Electrical outages are surprisingly common in some parts of the world. The best option to stay ‘lit’ is to turn to the best 5000-watt generator – one that can keep your appliances running and secure.
You will find a number of generators on the market, but not all of them are created equal! Each one comes with different characteristics and features. You should always pick one according to your requirements and budget. However, the huge number of options can make it difficult for some people to make the right decision.
Worry not, we’ll help you with the process.This article contains all that you need to get your hands on the best 5000-watt generator. Let’s get started!
Overview Table
Do not let the huge number of options confuse you. We have done all the homework and zeroed in on the eight best 5000-watt power generators on the market.
This table highlights the best feature you need to know about the product. For more detailed information you can read the full reviews that follow the table.
Let’s have a look:
This 228-pound heavyweight comes with a wheel kit and electric start. You will have no trouble in moving this gas-powered generator. This 228-pound heavyweight comes with a wheel kit and electric start. You will have no trouble in moving this gas-powered generator. With a 6.55-gallon tank, this gas-powered generator can go for hours. It comes with a wheel and handle kit. Plus, the company also offers a 2-year warranty on the item. With a 6.55-gallon tank, this gas-powered generator can go for hours. It comes with a wheel and handle kit. Plus, the company also offers a 2-year warranty on the item. This beauty from Briggs & Stratton is among the quietest. It is economical and easy to move as it comes with wheels. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty. This beauty from Briggs & Stratton is among the quietest. It is economical and easy to move as it comes with wheels. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty. This Champion generator is known for its safety features including a low shut-off sensor. It’s easy to move and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This Champion generator is known for its safety features including a low shut-off sensor. It’s easy to move and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This one offers an electric start and comes with a wheel kit that makes it easy to use. Plus, the 6.6-gallon tank ensures 15 hours of runtime. This one offers an electric start and comes with a wheel kit that makes it easy to use. Plus, the 6.6-gallon tank ensures 15 hours of runtime. Known for its Switch & Go Technology that allows for a seamless transition between gasoline and LPG, this unit is quite easy to maintain. Plus, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Known for its Switch & Go Technology that allows for a seamless transition between gasoline and LPG, this unit is quite easy to maintain. Plus, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Its fully welded steel body makes it one of the most durable units out there. It runs on diesel and requires little maintenance. Its fully welded steel body makes it one of the most durable units out there. It runs on diesel and requires little maintenance. This lightweight generator offers a run-time of 9 hours at 50 percent load. Plus, it comes with a 12-month warranty from the company. This lightweight generator offers a run-time of 9 hours at 50 percent load. Plus, it comes with a 12-month warranty from the company.
(Best Durable 5000-Watt Generator )
(Best 5500-Watt Portable Generator For Long Hours of Use)
(Best Quiet 5000-Watt Inverter Generator )
(Best Safe 5000-Watt Generator )
(Best 5000-Watt Generator with Big Fuel Tank)
(Best Dual-Fuel 5000-Watt Generator)
(Best 5000-Watt Diesel Generator )
(Best Lightweight Portable 5000-Watt Generator )
Overall, this generator offers the reliability of an industrial grade machine. Honda is known to produce reliable products and this generator is no different. It comes with an innovative overhead valve technology that makes it fuel-efficient. It offers a runtime of 14 hours at 50% load. You can increase or decrease load according to your requirements. It’s rugged and durable and can endure long power outages. Its cutting edge iAVR Technology can produce a steady stream of voltage making it safe to run even the most sensitive appliances. High-tech feature enables Honda to maintain a steady voltage output which is independent of the load on it. This unit starts off at a surge of 7,000 watts in the first 10 seconds after you start it up. This is enough to run most household appliances including some big appliances. This model comes with an electric start option. This means you will not have to pull the trigger to start the unit. As a result, even seniors will be able to turn the unit on since it does not require a lot of effort. The iGXX390 commercial grade engine generates solid power, creates little to no noise, offers exceptional fuel economy, and lowers emissions. However, you must keep it on a flat surface, otherwise it may not work well or create noise. Despite its weight of 228 pounds, you will have no problem in moving the unit as it comes with wheels. This machine might just be the answer to all your power troubles. It boasts of an impressive 5500 surge watts and offers a