Last Updated on October 4, 2024
Generators are a dime a dozen nowadays and for good reason. In the continental United States alone, millions of people live in potential disaster areas. From the earthquake-prone areas of California to the entire Gulf Coast and tornado alley, generators are essential for those who live in these areas.
That’s where 12,000W generators come in, however, which ones are the best? If you’re going to fork over $1,000+, you should definitely be as well-informed as possible. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best 12,000W generators to keep your home going in the event of an outage.
Best 12,000 Watt Portable Generator in 2022
It’s still early and a new generator innovation could come along that would blow all of the others away. It’s not likely, however, as the generators on this list are outstanding options, with all of the latest features that you would expect from a generator on this tier.
| Product | Rating | Watt | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | DuroMax XP12000EH Generator | 5/5 | 12,000 | Click Here |
  | Durostar DS12000EH Portable Generator | 4.5/5 | 12,000 | Click Here |
1. Duromax XP 12000EH Generator
The Duromax XP 12000EH Generator is no stranger when it comes to the top dog in generators and it frequently maintains the number one spot in outstanding generators. The reasons are numerous and it deserves the accolades as this is an incredible generator.
| Starting Method | Pull start manual and/or electric start |
| Engine Type | 457cc 4-stroke, Overhead Valve design (OHV) |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.3 gallons/gasoline | Propane is hook-up |
| Weight | 236lbs |
| Run Time (Gasoline) | 8.83 hours at 50% load |
| Run Time (Propane) | 7.2 hours at 50% load |
| Number of Outlets | Two 120V 20A outlets | One 120V 30A twist-lock | One 120V/240V twist-lock | One 120V/240V 50A Heavy Duty outlet |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline/Propane |
| Size | 40” x 29” x 27.5” |
| Wattage (Gasoline) | 12,000 peak and 9,500 running |
| Wattage (Propane) | 11,400 peak and 9,025 running |
| Amperage | 79.17A / 39.58A |
| Voltage | 120V / 240VAC / 12VDC |
As you can see, this generator packs a punch. It has an incredible power output and is frequently the choice for construction crews on major construction projects because it simply powers so much at the same time.
The dual-fuel aspect also gives the Duromax XP longevity and it will run continuously for over 15 hours if you combine both of the fuel types. Since the propane side is fueled by your own, separate propane tanks, you can keep it going if you have a stockpile, even though the power is slightly less.
A simple button push will switch from one fuel to the other. If you’re running it on gas and it reaches the point where it’s beginning to bog down for lack of fuel, press the button and you’re off to the races again.
There’s not much to dislike about this generator and the most common complaints are not a matter of efficiency or its capabilities. Considering what it can do and how much it holds, it is a heavy generator. At 236 lbs, lugging it around on two wheels isn’t all that fun.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual-Fuel | Heavy |
| Easy to use | High decibel level |
| Outstanding power output | |
| Easy to use | |
| Affordable |
All in all, it’s difficult to knock the Duromax XP12000EH. Dual-fuel options are becoming more and more prevalent, which is a good thing considering the price of gasoline today and the Duromax does an outstanding job with both.
2. Durostar DS12000EH Portable Generator
Although it comes incredibly close to being a twin name to the Duromax XP12000, the Durostar DS12000EH is its own generator, and it’s good enough to make the second spot on our list.
| Starting Method | Pull start manual and/or electric start |
| Engine Type | 457cc 4-stroke, Overhead Valve design (OHV) |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.3 gallons/gasoline | Propane is hook-up |
| Weight | 224lbs |
| Run Time (Gasoline) | 8.0 hours at 50% load |
| Run Time (Propane) | 4.0 hours at 50% load |
| Number of Outlets | One Duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) GFCI | One 120V 30A (L5-30R) | One 120/240V 30A (L14-30R) | One 120/240V 50A (14-50R) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline/Propane |
| Size | 30” x 29” x 26” |
| Wattage (Gasoline) | 12,000 peak and 9,500 running |
| Wattage (Propane) | 10,500 peak and 8,750 running |
| Amperage | 79.17A / 39.58A |
| Voltage | 120V/240V 60Hz, DC 12V |
The Durostar is a match for the Duromax in almost every way, with the lone exception belonging to its fuel efficiency. It really seems to burn fuel faster than most generators on this list and the comparison charts bolster that deficiency.
