Why 15,000 Watts?
Generators come in various shapes and sizes. Depending upon your needs and power demand, you may go for a powerful (big) generator or a small generator. A large generator with a voltage in the bracket of 12,000 to 16,000 gives you the freedom of running a lot of appliances at your home, work, construction sites, machinery, and almost everything apart from industrial tools and machines. The latest 15,000-watt models are economical in terms of fuel efficiency as compared to small generators because of advanced technology. It is also best for people who experience frequent blackouts due to natural disasters and infrastructural problems. When the conditions are overcast, a solar panel also fails to work. In such situations, a 15,000 watts generator will bring power back for large homes.
Problems Associated with Buying 15,000 Watts Generator
When you are buying a large generator, you need to make sure of the following.
- It is according to your power needs, not large and not small
- It fulfills your power demands for work or home
- The running cost must not be too high
- It is must be easy to maintain
- You can move it during power outages and work needs (construction sites)
- Its control panel is user-friendly and gives you maximum control over your machine.
- It is safe to run
Which Appliances can I run on a 15,000 watts generator?
- Multiple large appliances
- Well pump
- Air conditioners
- Furnaces
- Lightings, fans, TV
- Microwave oven
- Large tools
- Medium-sized construction tools such as grinder, cutter, etc.
- And many more
Keeping all these things in mind, we have developed this guide for you. We will be discussing the best 15,000 watts generators along with a buying guide and FAQs. After reading this review, you will be able to select the best 15,000 watts generator according to your needs and make your life easy.
Let’s Begin!
Table of Contents
Best 15,000 Watts Generators
Image | Product Name | Features | Ratings | Reviews | Check Price |
 | DuroMax XP15000E Portable Generator |
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 | Generac 5734 GP15000E |
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 | DuroMax XP15000EH Dual Fuel Generator |
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 | A-iPower SUA15000ECV Generator |
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 | Champion Power Equipment 100111 Portable Generator |
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 | Westinghouse WGen12000 Portable Generator |
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1. DuroMax XP15000E Portable Generator, Blue/Black – Best Gas-Powered Generator
- Engine: 23HP, 713cc, V-twin
- Output: 15,000-12,000 watts
- Start: Recoil start system
More Features: The generator offers a sturdy wheel kit and 2 handles to facilitate moving it
Power Output: The generator provides a maximum power of 15,000 watts and a running wattage of 12,000 watts. It will make sure that you never feel the need to take off your AC to power your microwave oven or switch off lights to turn on the CCTV cameras. With such an enormous power at your disposal, you would never feel the need to make compromises.
Fuel Type, Tank Capacity, and Run Size: It is a gas-powered engine with a fuel capacity of 10.5 gallons. It comes with a run time of 9 hours with a 50% load on a full tank. As the load increases, the run time decreases.
Engine Specifications: You get a powerful 23HP, 713cc, V-twin DuroMax engine. It is one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient engines among all the competitors. It has a recoil starting mechanism.
Dimensions and Weight: The generator measures 33 x 30 x 35 inches and weighs 380 pounds. It is a large generator and needs a lot of space for storage.
Portability: The generator offers a sturdy wheel kit and 2 handles to facilitate moving it. However, due to its heavyweight, it becomes difficult for one person to move it around.
Other Features: The generator is loaded with a lot of other features which increase its worth. You get 120V or 240V output, a digital meter for voltage, frequency, total hours, and maintenance hours. It makes maintenance easy, and you don’t have to remember the number of hours you have run the generator. It comes with AC load protection features to keep your sensitive appliances safe. A hoist bar helps you to lift your generator with a crane. You also get a 50 AMP outlet for RVs.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
DuroMax produces the best generators for every purpose. This one is an all-purpose generator. We suggest you buy this one and forget about generator worries for a very long time.
2. Generac 5734 GP15000E 15000 Running Watts/22500 Starting Watts Electric Start Gas Powered Portable Generator – Best Powerful Generator
Power Output: This generator is best for people who want 15,000 running watts. It will give you 22500 peak watts. With such high power, you can easily adjust a lot of appliances on your generator. Such generators are best for large homes, farms, offices, restaurants, and small commercial centers.
Fuel Type, Tank Capacity, and Run Time: The generator is powered by gas and has a tank capacity of 16 gallons. It is an amazing tank capacity in such a compact size with high power output. The generator will provide you electricity for 10 hours at 50% load.
