These portable generators for hurricanes are among the biggest on the market. You never know what damage a hurricane is going to do, but there are almost always power outages. This season, it’s time to be prepared with a new reliable, and heavy-duty generator. These are typically beefy enough to run several large items. The generators listed here are rated to 10,000w (although manufacturers’ label differs depending on surge/start wattage or constant running wattage). These items are relatively expensive at around the $1,000’s but invest wisely as you’re going to depend on these for power. For these reasons we suggest only the best generators, giving you can buy to give you peace of mind.
If you’re trying to figure out what size generator you require, head over to ieDepot to check out their guide. You’ll find this size generator will typically run the most power-draining equipment you are likely to use. These generators are often used to power households during hurricanes including water heaters and air conditioning units (typically 3 to 4 tonnes). An example of power requirement is, an AC unit, freezer, fridge, and microwave typically require 3550kw. Leaving plenty of spare power for the TV and enough to boil the kettle for a coffee, perfect.
Best Generator for Hurricanes – Westinghouse WGen9500
After a huge review process of portable 10kW generators, there was one winner as it stands out from the rest. This is the Westinghouse WGen9500. When purchasing you have two options, either single fuel or dual fuel. Personally, single fuel offers the best value and gasoline always runs better through these engines with less surging.
This generator has a running wattage of 9.5kW and a surge/peak supply of 12.5kw. While most other labeled 10kW generators actually run at around 8kW, this 9.5kW portable generator runs at 9.5kW, no sneaky sales pitch here! The size of the Westinghouse 9500 generator range is 27″ x 22″ x 22″ (LxWxH).
This generator comes with some great features including:
- Automatic choke
- Button start
- Remote control start (great for Hurricane season)
- Electric or recoil start
- Automatic low oil shut off
- Hour meter
This portable generator comes with a 457cc, 13.5hp Westinghouse engine. This highly efficient engine combined with the 6.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank provides approximately the following run times:
- 17.5 hours @ 25% load
- 12 hours @ 50% load
- 9.5 hours @75% load
The engine starts easily both via the electric or recoil start, meaning you hopefully won’t nearly pull your arm off while trying to start an awkward recoil system. Once running the generator isn’t overly loud, it has very comparable noise levels compared to other similar-sized portable generators. It is potentially slightly quieter if anything, but not that noticeable. Westinghouse claims the lowest noise level of 74dBA, but I don’t have any way of testing this to confirm.
The Westinghouse 9500 comes with the following power outlets.
- 2 x 120V 20A Standard Household sockets
- 1 x 120V 30A L14 socket
- 1 x120/240V 50A RV socket
- 2 x 5V USB ports
Pros
- 3 year residential warranty
- 1 year commercial warranty
Cons
- Customer services can be slightly slow to respond (but are really helpful)
- Can be susceptible to damage in manufacture or transit
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R, and Two 5V USB Ports; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Budget Generators for Hurricanes – Durostar DS10000E
Durostar makes the best budget portable 10kW generator, this product offers brilliant value for money and can power most people’s needs. It comes with an 18hp 440cc made by Durostar and a large fuel capacity of 8.3 gallons. This gives the following run times on gasoline.
- 15 hours @ 25% load
- 10.4 hours @ 50% load
- 8 hours @75% load
Durostar is EPA and CARB compliant in all 50 states, so there is no need to worry about current regulations. The running noise volume is very similar to Westinghouse and is even rated by the manufacturer as slightly lower at 72dB. Although this is rated as a 10kw portable generator this is the peak wattage, the actual running wattage is 8kw. Still plenty enough for most people’s needs. Additionally, there is a low oil shutdown protection system, it’s a great feature if you ever need it.
This generator comes with some great features including:
- Fuel Funnel
- Spark wrench
- Toolset
- Wheel and handle kit
- DC charging cables
- Owners manual
The build is very rugged with an all-metal frame which is perfect for building sites. The Durostar is slightly larger than Westinghouse, measuring at 30 x 30 x 28″ and 215 lbs.
If you plan on using the battery start instead of the pull cord, please connect the negative terminal as it’s disconnected while shipping. It’s amazing how many people think they have broken faulty equipment as they haven’t realized it.
The Durostar DS10000E comes with the following power outlets.
- 1 x 120v 30A twist lock
- 2 x 120v household
- 1 x 120/240v 30A twist
- 1 x 120/240V 50A heavy duty
- Voltmeter
- 12v DC charging post for external batteries
- POWERFUL DUROSTAR ENGINE: The DS10000E is Powered by a 18HP 440cc OHV Durostar Engine.
- Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 439cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- Idle Control – Lowers the RPMs of the generator when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise. Ideal on the job site where power is used intermittently
- MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household GFCI outlets, (1) 120V 30A twist lock outlet, (1) 240V 30A outlet, and (1) 240V 50A outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batter
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Final notes
Hopefully, this has helped to speed you your decision process while searching for a portable generator. There is a lot on the market and not all of them are reliable and of high quality, this is a reason we only wanted to show you two to help keep your head clear. These are the best generators for hurricanes and will help you keep connected in the worst conditions.
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