It will reliably gobble up a little over a gallon per hour at a 50% load. However, the remaining features are robust and powerful. It is a dual-fuel generator that runs off of both gasoline and propane.
While it’s not quite as heavy as the Duromax, it’s still unwieldy, even on no-flat wheels and with a foldable handle. It also comes with some nice add-ons, such as a funnel, battery charging cables, a propane hose, and its own tool kit.
Since it is CARB compliant, California residents can legally purchase and use this generator without worrying about California’s strict emissions laws. On the control panel, all the bells and whistles are here, with light indicators, a voltmeter, a fuel gauge, and an oil level gauge.
The safety features are all here as well, with an automatic shutoff if oil levels are low and a built-in circuit breaker.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Heavy |
| Dual-Fuel | Not fuel-efficient |
| Spark Arrestor | Low runtime on propane |
| Great power output | |
| Reasonably priced |
The only feature that may turn off some is the propane inefficiency. 4 hours on a 20lb propane tank is nearly outrageous and while it fares better on gasoline, it’s still on the high-end in terms of gobbling up fuel at a large rate.
3. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF
Out of all of the generators on this list, the WGen9500DF is the most fuel-efficient, getting 12-hours of runtime on a smaller, 6.6-gallon tank of gas and 7 hours on propane, all at a 50% load.
| Starting Method | Pull start manual, electric start, and/or remote start |
| Engine Type | 457cc 4-stroke, Overhead Valve design (OHV) |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.6 gallons/gasoline | Propane is hook-up |
| Weight | 211lbs |
| Run Time (Gasoline) | 12.0 hours at 50% load |
| Run Time (Propane) | 7.0 hours at 50% load |
| Number of Outlets | Two 120V 20A | One 120V/240V 30A | One 120V/240V 50A |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline and Propane |
| Size | 27.2” x 26.1” x 26.5” |
| Wattage (Gasoline) | 12,500 peak and 9,500 running |
| Wattage (Propane) | 11,200 peak and 8,500 running |
| Amperage | 79.17A / 39.58A |
| Voltage | 120V/240V 60Hz, DC 12V |
This is also the first generator on our list that comes with remote start, a third starting option. That makes this generator all the more convenient in both its ease of use and its incredible efficiency. Once you start it up, it’s going to last a while, which is all the more important during extended power outages.
Like the generators before it, the WGen puts out a lot of power, with an easy-to-read display and a built-in spark arrestor, in case you ever need to use it out in the woods. This generator would have pressed the Duromax for the top spot if it weren’t for a few deficiencies.
The lack of indicating lights is irritating. For all this generator has to offer, it lacks a method for telling you when something is wrong. It also has no DC outlet, so if your car battery is dead, you’ll have to find something else to charge it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual-Fuel | No indicator lights |
| Plenty of power | Loud |
| Very high fuel-efficiency | No DC outlet |
| Remote start |
Besides the issue of the indicator lights and the lack of a DC outlet, this is an outstanding generator that is remarkably fuel-efficient. Reliability and longevity are everything during an extended power outage and the Westinghouse WGen9500DF doesn’t disappoint.