Engine Specifications: The 992cc engine comes loaded with every feature you can think of. It has been specifically designed for generators with an electric start, and X-torq: keeps it running without jerks. To keep things cool, the generator comes with a dual air filter. The generator is loaded with engine oil for first-time use.
Weight and Dimensions: It has dimensions of 48.5 x 30.75 x 38.5 inches and a weight of 373 pounds.
Portability: The generator has been designed to provide you with an easy lifting mechanism. The 1 ¼ inches steel cradle handle makes lifting and carrying it easy for home and work use.
Warranty and Certifications: The generator is not CARB compliant and cannot be used in California. However, it gives you a 2-year limited warranty.
Other Features: You get a battery for electric starting. The circuit breaker outlets will protect your generator from being overloaded, and a high-quality muffler keeps things quiet. The noise produced by this generator is far less than others with the same power output. The generator has two 120V, two 120V GFCI, one 120V 30 AMP twist lock, one 120/240V 50 AMP, and one 12V DC battery outlet. You get a maintenance kit as well.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a very powerful and state of the art machine. The generator will never let you down. However, it is costly as compared to other generators on our list.
3. DuroMax XP15000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Blue and Black – Best Dual Fuel 15,000 Generator
Fuel Type, Fuel Tank, and Run-Time: It is a dual fuel generator. You get the freedom to run it on gas and propane according to availability. The fuel tank is 10.3 gallons. The run time for gas is 8.8 hours on a full tank with a 50% load. Please note that the run time on propane depends on the size of the cylinder you are using.
Power Output: When you are running the generator on gasoline, you get 15,000 peak wattage and 12,000 running wattage. For propane, the peak wattage is around 14,000, and running is 11,000 watts. Gas burns better and provides more power. One drawback of using gas is that you get low run time comparatively.
Engine Specifications: The engine is a 23HP, 713cc DuroMax, V-twin engine. It has an electric start option and a power boost to give your heavy appliances a stable current and enhance the performance.
Weight and Dimensions: The weight is 380 pounds, and it measures 33 x 30 x 35 inches. The generator is not too big, and you can easily adjust it in one corner of your garage.
Portability: Just like the other DuroMax models, you get an ergonomic handle and a wheel kit to move your generator around your home and worksite.
Other Features: You have the option of getting 120V or 240V output power. It is loaded with a low-oil shut off sensor to keep your generator’s engine safe. To enhance the fuel economy, it has an idle control feature. It lowers the generator’s RPM and reduces noise as well. To keep your appliances safe, DuroMax has installed a surge guard in it. You get 7 different outputs for connections.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is one of the most versatile 15,000 watts generators. You get a dual fuel option, electric starting, and many other features. Its price is also very reasonable.
4. A-iPower SUA15000ECV 15000-Watt Portable Generator Gas Powered Electric Start, 15000 Rated Watt/12000 Running Watt, EPA/CARB Sell to All 50 States – Best 15,000 generator with EPA and CARB Certifications
Power Output: It provides 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts. It is enough for every appliance in your daily use and running construction tools and machinery.
Fuel Tank, Tank Capacity, and Run Time: The generator runs on gas and comes with an 8-gallon fuel tank. It provides a backup time of 7 hours at 50% load. Its backup time is a bit low as compared to other generators with the same specifications.
Engine Specifications: The generator uses a 24HP, 680cc twin-cylinder air-cooled 4-stroke engine to provide a power-packed punch for your appliances. It is an electrical start engine. The thing we like about this engine is its stability. It produces a stable current with less than 5% THD. It helps in keeping your sensitive appliances safe. It has a high noise rating of 85 DB. It is going to make a lot of noise in the neighborhood, so be prepared for that.
Dimensions and Weight: It has a size of 39 x 31 x 38 inches and weighs 460 pounds. It is a lot heavier than other models on our list.
Portability: With so much weight, you will need some extra power to push or pull it. Please keep in mind that the generator has low-quality wheels. You may need to replace the wheel kit after buying it. Instead of a moving handle, it has 4 wheels with jammers.
Certifications: It has been certified by EPA and CARB to be used in all 50 states without any issues. These certifications mean that the exhaust fumes are not harmful to your health.
