We are way past the days of fires in caves and electricity is something we can rarely do without. Whether you are having an outdoor adventure, running a food truck, working on a job site or bracing up for a storm at home, a good generator is an important piece of equipment. We will take you through the best 7000-watt generators available and give you a few pointers to consider when selecting the most useful option for your needs.
Overview table
We did extensive research into the leading 7000-watt generator options available right now. We looked at what makes them worthwhile and effective. The specifications, materials, and features, as well as quality and reliability, were all considered. Only the very best options made our top 7 list.
Feedback from consumers that have tried the products is valuable information and we read most comments. This allowed us to give you unbiased information on the various top options.
After reading this you will have a good idea of the quality options on the market and what each one has to offer. It will also explain to you the important factors to consider before making your selection. This will help you to invest in the most suitable and practical option for your needs.
(Best 7000-Watt portable generator)
This is a powerful and hardworking generator that is suitable for multiple applications. It has an easy electric start and produces good power. The user-friendly control panel is an added bonus.
(Best solid 7000-Watt generator)
Briggs and Stratton make hard-working equipment that performs well for many years. This model has a number of user-friendly and handy features such as clean power for electronics, good power for larger appliances, and a decent runtime.
(Best quiet 7000-Watt Inverter generator)
This is a reliable and dependable generator that produces good power with minimal noise. It is a great option for home backup or outdoor adventures. If you are looking for a quiet generator that delivers this is a good option to consider.
(Best 7000-Watt generator for home backup)
This A-iPower generator offers exceptional value for money without compromising on power and durability. It is a versatile option with a lot to offer. The fuel tank size, digital hour meter, and durable wheels all make this a great choice.
(Best 7000-Watt propane electric start generator)
The Sportsman GEN7000LP is a low noise option that is propane powered for those seeking for an eco-friendly genset. It is relatively low weight and has a good runtime.
(Best 7000-Watt commercial generator)
Dewalt is also known for its powerful and tough generators. This model has good power, great durability and is still relatively light and portable. It is a great option for a wide range of applications. The control panel will make operation and control quick and easy.
(Best 7000-watt generator for versatility)
WEN is a very popular choice and this is a top seller that is well-liked. It has good safety features and is easy enough to move. The low noise, spark arrestor and portability make it a great option for outdoor use.
DuroMax is a popular brand of hard-working durable generators and this is a tough model that will work in a range of environments. It is ideal for work sites or as a home emergency backup. It has multiple handy features that will be useful in various situations. It runs at 7000 watts with a peak output of 8500 watts. The DuroMax 420cc OHV engine delivers a decent 16HP which will be enough power for most requirements including power-hungry appliances or equipment. The electric start is reliable and it has a built-in charger to ensure it starts every time. There is a standard recoil starter as a backup. The gas tank is 7 gallons which will give you a run time of 8 hours. The Auto Throttle or Idle Control feature allows the motor to regulate RPM’s as the load changes. This reduces noise and improves fuel efficiency. For protection, it has a low oil shutdown. Also good to note is that it is CARB and EPA approved. This means it can be used in most environments. At 72 decibels it is not too loud considering the power it produces. A number of outlets are available including 4 x 120v 20A 3-prong outlets (Standard Household plug) a 120v/240v 30A twist lock and a 12V DC charging port. While this sturdy generator is a hefty 210 pounds it has tough all-terrain never-flat tires as well as strong handles that fold away when not in use. Transporting this generator should be easy for most people to move from place to place. It also has a breaker switch, a volt meter, and an auto-idle switch. These features make the generator hassle-free and safer while extending the life of your investment. Another useful feature is the MX2 Technology. It will allow you to use 120V and 220V at the same time or maximize the power from both 120V outlets. This is particularly handy for RV use. This is a rugged generator built to perform for many years. After our extensive research, the DuroMax XP8500E stands out as our top choice and with good reason. The Briggs & Stratton name is synonymous with quality and durability. They