7 Best 5000 Watt Generator Reviews 2024 – Quiet Yet Powerful
The best 5000-watt generator should provide fluctuations – free clean power with an extremely portable design and a bunch of outlets, Also it should be reasonably priced with a straightforward eco-friendly operating mechanism.
After reviewing 25 machines, and consulting with owners and experts, we have chosen the top 7 units for both campers and homeowners.
Comparison Table Of The Best 5000 Watt Generators of 2024
1. GENMAX GM5500i 5500 Watt Gasoline Inverter Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
GENMAX GM5500i is the best 5000 watt inverter generator available in the market with 120/240V output meaning that it could be used as a full backup generator with extremely portable design and neighbor-friendly operation.
I got my GM5500i in perfect condition within the expected time, the box contains an oil funnel, a small tool kit, and a user’s manual.
Unlike other generators, the mobility kit of this machine was factory-fitted; all you need to connect the battery cable and pour the gasoline and engine oil.
Like Westinghouse iGen 4500 and champion 4500 watts, the design of this little beast is pretty modern with a perfect enclosure to get rid of the mess and irritating noises as well.
The built quality is also pretty decent as the whole frame is made from super durable plastic with a layer of thermocol to cope with the shocks and vibrations.
When it comes to the performance, Runtime, Noise levels, and Safety Features, I and my team have done the following tests to ensure whether this machine is overhyped or a real beast.
1. Load Test: GENMAX GM5500i has a very powerful Dinking 4-stroke 312cc OHV engine that can generate 5500 starting and 5000 running watts with a 120/240V AC 30 Amp plug to run some of the power-hungry appliances.
Below are some of the appliances I have operated with this unit:
| Appliances | Starting Watts | Running Watts |
|---|---|---|
| RV AC 13.500 BTU | 2500 | 1600 |
| Washing Machine | 2300 | 1200 |
| Electric Grill 1.6 kW | 0 | 1600 |
| Dishwasher | 1800 | 1300 |
| Window AC 15.000 BTU | 2900 | 1900 |
I highly recommend watching this video from “Johnny’s Weekends” about the load test of the GENMAX 5500i
2. Runtime Test: Though GENMAX GM5500i isn’t a dual fuel inverter generator; still it has a decent-sized fuel tank of 3.6 gallons that provides me 7.5 – 8 hours of runtime at 50% load.
Besides the longer runtime, this machine is also equipped with ECO mode to adjust the engine’s speed as per the requirements to not only reduce the fuel consumption but also the noise levels.
3. Noise Test: Because of the perfect enclosure, thermocol insulations, low-tone mufflers, and asymmetrically designed cooling fans, this generator is as quiet as Honda’s popular machines like “EU3000IS”.
- With ECO mode “ON” I was getting around 57 – 58 dB (A), however, after increasing the load to 25% the noise level escalated to 62 dB (A).
4. Safety Features: Like expensive inverter generators, GM5500i is also equipped with the latest CO detector, low oil, and overload protection, and also provides pure sine waves with <3% THD, hence this machine will not only be safe for humans and environment but also for the appliances as well.
In addition to that this unit is also certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
5. Maintenance and Usage: Since the generator has company fitted wheel kit, battery, etc., all you need to pour the engine oil, and gasoline and connect the battery connections to fire up the machine..
Moreover, this machine has an oil drainage hose to drain the engine oil without spreading the mess.
Outlets and Essentials:
NOTE: All of the ports and outlets are weatherproof
Why GENMAX GM5500i is The Best 5000 Watt Generator?
2. Champion Power Equipment 6250 – Best 5000 watts Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
I have had a pretty good experience with the Champion Power 6250, I ordered this unit just because of its high capacity and flawless power supply. Well, I got my unit in perfect condition within the expected time. The box contains a quick start guide, a wheel kit, a USB adapter, battery charging cables, Oil funnel, fold-away handle, and the generator itself.
The installation process is pretty straightforward; I just removed the shipping protections, attached the wheels, folded away the handle, connected the battery, and poured the engine oil within 10 minutes.
I must say the generator has a decent design and build quality within a mid-range price tag. You will feel the premium metallic design with some brilliant touches like a mobility kit for easier transportation.
The operation of this unit is pretty simple; you will have a fully functional control panel with lots of outlets and buttons like 120/240V, 30A, and 120V 20A GFCI outlets, indicator lights, 12 V charging port, push start button, choke and a screen to see the runtime, watts, voltages, etc.
For the first-time startup, you just have to pour the gasoline and pull the starter cord a few times so that the oil moves to the engine’s parts perfectly. Now pull the choke, press the push-start button once it is started, and push the choke to the same position.
