Best Rated 8000 Watts Portable Generators
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We only endorse products that we have researched thoroughly and will be of use to our readers.
The recommended backup power generator rating for small homes is between 5000 and 7500 Watts, but what happens if your home appliances consume more power than the average small home? Won’t one of the best-rated 8000 Watts portable generators be the ideal choice for you?
These generators are subject to debate as many have features that are similar and possess all the things you should look out for when choosing the right backup power generator in this rating class. Some of them include the Durostar DS12000EH, the PREDATOR 9000 Watt, and the Westinghouse WGen 7500.
In this article, you will have a good list of the best 8000+ watts generators, outlining their features and why they may be the best fit for you. You will also have a guide on how to choose the right portable generator for your need.
Model | Best For | Buy Here |
---|---|---|
Durostar DS12000EH [amazon fields="B07G3HQ3JG" value="thumb"] | Power Output | Buy on Amazon |
Generac 7676 GP8000E [amazon fields="B07N76WN9Z" value="thumb"] | Efficiency (run time) | Buy on Amazon |
Westinghouse WGen 7500 Watt Generator [amazon fields="B01N80F68E" value="thumb"] | Price/ use | Buy on Amazon |
DuroMax XP10000E [amazon fields="B0018C6BDE" value="thumb"] | Home backup use | Buy on Amazon |
PREDATOR 9000 | Bang for your buck | Buy on Harbor Freight |
PREDATOR 8750 | Portability | Buy on Harbor Freight |
Best 8000 Watt Generators And Above
8000 watts generators are not as standard as other generators with power ratings between 10,000 to 12,000 watts, and 5,000 to 7,5000 watts, because many homes don’t have use for them. They are either insufficient or too much for their electrical needs during emergencies and when they are needed. Therefore, making it a waste of resources.
Here is our compilation of the best generators you can get if you require 8000+ watts generators.
Durostar DS12000EH
[amazon box=”B07G3HQ3JG”]
The Durostar 1200 watts portable generator is a workhorse on wheels that supplies enough power to small to medium-sized houses. Its high power rating ensures that house appliances have enough energy to start and maintain their running. Also, it possesses many outlets that are compatible with different household appliances. They range from the 120V outlets to the 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet. With this generator, you can charge external batteries for power saving.
Its safety and maintenance features are top-notch, with an automatic low oil shut-off system. Also, it carries enough fuel to last you for a long time, with its fuel tank capacity of 8.3 Gallons. However, expect some level of noise disturbance as the 18-horsepower engine produces about 74 decibels of noise.
It is CARB-approved, meaning it is certified to release the least amount of carbon monoxide possible, and it is available in all states of the United States. It is a dual fuel engine generator that allows you to use either gasoline or propane.
Pros
- It has numerous electrical outlets for your appliances
- It supplies more than enough power to start up your mechanical appliances and keep them running.
- It is suitable for small to medium-sized houses.
- It is easy to transport because of its wheels and strong handlebars.
- A sturdy construction frame ensures a suitable engine enclosure.
Cons
- The engine is noisy.
- It has no electrical outlet protector.
Generac 7676 GP8000E
[amazon box=”B07N76WN9Z”]
Although the Generac 7676 GP8000E is rated at 8000 watts of power, it supplies a starting wattage of 10,000, making it possible to start many appliances and keep them running with the actual power rating. It delivers more than 30% starting capacity to your appliances with its Power Rush Advanced Technology.
It is made with a combination of metal and hard plastic, creating a solid frame that supports the parts of the generating set. Also, it carries a massive fuel tank that holds juice and allows it to continue running for more than 10 hours at a 50% load capacity.
It ensures safety for your home by adopting rubber coverings for the electrical outlets, reducing the chances of electrocution. It is also easy to move around as it possesses two wheels and two strong metal handlebars with rubber grips.
The electric start ignition makes it easy to operate, and the battery, which charges while in operation, makes the ignition a fast responder, even after a long period of rest.
Pros
- It has a solid and robust frame to house the engine.
- It is portable and easy to transport around with its wheels and handlebars.
- The large-capacity tank holds enough fuel for more than 10 hours of continuous operation at 50% workload.
- It has rubber protection over the electrical outlets to reduce the risk of electrocution.
- It is an electrical start model with an ignition key.
