Your genny could power your coffee maker during a fun camping trip or power your refrigerator in the aftermath of a terrible storm. No matter what you’re using it for, you want a generator which is tough, dependable and powerful. Good value is also very important. With all that in mind, we took a look at the most popular 6000 watt generators on the market today, and found the three best.
Our Testing Process:
We put these generators through a wide variety of trials. For portable generators, we pulled them through snow, over rocks, across wooden areas and the like. We also noted how quickly each generator started, attempting to start them “cold” a variety of times and determining the average number of pulls required. We compared their power output, fuel capacity and overall performance.
Here are our top picks:
Best Overall 6000 Watt Gas Generator
Westinghouse WH6000S Portable Generator
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B009PVNAT8″ cloaking=”default” height=”107″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41vCzcmQrnL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]6000 watt inverter generator[/easyazon_image]Six thousand watts is a lot of power, and naturally a 6000 watt generator is going to be relatively complicated to operate. Before powering devices, you have to account for surge wattage – tools and appliances need more starting watts than, say, a cell phone.
The WH6000S works for jobs of all sizes, both commercial and residential. The color-coded touch points make the interface understandable and easy to operate, even under less than ideal visibility conditions.
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With a 7500 starting watts, the Westinghouse is able to handle many different devices, including space heaters, sump pumps, electrical ranges, security systems, home power tools and more. Obviously, not all of those items can run at the same time, but the WH6000S is suitable for heavy-duty construction projects.
It’s also a great choice for emergency preparedness. The stainless steel construction and fully enclosed electrical connections mean the device is safe to operate in harsh outdoor conditions, including hurricanes and blizzards.
The 6000 watt inverter generator comes with power cord (25 feet long, 10 gauge), oil, funnel, and operating instructions. Also included is a tool kit, which needs to be assembled. All tools needed for assembly are included. Finally, the generator comes with a wheel and handle, which also requires light assembly.
The unit weighs 179 pounds, has never-flat tires and dual folding travels. We found it easy to pull through mud, over rocks and in other rough conditions. Additionally, the Pulse-Flo muffler makes this one of the quietest 6000 watt generators we’ve ever heard.
Note that this generator is not CARB compliant, which means it can’t be sold in California.
Overall, however, we were very impressed with the high performance and relatively low price of the WH6000S. Online reviews were similarly favorable, with many reviewers telling personal stories about relying on the WH6000S in the aftermath of several recent hurricanes. Plus, Westinghouse is a trusted name in generators.
[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B009PVNAT8″ cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”wide-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”176″]6000 watt inverter generator[/easyazon_cta]
Best Portable 6000 Watt Generator
Briggs & Stratton 30469 6000-watt Gas Powered Portable Generator
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B003S3RZDQ” cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MtKMOMyIL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Briggs & Stratton is another trusted name in generators, with sales and service in over 100 countries worldwide. We found the 30469 to be the top portable generator on the market. With a 1650 Series OHV 342cc engine, the generator produces 16.5 pounds of torque. Users report simultaneously powering a fridge, separate freezer, well pump, as well as assorted lights and other small devices.
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The seven gallon tank allows for thirteen hours of operation at a 50% capacity. This is the standard unit of measure; 50% capacity is usually enough to power all of the necessities as well as a few extras in a standard household. The unit has an easy-to-read fuel gauge and hour meter. Engine oil, a quick start guide and a comprehensive owner’s manual are all included.
A portable generator needs to be lightweight and durable. At 193 pounds, with 10 inch, never-go-flat tires, we found it easy to take the unit across our terrain obstacle course.
Outlets are well-designed, with rubber outlet safety covers and circuit breaker protection. The generator includes four 120-volt outlets and one 120-240-volt 3-amp outlet.
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Best 6000 Watt Propane Generator
Champion Power Equipment No.71330 LP/Propane Portable Generator
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B00BBDCE9U” cloaking=”default” height=”119″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4163iBlskDL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Not all generators run on gasoline. The Champion 71330 will run for about eight and half hours on a 20lb propane tank. Propane might be invisible, but it’s certainly powerful. As an example, the generator can run a TV, refrigerator, lights, a sump pump and a furnace fan.
The unit is designed to be easily portable. It’s 32.7” long by 26.9” wide by 25.5” high. At 193.6 pounds, with a durable frame include 10” never-flat wheels, the unit can easily go wherever you need. It’s able to withstand harsh weather.
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The 71330 has two 120 volt DUPLEX outlets, one 120 volt Twist lock and one 120/240 volt Twist lock receptacle. The generator runs off a Champion 389c OHV engine in a cast iron sleeve.
The unit EPA/CARB certified. CARB is the California Energy Board, an environmental protection agency in California. When a device is certified as CARB compliant that means they emit levels of carbon dioxide low enough to be considered a health hazard. This isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for your family if you plan to place the generator near your home or campsite.
Customer service is a Champion specialty. Users frequently commented on the service they received. Champion offers a two-year limited warranty, as well as a lifetime of free technical support. They have a tech line available twenty-four hours a day, as well as many service locations around the county.
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An Important Note about Generator Storage
No matter what type of 6000 watt inverter generator you choose, you want to remember a few quick safety tips. Don’t leave gasoline in your generator for extended periods of time. A day or two is probably fine, but don’t go beyond that. Store your gasoline in an appropriate gas container, and keep the containers in an unattached garage or somewhere else away from your house which will be cool and dry. If you must keep gasoline in your generator, such as during a camping trip, your best bet is to add a stabilizer to your tank (available at most camping and automotive stores) in order to prevent corrosion.
Improper generator storage is the number one cause of generator damage, but a few simple techniques can really help your generator last.