Best 10kw Portable Generator

by Product Review Lad | Last Updated: November 25, 2020

10kw (10000w) portable generators are among the biggest on the market and are typically found on building sites or for homes without power, whether off the grid, undergoing development or forward planning for hurricane season. These are typically beefy enough to run several heavy duty items. The generators listed here are rated to 10,000w (although manufactures label differently depending on surge/start wattage or constant running wattage). These items are relatively expensive at around the $1,000 mark and you’re going to depend on these for power. For these reasons we suggest only the best generators you can buy to give you peace of mind.

If you’re trying to figure out what size generator you require then 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. For example, a powerful 250amp welder typically requires 6kw. Leaving an extra 4kw spare capacity, more than enough to boil the kettle for a coffee, perfect. Many people use these generators to power households during hurricanes including water heaters and air conditioning units (typically 3 to 4 tonnes).

Best 10kW Portable Generator – Westinghouse WGen9500

After a huge review process of 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 duel fuel. Personally, single fuel offers the best value and gasoline always runs better though 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 claim a lowest noise level of 74dBA, but I don’t have any way of testing this to confirm.

The Westinghouse 9500 comes with the follow 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

Best Budget 10kW Portable Generator – 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 no need to worry about current regulations. The running volume is very similar to Westinghouse and is even rated by the manufacture as slightly lower coming in 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 in 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 follow power outlets.

• 2 x 120v household
• 1 x 120v 30A twist lock
• 1 x 120/240v 30A twist
• 1 x 120/240V 50A heavy duty
• Voltmeter
• 12v DC charging post for external batteries