Best 5000 Watt Generators – 5 Brands Fully Reviewed

Whether you are looking for a generator to power your home, or to help you in your work and business, having the best generator that you can rely on is the key. 

Generators have become an essential part of how we care for our homes.

For many people, having a generator is a vital component of how they live their lives, and brings them peace of mind in cases of emergency or losses of power.

Generators work to bring you an extra power source, or form of electricity where there is not immediate access to power. This can be a lifesaver in the case of a blackout, power outage, or in extreme weather conditions. No one wants to be left stranded with no working appliances, lights, air conditioning or any power. 

A generator can be the perfect backup plan and emergency source of electricity in those tough times, and you will need one that is capable of powering a multitude of appliances. A great generator will also operate for many hours before needing refuelling, in order to act as a great source of power. 

In addition, you will need a generator that can be easily stored or one with extra mobility so that it is portable enough to use for a multitude of functions!

5000 watt generators are the perfect generator for work, home or play because they can power a variety of appliances at once with ease. You can utilize a 5000 watt generator as a backup for your home, or for a construction site, or as a source of power on the road. 

To help you find a generator that you can trust and depend on, we have created a guide of the best 5000 watt generators to make your life easier.

OUR TOP PICK

Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open...

If you are looking for a powerful and capable generator with ultra quiet technology, then we have the perfect generator for you.

The Champion 6250 watt DH series generator can power all of your equipment or appliances without creating loud noise levels. 

This open frame inverter generator operates at a noise level of 69 dba, and is specifically intended as the perfect home backup.

With 6250 starting watts, and 5000 running watts, you can power anything you need to for up to 12.5 hours. 

The advanced open frame design is 50% quieter than other styles and 20% lighter than before.

For clean power and an economy mode for your convenience, you can rest assured that your sensitive electronics will be safe with this generator.  

With its foldaway handle and wheels, this generator is easily moved or stored for your ease of use. For the most reliable source of power, go with Champion. 

PROS:

  • Can be used for up to 12.5 hours
  • 6250 starting watts, 5000 running watts
  • Up to 50% quieter than competitor models
  • Clean power- save for sensitive electronics
  • Economy mode- monitors power consumption
  • Lightweight 
  • Open frame inverter design 
  • 4 120V outlets
  • USB connectivity
  • Portable- foldaway handle and wheels

CONS:

  • More expensive than others

EDITORS CHOICE

Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator - 5500...

If you are searching for a more cost efficient generator, we have the one for you. For a dependable, great value and powerful 5000 watt generator, try the Westinghouse WGen 5500 Portable Generator. 

This impressive generator can run for up to 20 hours at a 25% load. The Westinghouse  420 cc engine acts as a dependable power source for a reliable backup that is perfect for powering your home in a state of emergency. 

With 6850 starting watts and 5500 running watts, you can be sure that all of your home appliances are powered with this generator.

In addition, you may utilize the intuitive control panel to keep track of your power use. 

With wheels and easy to use handles, this generator is even lightweight, portable and simple to store anywhere you like.

You can either use the one-touch electric start or the remote start for extra accessibility. 

The Westinghouse WGen 5500 Portable Generator is a convenient way to ensure that your life will always stay up and running smoothly.

PROS:

  • 6850 peak watts, 5500 running watts
  • Up to 15 hours of run time
  • 5 120V outlets
  • Low oil shutdown 
  • 420 cc Westinghouse engine
  • Data center
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • One-touch electric start
  • 72 dba noise level
  • Remote start

CONS:

  • Not made from longlasting, durable materials

BEST VALUE

DuroStar DS5500EH 224cc 5,500-Watt Dual Fuel...

The Durostar DS5500EH generator has a powerful 225cc engine with an automatic low oil shut off function. Despite its powerful capabilities, this generator keeps the noise to the minimum with just 69 dba. 

For maximum levels of power and performance, this generator offers 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts to handle multiple appliances and heavy duty work tools.

With its innovative power panel, you have full control, and both 120 and 240 V outlets. 

This generator is approved for use in all states and offers safe and reliable power. With dual fuel technology, this generator can be used with propane or gasoline.

PROS:

  • Lightweight
  • 225cc engine
  • Low oil sensor
  • 69 dba noise level
  • 5500 starting watts, 4500 running watts
  • Power panel
  • Compatible with 120 and 240 V outlets
  • Dual Fuel
  • Wheels- portable

CONS:

  • Burns through fuel quicker

RUNNER UP

WEN DF475T Dual Fuel 120V/240V Portable Generator...

For a generator that is perfect for emergency backup, job sites or camping, then the WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great option.

With 4750 surge watts and 3500 running watts, and an extremely lightweight design, this generator is great for whatever you need.

This generator has great compatibility with 120 and 240 V outlets, and features an electric start. With easy to use carry handles and wheels, this generator is highly portable. 

What is great about this generator is that it has dual fuel technology, and can run for up to 11 hours at a 50% load.

Even better, this generator operates at a quiet noise level of 69dba for your convenience!

