When trying to find the perfect generator for your home, it is always better to have more wattage than you think you will need.
Being under-powered can mean having to pick and choose what to run during a blackout.
In an ideal situation, you could power up all of your essential appliances so you can continue with normal activities until power is restored.
A 15,000 watt generator can provide you with enough power to keep these appliances running throughout your power outage.
Today, we are going to look at the best 15,000 watt generators and look at how they stack up against each other.
1. DuroMax XP15000E
As one of the most well known brands on this list, the DuroMax XP10000E generator needs no introduction.
Duromax is one of the leading brands of generators, known for their powerful generators that are built to take on some of the most demanding situations.
This generator is the first on this list due to not only the brand, but its high quality features that will make for a great home back up power generator.
The Duromax XP10000E is going to feature a 713cc, V twin Duromax engine.
This engine is going to help the generator power up to 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts.
This means you can power up a/c systems, refrigerators, multiple high amperage tools, and much more.
It will have a fuel tank capacity of 10.8 gallons and a run time of 8.83 hours at 50% load.
The outlet selection is quite diverse on this generator with 1 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 4 120V 20A household outlets.
This outlet selection makes it great for powering multiple appliances at home or hooking up to an RV or food truck.
The XP10000E is equipped with inflatable rubber tires and a foldable handle to make transporting this generator across any terrain much easier.
This combo also comes in handy when moving the generator just about anywhere as it is on the heavier side at about 349 lbs.
Duromax has outfitted this generator with their MX2 technology which allows you to get maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacles.
You can expect an average noise level from this generator as it has a decibel rating of 74db at 23 feet, making it suitable for residential use if you don’t have picky neighbors.
The last thing I would like to add about this generator is that you will get a 3 year limited warranty to ensure your generator is well taken care of.
PROS
- Large choice of outlets
- Reliable engine
- Long runtime
CONS
- Very heavy
- Loud at higher loads
2. Champion 100111
If you have been researching generators, chances are you have come across a Champion generator.
Champion is an industry leading generator manufacturer who produces generators of all shapes and sizes.
The Champion 100111 has made the list due to it’s reliable, high power capabilities and loaded features.
This Champion generator is equipped with a 717cc V-Twin Champion engine that includes electric start and Champion’s Intelligauge system.
You can expect up to 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts from the 100111.
This is going to be more than enough to power large appliances like A/C systems, refrigerators, and other appliances during your next blackout.
With a 10.9 gallon fuel tank capacity, you can expect about 9 hours of run time at 50% load.
This beats out the Duromax in runtime by a slight margin, but not enough to tell a difference when using them.
You will have no shortage of outlets on this Champion generator, and you will also get plastic covers on them for extra protection.
The outlets included on this generator will include a 120/240V 50A (14-50R), a 120/240V 30A locking (L14-30R), a 120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), and 2 GFCI 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R) outlets.
This selection will allow for electronics and appliances of all sized to be connected to the generator with ease.
Weighing in at 329.6lbs, it is certainly not the lightest generator, but Champion has built it to be moved with ease.
Featuring collapsible handles and plastic wheels and tires, this generator can be moved across most terrains very easily.
One of the most standout features of this generator is the built in Intelligauge, Champion’s innovative LED gauge display that shows you the most important metrics of your generator.
Comparing noise levels to the Duromax, the Champion 100111 is going to be slightly louder at 78 dba at 23 feet.
While it is louder, it is still considered suitable for use in most neighborhoods.
Champion is confident in their generators and offers a 3 year limited warranty with free technical support for life from Champion generator experts.
PROS
- Excellent runtime
- Trusted manufacturer
- Vast selection of outlets
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Heavy
- Can get loud
3. CAT RP12000E
CAT is one of the most recognised names in the industrial industry.
For decades, they have been the leading supplier of light and heavy machinery.
They also offer a variety of portable generators, such as the CAT RP12000E that we have on this list.
The CAT RP12000E has made this list due to its rugged durability and high wattage capabilities.
Featuring a powerful 670cc V-Twin CAT engine, this generator is able to produce up to 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts.
While this generator is great for powering most of your home appliances during a black out, it is ready to take on the demands of just about any work site.
Built with ruggedness in mind, this generator is going to be the first generator on this list that I would suggest for construction or commercial use.
This generator features a large fuel tank at 13.2 gallons which allows for up to 11.7 hours of run time at 50% load.
This is perfect for running throughout the work day or overnight for lights, a/c systems, or other larger appliances.
With a generator this large, you can expect a diverse selection of outlets.