run-time of 5 to 6 hours at full capacity. You can increase the run-time by reducing the load. It will ensure that all your important power needs are met even in the most unsettling of weather conditions. The WEN 56551 comes with a 6.5-gallon fuel tank that allows you a straight 11 hour run-time at 50% load. This makes it ideal for people who want a generator that’ll run for an extended period of time. The unit comes packed with a few extra features which include a spark resistor and an automatic voltage regulator which means it will produce safer and cleaner power meant to protect your electronics. The unit offers a large number of outlets including a twist-lock 12/240V outlet, a cigarette-lighter-style 12V DC outlet, and four 120V three-pronged outlets. There are power indicator lights to indicate which outlets are live. Thanks to such a huge number of options, you will not have to count on external outlets. Plus, an automatic voltage regulator and a circuit breaker will ensure that all your electronics are protected. The unit produces clean power, making it safe to run all kinds of appliances. Another great feature is the low oil shutdown option. The unit will shut down on its own when the oil is low. This is a very important feature as running the generator when the oil is low can damage the engine. Plus, it can also be bad for your other appliances. It has a digital hour counter that highlights when you need to schedule your next maintenance at. WEN 56551 comes with a wheel and handle kit that will make it easy to move the unit around. The handle has a nice design which will not put strain on your hands. This one can be a good option for people who want a unit that can go for a long period of time so that they do not have to worry about fuel or living without electricity. The Briggs & Stratton 30675 generator supports QuietPower Series Inverter Technology and is built with a noise reduction shell which offers you power at 60% less noise than a standard generator.It only creates a noise of 66 decibels, which sounds as if two people are chatting next to you. Hence, you will have no problem in finding a place to keep this unit. You will not face much disturbance or discomfort when it’s running. With a 306 cc engine, this Briggs & Stratton Inverter Generator is highly efficient and has a run time of up to 14 hours at 25% load. It offers 6,500 starting watts which is enough to run most appliances. The power balances at 5,000 watts. This beauty has four 120V-20A outlets, two USB outlets, and one 120-240V locking outlet. You can use an RV adapter in the twist lock outlet to get 2500 watts of power. The machine supports a design which is 45% more compact and 30% lighter than a standard portable generator available on the market; it weighs only 128 lbs. It is portable and easy to maneuver around your property, especially due to its telescoping luggage-style wheels and handle. You will not feel tired or exhausted even if you have to move it a lot. It can be a good option for people who are sick of noisy generators and want a unit that can work silently. However, it is not for buyers in California. Champion 5000-Watt Portable Generator is designed with safety at the forefront. It includes low oil shut off sensor that ensures the machine sustains no damage when the engine oil is low. It will automatically shut off to prevent loss. The recommended levels are 1.22 quarts of 10 – 30W of engine oil. It starts off at 6,250 watts which is plenty for all those power-hungry appliances around your house. The output stabilizes at 5,000 watts. You can enjoy up to 9 hours of run-time at 100% load. Reducing the load will run it for even longer. This makes it one of the longest running options on the list. It can be your ideal companion during unscheduled power outages or when you are in need of additional power. It has a recoil start up but do not let it worry you as the unit comes with cold start technology which means you will not have to put in a lot of effort to start the unit, even when the weather is cold. You will find that the unit is a breeze to handle thanks to amazing features. It allows you to easily monitor the output and also track when the next maintenance is due. Additionally, the packaging includes clear directions on how to set up your machine. It may not be the quietest machine out there as it produces a noise of 74 decibels . We have mentioned before that this machine was designed with safety in mind. It comes with a volt guard which keeps the voltage under control. Thanks to this feature, you can use all kinds of appliances without worries as the unit will keep them safe by preventing voltage spikes. It also supports outlets on which you can run multiple power tools. All outlets given on the generator have safety covers for added protection. Hence, you can even use it outdoors as the unit will work well even in unfavorable weather conditions. It is suitable for all kinds of users including first-time users as it is quite easy to use and maintain. However, get ready to pull the cord since it does not have an electric start feature. This is a gas-powered generator which is durable and rugged. You will not have to worry about the engine heating up anytime soon. Plus, it is protected by a powder coated frame. It operates offers 5,000 watts of running power