make great motors and their generators are highly rated. This is a compact yet powerful 7000-watt generator with a peak output of 8750 watts. Despite the good power output, it produces clean power that is safe to use on sensitive electronics. This means you can charge your mobile phones, tablets, laptops, GPS, cameras, drones and other equipment when needed. The engine is a 420cc OHV 2100 series and the 7.5-gallon fuel tank will give you a good 9 hours runtime at a 50% load. The generator has a 3-year limited warranty weighs 221 pounds and has solid 12-inch never-flat wheels. The control panel is well-designed and protected. It has twist lock and household outlets. There is an hour meter to keep track of services and it has circuit breaker protection. The outlets are covered in rubber for added protection. This is a dependable generator that gets the job done with minimal hassle and fuss. Honda is another well-respected brand that is known for durable products and good value for the money. The Eu7000iat1 uses inverter technology making it safe to use on sensitive electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and others. The other advantage is that it is super quiet. It runs at between 52-60 dB which is excellent for a 7000-watt generator. The generator runs at 5500 watts and peaks at 7000 watts. The eco-throttle also helps to reduce noise levels but more importantly saves gas. This allows for a runtime of 6 to 18 hours on one tank. The electronic fuel injection makes the engine more efficient and hassle-free. The push-button electric start makes it quick and easy to get going. For overload protection, there are electronic circuit breakers. And the generator has a low oil alert. The iMonitor is a handy feature that will give you details of your RPM, volts, and wattage. It also tracks hours so you can schedule services. The Eu7000iat1 is relatively compact but on the heavy side. It is solidly built for durability. It has a 389cc engine and comes with a 3-year warranty. A-iPower might not be as well-known as some of the bigger brands but they are a well-established company that makes a range of power products. This is a tough generator that is great value for money. It has a 389cc OHV engine. It is an air-cooled 4-stroke engine that produces a running power of 6000 watts with a peak output of 7000 watts. The SUA7000 has a manual start which is generally reliable and easy to get going. It has a low oil shutdown as well as a digital hour meter. The tubular frame and cast iron sleeves give the generator protection and durability. It is highly versatile and can be used at home, on a job site or for outdoor activities. The 7-gallon tank has a built-in gauge so you always know how much is left. The fuel in the tank will last up to 12 hours at half load. The generator is not as heavy as many similar models but it still has a fold-down handle and never-flat wheels making it highly portable. A good feature of this generator is the 5 AC outlets. These include 2 duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCIand and 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacles. You also get a 12v 8A cigarette lighter DC outlet for battery charging. The twist-lock L14-30R receptacle is transfer switch ready for an easy connection to your breaker box. This makes it a convenient option for home backup power. The Sportsman GEN7000LP runs at 6000 watts with a peak of 7000 wats. It is a propane generator and at 50% load will give you a decent 8 hours of run time (based on 20 lbs. of LPG fuel). It comes with the regulator and the propane fuel hose. It has a 13HP 4-Stroke OHV engine. The generator has an electric start as well as a recoil start for backup. Note that the battery needed for the electric start is not included in the kit. It also has automatic voltage regulation (AVR), low oil shut down and circuit protection. It is also EPA approved. At 135 pounds it is one of the lightest generators in this class and makes it more portable than average. If the wheel kit is installed it is particularly easy to move. In terms of outlets, you have multiple options including four 120V AC outlets, a 120/240V outlet, and a 12V DC outlet which is handy for charging batteries. Another advantage is that it is relatively quiet and operates at about 80db. It also has a spark arrestor. This makes it a great option for camping although it is equally useful for home backup or on the worksite. Many people prefer propane generators as the run cleaner than gas models. The emissions are significantly less so they are more environmentally friendly. Spare propane tanks are safe and easy to store. If you are a propane fan, this is an effective and versatile option that has many good features. Dewalt is another popular and well-loved generator brand. They are generally tough and reliable. This model has a 7,5-gallon fuel tank that should give you 10.5 hours of run time at a 50% load. It runs at 7000 watts with a peak output of 8750 watts. This is produced by the 420 cc Dewalt OHV 4-stroke engine. That power should be