The outlets found on this CAT generator include 2 L5-30R 120V 30A twist lock outlets, 1 L14-30R 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 2 5-20R 120V 30A RV power outlets, 1 14-50R 120/240V 50A power outlets, a 1 12V VDC 8/3A outlet.
With a selection this diverse, you can expect this generator to fit just about any application you can think of.
To make moving this 350lb generator easier, CAT has installed never flat wheels and a foldable handle.
You will also get to benefit from electric start, which makes this generator easy to start for just about anyone.
Other standout features include a 4 in 1 digital display, LED illuminated control panel, and idle control for fuel economy and noise level improvement.
While CAT does not provide a noise level for this generator, you can expect about 75-78 dba when comparing it to similar generators.
As far as the warranty goes, it will not be as attractive as the 3 year warranty offered by DuroMax and Champion, but you still get 2 years of protection.
PROS
- Quality engine
- Ideal for construction sites
- Good price tag
CONS
- 2 year warranty
- Heavy
4. NorthStar Portable Generator
Moving on to some of the lesser known brands on this list, the NorthStar 15,000 watt generator is next up to bat.
Even though you may have never heard of the brand, it is powered by a Honda engine, which is very well known for performance.
NorthStar uses a GX690 Honda engine to provide reliable, high powered performance.
This engine allows for up to 15,000 starting watts and 13,500 running watts.
It is also CARB compliant and has an electric start, making it easy to start for people of all ages.
This starting watts is right on par with most on this list but the running watts is a little higher, making it perfect for powering more appliances at the same time.
While this generator does have an 11 gallon tank, it is only advertised at 8 hours of run time at 50% load.
This is a little disappointing as other generators on this list have run times of 2-3 hours longer with the same size tanks.
The outlet selection on this generator is unmatched with over 10 outlets in total.
You can expect to find a staggering 8 120V 20A outlets, 1 120/240V 60A outlet, 1 120/240V 30A locking outlet, and 1 120V 30A locking outlet.
One of the more disappointing things about this generator is that it does not include wheels.
This may not be a big deal if you are looking for a generator that can be permanently mounted, but for those who are looking for portability, you may have to get creative.
It is also going to be one of the louder generators on the list, but not by much, falling in at around 79 dba.
It is worth mentioning that this generator is quite expensive, mainly due to the Honda engine.
However, you do get a 4 year consumer warranty, the longest on this list.
For those using it for commercial usage, you can expect a 2 year warranty.
PROS
- Honda engine
- CARB compliant
- Easy to use
CONS
- Pricey
- Runtime could be slightly longer
- Wheels not included in the kit
5. Powermate PM0601258
Last but not least is the Powermate PM0601258 generator.
While it is not the most popular brand, it is list-worthy as it provides great power and has all of the features you need for most uses.
The PM0601258 generator is powered by a 22 HP Subaru engine that helps power up 12,625 starting watts and 12,500 running watts.
This power level will allow you to power up just about any appliances and electronics you may have.
An 8 gallon fuel tank is going to allow for a run time of 6 hours at 50% load, so you may want to have some gas handy if you are wanting to use this generator for longer periods of time.
You will be able to add a variety of electronics of appliances to this generator with the various outlets integrated on this generator.
A quick look at the control panel reveals 4 120V 20A GFCI protected outlets, 1 120/240V 50A outlet, and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet.
This is perfect for home, work, and RV use.
Inflatable rubber tires and a collapsible handle allows for moving this 336 lb generator a breeze.
This generator is non-CARB compliant, so California residents will need to find an alternative generator.
Other than that, this generator is a very basic generator that can get the job done without a lot of bells and whistles.
Personally, I would have liked to see just a few more features such as covered outlets or electric start, but it is priced accordingly.
You will get industry standard protection as this generator does come with a 2 year warranty which is a plus, but not as great as some of the other generators on this list.
Priced around the same range as some of the more feature rich generators, this one is going to be a tough sell, but for those who want a simple generator, it can be a great choice.
PROS
- Good choice of outlets
- Reliable engine
- Decent runtime
CONS
- Non-CARB compliant
- Lacks any sophisticated features
- Little known brand
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Will A 15,000 Watt Generator Run?
15,000 watt generators are able to power many different appliances at once depending on the outlet selection on your generator.
Hook up full size refrigerators, a/c units, ovens, and other large appliances to generators of this size.
How Do You Hook A Generator To Your House?
Hooking up a generator to your home can be done in one of two ways.
For smaller emergencies up to 5,000 watts, you can use high quality extension cords.
