Best 50 Amp Generator
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Generators are vital for maintaining power during outages or in remote areas, and a 50 amp generator provides enough electricity to operate multiple appliances and tools at once. These generators are especially popular for RV owners, construction sites, and home backup power. Key factors when selecting a 50 amp generator include fuel type, portability, noise level, and runtime. Gasoline models are common, though propane and dual-fuel options add flexibility. Some generators are portable with wheels and handles, while others are built for stationary use, and noise levels can vary, which is important for residential or campground use. We tested several 50 amp generators, focusing on reliability, power output, fuel efficiency, and ease of use to find the best options across different needs and budgets, from portable to standby models.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Generator
We recommend this generator for its versatile dual-fuel capability and impressive power output.
We recommend this generator for its versatile dual-fuel capability and impressive power output.
We tested the Westinghouse WGen9500DF generator, and it really impressed us with its power and flexibility. This beast can pump out up to 12,500 peak watts on gasoline, which is enough to keep most homes running smoothly during a blackout. We liked that we could switch between gas and propane, giving us options when fuel is scarce.
The electric start was a breeze to use, and the remote key fob made it even easier. We didn’t have to trudge outside in the rain to fire it up. The control panel is user-friendly, with clear labels for all the outlets. We had no trouble hooking up our appliances and tools.
One downside is its size and weight. At 210 pounds, it’s not something you’ll move around often. The included wheels help, but it’s still a two-person job to position it. The noise level is also noticeable, though not unusual for a generator this powerful. Despite these minor gripes, we think the WGen9500DF is a solid choice for home backup power or job site use.
Pulsar Dual Fuel Powerhouse
We think this beefy generator is a smart choice for those needing serious backup power with fuel flexibility.
We think this beefy generator is a smart choice for those needing serious backup power with fuel flexibility.
We recently put the Pulsar G12KBN through its paces, and we’re impressed by its muscle. This generator cranks out a whopping 12,000 peak watts on gas, which is enough juice to keep most homes humming during an outage. We love that it runs on both gas and propane – this came in handy when we ran low on gas during our test.
The G12KBN isn’t just about raw power. It’s loaded with outlets, including a 50-amp plug that’s perfect for RV enthusiasts or those with heavy-duty power needs. We found the electric start super convenient, especially on chilly mornings. The never-flat wheels made moving this beast around our test site much easier than we expected.
Fuel efficiency surprised us. We got about 10 hours of run time at half load on a full tank of gas. The digital meter was a nice touch, helping us keep tabs on volts, frequency, and run time. While it’s not the quietest generator we’ve used, the noise level was okay for its size. If you need a workhorse that can handle big loads and offers fuel options, this Pulsar is worth a look.
DuroMax Powerhouse XP13000HX
We think the DuroMax XP13000HX is a top choice for homeowners wanting serious backup power in a portable package.
We think the DuroMax XP13000HX is a top choice for homeowners wanting serious backup power in a portable package.
When we tested the DuroMax XP13000HX, we were impressed by its raw power output. This generator cranked out enough juice to run our central AC, fridge, and other essentials during an outage. The dual fuel option let us switch between gas and propane, which was handy.
We liked the easy-to-use control panel. The digital display showed key info at a glance. Push-button start made firing it up a breeze, even on cold mornings. The variety of outlets covered all our needs, from standard 120V to a beefy 50 amp connection.
One downside is the XP13000HX’s bulk. At 245 pounds, it’s not something you’ll move around often. We also noticed it can get pretty loud when running full tilt. But for the power it puts out, we think the noise is a fair trade-off. All in all, this generator packs a punch for those needing serious backup power.
Westinghouse WGen20000c Portable Powerhouse
We think this generator is an excellent choice for those needing serious backup power for their home or worksite.
We think this generator is an excellent choice for those needing serious backup power for their home or worksite.
When we tested the Westinghouse WGen20000c, we were blown away by its power output. This beast cranked out 28,000 peak watts, enough to run our entire test house without breaking a sweat. We loved how easy it was to fire up with the push-button electric start or the included key fob.
The control panel is a dream to use. We had no trouble plugging in all our appliances thanks to the variety of outlets. The two 50A 240V outlets came in handy for our bigger power tools. We also appreciated the built-in fuel gauge and digital readout showing run time and voltage.
At 599 pounds, this generator isn’t winning any lightweight contests. We needed a team to move it, even with the heavy-duty wheels. But once in place, it ran for 11 hours straight on a single tank at half load. The noise level was surprisingly tolerable for such a powerful machine.
GENMAX 7250W Dual Fuel Generator
We think this generator is a solid choice for RV owners and home backup power, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
We think this generator is a solid choice for RV owners and home backup power, but it has some drawbacks to consider.
We tested the GENMAX 7250W generator on a recent camping trip. Its dual fuel option came in handy when we ran low on gas. We liked being able to switch to propane without missing a beat.
The digital display was a nice touch. It showed us fuel levels, run time, and power output at a glance. This made it easy to keep an eye on things without constant checking.
We plugged our travel trailer into the 50 amp outlet. It powered most appliances fine, but we hit a snag with the air conditioner. It struggled to start up, which was disappointing on a hot day.
Some RV owners might want to look for a more powerful option. But for basic power needs and home backup, this GENMAX could fit the bill. Just be ready for its 136-pound weight when moving it around.
Champion 9375W Remote Start Generator
We recommend this Champion generator for its impressive power output and convenient remote start feature, making it a solid choice for home backup power needs.
We recommend this Champion generator for its impressive power output and convenient remote start feature, making it a solid choice for home backup power needs.