Other Features: It supports a DC adapter plug for battery charging or to be used with a USB adapter. The generator offers multiple outlets and rubber covers on all of them to ensure safety while using them.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
There are two issues with this generator: a low backup time and flimsy wheels. Apart from it, it is a pretty reasonable machine.
5. Champion Power Equipment 100111 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Lift Hook – Best 15,000 Generator with Lift Hook – Best 15,000 Watts Generator with Lift Hook
Power Output: It will provide 12,000 watts running power and 15,000 starting watts. It is designed with a lifting hook, which makes it easy to pick this generator with a crane and drop it at the place of the need. It provides you with enough power to run the majority of your work machines.
Fuel Type, Tank Size, and Run-Time: Its fuel tank has a capacity of 10.9 gallons of gas. It provides a run time of 9 hours on 50% load.
Engine Specifications: It gives you an electric/recoil starting mechanism, and the engine is 717cc V-twin. The engine has a cold start technology. The engine also makes a lot of noise, and its rating stands at 78 DB from a distance of 23 feet. The engine is 2-cylindrical, 4-stroke, and air-cooled.
Dimensions and Measurement: It is a lighter unit and weighs around 328 pounds. The measurements are 33.6 x 26.6 x 33.3 inches.
Portability: It comes with a wheel kit, and 2 pull handles to help you drag this generator at the running place. If you want to move this generator from one place to another, you can lift it with a crane through the lifting hook. This feature makes it easier to carry your generator on the upper stories of a building.
Other Features: You get one 120V 30A, one 120/240V 30A locking, a 120/240V 50A, and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets for connections. All the outlets are covered to provide you maximum safety. The generator has a volt guard to protect against voltage surges. It is not an RV ready machine.
Warranty: It is not certified by CARB and EPA but is backed by a 3-year warranty and lifetime customer support service.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is one of the best generators for people who work at upper stories and need power there. You can lift it with a crane and place it wherever you want.
6. Westinghouse WGen12000 Ultra Duty Portable Generator – 12000 Rated Watts & 15000 Peak Watts – Gas Powered – Electric Start – Transfer Switch & RV Ready – CARB Compliant – 15,000 Watt Generator with Best Warranty and Customer Service
Power Output: Just like other generators on our list, it comes with peak wattage of 15,000 and a running wattage of 12,000 watts. It is enough to power all the appliances in a large home, office, or restaurant.
Fuel Type, Tank Size, and Run Time: The generator boasts a spacious 10.5 gallons gas tank and a run time of 11 hours on a 50% load. When you decrease the load, the run time and fuel efficiency will increase.
Engine Specifications: The generator is powered by a 713cc OHV Westinghouse engine with V-twin technology. It is an electric start generator that makes operation easy. The Generator delivers a power-packed punch to run all your heavy appliances.
Dimensions and Weight: It measures 34 x 31 x 35 inches and weighs 352 pounds. Its weight is slightly less than the other generators in the same category.
Portability: You get 2 high-quality, sturdy pull handles with rubber covers to facilitate moving the generator. Its tires are also very durable, and you don’t need to worry about them for 5-10 years.
Warranty and Certifications: The generator is backed with a massive 3-year warranty on parts and labor. The generator is CARB and EPA certified to be run in all states of the country.
Other Features: You get two 120V 5-20R GFCI standard receptacles for household, one 120V -30R outlet, one outlet ready for transfer switch, one RV ready outlet, and two 5V USB ports with safety covers. The generator features a low oil shut-off sensor, protection against voltage surge, a digital meter to display hours, oil level, and total running hours. You also get a 12V battery charger, engine oil and oil funnel, a tool kit, and a user’s manual to help you get started.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
The best thing about this generator is that it produces a stable current, which is excellent for sensitive appliances. It offers you one of the largest warranties and excellent customer service in the generator industry.
Buying Guide
A buying guide makes sure that you are not missing anything while purchasing a generator. We have listed all the features in a 15,000 watts generator to help you make the best decision. This buying guide will also discuss power needs and power management.
Power Needs
While calculating your power needs, you need to list down the starting and running wattages of all the appliances you want to power. Starting wattage is the power needed to fire, and running wattage is needed to keep it working. Many home and work machines have a higher starting wattage and a low running wattage. To understand this, analyze the table below.
| Appliances | Starting Wattage | Running Wattage |
| Refrigerator (2) | 2400 | 400 |
| 1 HP Furnace | 4700 | 1750 |
| TV (2) | 600 | 600 |
| Lights | 600 | 600 |
| AC (2) | 3600 | 2400 |
| 1/2 HP Well Pump | 2000 | 900 |
| 1/2 HP Sump Pump | 2000 | 900 |
| Total | 15900 | 7550 |
In the above example, you need 15,900 watts to start all the appliances at once; however, you would need 7550 watts to keep them running. It is approximately half the load on a 15,000 watts generator. You don’t need to buy a generator larger than 15,000 watts for this setup. You just need to do load management and add large appliances one by one. When your generator is running at half load, it gives a better run time and enhanced fuel efficiency. Similarly, you can also calculate the wattage of your work machines. Ensure that the running wattage is not more than the rated power of the generator you are buying.
Type of Fuel
When you are talking about 15,000 watts generator, you either have the option to go for a dual fuel generator or gas-powered generator. Dual fuel generators are a bit costly compared to single fuel generators, but they are more reliable during emergency times. Propane has a longer shelf life and can be stored for 30 years. It is possible that you may not find gas during disasters, but you can easily store propane in tanks at your home and use it during the crisis.
Starting Mechanism
Most of the 15,000-watt generators come with an electronic starting mechanism. They are easy to start as compared to pulling recoil cable. Electric starters are costly to repair and also need to be protected from water and dust. Recoil generators are more durable as compared to electric generators.
Fuel Capacity and Run Time
You must look for a generator that provides you with maximum run time at an affordable operational cost. Keeping the operational cost in check is more important than looking for a generator with a large fuel tank. To keep the running time high, it is best to run your generator at 50% load.
Control Panel
A highly functional generator will provide maximum information and switches on the control panel. Look for a generator that offers meter readings, control buttons, AC circuit controllers, and maximum outlets. All such features make the machine user-friendly.
Portability
When it comes to heavy generators like 15,000 watts, a very few people use them with RVs. It is mostly used to power large homes and work sites. Hence, it must have durable and non-flat wheels along with ergonomic pull handles. A lifting hook serves as an icing on the top and facilitates lifting your generator with a crane.
Noise Level
A large generator is going to make a lot of noise. When you are working at a construction site, it will not make any major difference. For home use, you must try to keep the noise level as low as possible. Noise pollution will bring many complaints from your neighbors, and high running sound is also harmful to your ears.
Safety
Features like surge voltage protection, safety covers, grounding, overload and overheating protection, low oil shut down, and fuel cap locks save your generator from repairs and maintenance.
Warranty and Certifications
Look for certifications like CARB and EPA to ensure that the generator exhaust fumes are not harmful to your health. Warranty brings peace of mind and adds value to your purchase. It saves you from spending money on costly repairs.
FAQs
What are the maintenance needs of a large generator?
The maintenance needs of a portable generator are independent of its size. To keep your generator in mint condition, you need to take care of the following things
- Timely oil change
- Spark plug replacement
- Don’t overload your generator
- Don’t run it in the rain
- Store it properly without gas in the tank
- Run periodically for testing
- Air filter replacement
- Follow all the instructions in the user manual
What precautions do I need to start a new generator for the first time?
First of all, you need to follow the instructions that come written on the user manual. You must check the oil level, never use old gas or propane for the first time, check the exhaust pipes, and ensure nothing looks out of the order.
How can I save my costly generator from theft?
You can use cable locks, generator boxes, and enclosures to avoid theft. Boxes also help in keeping the sound level down.
What is the minimum safe distance of running a 15,000 watts generator from my home?
It would be best if you kept large running generators at a distance of 20 feet from your home and worksite.
Is it ok to use a 15,000 watts generator without a transfer switch?
You should never use your generator without a transfer switch at home. If you have to use it outside, make sure you use high-quality and heavy-duty extension cables.
Final Thoughts
We have reviewed the best 15,000 watts generators currently available in the market. Before buying a large generator, it is best to calculate your power needs. You may need a smaller generator. However, if your power needs are high, a 15,000 watts generator is your best buy. You can buy the one from the above list according to your needs. All the generators reviewed are of high-quality and will go a long way with you.