for an extended period of time. It will run for about 15 hours at 50 percent load. This means you will be able to run this for more than a day at a stretch! The unit offers good value for money when compared with other options on the market. It is portable and light so you can easily move it around your property. In addition to a large fuel tank, it also has incredibly well-placed outlets. Hence, you will be able to run up to three big devices at the same time. It has features low oil indicator with a 3-in-1 digital meter which makes it easy to read gas gauge levels and an automatic voltage regulator which means you don’t need to be worried about spikes or fluctuations. It supports multiple outlets including a 120V twist-lock outlet, four AC 120V outlets, a 12V DC output and a 120/240 twist-lock outlet. The generator can be a good pick for people who want a unit that has a big fuel tank. However, it may be a little noisy and it may be best to keep it at a distance. This durable unit can be great for people who want to run the machine on gasoline and LPG. In some areas, other fuel types may be more expensive. However, remember that run-time depends on which fuel you use. The Switch & Go technology allows for a seamless transition between gasoline and LPG fuel sources while it is still running. This feature is very important as it will allow you to shift from one fuel type to another without shutting the unit down. It has a powerful 224cc 4stroke air cooled engine which is protected by a durable powder coated steel frame. The engine can go for a long period of time without heating up. Plus, it’s quite durable as well. Its 4-gallon tank, when full, gives you up to 12 hours of unceasing operation at half load on gasoline. The unit has a powder coated frame made of steel that makes it suitable for use outside as well. Plus, the company has used its popular Never-Flat wheels technology to ensure you do not have to worry about using it as it will work seamlessly on all surfaces. Moreover, the unit comes with some additional features such as a 3-in-1 digital meter and a low oil indicator and shutdown feature. It supports multiple outlets including two 120V AC outlets, one 30Amp RV port, and a 120.240V twist-lock outlet. However, be careful about where you place it as it may ruffle if not kept on a flat surface. This is diesel powered option which might just be what you are looking for; it is durable and sturdy with an enforced steel frame. Hence, you can even keep it outdoors. The engine is a 435cc Yanmar LW series which is air cooled and has direct injection. You will not have much to worry about. Diesel-powered generators are easy to maintain as they require fewer visits to the pros. Installed with an hour meter, it ensures you have no issue in maintaining the unit. Plus, using it is also easy as it has a single touch electric start up button. The control center also has a 120V voltage selector. The latest technology ensures the unit produces less than 5% harmonic distortion. Hence, you will have no problem in charging your phone or other sensitive appliances. The unit has a 12 gallon fuel tank which offers a run-time of 32.5 hours at 50% load. This is one of the most impressive units when it comes to the fuel tank. You will have no problem in running multiple appliances as the unit has a bunch of outlets. Get your hands on this beauty if you are looking for a diesel generator that runs for a long period of time. However, it’s a little noisy due to its big size. Hence, it is best to keep it at a distance. The JEGS 86065 is a portable generator which may not be the most powerful option out there but it can be a good one for people who want a backup generator and do not want to spend a lot. Unlike other options on this list, this one offers only 5,000 starting watts. It will stabilize at 4,250 watts which may be enough for most people. It will run for about 9 hours on a full tank at 50 percent. That’s because the unit has a smaller tank – 4 gallon. This affordable unit has the low oil shut down feature to keep your goods safe and secure. Plus, it is quite easy to move around as it is not bulky. Despite its small size, the unit offers several outlets including two 5-20R outlets, a 120V L5-30R outlet, and a 120-240V L14-30R outlet The machine is a bit noisy. However, it will produce a noise of 68db when kept at a distance of about 23 feet. Despite a lack of an electric start option, the unit will not trouble as it runs on the first pull.Briggs & Stratton 30675 – Best Quiet 5000-Watt Inverter Generator
Champion 100496 – Best Safe 5000-Watt Generator
Pulsar PG6000 – Best 5000-Watt Generator with Big Fuel Tank
Generac 6864 – Best 5000-Watt Diesel Generator
Buyers’ Guide
So, now you know eight of the best 5000-watt generators on the market. Now, the question is… which one should I choose? It is best to know about the factors to consider when picking a generator so that you can get a unit that works for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Power
This is the most important feature. A 5000-watt generator will run almost all home appliances including heaters, refrigerators, television sets, etc. However, some units require more power to start, which is why you need to pay attention to not only starting watts but also continuous watts a unit offers.