When it comes to performance, I am operating all heavy-duty tools and appliances like RV air conditioners, heaters, dryers, ovens, etc., and I never feel voltage drop. As this is an open-frame inverter technology, I got slightly low noise and high fuel efficiency compared to the open-frame non-inverter generators.
Champion stated that this unit will only produce 69dB which is not true at all; you have to place it at least 100 ft. away from your campground.
Other than that, they have mentioned that the unit is efficient enough to provide 13.5 hours on a full tank of 4.2 gallons on a 25% load which is also not true. I managed to get around 11.5 on normal mode; however, on ECO mode, I got 12.5 hours. I must say it is a good choice for long winter nights.
When it comes to the safety of you and your equipment, the Champion Power 6250 is the only option to get fluctuation-free voltage with no carbon footprints, as this unit is certified by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board).
3. DuroMax XP5500EH – Best Budget 5000 Watts Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
DuroMax XP5500EH is the cheapest 5000 watts dual startup generator available in the market with versatile fuel options and a 224cc OHV powerful engine to operate heavy-duty tools and appliances.
The overall built quality and design are not up to the mark, you will only get a normal built quality with an obvious design, outputs, and other essentials. Also, I have had a bad experience with its customer support as well.
The generator is a bit under power you will only get 4500 running watts but it works perfectly for my Rv, I am operating a 1500 watts, 15000btu air conditioner, and a refrigerator simultaneously, surprisingly it works perfectly. On propane you will surely get even low watts than 4500, please consider this before making a buying decision.
Its dual-fuel option is a lifesaver for me, I am getting cheap and clean electricity on propane as compared to gasoline, Other than that, I mostly use the push start as it has a dual startup option as well.
Furthermore, the MX2 technology is a decent addition for RV owners; I can operate the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously.
When it comes to usage and maintenance, you will get a fully functional control panel with a convenient design to change the spark plug, air filter, engine oil, etc. I do maintenance on my unit when it crosses 80 hours.
The manufacturer has claimed that its noise level will be 69dB which is completely wrong; it is so loud you can’t place it near the RV, house, or camp. I suggest you at least put it 100” away to maintain a silent environment.
DuroMax XP5500EH also complains with EPA and CARB which means the generator is eco-friendly and safe enough to operate fearlessly. I have never found a voltage drop.
4. WEN GN625i 6250 Watt – Best 5000 Watts Generator For RV
FEATURES & SPECS
Wen is known as a durable, soundless, and powerful Rv generator, Well I ordered this for my backyard parties and RV, and I got my unit within a few days with protective packaging. In the package, I got a wheel kit, a foldable handle, user manuals, a tool kit, an oil funnel, and the generator itself.
Like champion power 6250 watts its assembling and operation process is pretty straightforward, you just need to attach the wheel kit, pour engine oil, and attach the foldable handles. Also, You Have the push start and manual start with a fully functional control panel.
The design of wen GN625i is pretty obvious as all 5000 watts generators have a similar design with moving wheels foldable handles etc. you can carry this little beast easily, however, the built quality seems pretty good as compared to the other competitors.
When it comes to the performance I am operating the BBQ smokers, Ovens, Home Theater, refrigerator, Air conditions, etc. as the manufacturer states it has a flawless pure sine wave you will never find a voltage drop unless you cross the limit of 5000 running watts and 6250 starting watts.
Other than that I found this generator silent as compared to other competitors like champion power 6250, DuroMax XP5500EH, etc.
I only found 55 – 57db from 70 ft. away which is brilliant at this price tag. I put it in my backyard, about 100 ft. away from my party spot or house to get a super silent operation.
Furthermore, this unit is equipped with multiple outlets and essentials like
- Two AC outlets of 120V
- 1 x AC outlet of 120/240V,
- 2x USB2.0
- Indicator lights.
- Push start and choke.
- Eco mode button.
- Reset button.
- Ground
- 2 x 20A AC breakers
- A data meter to observe the volts, watts, fuel situation, running time, etc.
- 120V Rv-ready tt-30r receptacle, this is a solid reason I am using it for my Rv as well.
When it comes to fuel efficiency the manufacturer has stated that it has a 301cc 4-stroke OHV powerful engine and it can provide 8.1 hours of running time with a single 4.2-gallon tank on a half load. Well, as per our tests, I got 7.5 hours which is slightly lower than stated but it’s completely fine.
5. A-iPower AP5000V 5000 Watt – Quietest 5000 Watt Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
One of my close friends purchased this unit for his travel trailer, after an inspection, I found the generator has brilliant built quality with rustproof metals and powders around that for getting matt finishing, well he said to me that he got a wheel kit, foldable handle, a tool kit, engine oil, user manuals and the generator itself in the box.
