For RV enthusiasts and others who are like-minded, a common question that pops up is, what are the best 30-amp generators in 2021?
If you’re in a hurry, jump to our Editor’s Picks!
30-amp generators are well-suited for some RV powering.
This might in fact be their biggest use case.
But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t use one to power a refrigerator and perhaps a few small appliances at home.
30-amp generators are versatile little life-savers.
There are plenty of them out there.
That’s good to know, right?
There’s no shortage of these things on the market.
So, you’ll always be able to find one.
That’s the good news.
Here’s the better news.
We’ve decided to lower the difficulty of choosing the best 30-amp generator for you with this article.
There are so many options out there.
But we’re going to help you narrow it down to just 6.
We want to help to make your purchase as easy as possible.
The final choice can depend on each person’s different needs.
What we want to do is to help you identify these needs and then make the best choice based on them.
So let’s get things going!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Best Big-Tank Option
DuroMax XP4850EH
This generator has the largest tank, is extremely reliable, and offers excellent value for its relatively low cost.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Best for Silence
Westinghouse iGen4500DF
This is the quietest, has the longest approximate run time, and also features the second largest tank size on this list!
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Lightest Dual-Fuel Generator
Champion 3400-Watt
This generator is the second lightest option on this list, the lightest among the dual-fuel generators, and is a fairly quiet option.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Best Budget Dual-Fuel Generator
Champion 3800-Watt
This is a great budget option and another great option to allow you to use both gasoline and propane.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Lightest Generator
Champion 4000-Watt
This generator is the lightest generator on this list, runs on gasoline, and is quite portable with a decent-sized tank.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 30 Amp Generator | Best Budget Quiet Generator
Wen 56380i
This is a great budget generator that’s also the second quiet generator on this list.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
So now you’re wondering which one of these is the best 30-amp generator on the market for you.
Let’s start by saying all products on this list are excellent choices in this product category.
They each have a little something for everyone.
As soon as we get to the reviews, you might start realizing which one you want the most.
Though it may take a bit more digging and investigation than just that.
And that’s alright.
You have to do your due diligence.
Keep in mind that the final answer can vary depending on each person.
Maybe you want a quiet generator.
Maybe the weight matters the most to you.
Fuel type and tank size might be important as well.
Well, then make a checklist of all the things you want from that generator and keep the checklist closeby as we go through the article.
Ranking these details in terms of priority may help you as well.
Think of the specific uses you’re planning for your 30-amp generator.
Start asking yourself questions.
Is this for an RV?
Is this in case of power outages?
Something different entirely?
Only you’ll know what’s most important for you.
So once you have a better idea of that, going through this list will make much more sense.
You’ll see each generator’s value specific to your desires.
Taking a look at the comparison table or reading some reviews or frequently asked questions may spark an idea or two in you.
Either way, we’re going to jump into all the details and help you decide what are the best 30-amp generators in 2021.
And then you’ll feel confident by the end of this article about your choice.
So, let’s get to it!
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What's the Best 30 Amp Generator in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- DuroMax XP4850EH | Best 30 Amp Generator with a Big Tank
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF | Quietest 30 Amp Generator
- Champion 3400-Watt | Lightest 30 Amp Generator with Dual-Fuel Capabilities
- Champion 3800-Watt | Best Budget 30 Amp Generator with Low Sound Levels
- Champion 4000-Watt | Best 30 Amp Generator with Lowest Weight
- Wen 56380i | Best Budget 30 Amp Generator with Low Sound Levels
Comparison Table for the Best 30 Amp Generators (2021)
| Generator | View on Amazon | Noise Level | Fuel Type | Weight | Tank Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP4850EH | 69 dBA | Gasoline, Propane | 127 lbs | 4 gallons | |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 52 dBA | Gasoline, Propane | 98 lbs | 3.8 gallons | |
| Champion 3400-Watt | 59 dBA | Gasoline, Propane | 95.7 lbs | 1.6 gallons | |
| Champion 3800-Watt | 68 dBA | Gasoline, Propane | 119 lbs | 3.4 gallons | |
| Champion 4000-Watt | 64 dBA | Gasoline | 81.5 lbs | 2.9 gallons | |
| Wen 56380i | 57 dBA | Gasoline | 99.2 lbs | 2.2 gallons |
Best 30 Amp Generator in 2021
1. DuroMax XP4850EH | Best 30 Amp Generator with a Big Tank
Let’s start our reviews with the DuroMax XP4850EH.