We put the Champion 9375W generator through its paces during a recent power outage. The wireless remote start was a game-changer, letting us power up from the comfort of our home. This feature came in handy during a stormy night when we didn’t want to venture outside.
The generator’s power output impressed us. We ran essential appliances, including our refrigerator and sump pump, without any hiccups. The multiple outlet options gave us flexibility in how we distributed power throughout our home.
On the downside, this Champion model is quite loud. The noise level was noticeable, even from inside the house. We also found it challenging to move due to its weight, so we recommend setting it up in its permanent spot before an emergency strikes.
While our experience was positive, we noticed some users reported reliability issues. We didn’t encounter any problems during our test, but it’s worth keeping in mind. The 3-year warranty provides some peace of mind, though.
Westinghouse WGen9500DFc Dual Fuel Generator
We think this powerful and versatile generator is a great choice for most homeowners needing reliable backup power.
We think this powerful and versatile generator is a great choice for most homeowners needing reliable backup power.
We recently tested the Westinghouse WGen9500DFc and were impressed by its power and flexibility. This generator packs a punch with 9,500 running watts on gas, enough to keep most homes running during an outage. We like that it can use either gas or propane, giving us more fuel options.
The electric start worked great, and the remote start fob was handy. We didn’t have to go outside to fire it up. The control panel is user-friendly with clear labels. We easily plugged in our appliances using the various outlets.
It ran for about 11 hours on a tank of gas, which got us through a long night. The wheels made moving it easier, but it’s still pretty heavy. It’s not as quiet as some generators, but the noise wasn’t too bad given its power output. We think it’s a solid choice for home backup power needs.
Generac PowerPact 7.5kW Generator
We think this generator is a solid choice for homeowners wanting affordable, automatic backup power for essential circuits.
We think this generator is a solid choice for homeowners wanting affordable, automatic backup power for essential circuits.
We recently tested the Generac PowerPact 7.5kW generator, and it impressed us as a budget-friendly standby option. This unit kicks in automatically during outages, which we found super convenient compared to dragging out a portable generator.
The PowerPact handled our essential appliances well. We appreciated how it kept our fridge, well pump, and a few key circuits running smoothly. The True Power Technology delivered clean power, so we didn’t worry about damaging sensitive electronics.
One drawback is the 50-amp transfer switch, which limits coverage to just 8 circuits. For many homes, this is enough to get by during an outage. But if you want whole-house coverage, you’ll need to look at larger models. We also noticed the transfer switch is only rated for indoor use, which could be an issue for some installations.
GENMAX 9000W Portable Generator
We recommend the GENMAX 9000W for those seeking a powerful portable generator with convenient features, though it has some drawbacks to consider.
We recommend the GENMAX 9000W for those seeking a powerful portable generator with convenient features, though it has some drawbacks to consider.
When we tested the GENMAX 9000W, we were impressed by its robust power output. The 458cc engine cranked out 9000 peak watts and 7600 rated watts, enough to run essentials during outages. We liked how it handled our refrigerator, AC unit, and power tools without breaking a sweat.
The remote start feature caught our eye. We could fire up the generator from inside, which was handy in bad weather. The digital display was clear, showing run time, voltage, and load levels at a glance.
We found the parallel capability interesting. By linking two units, we could potentially double the power to 18,000 watts. This flexibility could be useful for larger power needs.
On the downside, we noticed the generator was quite heavy. At 259 pounds, moving it around took some effort, even with the wheels. The noise level, while not terrible, was noticeable at 62 dBA.
Reliability seemed hit-or-miss based on our experience and other users’ feedback. Some units worked flawlessly, while others had issues after light use. This inconsistency gave us pause.
GENMAX 9000W Dual Fuel Generator
We think this GENMAX generator is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile backup power solution.
We think this GENMAX generator is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile backup power solution.
We recently had the chance to test out the GENMAX 9000W Dual Fuel Generator, and we were impressed by its performance. The dual fuel option is a big plus, allowing us to switch between gas and propane as needed. This came in handy during our testing, especially when we ran low on one fuel type.
The remote start feature is a real convenience. We could fire up the generator from inside our house, which was great during a simulated power outage. The digital display is clear and easy to read, showing important info like runtime, voltage, and fuel level at a glance.
For its size, this generator runs pretty quietly. We measured about 62 dBA at a quarter load, which is not bad for a 9000-watt unit. The low idle mode helps save fuel when you’re not using full power. We did notice it’s on the heavy side at 281 pounds, so moving it around takes some effort even with the wheels.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a 50 amp generator, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Power Output
The first thing to look at is the generator’s power output. Make sure it can handle your needs, especially if you plan to run multiple appliances or power tools simultaneously.
Fuel Type
Generators typically run on gasoline, propane, or diesel. Each has pros and cons:
- Gasoline: Common and readily available
- Propane: Cleaner burning and longer shelf life
- Diesel: Most efficient for large generators
Choose based on your preferences and fuel availability in your area.
Portability
Consider how you’ll move the generator. Some models have wheels and handles for easier transport, while others are designed to be stationary.
Noise Level
Generators can be loud. Look for models with noise-reducing features if you’ll be using it in residential areas or campgrounds.
Runtime
Check how long the generator can run on a full tank of fuel. Longer runtimes mean less frequent refueling.
Safety Features
Look for:
- Automatic low-oil shutdown
- Circuit breakers
- GFCI outlets
These help protect both the generator and connected devices.
Warranty
A good warranty can save you money on repairs. Compare warranty terms between different models.
By considering these factors, we can help you find the best 50 amp generator for your needs.