Since the dried generator has 103.5lb of weight. with the round wheel and a handle to carry it like a bag, your arms will never hurt.
Like all other 5000w generators this unit is pretty easy to assemble and operate, the control panel has access to all things but it is limited in terms of functionalities, it doesn’t have USB ports, Reset buttons or eco mode. Etc. which is strange.
When it comes to performance it is slightly under power because of lower running watts, unlike other generators on our list, it has 5000 starting watts and 4000 running watts which is a bit low for the owners like me who want to operate multiple appliances simultaneously.
For the lower load consumers, this will work like a charm since its efficiency is pretty high my friend is getting 10- 11 hours of running time on 50% load, however on a 25% load a single tank of 4 gallons is lasting about 12.5 to 13 hours on average.
Other than that it is one of the quietest 5000w generators I have ever seen in my life, it only produces 68dB from 25ft. away. you can place it 80 ft. away to get a super silent environment.
Since A-iPower AP5000V is certified by EPA, you, your environment, and your accessories will be safe from any hazards.
6. Pulsar 5,250W Dual Fuel – Best 5000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Pulsar 5250 watts owns the title of best dual-fuel 5000-watt generator in the market, well I ordered this for my travel trailer and I am pretty satisfied with its super convenient dual-fuel technology. The delivery time and packaging are up to the mark, lots of cart boards and paddings were in the box to protect the unit.
I got a wheel kit, a foldable handle, a tool kit, a propane hose, and the generator itself. The design and build quality of pulsar 5,250w are pretty ordinary, you don’t have to expect anything extraordinary.
When it comes to performance this beast has a 212cc, 4-Stroke, OHV air-cooled engine that can provide 5250 starting and 4250 running watts on gasoline, however on propane I only manage to get 4750 starting and 3850 running watts. I am running my 15000Btu’s Air condition, Heater, Heavy tools, etc. without voltage drop.
Unlike other generators, pulsar provides me the switch and go – technology, I shift to the propane and gasoline without shutting off the machine.
Other than that it is super-efficient I am getting 11-12 hours of running time on half load, however on 25% load, I am getting about 14 – 15 hours.
The only flaw I found is, its electric start is of bad quality I have to press repeatedly to start it, though I have changed its battery as well the result is the same, Also this generator is a bit roar you have to place it at least 100ft. away from your Rv or house.
When it comes to outlets and essentials, this machine has the following outlets and essentials.
- Dual 120v outlet.
- 30amp Rv ready outlet, a lifesaver for campers.
- 120/240v twist-lock outlet.
- Ac main beaker.
- Hours meters.
- Switch and go, fuel selector.
- Ground wire.
7. Westinghouse WGen5300v – Best For Heavy Load
FEATURES & SPECS
WGen5300v is one of the best 5000 watts generators available in the market with tremendous fuel efficiency, capacity, and durability as well. I am using it for my both road trips and home; I got a wheel kit, engine oil, funnel, tool kit, user manual, and the generator itself.
The design of this generator is pretty premium; it has a matt finished color combination of black and blue with a durable steel frame, rounded wheels, and handles with foam grips to move it easily.
When it comes to performance this machine has a 274cc 4 – stroke OHV powerful engine that can supply 6600 starting watts and 5300 running watts with an average running time of 14 hours.
For a capacity test, I have operated the following appliances simultaneously.
- Vacuum cleaner (400w)
- The oven of (1500w)
- Refrigerator (500w)
- Heater (1800 )
- Coffee maker (1000)
I didn’t find any voltage drop at the load of 5200w, which is mind-blowing, Also a single tank of 4.7 gallons lasted for about 13 hours on a 30% load, and I am pretty sure it can last for about 10 – 11 hours on half load on 50% load. The generator is a bit loud don’t believe in the manufacturer’s statement, I am placing it at least 100ft. away from my camp.
When it comes to the outlets and essentials this machine has dual 120v, 20 amp Ac outlets, a 120v/240v, 30amp twisted Ac outlet, a 120v, 30amp Rv ready Ac outlet, voltage switch, engine ON/OFF switch, a VFT meter (that shows the voltage output, frequency, lifetime running hours) and a ground.
I must say this guy is a complete package for an RV user, though it doesn’t have a USB port, still, you have 5300 running watts why do you have to charge your devices right from the generator?
Westinghouse WGen5300v is also tested by the environmental lab and proved to be safe for our environment, also has voltage regulation, low oil shutoff, and overload protection.
What Can A 5000-Watt Generator Run?