more than enough to start and run most appliances. It delivers both 120 and 240 volts power so it is useful for a range of uses. It has an electric start as well as a recoil start. The control panel has 5 AC outlets consisting of duplexes 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI and a 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) receptacle. The twist-lock L14-30R receptacle can be connected directly to your breaker box as it is transfer switch ready. This makes it handy for home power outages. It is not only at home that this generator is handy. Due to the robust and durable construction and relatively light 192-pound build, it is useful for outdoor activities as well as on work sites. The never-flat wheels make it exceptionally portable. The spark arrestor allows it to be safely used for camping and other outdoor activities. The illuminated control panel is extremely useful and will provide details of the fuel level, the power output as well as the run hours. This will allow you to know exactly what is going on at all times. For safety, the generator has overload protection for a circuit breaker as well as low oil shut-off. It also has idle control for fuel efficiency as well as reduced noise. WEN makes reliable and dependable generators that are versatile enough for a range of uses. This unit runs at 5500 watts with a peak output of 7000 watts. It has a 390cc OVH engine. The gas tank has a 6.5-gallon capacity that will give you an 11-hour run time with a half load. The WEN 56352 has 4 standard household 5-20R 120V receptacles, a 12V 100W 8.3A DC car-charger-style-connector and one L14-30 120/240 V NEMA receptacle. It is protected by low oil shutdown as well as overload protection. The dual handles and wheel kit makes it easy to transport when needed. Another handy feature is the digital display that will help you track hours to plan effective maintenance. The spark arrestor, low noise, and portability make this a great option for camping or outdoor use although it is equally efficient as a home backup generator. This is a highly popular and top-selling generator that offers great versatility as well as value for money. It might not have enough power to run major appliances but is still extremely handy when camping or as an emergency backup.
Briggs & Stratton 30663 – Best solid 7000-Watt generator
Honda Eu7000iat1 – Best quiet 7000-Watt Inverter generator
A-iPower SUA7000 – Best 7000-Watt generator for home backup
Sportsman GEN7000LP – Best 7000-Watt propane electric start generator
DEWALT DXGNR7000 – Best 7000-Watt commercial generator
WEN 56682 – Best 7000-watt generator for versatility
Buyer’s Guide
Understanding the important factors to look at will allow you to make an informed decision and ensure you bet the best generator for your needs and your money. There are, of course, a number of key aspects to consider when purchasing a generator. Let’s take a closer look.
Intended purpose
Generators are used for a range of applications and your intended use will influence your decision. While most of these generators are multi-purpose, some are better suited for specific needs.
If you want to use them for camping or tailgating, for example, you want one that is relatively quiet and portable. For home use, you will want as much power as possible. Give some thought to where and how you intended to use the generator before making your investment.
Power
Power is one of the main considerations. While more is generally better it often means more noise, a heavier unit and often a more expensive generator. There is no need to get too much power if you only want to charge a few electronics and run a few lights. By the same token, you do not want to get one that does not have enough power for your needs.
Remember that all generators have two power ratings, running watts and starting or peak power. The peak power is needed for starting larger appliances such as fridges and other appliances. The DEWALT Generator, for example, has a peak output of 8750 watts. The WEN 56352, on the other hand, only peaks at 3500 watts.
Portability
All of the generators we have featured are relatively portable but some are certainly easier to move than others. If the generator is purely for home backup use this is not a major concern. If you intend to take it with you when camping or use on a worksite you will want something easier to move around.
The dry weight is the main factor here but if they are heavier but have sturdy wheels and a decent handle they will still be fairly easy to move around. The Sportsman GEN7000LP is one of the more portable options available.
Size
The physical size will be important in certain situations. If you wish to use the generator in an RV you need one that will fit into the space available. Make sure you are clear on the measurements and that there is enough space for it to breathe and the outlets are accessible.
Durability
You want to invest in a tough and reliable generator that will give you many years of use. This is especially true if you need to move it frequently.