This is a great choice that many people will love, especially those looking to get something powerful on a budget.
This is one of the least expensive items on our list at just $780.
Be sure to keep that in mind if you have a budget that you’re working with.
This is also one of the options that have both gasoline and propane fuel types so that versatility is quite nice.
TECH SPECS
As mentioned, this is the least expensive option.
However, it is the heaviest generator on the list.
Weighing in at 127 lbs it’s got some heft to it.
Something to consider if weight plays a factor for you.
The dimensions of 24 x 17 x 17 inches have it being bigger in some respects than other options, but also smaller in some ways as well.
Here’s a time when larger can be better though, 4-gallon tank size is the largest one among all these options.
If it’s a big tank size you want, then this is the best 30-amp generator in 2021.
The noise level measures at 69 dBA which isn’t the loudest around, but it definitely isn’t the quietest on this list.
If you’re looking for a quiet option, this isn’t it.
If the noise level doesn’t matter so much, then you’ll love everything else this unit has to offer.
For gasoline, the starting wattage is 4850 and the running wattage is 3850.
With propane starting wattage is 4608 and running wattage is 3658.
And at a 50% load, the DuroMax will give you about 10 hours of run time on gasoline and 9 hours run time with propane.
Pros
- Largest tank size
- Good value
- Good run time
- Dual-fuel
Cons
- Loudest option
- Heaviest option
2. Westinghouse iGen4500DF | Quietest 30 Amp Generator
Let’s take a look at another option here with the Westinghouse iGen4500DF.
This generator is the second most expensive one on the list at about $950.
This is another generator that can run on gasoline or propane.
Along with the flexibility there, let’s see what else you’ll like about this option.
TECH SPECS
The Westinghouse is a lighter option at just 98 lbs This generator finds itself right around the middle of the pack for weight.
And with dimensions of 24.5 x 17.5 x 20.5 inches, it’s comparable to the last unit but a bit bigger.
Looking at the tank size, it’s 3.8 gallons.
A bit smaller than the last generator but still good enough to be the second biggest tank on this list.
A great plus from this Westinghouse is that the noise level is measure at only 52 dBA.
That makes this the quietest generator on this entire list!
If quiet performance is high on your list, then this is one of the best 30-amp generators in 2021.
For gasoline, the starting wattage is 4500 and the running wattage is 3700.
With propane starting wattage is 4050 and running wattage is 3330.
Running on 25% load this generator is going to give you 18 hours of run time on gasoline and about 14 hours of run time if you’re using propane.
Pros
- Quietest option
- Second largest tank
- Good run time
- Dual-fuel
Cons
- Pricier option
- Not the lightest option
3. Champion 3400-Watt | Lightest 30 Amp Generator with Dual-Fuel
Now, we’ll move on to another generator.
One of three from Champion that we will review.
This is the Champion 3400-Watt Inverter Generator which will run about $1,025.
This does make it the most expensive generator on the list, but let’s take a look at what it has to offer you.
It is another generator that affords you the ability to use either gasoline or propane for one, but let’s dive a little deeper.
TECH SPECS
Weighing 95.7 lbs this generator is not only lighter than the last two that we looked at but it is also the second lightest generator on the whole list.
A generator that’s a bit more portable than lots of other options if you need that.
With dimensions of 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches, it is a bit bigger in some respects.
The tank size is 1.6 gallons making this the smallest tank on the list.
That may be a downside for you, however, the noise level measures at 59 dBA which keeps this unit in the quieter half of the six generators on this list.
For gasoline, the starting wattage is 3400 and the running wattage is 3100.
With propane starting wattage is 3060 and running wattage is 2790.
Running on 25% load this generator can get you about 7.5 hours of run time on gasoline and about 14.5 hours of run time if you’re using propane.
Pros
- Fairly quiet
- Second lightest option
- Good run time on propane
- Dual-fuel
Cons
- Smallest tank size
- Expensive
4. Champion 3800-Watt | Best Budget 30 Amp Generator with Low Sound Levels
Next, we move on to another generator from Champion.
This is the Champion 3800-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator.
This one will cost just about $700 which is the second cheapest generator on the list.
Another great budget option and another great option to allow you to use both gasoline and propane.
TECH SPECS
This generator weighs 119 lbs which do make it the second heaviest option on the list.
The dimensions are 26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches so this is one of the larger options in terms of its overall size.
You will get a fairly large tank with this Champion generator as the tank is 3.4 gallons.
It’s the third-largest tank on this list.
