Whether you’re away for the weekend in your RV or stuck at home in the middle of a power outage, having a generator to provide a backup source of power in the event of an emergency is always a good idea.
Being prepared and getting a generator in advance could be the difference between sitting in the dark with no heat or electricity and being able to continue to run your most essential appliances even after the mains power cuts out.
For those with power needs that are a bit more demanding, 10,000 watts is a great place to start looking for a new generator.
From powering appliances both big and small to running your tools when you’re working on site, a 10,000-watt generator has a wide range of uses.
One thing that puts people off when it comes to upgrading to a more powerful generator is that they tend to be working harder to produce that power.
This means they can be quite loud when they’re in operation, which can be distracting or can keep you awake at night.
To try and help solve this dilemma for you, we’ve done our research and rounded up 7 of the quietest 10,000-watt generators that are currently available on the market.
We’ll also explain some of the reasons why 10,000-watt generators are a good choice, and why noise volume is something that should never be overlooked when you’re in the process of buying one.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight into our reviews of the top 7 quietest 10,000-watt generators!
OUR TOP PICK
For our top pick, we’ve chosen a Westinghouse power generator that is capable of producing 12,500 watts of peak power and 9,500 rated watts, which should be more than enough to suit your needs if you’re looking at around 10,000 watts.
Despite the heavy-duty 457cc 4-Stroke OHV engine, customers have praised how quiet this generator is during operation, comparing it to the noise levels produced by other, lower-wattage generators and finding that this Westinghouse powerhouse came out on top.
It’s designed for convenience as well as quiet operation, with remote control start and a key fob that’s included.
There are also multiple safety features to protect both you and your generator, like each outlet having a rubber cover and an automatic low oil shutdown function.
The highly durable, heavy-duty piece of power equipment is even suitable for outdoor use and is designed to be long-lasting.
The engine has a durable cast-iron sleeve and a digital hour meter, to name just a few of the other useful features of this generator.
Pros
- Comes with everything you need to plug-and-play, including a helpful instructions manual.
- Provides a long run time of up to 12 hours.
- It’s EPA and Carb compliant so you can use it in all 50 states.
- There are multiple ports for your appliances and devices, including two 5V USB ports.
- Suitable for outdoor use thanks to a durable design.
Cons
- The battery only has a warranty of 3 months.
- Customers have complained about their customer support services not being the most helpful.
EDITORS CHOICE
Coming in at a close second is this DuroMax generator which is ideal for those who need 10,000 watts of power.
With a maximum output of 12,000 watts, it can comfortably run your devices and appliances and can last for up to 20 hours when operating at a 50% output.
Wherever you sit on the propane versus gasoline fuel debate, the Duromax XP12000EH generator gives you the option to use both giving you ultimate flexibility.
It also provides portability, with two wheels and a handle that helps you travel more easily between locations.
If you’re a light sleeper, you’ll love how little noise this generator makes.
There are fully isolated motor mounts on the unit’s durable metal frame in addition to an oversize noise-reducing muffler that comes with a built-in spark arrestor to ensure quieter operation.
You’ll get the maximum amount of power possible out of each individual 120V receptacle thanks to the MX2 technology the generator was designed with and you can use it anywhere as it’s both EPA and CARB compliant.
Pros
- Can operate at both 120 and 240 volts simultaneously.
- Manufactured with hard-wearing parts that will last for years, with a 3-year factory warranty.
- It’s EPA and CARB compliant so you can use it in all 50 states.
- Ideal for camping or powering your home appliances in an emergency.
Cons
- Doesn’t have the most detailed instructions manual.
- Customers report that there is little product support from the company’s customer services.
BEST VALUE
Next up, we have the WEN 11,000-watt generator. It has a slightly lower running output of 7,500 watts when powered by propane fuel and 8,300 running watts when using gasoline.
At its peak power output, propane provides a maximum of 9,500 watts compared to the 11,000 watts of power produced by gasoline, which should be more than enough for your needs.
Don’t worry about your food spoiling or about being left in darkness in the event of an emergency or an electrical outrage, as this WEN generator is capable of powering most essential appliances for up to 8.5 hours at half load as well as charging your devices.
It’s powered by a 457cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine which runs at up to 3,600 RPM to provide consistent power to your appliances and devices.
It’s quieter than you’d expect for this amount of power, as attested by customers who have used and reviewed it on Amazon.
Pros
- Easy to set up and operate thanks to an intuitive user interface.
- Dual-fuel compatibility gives you the choice to run the generator on propane or gasoline.
