Best Gas Generators: Top 4 Compared

TL;DR: The Westinghouse iGen12500 delivers 12,500 W peak power, a 6.6‑gallon fuel tank and up to 12 hours runtime, but its 210 lb weight makes solo moves a challenge.

The iGen12500’s standout spec is its dual‑fuel engine paired with a 12,500 W gasoline peak output and 9,500 W running wattage. A 6.6‑gallon tank lets you run essential appliances for up to 12 hours at 50 % load on gasoline, while propane runs for up to 7 hours. The VFT display shows voltage, frequency and total hours, and the generator includes automatic low‑oil shutdown and a CO sensor for added safety.

At 210 lb, the Westinghouse is substantially heavier than the Honda EU1000i, which weighs just 28.7 lb, and also out‑weighs the WEN 56360i at 46.3 lb. It matches the DuroMax XP10000E’s 210 lb heft, placing it in the heavy‑duty tier of this roundup. Its footprint—26.5 in high, 27.2 in long and 26.1 in wide—is larger than the compact Honda (14.9 in high, 17.8 in long) and the slimmer WEN (19.7 in high, 17.9 in long), so it demands more storage space.

Users consistently praise the reliable power delivery for running refrigerators and air conditioners during outages, and many highlight the convenience of the remote electric start via key fob. Professional reviewers note the robust 457 cc engine and the low total harmonic distortion of <5 % as signs of clean, stable electricity. However, several owners mention that moving the 210‑lb unit alone is difficult, and the propane runtime is noticeably shorter than gasoline, which can be a drawback during extended outages.

Beyond raw power, the iGen12500 offers two 5‑20R GFCI outlets, an RV 14‑50R plug, a transfer‑switch L14‑30R outlet and two USB ports, covering a wide range of hookup scenarios. It meets CARB and EPA compliance, runs at 60 Hz, and produces 74 dBA of noise—acceptable for a generator of this size but louder than the 65 dB(A) rating of the WEN model.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Westinghouse iGen12500 offers Engine Displacement: 457cc

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The WEN 56360i delivers 2,900 W of clean inverter power in a 46.3‑lb, RV‑ready package for $554.15, offering solid value for budget‑focused campers.

The standout spec is its pure sine‑wave output with total harmonic distortion under 0.3 % at no load, backed by a 2,900 W rated rating and a 3,600 W surge capability. Weighing just 46.3 lb and standing 19.7 in tall, it’s compact enough to lift into a vehicle’s trunk, and the 1.6‑gal fuel tank fuels up to five hours at half‑load.

Compared with the other three generators, the WEN is dramatically lighter than the Westinghouse iGen12500 (210 lb) and the DuroMax XP10000E (210 lb), and it also occupies far less space than Westinghouse’s 26.5‑in height and 27.2‑in length. The Honda EU1000i is lighter at 28.7 lb, but its fuel tank holds only 0.55 gal and its run‑time stretches to roughly 7 hours at quarter‑load, outlasting the WEN’s five‑hour half‑load window. In contrast, Westinghouse and DuroMax both carry large tanks (6.6 gal and 8.3 gal) and push peak watts well above 12,000 W, but they weigh five times more and sit on a much larger footprint.

Users consistently praise the generator’s RV‑ready TT‑30R outlet and the clean power that keeps sensitive electronics humming without glitches. Professional reviewers note the budget‑friendly $554.15 price tag and the parallel‑capable design that lets you chain units for extra capacity. The downsides that surface in both expert and consumer feedback are the 65 dB(A) noise level—noticeably louder than the quieter premium inverters—and the short five‑hour runtime, which can demand frequent refueling on longer trips. The lack of electric start and GFCI‑protected outlets also trims convenience for some buyers.

