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 XP13000E is a strong and reliable gasoline-powered generator that delivers a high starting wattage of 13,000 and a running wattage of 10,500, making it suitable for powering large appliances, power tools, and even whole-home backup during outages. It runs on gasoline, which is easy to find but requires careful storage. With a 0.5-gallon fuel tank, it provides about 8 hours of runtime at half load, which is decent but may need refueling for longer use.

This model includes an electric start, making it easier to power up without pulling a recoil cord. It also features a low oil shutdown and a carbon monoxide sensor for added safety, which is a thoughtful inclusion. The generator offers a versatile selection of outlets, including heavy-duty 120/240V and household 120V outlets, allowing you to connect a variety of devices. Portability is supported by foldable handles and a wheel kit, but at 236 pounds, it is quite heavy, so moving it might require some effort.

This unit is well-suited for residential or commercial use where strong, reliable power is needed, especially in emergencies or outdoor work. However, its weight and fuel capacity make it less ideal if you need a lightweight or extended runtime solution.