- Your neighbors will thank you as the noise levels are barely detectable at a distance of approximately 150 yards or so.
Cons
- It has a shorter product warranty that only covers your purchase for 2 years.
RUNNER UP
The next generator we came across was the A-iPower generator, another contender for those looking to get a new generator to power around 10,000 watts, or 12,000 starting watts and 9,000 running watts, to be precise.
It’s perfect for camping, construction sites, or keeping all of your household essentials powered in the case of an emergency blackout.
There’s a large 7-gallon capacity gasoline fuel tank that can last for a duration of around 7 hours on average under a full load, which can be extended to 9 hours if running a 50% load.
It’s highly convenient with an electric start function that allows you to start up quickly and quietly so you can start powering your appliances straight away.
However, despite its gentle start-up, it’s slightly noisier during the generator’s general operation.
There are also numerous safety features like the automatic low oil shutdown function that help to protect the generator from becoming damaged, so you can enjoy long-lasting use and high performance levels.
Pros
- Perfect for a number of applications with demanding power requirements.
- A low-oil alert light tells you when you need to top up the fuel so you don’t damage your generator by running it on fumes.
- All outlets are equipped with a rubber cover for extra safety protection.
- It’s easy to transport thanks to an ergonomic handle and two durable wheels.
Cons
- Some customers report that there were missing parts on arrival.
- It starts up quietly but the running noise volume is slightly louder than others we’ve looked at in this article.
RUNNER UP
Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double. Well, you sort of are, as this is the second DuroMax generator that we’ve included in this list, but it differs by having a lower wattage output than the previous DuroMax we’ve reviewed.
With 8,000 watts of running power and 10,000 watts of peak power, this generator is still plenty enough to run a number of electrical appliances and devices at once, from lights to AC units, fridges and freezers, or even high amperage tools when you’re working on site.
You get the most out of each 120-volt output thanks to DuroMax MX2 technology with the option to choose between 120 volts or 240 volts. Just like the last DuroMax generator, we looked at, and all DuroMax generators in general, it’s both EPA and CARB compliant.
In fact, feel free to travel anywhere between states with this generator in tow as it’s easy to transport thanks to the two hard-wearing wheels and a convenient carry handle.
With 100% all copper wirings, you can rely on the DuroMax XP10000E to provide consistent power.
Pros
- Use it in any of the 50 states as it’s both EPA and CARB compliant.
- It won’t burn up the fuel too quickly which will save you money and effort by not having to refill it too frequently.
- Multiple outlet options to cover a range of devices.
- Remote control with key start provides ultimate convenience.
Cons
- Some customers noticed rust forming after a couple of years of use which suggests that it may be a less durable option compared to other generators.
RUNNER UP
Next up, we have a similarly named, similarly designed portable generator from DuroStar, which also falls at around a similar price-point.
The 10,000-watt generator is ideal for heavy-duty applications and is powered by an impressive 18 HP 40cc OHV DuroStar engine.
If you’re concerned about your power consumption and the direct result it has on your electricity bills, you’ll love the DuroStar DS10000E’s idle control function which reduces the generator’s RPM when it’s not in operation to save fuel and limit the noise level it produces.
Thanks to a fully-featured power panel and an intuitive user interface, the generator is easy to both set up and use.
It’s widely compatible with a range of appliances and devices due to the variable selection of outputs, which includes two 120V household GFCI outlets, a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a 240V 50A outlet.
On top of that, you even get a voltmeter and a 12-volt DC charging post to charge external batteries, so you really get your money’s worth which makes this generator a great value option.
Pros
- It’s lightweight and designed in a way that makes it easy to travel with.
- MX2 technology allows you to get the maximum power out of every 120V receptacle.
- There are multiple useful features such as a voltmeter, an MX2 switch, DC charging, a low oil sensor, and an AC breaker.
- It’s constructed with all copper windings which provide more power and a longer lifespan.
Cons
- The wheels are not pneumatic which means it’s not the easiest generator to transport compared to others we’ve looked at.
RUNNER UP
The last 10,000-watt generator we looked at is this All Power America generator, which has one of the largest fuel capacities we’ve included in this list.
With room for 8 gallons to be stored between refueling, it will conveniently save you having to fill up so frequently.
It has a decibel rating of 76 dB which is fairly standard for 10,000-watt generators, so it shouldn't distract you or keep you awake at night with its noisy operation.
The electric start button means it starts up quietly with a gentle purr rather than a thunderous rush of power.