The noise level of this generator measures at 68 dBA, making it the second loudest on the list.
For gasoline, the starting wattage is 4750 and the running wattage is 3800.
With propane starting wattage is 4275 and running wattage is 3420.
And running at 50% load this generator can get you about 9 hours of run time on gasoline and about 10.5 hours of run time on propane.
Pros
- Third largest tank size
- Good running wattage and run time
- Second cheapest generator
- Dual-fuel
Cons
- Second loudest option
- Second heaviest option
5. Champion 4000-Watt | Best 30 Amp Generator with Lowest Weight
And here’s the third option from Champion.
The Champion 4000-Watt Generator will cost about $690.
This is the cheapest generator on this entire list.
For the budget-minded, this is one of the best 30-amp generators in 2021.
This generator does run just on gasoline, which is a bit of a trade-off, but if you were only planning on using gasoline… no problem, right?
TECH SPECS
Here’s another big positive with this option from Champion, weighing in at 81.5 lbs, this is the lightest generator on the whole list.
Great for many people out there who don’t feel like having to move around a big, heavy generator.
And the dimensions of this particular unit are 21 x 18 x 18.
The tank size is decent at 2.9 gallons, definitely not the smallest one on this list.
And the noise level is measured at 64 dBA which isn’t the noisiest but doesn’t necessarily place among the quietest.
For some, this is a downside but for those that aren’t concerned with noise levels so much, the 64 dBA isn’t bad at all.
As a reminder, this unit only runs on gasoline, so that’s the only way in which we’ll measure the wattage.
And the starting wattage for this generator is 4000 and the running wattage is 3500.
The run time is approximately 17.5 hours if you’re going at 25% load.
Pros
- Lightest generator
- Decent tank size
- Cheapest generator
- Good run time
Cons
- On the noisier side
- Gasoline-only
6. Wen 56380i | Best Budget 30 Amp Generator with Low Sound Levels
On to the last generator on our list, the Wen 56380i.
This is a great generator with lots to love.
The cost is right around $820 which isn’t in the cheaper half in terms of generators on this list, but it is far cheaper than the two most expensive options.
This generator from Wen is another option that just runs on gasoline.
Great for anyone that was planning to use gasoline anyway.
TECH SPECS
This generator weighs 99.2 lbs and though it keeps it under 100 lbs it’s still the third heaviest option on the list.
And it’s a little larger as well with the dimensions being 23.2 x 18 x 20.1.
You’ll get a decent tank size at 2.2 gallons, though it is on the smaller side in terms of what’s on this list.
But if you don’t see yourself needing such a large tank, this generator from Wen may be a perfect fit for you.
And with the noise level measured at 57 dBA, it is the second quietest generator on the list.
With the quietest on the list being the Westinghouse, this generator from Wen is over $100 cheaper, so you can get some quiet value for cheaper in this case.
The starting wattage for this gasoline-powered generator is 3800 and the running wattage is 3400.
And the run time is approximately 8.5 hours if you’re running at 50% load.
Pros
- Second quietest
- Less expensive than other models
- Decent tank size
- Decent run time
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Gasoline-only
- Tank is smaller than some other models
Best 30 Amp Generator — Buyers Guide
Now, we have a lot of great information about these six different 30-amp generators.
Let’s take this information and put it to good use.
You likely still have some questions based on what you read about the different generators.
You may be trying to figure out how to apply that information to the things you still are wondering.
Let’s do just that.
We’ll break down this information and make sense of it all.
We’ll cover a lot of different questions that are frequently asked by people looking to get 30-amp generators.
This way we’ll touch on a lot of different scenarios that occur.
In doing so, we should be covering questions that may be on your mind.
That way any confusion can get cleared up and you can feel confident that you know what the best 30-amp generators are for 2021.
Now, let’s go over some questions and provide you with some detailed answers.
What are the best 30 amp generators if I want something RV-ready?
This is a common question, as many RVers want a 30-amp generator for their RV but want it to be ready for use almost immediately.
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is not only a fantastic option, it also comes RV-ready when shipped to you as it is fitted with a TT-30R RV-ready outlet.
What are the best 30 amp generators if I want a long run time?
In this case, I think two great options are depending on your specific scenario.
The longest approximate run time belongs to the Westinghouse iGen4500DF when running on gasoline as it will give you about 18 hours of run time on a 25% load.
Also, you can get about 14 hours if running on propane.
This unit will cost you about $950, so if that works for your budget, great.
If you’re looking for a longer run time but for something a bit cheaper, then try the Champion 4000-Watt which will only cost about $690.
Also running at 25% load you’ll get about 17.5 hours of run time on gasoline.
Almost as long as the Westinghouse, but for less cost.
However, if it’s important to you, we should note this option is gasoline only.
What best 30 amp generator is the most reliable with its power?
This is a good question, you don’t want to be worrying about any reliability issues, especially if you’re off-the-grid and need that generator.
I’d choose the DuroMax XP4850EH as it has high power and a high peak running wattage.
It will be solid to run many household appliances for you like air conditioning units, microwaves, etc.
What’s the best 30 amp generator if I want something quiet?
The absolute quietest 30-amp generator on our list is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF so you cannot go wrong with this option.
Again, sometimes it isn’t all about one detail and maybe is about multiple details.
This unit costs about $950 so if you want something quiet but are also on a budget, maybe there’s another choice for you.
The second quietest generator on our list is the Wen 56380i and it costs around $820.
So, you’ll save over $100 with this option and still have a very quiet generator on your hands.
Another time to note though, the Wen 56380i is gasoline only, where the Westinghouse does have both gasoline and propane options.
What’s the lightest best 30 amp generator?
Looking for something more portable and not going to be extremely difficult to move around?
We hear you.
The lightest generator on this list is the Champion 4000-Watt and it’s quite a bit lighter than even the next lightest option.
Weighing 81.5 lbs it’s got a big advantage there.
This option from Champion is gasoline only.
If you want the lightest option that affords you both gasoline and propane options, look to a different unit from Champion.
The Champion 3400-Watt weighs 95.7 lbs About 14 lbs heavier but still lighter than the rest of the competition.
What 30 amp generator has the largest tank size?
We’ll give you a few options here just so you can get the full scope.
The DuroMax XP4850EH has the largest tank size of 4 gallons.
It costs about $950 and is the loudest generator on the list.
If those are things you want to avoid, let’s continue to explore.
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF has the second biggest tank size of 3.8 gallons.
Still, fairly close, it is the quietest generator on the list and costs less at about $780.
For one more option, the third-largest tank size belongs to the Champion 3800-Watt at 3.4 gallons.
Though this is close to as loud as the DuroMax and isn’t quite as big of a tank, you save a lot more as it costs just about $700.
If it’s the pure tank size you’re looking for, go with the DuroMax.
But if other details factor in, definitely consider these other two for lighter, quieter, cheaper options.
What’s the best 30 amp generator in terms of value?
For this question, I am going to have to say the DuroMax XP4850EH.
If you don’t worry as much about the noise level and the weight, say if this is to power appliances during a blackout and its essential nature outweighs noise level and portability, then this option has a lot to offer for its cost.
Even if this isn’t your blackout option, it is still a great 30-amp generator and my pick for the best value 30-amp generator in 2021.
At about $780 it is the third cheapest generator on the list, the least expensive being just $90 cheaper and the most expensive being about $250 more expensive.
And for the $780 you are going to get the biggest tank size, you’ll also get the option of both gasoline and propane, and you get high operating wattage and a decent run time on either gasoline or propane.
Best 30 Amp Generator — Conclusion
There you have it.
Plenty of options and plenty of different reasons to choose one option or another.
For some people, it’s all about one detail, like the biggest tank size, or quietest 30-amp generator.
If that’s the case for you, great, it will be simple for you to pick out your generator.
If it gets a little more complicated than that, taking into account price or fuel type, etc.
then you can still figure it out, just make sure to prioritize your wants.
Even if you don’t get the quietest generator it doesn’t mean you can’t still get a very quiet one.
And if you’re willing to give up a little bit in one area to make up for it in another area, say cost, or tank size, then there are great options for you.
Knowing all the details of each generator is helpful so you can easily highlight on your own which generator ranks above others.
Suggestions: The generators range through quite a bit of change when it comes to price.
So, if you do have any kind of a budget, be sure to check out the cost first.
If you don’t have a budget, then go right to your next most important piece.
Tank size, noise level, etc.
But if you are looking on a budget, and say want a big tank size, it’s best to find the three biggest tank sizes, then find the cheapest among those.
Same with the noise level, find the three quietest, then you can find the cheapest among those.
That’s an easy way to find your biggest tank on a budget, Champion 3800 Dual-Fuel, or your quietest generator on a budget, Wen 56380i.
Now, that you have all the information you need, head on out there and find the best 30-amp generator in 2021.
It’s waiting for you!