Calculator your requirements and pick a unit accordingly. Here’s a small breakdown:
- Refrigerator: 180 watts
- Heater: 350 watts
- Washing Machine: 500 watts
- AC: 2500 watts
- LED Lights: 8 watts
- LCD: 60 watts
If you need to know the exact numbers, look for the wattage of your appliances, which is usually stated on them or in their manuals.
Fuel Type
There are several fuel options including diesel, gasoline, LPG, etc. It is best to pick a unit that supports the fuel type that is easily available and is the most affordable so that you have no trouble in using it. Moreover, some units also support multiple fuel options, like high-quality Pulsar BG5250B Generator. Hence, pay special attention to this feature.
Runtime
Go for a unit that offers decent run-time so that you can sleep or do your work without any worries. Most 5,000-watt generators will run for about 8-10 hours but you can extend the runtime by reducing the load. Or you can opt for a disel model like Generac 6864, which can run more than 30 hours.
Noise
Make sure to go for a unit that works quietly. You will not find a unit that creates no noise at all since generators are made to be noisy. However, it is best to go for an option that uses the latest inverter technology as such generators are said to be quiet.
Any unit under 65 decibels is decent as it equals to two people chatting close to you. Any unit about 70 decibels can be too noisy as it equals to a vacuum cleaner running right next to you.
Safety
We suggest that you go for a unit that is safe to use. Some of the features to look for include:
- Clean Energy: We suggest that you go for a unit that produces clean energy so that you can charge all electronic items.
- Auto Shut Off: This feature will shut down the unit when the oil is low or there are other problems. This is important as running the generator in such conditions can damage the engine.
Outlets
Make sure to go for a unit that offers enough outlets for you to run all appliances, preferably those with 120V and 240V to ensure versatility of use. Plus, the outlets must be carefully placed so that you can run multiple appliances at the same time.
Ease of Use
This is important because some generators can be a trouble to use. Some features to look for include:
- Electric Start: Having to pull the cord can be troublesome, especially when you’re sick or old.
- Gauge: This will tell you when it is time to add fuel.
- Maintenance Reminder: Some units will let you know when it is time for an oil change or visit to a professional.
- Guide: It is best to go for a unit that comes with a user manual so that you have no trouble in using it.
Portability
Pick a unit that is portable. We suggest that you opt for a generator that comes with wheels and ergonomic handles so that you have no trouble in using it at home or while travelling.
Conclusion
These were eight of the best 5000-watt generators available on the market. While they are all good, we suggest you pick one keeping our buyers’ guide in mind so that you can get a unit that’s suitable for you.
Our personal favorite is the Honda 660530 Portable Generator. It is affordable and comes from a reliable brand with a long warranty. Plus, it is easy to use and move around. However, if it’s not your choice then consider the JEGS 86065 Portable Generator. This is one of the most affordable units on the list but it may not be the best option if you want a unit that runs for a long period of time.
If you want one with a big tank, then get your hands on the Generac 6864 generator. Thanks to its 12-gallon tank, it will run for over 30 hours at half load.
All in all, pick a unit that fits you the best.




