500
The best 2500 watt generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its small size, good performance, quiet noise levels, and reasonable price.
This generator is strong enough to power a refrigerator, small window AC, or electric grill separately. A combination of small devices can work up to a point too.
A benefit of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is its good fuel efficiency. This generator produces around 6.735 kWh per gallon of gasoline at 25% load.
Another benefit of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is its compact dimensions and light weight.
This machine is great for purposes like camping, DIY sessions, or fishing where you likely want to move around.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 2200 running watts, 20.8 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Good run time of 12 hours at 25% load
- Good fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
- Optional CO sensor
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- A few exceptional cases of initial technical issues
Additionally, the Westinghouse iGen2500 generator produces low THD power thanks to its built-in inverter. You should be able to power sensitive electronics safely.
One downside of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is that it has a few exceptional cases where customers experienced technical issues.
However, this generator still performs well in terms of reliability overall. This detail is just something to keep in mind.
The Westinghouse iGen2500 is still the best small generator for good reasons. Alternatives do not provide the same power and value for the price.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen2500 | 5.5 | 7 | 9 | <3% | 8.5 | 10 | 8 | 10 | $ | Check Price |
4. Champion 201067 9000
The Champion 201067 9000 is the best 7500+ watt generator thanks to its extra power capacity, good reliability, and reasonable price.
This generator produces more than 7500 peak watts but because alternatives around the same power level are not good enough, the Champion 201067 9000 wins the top title.
A benefit of the Champion 201067 9000 is its 50 amp outlet. This allows you to get a lot of watts through one outlet which is helpful for purposes like backup power.
Another benefit of the Champion 201067 9000 is its built-in inverter. The large amounts of power this generator produces are suitable for sensitive electronics too.
Pros
- Champion 201067 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- CO sensor
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 152.2 lb (69 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 72 dBA can be too loud
- Run time is not the most impressive
The Champion 201067 9000 positively stands out in its reliability too. This generator is definitely suitable for something like home backup power (if you follow the safety guidelines).
A downside of the Champion 201067 9000 is its loud noise levels of 72 dBA. This can be too loud for small neighborhoods and at night.
Additionally, the Champion 201067 9000 has a relatively short run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load. You will have to refuel the generator regularly.
In short, the Champion 201067 9000 is a great generator if you want a lot of clean power. At least if you don’t mind the noise levels.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 6 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8 | 6 | $$$ | Check Price |
5. WEN 56380i 3800
The WEN 56380i 3800 is the best 3000+ watt generator thanks to its extra power capacity, good reliability, and budget-friendly price.
This generator is another example of a machine that is so good it is better than the alternatives in a power category lower.
The WEN 56380i 3800 typically produces enough electricity to run a 15k BTU RV AC which makes this generator great for RV camping too.
At the same time, the other benefits of the WEN 56380i 3800 make it great for other purposes like tailgating, fishing, and DIY sessions too.
Pros
- WEN 56380i offers 3800 starting watts, 3400 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 57 dBA
- Good run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load
- Nice fuel efficiency
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Electric start
- Weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Can be challenging to move over bumpy terrain
One of these benefits is the quiet operation at noise levels of 57 dBA. Since the WEN 56380i 3800 is quieter than a loud conversation at 25% load it should not disturb your activities too much.
Another benefit of the WEN 56380i 3800 is its good fuel efficiency. This machine generates a relatively large amount of electricity out of a gallon of fuel.
One downside of the WEN 56380i 3800 is that it is hard to move over bumpy terrain due to its small wheels.
However, with a weight of 99.2 pounds (45 kg), this is not the biggest downside either.
Ultimately, the WEN 56380i 3800 can be a good generator if you find the WEN 56450i too much.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 7 | 7.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
What decides the power capacity you need in a generator?
What power capacity you need in a generator is decided by the power needs of the devices you plan to power.
There are a few specific steps you can take to find out what size generator you need in your situation.
What is the best 4500 watt generator?
The best 4500 watt generator is the WEN 56450i thanks to its 4500 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the best 10000 watt generator?
The best 10000 watt generator is the Champion 201035 thanks to its 10000 peak watts, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the best 2500 watt generator?
The best 2500 watt generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its small size, good performance, quiet noise levels, and reasonable price.
What is the best 7500 watt generator?
The best 7500 watt generator is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its extra power capacity, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the best 3000 watt generator?
The best 3000+ watt generator is the WEN 56380i 3800 thanks to its extra power capacity, good reliability, and budget-friendly price.
What is the best 7000 watt generator?
The best 7000 watt generator is the Honda EU7000iS thanks to its low noise levels, reliability, and the low competition in this category.
What is the best 15000 watt generator?
The best 15000 watt generator is the Westinghouse wGen12000 thanks to its low THD levels, good reliability, solid features, and reasonable price.
What is the best 50 amp inverter generator?
The best 50 amp inverter generator is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its 50 amp outlet, good reliability, and reasonable price.
What is the smallest portable generator?
The smallest portable generator is the Sportsman GEN1000 thanks to its dimensions of 14″ x 12″ x 12″ and 1000 peak watts.
What is the largest portable generator?
The largest portable generator is the Westinghouse wGen20000 thanks to its 28000 peak watts.
Popular option:
The WEN 56450i is one of the best generators thanks to its popular power capacity, good reliability, and reasonable price.