Cons
- It may be challenging to start the engine if the battery is discharged.
- It is not CARB compliant.
Westinghouse WGen 7500 Watt Generator
[amazon box=”B01N80F68E”]
The Westinghouse WGen 7500 portable generator is a 192 pounds workhorse that supplies up to 9500 watts of portable power to your appliance to get them started. However, it keeps them running at 7500 watts. Its powerful 4-stroke engine has its sleeve made with durable cast iron and produces a noise of 72 decibels.
Its numerous electrical outlets, compatible with different appliances of different volt ratings, make it one to look out for. These outlets are also covered with rubber for added safety. It has a large tank capacity of 6.6 Gallons and can run for up to 11 hours.
Bring the engine to life with the push of a button, a key, or a recoil start.
Pros
- It provides enough power to start your appliances and keep them running.
- The electrical outlets have different volt ratings, compatible with various home appliances.
- The electrical outlets have a rubber covering for added safety
- You can start the engine by using a recoil start, an ignition key, or pushing a button.
- It has automatic low oil shutdown, protecting the engine.
- It is also easy to move around.
Con
- The engine produces a loud 72 decibel sound
DuroMax XP10000E
[amazon box=”B0018C6BDE”]
The DuroMax XP10000E portable generator produces 10,000 watts of power, sufficient to start your home appliances and keep them in operation. The engine is powered by gas, and its function is possible with a 439cc OHV design.
Its power outlets are rated 120V and 240 V, and they can be used simultaneously. It uses a recoil starter and can run for up to 8 hours on a 50% workload. The parts are made of metal, and it is easy to move around because of its wheels and two handlebars.
It is EPA and CARB certified, ensuring its suitability for maintaining good air quality.
Pros
- It has a starting power of 10,000 watts and a running power of 8000 watts.
- It is easy to move around
- It can power high amperage appliances and power tools
- Its construction is sturdy.
Cons
- Its electrical outlets are not protected.
- It employs only recoil start to bring the engine to life.
PREDATOR 9000 Watt Generator
This generator runs for a long time on half its maximum workload. It keeps working for up to 13 hours and supplies 9000 watts of starting power, hence its name PREDATOR 9000, and keeps your appliances running with 7500 watts.
Its electrical outlets have GFCI-compliant, that is, they have rubber covers, and it has numerous of these electrical outlets. Bring the engine to life with an electric start or a recoil pull. It also protects the engine by shutting off automatically when the oil level is low.
Pros
- It runs for 13 hours when at 50% workload and a full tank.
- It has an automatic engine shut off when the oil level is low.
- The electrical outlets are covered with rubber for safety.
- It has many electrical outlets, compatible with different appliances and tools.
Con
- The electric start needs a battery, but it has to be purchased separately.
PREDATOR 8750 Watt Generator
The PREDATOR 8750 portable generator starts your appliances with its power rating but keeps them running with 7000 watts. It is ideal for homes and offices, such as laboratories, that need clean power built using inverter technology.
It consumes less fuel for more run time – up to 15 hours – and it is suitable for use in RVs as it is GFCI protected and has an automatic engine shut down feature when the carbon monoxide levels are getting dangerously high.
Pros
- It conserves fuel.
- It has more power efficiency.
- It has many electrical outlets for different home appliances.
- It uses CO SECURE technology to prevent hazards from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It has an electric start system.
Con
- It does not automatically shut off the engine when the oil level is low.
What To Look For In A Portable Standby Generator
Portable generators, regardless of their power rating, have the same functions and similar features. However, you must see some things and ensure that certain features are in place before purchasing them if you want to get the best from your generator. You should ensure that you choose the best time of year to buy a generator as prices can vary wildly. Some of the things to look out for to ascertain that you’re buying a quality backup generator include:
Construction
A sturdy frame, where the engine and fuel tank sits, is an essential feature of an excellent generator. You don’t want a generator that can easily fall apart when its engine vibrates, and the screws holding the parts together come loose. Ensure that the screws and bolts, if visible, are tightly done and cannot come off by using your fingers alone.
Also, ensure that the construction of the generator does not make moving the set around a difficult task. One of the pros of a generator is its portability, and its construction is an essential decider of how mobile it is.