Use it to charge or power a wide range of appliances or electrical devices, including any that are compatible with the following outlets; 4 x AC Duplex 120V outlets, 1 x 120V twist-lock outlet, 1 x 120V or 240V twist-lock outlet, and 1 x 12V DC outlet.
You can rest easy knowing that it’s EPA certified, but the All Power APGG10000GL portable generator is not available to be shipped to California due to it being non CARB compliant.
Pros
- It has a long run time of 11 hours at a half load.
- The noise volume isn’t too loud with a decibel rating of 76 dB.
- Included with your purchase are an hour meter, a maintenance-free battery, and a flat-free wheel kit.
- There are multiple outlets for varied applications.
- It’s EPA certified.
Cons
- It’s not CARB compliant meaning it’s unable to be shipped to California.
Quietest 10,000-Watt Generators Buying Guide
Now you’ve seen seven of the quietest 10,000-watt generators that are currently available on the market and you’ve had a chance to compare them, but there are still a few things we’d like to leave you with before you make up your mind for good.
Why Choose a 10,000-Watt Generator?
10,000 watts is a lot of juice, and considering the hike in prices the higher power output you opt for, you may be on the fence about whether you really need to go so big. If it’s your first generator, it can be especially hard to know what power output is right for your needs.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to roughly work out how much power you will need. From there you’ll know where to look or to start preparing to cut back on your power consumption.
The best method for choosing a generator with the right power output is to write a list of all the devices and appliances you will be powering with your generator and make note of each of their individual power requirements.
Once you’ve finished the list, add up the total wattage for every appliance, and this will give you an idea as to how much power you’ll need.
If in doubt, it’s always better to overestimate your needs than it is to underestimate them and accidentally overload your generator by trying to power too many devices or tools at once.
Just to give you some reference, a 10,000-watt generator is capable of powering a number of essential home appliances in the event that your power cuts out.
This includes things like your refrigerator, heaters, fans, air conditioning units, and televisions, to name a few.
You’ll have no trouble powering industrial tools when you’re working on site, either, with enough juice to run a whole office mobiley or to be the driving force behind a food truck.
So, to answer the question, a 10,000-watt generator is a great choice for any and all of the reasons we’ve just been through.
With that being said, generators with higher power outputs tend to be more expensive, so don’t be afraid to size down if you’ve worked it out and you don’t think you’ll actually need a generator that size.
Why Should You Think About Noise Levels
You might want to boost your power supply, but that doesn’t mean you want to boost the noise levels produced by your generator along with it.
Whilst you’ll never find a silent 10,000-watt generator, there are definitely some models that are noisier than others.
Always check to see what the provided decibel rating for your generator is as this will indicate how noisy it will be when it’s running.
Try to stay below a rating of 80 dB as this is when you begin to move into much louder territory, but anything under 76 dB will be moderate depending on the generator’s placement and proximity to you or others.
If you’re not sold on the decibel volume system or if you find it hard to translate a generator’s dB rating into how loudly it will operate, and whether or not you’ll find it too much, it can be a good idea to check out some of the customer reviews for the generator to see what the general consensus is regarding noise volume.
This is a useful and unbiased way of working out whether or not a generator will be too loud to suit you and your needs.
The amount of noise volume that will be produced by your generator is also highly important to consider if you’re thinking about using it for camping or if you think your neighbors will be likely to hear it when it’s in operation. No one wants to be the person with the noisiest RV!
In addition to the power output the generator is able to produce, other common issues that can influence how noisy a generator will include:
- Exhaust
- Mechanical noises
- Cooling fan
- Placement and surroundings
You can also try to reduce the sound levels in other ways if you end up finding it to be too loud or distracting for you when it’s in operation.
For example, a simple enclosure around the generator would work well to block out or muffle some of the noise volume it produces.
Just make sure to leave enough space for thorough ventilation so that you don’t accidentally end up overheating the generator, as this could cause lasting damage and could drastically reduce the lifespan of your power generator.
Another tip to reduce the noise volume from your generator is to reposition it and make sure it’s properly mounted, as otherwise, it could be making more noise than it needs to be.
Alternatively, you could also decide to opt for an inverter generator before you buy as they tend to be the quieter option due to the fact that they produce an electrical current efficiently.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you’ve found this article on the top 7 quietest 10,000-watt generators useful, either because of the excellent recommendations we’ve provided as well as a review to go with each of them or because you now have a better understanding of how to work out how much power output you will need and why noise volume is an important factor to consider.
Just remember to use the useful method we went through to establish your power requirements and you can start shopping from there! If in doubt, any of the generators that we’ve included in this list would make a great emergency backup power source.
