10 Best 12000 Watt Generator 2025 in the United States

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator is a robust choice for those needing substantial power, boasting an impressive 20,000 running watts and 28,000 peak watts. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications like home backup during outages. It operates on gasoline, featuring a sizable 17-gallon tank that allows for up to 17 hours of run time at 25% load, ensuring long-lasting performance. The electric start with auto choke simplifies starting procedures, which is great for users who prefer convenience.

The unit is equipped with a range of outlets, including four standard household outlets and several high-capacity options, all with safety covers, providing versatility for different power needs. However, its substantial weight of 583 pounds compromises portability, making it less ideal for frequent transport. Users should have a stable setup in mind.

The generator includes protective features like automatic low oil shutdown and idle control, contributing to engine longevity and efficiency. A digital display offers helpful monitoring of run hours, volts, and frequency. With EPA compliance and a three-year warranty, it appears to be a reliable choice for residential use, backed by a supportive customer service network. It is ideal for those prioritizing power and reliability over portability and noise sensitivity.

The Generac GP9500E Tri-Fuel Generator is a strong choice if you need up to 12,500 starting watts and about 9,500 running watts, which fits well for home backup, job sites, or RV use. One of its biggest strengths is the ability to run on three types of fuel—gasoline, propane, or natural gas—giving you flexibility when fuel availability varies. The electric start makes it easy to get going without manual effort, which is convenient during power outages. The generator also offers a good runtime of up to 9.5 hours at half load on a full 7.5-gallon gas tank, meaning it can keep your power going for a longer time without frequent refueling.

Portability is decent with heavy-duty never-flat wheels and a sturdy steel frame, but keep in mind it weighs 219 pounds, so moving it might require some effort. It includes three covered outlets, protecting them from dust and moisture, which is practical for outdoor use. The COsense technology adds an important safety feature by detecting carbon monoxide and shutting off the generator to keep you safe indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Noise levels are described as quiet operation for its size, but as with most generators providing this power, it will still produce noticeable sound. If you want a reliable, flexible fuel option generator with electric start and solid runtime, this model fits the bill well. It may feel heavy if you need to move it often, and while quieter than some, it’s not silent. For those needing a powerful backup or worksite generator with multi-fuel convenience, the Generac GP9500E is a practical and dependable choice.

The DuroMax XP11000iH is a versatile 11,000-watt generator that stands out in its category. With both gasoline and propane options, it offers flexibility in fuel choice. This generator is equipped with inverter technology, making it suitable for sensitive electronics, and it provides a reliable power output with 11,000 peak watts and 9,000 running watts. This makes it ideal for home emergencies, job sites, and camping trips. The CO Alert feature adds an important layer of safety by automatically shutting down the generator when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected.

Additionally, the remote start capability adds convenience, and the generator is also ready to connect to an Automatic Transfer Switch for seamless power transitions. Its parallel capability allows you to double the power output if needed, although this requires an additional kit. The generator runs relatively quietly for its size, but at 216 pounds, it is quite heavy, which may pose challenges in portability despite being termed 'portable.'

The 5-year warranty and low oil shutoff feature ensure long-term durability by protecting the engine. The DuroMax XP11000iH is a robust and dependable option for both residential and commercial use, although users should be prepared for its substantial weight.