PROS:

  • 4750 surge watts, 3500 running watts
  • Extremely lightweight 
  • Can be used for 120V and 240V outlets
  • Electric start
  • 11 hours of running time at 50% load
  • Easy carry handles
  • Wheels
  • Portable 
  • Can use gasoline or LPG
  • 69 dba
  • Low oil shut off

CONS:

  • Not long lasting
  • Not as many watts as competitors

RUNNER UP

DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV...

The DuroMax XP5500EH Generator is a powerful and mighty generator capable of powering multiple appliances at once for a reliable source of energy. 

This generator can be utilized as a home backup electricity source, and is durable enough to be used on a construction site.

With a lightweight and easy to use design, this generator is super portable and easy to carry or move. 

The DuroMax XP5500EH can power up to 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts for optimal levels of power for your appliances.

Although it is highly capable, it still operates at low noise levels of 69 dba for your convenience! 

This generator is compatible with both 120V and 240V outlets, and is powered by dual fuel technology.

For a reliable and portable power source, try the DuraMax XP5500EH.

PROS:

  • Lightweight 
  • Dual Fuel 
  • 120 V and 240 V outlets
  • 5500 starting watts and 4500 running watts
  • Electric start
  • 69 dba
  • Can handle heavy loads 
  • Reliable power
  • Wheels
  • Portable

CONS:

Best 5000 Watt Generators Buying Guide

Why You Need A Generator

The purpose of a generator is to provide power to any appliances that you wish to use.

Generators are great for locations or situations where electricity may be hard to come by. In this sense, many people use generators to power their food trucks when on the road, or to charge their phones with a portable generator when camping.

By using a generator, you will never limit what you can do. 

The most popular reason for having a generator is if you live in an area where there may be frequent power outages or blackouts. This could be down to bad weather conditions, or if you live a little off the grid.

Having a generator can work as a backup power source for all of your appliances, lights, and outlets in the case of an emergency. 

A generator can keep your refrigerator, lights, air conditioning and many more things running when the power goes out. This means that you do not have to wait around in the dark before it comes back on, or waste your freshly bought refrigerated food. 

In this sense, a generator can also bring you peace of mind. We have all been stuck in a black out before, and we know how frustrating it can be.

You can feel helpless and lost praying that your power comes back. With a generator, your life does not have to go on hold. 

How to Find The Best 5000 Watt Generators

The best 5000 watt generator for you will depend heavily upon what you need to use it for.

There are so many different generators on the market, that run off different fuels and are intended for different purposes, that it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. 

Why Do You Want The Generator?

Therefore, you must consider what you wish to use a generator for when thinking about purchasing one.

Some generators are intended for domestic or home use, and others are designed for commercial use, so it is important that you do your research before buying and understand which generators are intended for you.

What Wattage Do You Need?

Typically, 5000 watt generators can power most appliances in your home, and can work as a great backup plan if you lose power.

Therefore, you will want to find a 5000 watt generator that has plenty of outlets and sockets to help power your home.

What Will You Power?

Some generators are not suitable for certain appliances.

For example, laptops, computers and phones are sensitive electronics, and will be more suited to an inverter generator. If you wish to power these appliances, you will have to consider whether the generator is suitable. 

Noise

You will also benefit from a generator that emits low noise levels.

In many states, there are laws against the use of loud generators, so you will have to consider how noisy the generator is. This is gauged by the decibel level, and so you should try to find a generator with a lower noise level.

It is important to note that the more powerful the generator, then usually it will create more noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Quietest 5000 Watt Generator?

The quietest generator capable of powering 5000 watts is the Champion 6250 DH series generator.

With quiet technology, this inverter generator has a dba noise level of 69 and can run for up to 12.5 hours! 

What is A Good Wattage For a Generator?

This will depend entirely on what you wish to use the generator for, and for how many appliances. If you are camping and need a little extra power for your trip on the road, then a small portable generator of 1500-2000 watts. 

In other cases, like if you want a generator for your RV, then you may require between 2000-4000 watts of electricity. If you would like to power a food truck or something similar, then you will need around 3000-7000 watts depending on the number of appliances that you use. 

Most people use generators as backup power sources for their homes, if this is the case then a generator with a wattage of 5000-7500 will be beneficial.

What Can A 5000 Watt Generator Run?

A 5000 watt generator can power any appliance with a wattage rating below 5,000 watts.

If you are looking to use multiple appliances with your generator, then you will need to combine their wattage and purchase a generator with a total wattage that is greater than your combined wattage.

What Are ‘starting’ And ‘running’ Watts?

Starting watts are the amount of watts required to get the generator running.

Starting up the motor requires a little more effort than just leaving it running, so most generators will have a higher rating for starting watts.

Running watts are the wattage that is needed to keep the generator running. 

How Do I Know What Wattage Generator I Need?

To find out what wattage you require for your generator, you will first need to check the starting wattage or surge wattage of the appliances you wish to power.

To do this, you will need to figure out what watt each appliance is, and which ones you wish to use. 

Once this is done, you can combine the total and compare that with the wattage of the generator.

You should always choose a generator that exceeds the combined wattage of your appliances to ensure that it is not overloaded.