Check the construction materials; can they quickly melt under intense heat? Are they strong enough to carry the weight of the engine and other vital parts of the generator? If they are not, avoid such generators. Most generators employ hard plastics and metals for construction; choose the right one for you.
Safety And Monitoring
Does the power generating set comes with some safety features that help to prevent hazards? If not, avoid it. Usually, generators are used outdoors. Therefore, the electrical outlets need protection against water and other electric conductors that may cause electrocution. Choose a generator that will comfortably sit in the shed you may have at some distance away from your home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is common with generators that are used indoors. There are some new generators that have in-built safety against carbon monoxide. Choose one that automatically shuts off when the carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels. However, it is generally advisable that you not use generators indoors and have them in a shed about 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust facing away from your home.
CARB Compliance
Generators release some amount of harmful gases, carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere. These gases are detrimental to the environment and reduce the air quality of the immediate environment. To curb the detrimental effect of these exhaust gases, the California Air Resource Board, CARB, has reached an agreement with generator manufacturers that a certain level amount of these gases will be released into the atmosphere. An excess of the agreed level means they are not compliant with the CARB agreement.
Many states in the United States of America have adopted the CARB requirements, and many generator manufacturers who wish to keep selling their products abide by the requirements and regulations. When choosing a generator, reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing generators that are CARB compliant.
Portability
What’s the point of a portable generator that is difficult to move around during a power outage, for example? Consider the size and transportability of a generator before you buy it. The power rating may satisfy your need, but how easy will it be for you to get it out when the need calls?
Look out for generators that have strong handlebars for easily lifting the set. You should also consider generators with wheels. Some have two; others have four. They make it easy to move the generating set from one point to another without lifting it entirely from the floor.
Additional Features
Check for extra features on the generator you wish to buy. For example:
- How many electrical outlets do they have?
- Are there DC and AC outlets on the generator?
- What maintenance features does it have? How about safety features?
- Is it a single or dual fuel generator?
- What type of fuel you can use.
- Does it have idle control?
- Does it have several power outputs?
- Are you buying one to prepare for a natural disaster?
- Will you need to run a cord from the generator into your home?
Apart from those concerned with providing electricity, all of these features help improve your experience with the portable generator and ensure easy application of safety measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Buy a Generator?
A generator is essential in emergency situations as they provide electrical power when the grid is out or when you’re outdoors and can’t get access to electricity from the grid. It is a backup source of electrical power that helps homes and offices get work done when conventional electricity is out.
Why are Honda Generators so Quiet?
Honda generators are quiet because the engine is fully covered, restricting the escape of noise to the environment. Usually, a generator makes noise when the engine combusts fuel and maintains its RPM. However, Honda generators are mostly built with inverter technology and such inverter generators increase their fuel efficiency and reduce their noise significantly.
What will a 10000-watt Generator Run?
With a 10,000-watt generator, you can power large appliances and power tools, depending on where they will be used. It will comfortably run an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a sump pump, a freezer, a furnace, and many other home appliances. Generally speaking, 10,000 watts and above can be considered a powerful generator that has high maximum power output as long as you have a full tank of gas.
What is the Best Generator for Construction Sites?
An industrial generator for construction sites needs an above-average power rating and a larger fuel tank to accommodate longer hours of runtime compared to the ones used at home. Power tools that require enormous starting power are commonly used in construction sites (however some machines like a welder can be run using a 5000-watt generator). Therefore, one of the best generators for construction sites is the Westinghouse WGen 75000DF.
Why go for an 8000 – 12000 Watts Generator, and what Appliances can it Run?
The power rating of the generator you purchase is largely dependent on how many appliances you want to run, usually simultaneously, in your home. generators of 8000 to 12000-watt generators will run most of your essential appliances such as your freezer, AC, furnace, sump pump, and other high-power appliances in your home simultaneously.
Who makes the Most Reliable Portable Generator?
Different people have different experiences with portable generators. Also, the users’ attitude to maintenance determines how reliable a generator can be. However, some of the most reliable portable generators are made by Honda, Predator, and Generac.
Which Generators are the Most Reliable?
It is difficult to determine which the most reliable generator is as different manufacturers employ different technologies from time to time to improve the efficiency and reliability of their range of products. However, it is essential to note that the reliability of a generator largely depends on the user, how often they service their generators, and how well they add oil to the engine.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.