For emergencies over 6,000 watts, a power transfer system is highly recommended.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best 15,000 watt generators I would suggest for home use.
A 15,000 watt generator is a great tool to have, especially for those who live in areas that see nasty weather.
I hope that this generator guide has helped you get a better idea of which generator is best for your use.
15000 Watt Generator - The Buying Guide
Investing in a 15,000 watt generator is not the cheapest of purchases.
When spending this type of money, there are going to be a few things that you will want to know going into your purchase.
We have put together this quick 15,000 watt generator buyers guide to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Fuel
When it comes to portable generators, there are two types of fuel that are used as power sources, gas and propane.
Portable generators are equipped with internal combustion engines that require fuel to make their power.
This is something that you will need to take into consideration when making your generator purchase.
Gasoline is going to be the most common fuel source as most engines run on gasoline.
Gas is easy to obtain, can be stored for a while, and is relatively cheap.
One drawback to gasoline is that during a disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or severe storms, gasoline may be hard to find.
That is where propane can come in handy.
Propane powered generators use standard propane tanks, much like you would use for a propane grill.
This makes them easy to use from anyone who is experienced in hooking up a propane tank.
Propane does have its drawbacks as it is a little more expensive and can be harder to find than gasoline.
Propane tanks also do not have built in gauges, so determining how much propane you have left can be difficult without special tools.
Then there are hybrid generators.
Hybrid generators are able to run off of both gasoline and propane at the switch of a button in most cases.
This is perfect for those who like to have a backup fuel source for emergencies and longer generator runs.
Fuel Economy
Another big factor to consider when purchasing a portable generator is the fuel economy.
Just like any other type of engine, generators have fuel economy ratings.
However, instead of miles per gallon, a generator’s fuel economy is measured in hours per tank.
You also have to take into account the load that is being applied to the generator as well.
A larger load will cause fuel economy to diminish.
Most generators are measured at 25% or 50% load.
For example, if a 10 gallon fuel tank generator can last for 7 hours at half load, it would be advertised as a 10 hour run time at 50% load.
This is an important metric, especially if you are going to have to be using your generator for longer than the advertised run time.
This can be a situation as a long black out or natural disaster when power restoration times are unknown.
By knowing how much load you are putting on your generator and what the advertised run time is, you can stock up on enough fuel to last you for days.
Design Quality
Portable generators come in all shapes and sizes to take on a variety of different work loads.
Some are built to be strictly residential while others are built to take on the rugged environment of a construction job site.
Having a good idea of how and where your generator will be used can give you a better idea of what features you may need to look for when purchasing your generator.
If you are going to be using your generator for home back up power only, most 15,000 watt generators are going to make for a great choice.
If you are going to be using your generator on the job site or in dusty conditions, you are going to want to look for a few different key features.
Job site ready generators are going to feature outlet covers, rugged wheels, and be built a little beefier than others.
Outlet covers are used to ensure that no moisture, dirt, or debris enters your outlets which can cause major damage to your generator.
Rugged wheels make for an easy to transport generator that can take on just about any terrain.
Most commercial style generators are going to feature stronger framing and bracing to take on the abuse of a job site.
Noise Level
Perhaps one of the most important features for most, especially those living in more residential areas, is the noise level.
As a rule of thumb, the larger the generator, the louder it is going to be.
This puts 15,000 watt generators at the top of the list for noise levels by default.
In a residential setting, having a generator that is too loud can disturb your neighbors and make for an unpleasant night of sleep.
Generator noise levels are measured using a decibel meter held 23 feet from the generator itself when running.
Most generators of this size are going to fall in the 70-80 decibel range which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Not too bad when you relate it against its capabilities.
There are a few different ways to make your portable generator quiet such as using a generator cover or exhaust system.
However, if you live further out from neighbors or are using the generator on a job site, the noise level may not be as big of a concern for you.
Warranty/Customer Service
Last but not least, you are going to want to see what type of warranty and customer service you will be getting from the generator’s manufacturer.
While most generators will last for years with proper maintenance, it is always a good idea to have a good warranty to rely on if something goes wrong.
Most generator warranties are going to range from 1-3 years and some will even have different warranty periods for residential and commercial use.
This is due to commercial use being a little harder on generators.
You will want to take some time to look at some customer reviews to see what type of issues and customer service experiences people have experienced with the company.
This will give you a great sense of what you can expect as a customer.
Most warranties are available online for you to scan through to make sure that you are covered in the event of something going wrong.
Brands that offer longer warranties usually have a little more faith in their products lasting for longer periods of time without issues.