If you need a portable generator it is likely to take a few knocks and bumps along the way. Ensure it has a solid construction with a good build and quality materials in order to handle being moved around. The A-iPower SUA7000 and the DEWALT Generators are both highly durable and rugged.
Clean power
If you need to charge sensitive electronics such as cell phones, laptops, cameras, tablets, GPS devices, drones and similar products you need clean safe power. The Honda Eu7000iat1 provides good clean power for this purpose.
Control panel
A quality user-friendly control panel will make operating and monitoring the generator easier and more effective. They generally show the wattage, voltage, RPMs as well as the number of hours of operation. This last measurement will help you determine the best time to service the unit to ensure it performs at its peak and lasts a long time. The DuroMax XP8500E and the DEWALT Generator both have handy control panels.
Electric start
An electric start is a very handy feature as many people struggle with a recoil start. It is still always a good idea to have a recoil start as a backup. Ensure that the generator has a battery for the electric start or at least be aware if you need to purchase one separately.
The battery should be low-maintenance and hassle-free. The better generators give the battery a slow but constant trickle charge. This will mean that it is powered up and ready when you need it.
Noise
Noise is a common issue with generators. This is true even in residential areas but especially significant if you are using it in a campground. Generally, the more power produced, the louder the generator but some are less noisy than others.
Inverter type generators tend to make less noise than the average gas-powered generator. The Honda Eu7000iat1 is exceptionally quiet while still delivering good power.
Outlets
More outlets are convenient but you do not always need that many. Again, consider your needs and the environment in which you intend to use the generator. Ensure the generator you select has the outlets needed for your specific requirements.
Budget
The budget always has to be considered. While a generator is an important piece of equipment, you want one that will do the job without breaking the bank. The Sportsman GEN7000LP and the A-iPower SUA7000 both offer very good value for money.
Run time
You don’t want to have to keep topping up the generator every few hours so good run time is important. This will depend on the size of the fuel tank as well as how fuel-efficient the generator is. Obviously, the higher the load you are running the more fuel will be consumed. Features such as eco-throttle and inverter technology generally make the generator more fuel-efficient. Of the generators we have featured, the Honda Eu7000iat1 has one of the more impressive runtimes.
Fuel Gauge
A good fuel gauge will eliminate any guesswork and you will know at all times how much fuel is remaining. This is a great convenience. Not all generators have this basic feature. The DEWALT Generator has an accurate fuel gauge.
Gas or propane
There are benefits to both options but many people enjoy a propane generator. They burn cleaner and propane tanks are easy to store for long periods of time.
Sometimes, however, gasoline may be more accessible. Yet, in emergencies such as hurricanes, some areas might experience a shortage of gasoline. Give some thought to this when selecting your generator.
Automatic Idle Control
Also known as Eco-Throttle, this feature reduces noise and also saves on fuel. It adjusts the output according to the power requirements. The Honda Eu7000iat1 has an effective eco-throttle.
Electric Fuel Injection
Not too many generators in this category have this feature but it helps to make them more fuel-efficient as well as easier to start and operate. The Honda Eu7000iat1 is one of our featured options with this feature.
Safety features
Low oil shutdown is an important engine protection feature and most of these quality generators have this feature or at the very least an alert. A spark arrestor is what is important for your safety, especially for outdoor/camping use. An automatic voltage regulator is also handy. CARB and EPA approval is also important in many areas.
Warranty
Most of the featured generators have a 2 to 3-year warranty. They are all reliable options and are backed by companies with good customer support.
Conclusion
We have covered a range of quality 7000-watt generators. There is something to suit all needs and budgets. Take some time to think about what features and benefits you need and you will be sure to find the best choice for your requirements.
While they are all great generators, the DuroMax XP8500E (7000 Running Watts/8500 Starting Watts) Gas Powered Portable Generator stands out as the best 7000-watt generator on the market. It has exceptional power and a tough durable construction for many years of power. The electric start and user-friendly control panel make it a pleasure to use. It is also EPA and CARB compliant which is important in many environments.
Give some thought to your specific needs and consider your budget. This will help you to find the best 7000-watt generator for you and your needs.