See Also: Top 5 Westinghouse Generator Reviews
4. A-iPower SUA12000EC 12000-Watt Gas-Powered Generator
A lesser-known name amongst the five on our list, the A-Power SUA12000EC is nevertheless an outstanding generator that deserves a place in the best 5 12,000W Generators.
| Starting Method | Pull start manual and/or electric start |
| Engine Type | 459cc 4-stroke, Overhead Valve design (OHV) |
| Fuel Capacity | 7-gallons |
| Weight | 221lbs |
| Run Time (Gasoline) | 9 hours at 50% load |
| Run Time (Propane) | N/A |
| Number of Outlets | Four GFCI 120V 20A NEMA | One 120V 30A NEMA | One 120V 50A NEMA |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Size | 27.8” x 26.5” x 27.5” |
| Wattage (Gasoline) | 12,000 peak and 9,000 running |
| Wattage (Propane) | N/A |
| Amperage | 79.17A / 39.58A |
| Voltage | 120V/240V 60Hz, DC 12V |
While the A-iPower lacks the dual-fuel features of its contemporaries on this list, it makes up for it with far more outlets so you can better take advantage of the number of devices and appliances running at the same time.
It also falls in between the Westinghouse and the Duromax in terms of longevity, with 9 solid hours of running time on a full tank of gas and with a 50% load. Unfortunately, it’s also the loudest at 78dBA.
It has an intelligent AVR (automatic voltage regulator) which is indispensable in terms of fuel efficiency because it helps deliver stable and continuous voltage. It also has a high-performance alternator that is rightfully marketed at the top of the A-iPower’s feature sets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great fuel efficiency | Very loud |
| Excellent price | Hard to find parts for maintenance |
| Plenty of power | |
| Ease of use | |
| 9 hours of running time |
It’s difficult to find a great generator with this level of power without breaking the bank. However, the A-iPower proves that it can be done with a great price backed by a strong performance.
5. Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator
The final generator on our list is a fine addition, as the Pulsar G12KBN is a great and dependable generator in its own right and it has many of the features of the above generators as well. While its not at the top of the list, there are still plenty of reasons to like the Pulsar G12KBN.
| Starting Method | Pull start manual and/or electric start |
| Engine Type | 457cc 4-stroke, Overhead Valve design (OHV) |
| Fuel Capacity | 8.0 gallons/gasoline | Propane is hook-up |
| Weight | 209lbs |
| Run Time (Gasoline) | 12 hours at 50% load |
| Run Time (Propane) | 5 hours at 50% load |
| Number of Outlets | Four 120V 20A | One 120V/240V 30A | One 120V/240V 50A | One 12V DC Output |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline/propane |
| Size | 28.5” x 26” x 25.5” |
| Wattage (Gasoline) | 12,000 peak and 9,500 running |
| Wattage (Propane) | 10,800 peak and 8,550 running |
| Amperage | 79.17A / 39.58A |
| Voltage | 120/240V 60Hz, DC 12V |
Like the A-iPower, the Pulsar has a lot of connection points for hooking up to all of your devices and appliances.
While it has a great and fuel-efficient runtime on the gasoline side, it’s subpar on the propane running time. In fact, it’s 2.2 hours shorter on the propane running time versus the Duromax.
Its also relatively inexpensive, considering the typical expense for generators that are 12,000W or above.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very fuel-efficient on gasoline | Bad fuel efficiency on the LPG side |
| Dual-fuel | |
| A lot of ports | |
| Eco-mode |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12,000W generator power a house?
It can come pretty close, especially considering the fact that the surge wattage is more than enough to handle refrigerators or A/C units kicking on. You can certainly stack a lot of appliances on these and come pretty close to powering everything.
How much does a 12,000W generator cost?
Most 12,000W generators hover pretty close to the $1,000 mark, however, they can easily reach well past $2,000 as well. If you were to average it all out, you’d end up with something along the lines of $1,250.
How many kilowatts is a 12,000W generator?
Kilo is equal to one thousand so there are 12 kilowatts in 12,000-watts.
How many amps will a 12,000W generator run?
Peak amps are going to top out at very close to 80A, while your standing/running amps are going to be closer to 40A. For the generators on this list, running amps are right at 39.6.
What will a 12,000W generator run?
A 12,000W generator will run all of your heavy appliances in your home, including appliances that kick on and off throughout the day, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. When they kick on, they require a high surge of energy, which a 12,000W generator can handle, while running other appliances simultaneously.
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