Under the hood sits a 149 cc OHV 4‑stroke engine that runs at 3,000 RPM in Eco mode and 4,000 RPM otherwise, sipping just 0.53 gal per hour at full load. Safety features include a CO‑shutdown watchdog, low‑oil shutdown, and automatic fuel shutoff, all displayed on a digital panel that tracks power output, fuel level, and run‑hours.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the WEN 56360i offers Height: 19.7 inches

Avoid if: You need ultra‑quiet operation or all‑day continuous power without frequent refueling

TL;DR: The DuroMax XP10000E packs 10,000 W peak power, 8,000 W running output, and up to 22 hours of run time, but its 210‑lb weight and sub‑12 % THD make it a heavy, less‑clean‑power option.

The generator’s 10,000 W starting watts and 8,000 W continuous output come from an 18 HP, 439 cc OHV engine that spins at 3,600 RPM. A sizable 8.3‑gallon fuel tank lets it run up to 22 hours at a 25 % load, and even at 50 % load it still delivers roughly 10 hours of operation. Noise measures 72 dBA from 23 ft, and the unit includes auto‑throttle, AVR, and MX2 Power Boost technology.

Compared with the other three generators in this roundup, the XP10000E matches the Westinghouse iGen12500 in weight (both around 210 lb) but offers a larger fuel tank (8.3 gal vs. 6.6 gal) and a longer low‑load runtime. Its 10,000 W peak is lower than Westinghouse’s 12,500 W peak, yet still far above the Honda EU1000i’s sub‑1,000 W class and the WEN 56360i’s modest output. Noise is a touch quieter than Westinghouse’s 74 dBA but louder than the WEN’s 65 dB(A). The DuroMax also outweighs the Honda (28.7 lb) and WEN (46.3 lb), making it the heaviest in the group.

Users consistently praise the “beast” for handling heavy loads like air‑conditioners and welders without faltering, and professional reviewers highlight the excellent power‑to‑price ratio and the durability of its all‑metal frame. However, several owners report carburetor clogging after storage and warn that the sub‑12 % total harmonic distortion can damage laptops or other sensitive electronics.

Beyond raw power, the XP10000E packs a suite of convenience features: two GFCI‑protected 120 V outlets, a 120/240 V 30 A twist‑lock, a 120/240 V 50 A outlet, and dual 12 V DC posts for RV or job‑site needs. MX2 Power Boost lets you run two 120 V outlets at full capacity simultaneously, while the forced‑air cooling system keeps the engine stable during long runs.

Best for: Contractors, RV owners, or anyone needing high‑wattage backup for air conditioning, refrigeration, or large tools on the job site.

Avoid if: Quiet operation or clean power for laptops, smartphones, or other sensitive devices are top priorities.

TL;DR: The Honda EU1000i delivers 1000 W of clean inverter power in a 28.7‑lb, ultra‑quiet package, but its small 0.55‑gal fuel tank and 900 W continuous rating keep it best suited for light‑load backup and camping.

The standout spec is its 1000 W max power output combined with a clean sine‑wave inverter, ensuring laptops, phones and small appliances run safely. Even at quarter load the generator hums at just 42 dB(A), and it stays under 50 dB(A) at full rated load, making it one of the quietest options in its class.

At 28.7 lb, the EU1000i is dramatically lighter than the Westinghouse iGen12500 and the DuroMax XP10000E, both around 210 lb, and also lighter than the WEN 56360i, which weighs 46.3 lb. It shares the same $999.00 price point as the Westinghouse model but sits above the WEN’s lower price tier, while offering far less peak wattage than Westinghouse’s 12,500 W peak capability.

Professional reviewers highlight the ultra‑quiet operation and feather‑light design, and user sentiment frequently praises the 42 dB(A) noise level and easy portability. The most common downside mentioned is the limited 900 W continuous output, which can’t handle high‑demand appliances, and the 0.55‑gal fuel tank that may need frequent refilling under heavier loads.

Additional technical touches include Eco Throttle for fuel‑efficient operation, an oil‑alert system that shuts the engine down when oil is low, a CO‑MINDER carbon‑monoxide detection system, and a USDA‑qualified spark arrestor for safe use in forested areas. The forced‑air cooling and full‑transistor ignition keep the engine running smoothly, while the manual recoil start keeps the unit simple and reliable.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Honda EU1000i offers Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.55 gal

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance