No matter the use case, no matter the scenario, there are plenty of people who want to know which are the best large portable generators in 2021.
Maybe you plan to use one for a work site. Or to power an RV for road trips and camping trips.
Maybe it’s just for home. You don’t want to be sitting in the dark the next time a thunderstorm rolls around.
Whatever the reason you want a large portable generator, it’s important to know a thing or two about the options out there because there are plenty of options.
See our Editor’s Picks if you’re in a hurry!
Each year, more and more options spring up. So, what are the best large portable generators in 2021?
This article is going to help you figure that out.
We’re going to help you sift through the options, pick out the best ones around and then detail what makes each one special.
Your determination of which generator is best will depend on your specific scenario and what it is that you want.
The positives are that all of these generators are great.
They’re all large and all portable.
But only you can point to one of the six generators we review and say that’s the best one for you. But of course, we’re going to help you come to that conclusion.
You need to have the right information and you need to know how to apply that information to your scenario.
You need to know which information is most relevant and compare all of this information effectively.
Does it sound like a lot? It isn’t so bad.
Regardless, we’re here to help with that part.
We’ll lay out all the important facts for you and make choosing the best large portable generator in 2021 so easy.
So, let’s take a look at what we have on my carefully selected large generators list.
Best 15,000-Watt Large Portable Generator | Absolute Best (My Favorite)
Generac GP15000E
This gas-powered generator is the most powerful generator of all of them with the largest tank size and fantastic wattage at your disposal.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Large Portable Generator | Most Compact & Smallest Option
A-iPower SUA12000E
This gasoline-powered electric-start generator is the lightest and smallest option among the selected large portable generators in my list.
This single fuel generator is indeed a great 12,000-Watt large portable generator option on a budget.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Large Portable Generator | Best on a Budget
All Power America APGG10000GL
This gas-powered large portable generator is the best overall budget option at 10,000 watts.
It is also fairly light and compact and more.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
BBest 10,000-Watt Large Portable Generator | Most Powerful
Durostar DS10000E
This gas-powered option is a powerful 10,000-watt generator with a great run time and large tank and more.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best 12,000-Watt Large Portable Generator | Most Powerful
DuroMax XP12000EH
This Dual Fuel generator is a powerful 12,000-watt large portable generator with a large tank, dual fuel capability and extremely long run times and more.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Large Portable Generator | Best All-Around Option
A-iPower SUA15000ECV
This gas-powered electric-start option is a powerful 15,000-watt large portable generator that also works with finesse on sensitive electronics.
This is a budget option at this high wattage rate, which is my favorite.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Now, before we dive too deep into the details of all these large portable generators, let’s just reflect on what we’re looking for.
Not everyone reading this article will be looking for the same exact thing.
So, there won’t necessarily be the “Eureka!” moment at the end of the article claiming one large portable generator to be the ultimate best for everyone.
But we will help to make it clear which generators are best for given situations.
So, let’s try to determine your given situation. Let’s break it down as best we can.
Do you have a budget that you’re working with?
If so, it’s good to keep that in mind, as we have several options from different price ranges.
If budget is the most important factor for you, that will make everything a lot easier.
If it’s important but not of the highest priority, then let’s try to rank it accordingly.
In fact, if you are able to rank your requirements, most important to least important, that will help you a lot.
Is wattage an important attribute?
Do you want the most wattage you can get?
The most power?
Or are you confident that any large generator will get the job done and you’re just looking for some other factors?
Perhaps noise level plays a part in your decision. We have quieter options available.
There are also options that are much lighter than others if you’re looking for something that’s easy to move form location to location.
Granted all of these generators are portable, the lighter is, generally, the easier it is to move around.
Perhaps the overall size of the generator makes a big difference.
If you have a location where you absolutely have to fit your generator, it may be best to break out the measuring tape to make sure you know what size the area is that you’re working with.
Fuel type may be another factor that’s important for you.
Run time is important to plenty of people. There are variances in both those categories.
So, figure out how these things all rank in importance for you.
If you’re still undecided, seeing and analyzing the differences between the different options will probably help you out in making a decision.
We’ll walk you through all of it, so don’t worry.
Now, let’s actually get to finding you the very best large portable generators in 2021!
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What are the Best Large Portable Generators in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- Durostar DS10000E | Most Powerful 10,000-Watt Large Portable Generator
- All Power America APGG10000GL | Best Large Portable Generator on a Budget
- DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel | Most Powerful 12,000-Watt Large Portable Generator
- A-iPower SUA12000E | Most Compact Large Portable Generator
- A-iPower SUA15000ECV | All-Around Best Large Portable Generator
- Generac GP15000E | Absolute Best Large Portable Generator (My Favorite)
Comparison Table for the Best Large Portable Generators in 2021
| Generator | View on Amazon | Starting Wattage | Running Wattage | Weight (pounds) | Tank Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durostar DS10000E |
 
|
10,000 W | 8,000 W | 260 lbs. | 8.3 gallons |
| All Power America APGG10000GL |
 
|
10,000 W | 8,000 W | 235 lbs. | 8 gallons |
| DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel |
 
|
12,000 W | 9,500 W | 260 lbs. | 8.3 gallons |
| A-iPower SUA12000E |
 
|
12,000 W | 9,000 W | 222 lbs. | 7 gallons |
| A-iPower SUA15000ECV |
 
|
15,000 W | 12,000 W | 460 lbs. | 8 gallons |
| Generac GP15000E |
 
|
22,500 W | 15,000 W | 365 lbs. | 16 gallons |
Best Large Portable Generators in 2021
1. Durostar DS10000E | Most Powerful 10,000-Watt Large Portable Generator
Let’s start with an excellent 10,000-Watt generator.
This is the Durostar DS10000E which has quite a lot to love.
A trusted brand that produces high-quality generators.
This one will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,050.
Now, let’s see what it has to offer you.
TECH SPECS
As mentioned, this is a 10,000-Watt generator. The starting wattage is 10,000 and the running wattage is 8,000.
This generator can be used to power your home during power outages or to power multiple tools and machinery at a job site.
Whatever your needs, this generator is of excellent quality.
Use it for your RV, use it for camping; yes, it’s large, but with its design and trusty wheels, it is much easier to move it around than you might expect.
It weighs about 260 lbs., which is on the heavy side, but isn’t quite so bad.
Remember, the wheels will give you some leverage.
The dimensions in length, width and height are 40 x 29 x 27.5 inches, so it isn’t quite the smallest 10,000-watt generator, but you can make do with it.
With an 8.3-gallon tank, it does have a larger tank size than the other 10,000-watt generator on our list.
It’s also a little quieter than our other 10,000-watt generator, operating at a noise level of 72 dBA.
At 50% load, this gasoline powered generator will run for about 10 hours.
Perfect for work sites pulling 8-10 hours per day, this is one of the best large portable generators in 2021 if you’re trying to get through one full work day.
Pros
- Powerful 10,000-watt option
- Large tank size for a 10,000-watt option
- Quietest generator
- Good run time
Cons
- Slightly heavy
2. All Power America APGG10000GL | Best Large Portable Generator on a Budget
Now, here we have another 10,000-watt generator.
This is the All Power America APGG10000GL, which is another fantastic choice.
You’ll notice some differences with this generator vs. the previous one.
One thing to note right off the top, this generator is less expensive at about $870.
Let’s take a look at what else you’ll be getting with this pick.
TECH SPECS
This generator is similar to the previous one in that this option also has a starting wattage of 10,000 and a running wattage of 8,000.
Meaning, you can also use this generator for power outages at home, work sites, and for plenty of RV fun.
One difference, and a plus with this generator, relates to weight and size.
This portable large generator is lighter at 235 lbs.
It’s also smaller with dimensions in length, width and height measuring roughly at 32 x 21 x 23 inches.
So, if you’re looking for a 10,000-watt option that’s light and portable, this is one of the best large portable generators in 2021.
Some sacrifices that will come with this generator vs. the previous 10,000-watt option from Durostar, the All Power has a slightly smaller tank at just 8 gallons.
And the noise level of 76 dBA is a bit louder.
Also running at 50% load, you get about 9 hours of run time for this gasoline powered generator.
As you can see, these are all slight compromises.
But if you don’t mind the slight differences, you save a good deal of money with this option.
And the All Power is still going to get you through the typical work day at a job site, if that’s your intention with a large portable generator.
Pros
- Great budget 10,000-watt option, also least expensive option on the whole list
- Lighter and smaller 10,000-watt option
- Good run time
- Decent noise level
Cons
- Smaller tank size for 10,000-watt options
3. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel | Most Powerful 12,000-Watt Large Portable Generator
Moving on down the list, we take a look at some of the best 12,000-watt portable generators for 2021.
The first we will look at is the DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator.
DuroMax is a phenomenal option. This generator really has a lot to offer to you.
The cost is about $1,300, which can be a bit on the pricier side for 12,000-watt generators, but let’s take a look at why you’ll love it so much!
TECH SPECS
The starting wattage for this generator is 12,000 and the running wattage is 9,500, which is a bit higher than the other 12,000-watt option on the list.
So, for higher running wattage in a 12,000-watt generator, this is the option right here.
This is another slightly hefty generator weighing in at 260 lbs.
But consider this, that’s the same weight as the Durostar we reviewed that was only 10,000 watts.
So, with this generator you upgrade the wattage, but it isn’t any heavier.
And of course, it’s still portable. It also isn’t any bigger with dimensions in length, width and height that are 40 x 29 x 27.5 inches.
Although, this is bigger than the next 12,000-watt option we’ll review next.
Another 8.3-gallon tank, you get plenty to work with.
And operating at a 74 dBA noise level, this is a fairly quiet choice for such a powerful generator.
It also has Idle Control which will lower the RPMs of the generator when you aren’t using it in order to reduce noise further and even save you some fuel!
And talking about fuel, this is a duel fuel option.
Gasoline and propane.
When using gasoline and running at 50% load, this generator will run about 10 hours, which is great.
Even better, running at 50% load with propane, you can get this large baby to go 20 hours!
Not much to complain about there. Not much you can’t do with a generator in 20 hours.
Even a job that’s going to require lots of overtime, this generator will last as long as you do.
And for power outages, this is your best friend that can keep you going almost an entire day!
Pros
- Big tank size
- Powerful 12,000-watt option with higher running wattage
- Good tank size
- Works with Gasoline and propane and has great run time especially with propane
Cons
- Heavier option especially among 12,000-watt options
- Larger dimensions
4. A-iPower SUA12000E | Most Compact Large Portable Generator
Let’s check out another 12,000-watt generator. This one is the A-iPower SUA12000E.
This is another excellent option, but will provide you with some different specifications.
Before getting into the technical side, it’s important to note that this 12,000-watt generator is less expensive than the previous option.
Running around $1,040, you’ll be saving over $250.
If you’re budget minded and looking for the best 12,000-watt large portable generator in 2021, look no further. Let’s continue.
TECH SPECS
This option also has a starting wattage of 12,000, but the running wattage is 9,000, so you lose a little of the power you would have had with the previous option.
But this generator can still power a lot for you.
The tank size is also smaller with this generator from A-iPower.
It’s the smallest tank on this list; however, at 7 gallons, this is still a decent-sized tank.
This is the option if you’re willing to sacrifice a little in some areas to gain a lot in other areas.
For instance, this is the lightest generator on this whole list, weighing in at just 222 lbs.
And the dimensions in length, width and height are about 28 x 27 x 26 inches making it much smaller than the other 12,000-watt option.
So, if you’re looking for the lightest and most portable option, then this is one of the best large portable generators in 2021.
It runs a bit louder at around 78 dBA, but is still on the quiet end in general.
And at 50% load, this gasoline-powered generator can run about 9 hours.
So, you can use this at a work site, use it camping, use it anywhere.
It can run four to five power tools, it can power a TV, lights, air conditioner, refrigerator, you name it.
A very portable option that can make camping a breeze.
And with an automatic voltage regulator and low-oil shutdown to protect the engine from any damage, this is an extremely safe option to go for in 2021.
Pros
- Great budget 12,000-watt option
- Good running wattage and good run time
- On the quiet side generally speaking
- Lightest and smallest generator among all large options
Cons
- Smaller tank size
- Not the most powerful option and has a lower running wattage for 12,000-watt options
- Louder than all other comparable options
5. A-iPower SUA15000ECV | Absolute Best Large Portable Generator
For those of you that are thinking, yeah, the 10,000- and 12,000-watt options are cute and all, but I need something with some serious power.
A really large portable generator. Welcome to the next section.
The extra-large portable generators.
And we start with this A-iPower SUA15000ECV, which is one of the two generators classified as a 15,000-watt option.
And this big and beefy generator will cost around $2,600, so let’s take a look at some of the details.
TECH SPECS
As mentioned, this is a 15,000-watt generator.
The starting wattage is 15,000 watts and the running wattage is 12,000 watts.
The highest we’ve seen so far. So, if you’re looking for power, you’ve come to the right place.
This generator from A-iPower has a nice sized 8-gallon fuel tank.
One possible downside from this generator is the fact that it is the heaviest one on this entire list at 460 lbs.
Thank goodness for those wheels!
Though it’s heavier than the other 15,000-watt option, it’s actually smaller. With dimensions in length, width and height measuring at 39 x 31 x 38 inches.
If you want the most power for the most compact size, then this is one of the best large portable generators in 2021.
And on 50% load, this gasoline powered generator will give you about 7 hours of total run time, which is almost enough for a full work day on a job site.
It will definitely give you plenty of time no matter where you are, work, home, or vacationing in the RV.
With this A-iPower 15,000-watt generator, you’ll have a 4-stroke engine with electric start.
And with Pure Sine Wave Technology, there will be less than 5% THD (total harmonic distortion), which means you’ll have a lot of ease in running power sensitive electronics.
So, this generator isn’t all about power… it’s also a master of finesse.
Pros
- Great budget 15,000-watt option
- Good running wattage and good run time
- Great with sensitive electronics
- More compact for its powerful nature
Cons
- Smaller tank size than other 15,000-watt option
- Not the most powerful option and has a lower running wattage for 15,000-watt options
- The heaviest option
6. Generac GP15000E | Most Powerful 15,000-Watt Large Portable Generator (My Favorite)
Lastly, we move on to the king of the generators.
This is the Generac GP15000E and yes, it is technically classified as a 15,000-watt generator as well. (More on why we say ‘technically’ in a bit.)
This is the most expensive generator on the entire list as it will run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,800.
However, with great cost, comes great power and a lot of other excellent details.
TECH SPECS
As eluded to, this is a 15,000-watt generator, but there’s a little more to read into here.
This is classified as such, however, it’s the running wattage that is 15,000.
The starting wattage is much higher, measuring at 22,500!
So, if you want pure power and pure wattage… here you go!
This truly is a beast as this generator has a 16-gallon fuel tank, by far the largest of them all.
The weight of 365 lbs. is quite heavy, but a good deal lighter than the previous 15,000-watt generator.
But we’re also looking at the largest generator in size. Length, width and height measuring about 49 x 31 x 40 inches.
Hope you got room for this behemoth. But as long as you do… it won’t let you down.
When running at 50% load, you should be able to get 10 hours of run time from this gasoline powered generator from Generac.
A great option for your full work day especially if you have a lot of tools needing power.
This generator features a simple electric starter and a built-in fuel gauge so you can easily see what your levels are at during use.
And it also has low oil and overload protection so you won’t have to worry about anything there.
Taking everything into consideration, if you’re willing to shell out the money for this option, if you’re needing a lot of power for whatever your needs… this is surely the absolute best large portable generator in 2021!
Pros
- Most powerful 15,000-watt option with high starting wattage and outstanding 22,500 running wattage
- Largest tank size on the list
- Great run time
- Though it’s heavy, it isn’t the heaviest 15,000-watt option
Cons
- Most expensive generator
- Larger dimensions
Best Large Portable Generators— Buyers Guide
There you have it. There are six of the best large portable generators in 2021.
Each showcasing amazing ability and varying quite a bit from option to option.
Still a little foggy on which one is best for you?
Don’t worry, we’re going to make more sense of everything that we went over.
Likely, reviewing each option helped to clear some things up. To clear it up even more, we’re going to make sense of all the above details.
The facts and details of a generator might not make so much sense to you unless you are able to apply it to your every day life.
Unless you can apply it to possible use cases for you and your family and your friends.
We’re going to go over some of the most common questions people ask when they’re looking for the best large portable generators in 2021.
We’ll supply you with some answers to those, and in doing so, you’re going to get a clearer picture as to which of these choices is the best one for you.
Good news is, they’re all great choices. So, you really can’t go wrong.
But that doesn’t stop us from still picking you the very best choice.
Let’s do just that!
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 that’s also the quietest?
If you’re looking at the first four generators on the list, they’re all relatively quiet.
Not too much difference between the four of them.
Though, if you do want the very quietest, the Durostar DS10000E has the lowest dBA.
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 if I want the biggest tank?
This is an easy choice, the largest tank by far is the Generac GP15000E.
It’s about twice the size of all the rest of the options on this list.
So, it’s by far, the largest tank here.
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 for a dual fuel option?
Ah, the dual fuel option, a fantastic choice for you to have some extra options.
Gasoline, propane, your decision!
For this, I would pick the DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel.
This is a great 12,000-watt large portable generator for you.
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 for highest wattage?
The highest wattage comes from the Generac GP15000E at 22,500 starting wattage and 15,000 running wattage.
What’s the lightest best large portable generator in 2021?
The A-iPower SUA12000E is the lightest generator on this list and as a 12,000-watt generator, it’s an incredible choice for you.
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 if I want it in case of a power outage?
For this, my choice is the DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel for the reason that if you use propane, you get the longest run time.
On a 50% load you can get approximately 20 hours out of it.
For me, if I lost power at my house, I’d like the generator that lasts the longest without needing a refill.
What’s the best large portable generator in 2021 for sensitive electronics?
Here, you’ll want to go with the A-iPower SUA15000ECV as it has a lot of power but also can work with some finesse and power sensitive tools in a fantastic way due to its inverter generator background.
What are the best large portable generators in 2021 if I’m on a budget?
We’ll break this down into three options.
The best budget option if you’re good with getting a 10,000-watt generator is the All Power America APGG10000GL.
It’s also the least expensive generator of them all and the only one under $1,000, so, it’s a great budget choice.
The best budget option for a 12,000-watt generator is the A-iPower SUA12000E.
And if you’re going extra big and want the best budget option for a 15,000-watt generator, the answer is the A-iPower SUA15000ECV.
Best Large Portable Generators — Conclusion
The best large portable generators in 2021… a slightly different meaning and answer depending on who you ask.
Each of the above six options can be the best in their own right.
For you, it could be as simple as, which is the lightest or the smallest while still giving you power?
Maybe it’s as simple as, which flat out gives you the most power?
Maybe it’s as simple as getting a dual fuel option or an option that works with sensitive electronics.
And if it’s more complicated because there a few things you want… and that includes noise level and wattage and cost… you can still pick out the best for yourself.
As long as you know what you want and have a list of priorities ready, you can feel like you custom-made your own generator.
The perfect generator is there for you.
As long as you get your laundry list together, you can easily find your own perfect large portable generator in 2021.
So, get out there and do it. You have all the information you need.