A 5000 watts generator can operate all essential appliances, including ovens, heaters, Air conditioning, vacuum, and other camping essentials. The bottom line is we have to calculate our demands without crossing the limit of 5000 watts. E.g.:
I can run a Vacuum cleaner of 150 watts an Oven of 1500 watts, a Refrigerator of 500 watts, A heater of 1800 watts, and a Coffee maker of 1000 watts simultaneously.
Any appliance with a 4900 – 5000 watts rating can be operated smoothly, however, if you exceed the limit of 5000 watts you have to get a bigger one.
- Detailed guide on What Can 5000 Watt generator Run?
Things Should Be Considered Before Buying The Best 5000 Watts Generator
Capacity (Starting And Running Watts):
Starting and running watts are equally important as some motor appliances need more starting watts and consume fewer running watts.
Running watts are always higher than starting watts you can assume that from our selected units, I suggest you select a unit with at least 5300 starting watts and 4000 – 5000 starting watts.
Checkout the list of the top 15000 Watt Generator
Voltage stability:
Voltage stability is the backbone of a decent generator as our appliances are very sensitive to voltage drop. I would purchase the one whose voltage sine wave is super smooth even on a higher load.
Size, Weight, and Dimensions:
As you might know, a 5000 watts generator is at least 100 – 105lb with average size, which makes sense as it has a power full engine, a durable frame, control panels, and a huge fuel tank to run your RV and home appliances.
I suggest you get one between 100 – 130lb with a compact size like Pulsar 5,250W or Champion 6250. Your selected machine must have caring handles and rounded wheels so that you can transport it easily.
Fuel And Startup Versatility:
When it comes to fuel versatility I always prefer a dual fuel option, as I have to pour the gasoline again and again when I have 25 to 50 gallons of propane, also the cost of gasoline is a bit higher compared to the LPG.
The choice is yours as some parts of the country don’t have LPG so you have to figure out whether it is feasible to spend more and get a dual fuel option.
Additionally, a dual startup is a must for a lazy bone, we can easily use electric startup rather than manual pull start, but there are some demerits of electric start, if your unit has a low-quality electric startup system you may have to change your batteries, clean the terminal, etc. rapidly.
Outlets:
I always look for the one that has all the essential outlets I am going to use, a good unit should have at least 120v, 20 amp AC outlets, 120v/240v, 30amp AC outlet, 120v, 30amp Rv ready AC outlets for RV owners.
Noise levels:
As per my tests, the 5000 watts generators are a bit loud, don’t expect ultra-silent operation like a 2000 watts generator. I don’t believe in the specifications of the manufacturers I do noise tests with my sound meter to make sure how much the generator is roaring.
I suggest you place a 5000w generator at least 90ft away from you if you are operating it in outdoor conditions. Also, an inverter generator is a good choice if you want slightly less noise.
Runtime:
Average runtime is the most essential feature to be considered before buying a 5000-watt generator; I considered the one that at least runs for about 10 hours on 30% load.
Also, a dual fuel will be a good choice if you are too conscious about the run time, a propane tank of 25 gallons can last for about 50 hours on average.
These numbers could vary if you increase the load. Pulsar 5,250W Dual Fuel is a good choice if you want a longer run time on both gasoline and propane.
It should Be Safe For You And The Environment:
Modern machines come with EPA and CARB certification which is great for you and your environment as well, Make sure to check out your unit if it complains about the standards of a well-renowned environmental firm opt for it. Still, I don’t recommend using them indoors.
Parallel Connections:
Parallel functionality is not essential for those who don’t need extra watts for operating heavy tools, however, if your generator has the functionality, it is definitely a plus point, You can increase the voltage by purchasing the smallest unit rather than selling the old one and spend a few hundreds of bucks to get a bigger one.
Warranty:
A longer warranty is a clear indication that the manufacturers are pretty sure that they have built a durable long-lasting unit, that’s why they are providing a longer warranty than other competitors. I suggest you go for the longest warranty generator without compromising the modern features.
How Much Is A 5000-Watt Generator?
5000 watts generators are selling at $400 – $4000, You can get the one that fits within your budget, and I don’t recommend you to get the most expensive one, choose the one that full fill your all needs.
By the way, we only include some of the powerful budget options, Make sure to check them maybe you got your desired one.
Pro Tips To Increase The Life Of Your Best 5000 Watts Generator
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps is a 5000-watt generator?
A 5kw generator has 41 amps at 120 volts, however, on 240 volts, you will get 20amps.
Is a 5kw generator enough to run a house?
Depending on your needs generally, it is enough for a small to medium home; It can run all the essential appliances at under 5000 watts.
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.