A 4000 watt generator packs the power needed for recreational activities, such as camping and tailgating, and is the minimum recommended wattage for an extended use situation in the home. A 4000 watt generator is typically portable. Versatility of use combined with its portable nature make a 4000 watt generator a great value for someone looking for a multi-use generator at a bargain price.

Here are our top picks:

Overall Best 4000 Watt Generator

DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator

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The DuroStar DS4000S is our choice for best 4000 watt generator in 2015.  We like the DS4000S  because it is affordable, reliable, portable, and can be used for home or recreational use. An added bonus we observed during use is the generator is very quiet. The DS4000S was recorded with a noise level rating of just 69 dBA.

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With 4000 starting watts, the DuroStar 4000S is able to handle many different devices, including refrigerators, microwaves, electrical ranges, security systems, home power tools, televisions and more. Every item listed may not be able to run at the same time, but the DS4000S is able to provide the power needed for multiple applications during an extended power outage. The generator has an 8 hour run time at half load, or 50% output capacity.

The DuroStar DS4000S generator is a great choice for emergency preparedness. The stainless steel construction and protected electrical connections mean the device is safe to run in tough outdoor conditions, including blizzards and hurricanes.

Other features include, a 4-gallon fuel tank with an easily readable gauge. The heavy duty steel frame has four-point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. The DS4000S is equipped with recoil start, and automatic low-oil shut off to protect the engine. The DS4000S weights 92.4 pounds. A tool-kit is also included with the generator.

Note that this generator is not CARB compliant, which means it can’t be sold in California. The Champion 46539 generator reviewed below is authorized for sale and use in California.

We were very impressed with the high performance, quiet nature, and relatively low price of the DS4000S. Customer reviews were similarly favorable, with many online reviewers telling personal stories of satisfaction with the DS4000S through blizzards and snow storms.

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Best Wireless Remote Electric Start 4000 Watt Generator

Champion Power Equipment 46539 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

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We found the Champion 46539 to be the best 4000 watt wireless start generator on the market. The wireless start feature is remote control operated and works up to 80 feet. Remote start is a nice feature during storms, blizzards, and hurricanes.

Weighing in at 140 pounds, the Champion 46539 includes a portability kit w/8-inch wheels for easy transport to construction job sites, camp sites, or a tailgate.

The Champion 46539 allows for twelve hours of operation at a 50% capacity. This is the standard unit of measure; 50% capacity is usually enough to power a refrigerator, lights, and a sump pump at the same time.  Engine oil is included. Champion also offers free lifetime technical support and two year limited warranty.

This 4000 watt generator includes one 120V Duplex Outlet, one 120V Twistlock outlet, and one RV Receptacle (TT-30R).

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Best 4000 Watt Dual Fuel Gas and Propane Generator

DuroMax XP4400EH 7 HP Dual Fuel Propane/Gas Powered Portable Electric Start Generator, 4400-Watt

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The DuroMax XP4400EH can run on propane or gas – a big advantage for emergency preparedness. The design of the XP4000EH makes it simple to switch from gas to propane. The flexible line makes it easy to hook up any size propane tank – including the one from your backyard grill.

Click here for our review of the best duel fuel generators.

The unit is easily portable. It’s 23.8” long by 20” wide by 18” high. At 128 pounds, with a durable frame which includes never-flat wheels, the 4400 watt generator can easily go wherever you need.

Note that this generator is not for sale to California residents.

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Generators are important to have especially if you happen to experience frequent power outages. They can generate enough power to keep your air conditioning and heating going as well as lighting.

Check out the best generators for your money, here

To find the best generators for the money, search online for consumer rankings and the amount you are willing to pay. Here are a few good selections.

Best Standby Generator on the Market

This item – Kohler 14 RESAL Air Cooled Standby Generator Whole House comes with an automatic transfer switch. It has a fast response of 10 seconds when there is a power outage. There is an automatic start up when the power goes out. It has a quiet operation and has a frequency of 60Hz.

It comes with a five year warranty and a 2000 hour limited warranty on the battery. It has a 2.5 amp battery. There is a two line back lit LCD display that allows you to read it during the night and in the sun. It has an electronic speed control and a push button for on and off.

It comes with a polymer base that eliminates the need for a concrete base that will take time and extra money. Its construction has a hinged locking roof. It has a 100 percent corrosion proof enclosure. This item costs about $3,400 online and it is considered one of the best generators for the money with a rating of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers.

It runs on 14,000 watts surge and 12,000 watts continuous. It has 100 amps and a 16 circuit space load center with no circuit breakers included. This generator runs on a multi fuel system including propane or natural gas.

Best Portable Generator under $1000

This item comes with a wheel kit for easy portability and an electric recoil start to easily start the machine. The Duromax XP 10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator earned 4 stars from more than 115 Amazon reviewers and it costs about $999 online, making this one of the best generators for the money.

It is EPA approved and comes with a one year limited warranty. It has an automatic low oil sensor that will shut off the generator to prevent damage to the engine.

It comes with a 8.3 gallons and it run at 10,000 watts surge and 8,000 watts continuous. It has a 50 amp heavy duty outlet, a 30 amp twist lock, and 120 receptacles. This machine has an overload protection with dual 33amp breakers.

It has a 16 hp air cooled OHV engine for added strength. It is non carb compliant and is not sold in the state of California. Its frame is made of heavy duty steel for durability and it comes with 10.5 inch never go flat tires.

Top Rated Portable Generator under $1000

This machine – Westinghouse WH7500E Portable Generator operated on 7,500 watts continuous and 9,000 watts surge. It comes with a three year limited warranty and it has a quiet operation. There is a 6.6 fuel capacity and it runs for up to 12 hours on half load.

Several items come with this generator including a funnel, oil, a tool kit, a handle kit, and a wheel kit. It has a cast iron fun guard that helps ensure that safety of the operation. It has a fully enclosed frame that protects its electrical connection and it has simplified control center. There is an LCD hour meter that lets you know when you need to perform maintenance.

It has 10 inch solid wheels that never go flat. It can run up to 12 hours on half load. It has a 4 stroke 420 cc OHV engine for added power. It s non carb compliant and is not sold in the state of California. It comes with 4 120 volts and one 120/240 volt twist outlets, This generator costs about $850 online, making this one of the best generators for the money. It received 4.5 stars from Amazon reviewers.

Best Portable Gas Powered Home Generator

This item has an electric start and can run up to 7 hours on 50 percent load. The Honeywell HW7500E 9375 Portable Gas Powered House Generator has an oversized muffler that keeps the level of noise down. It runs on 7,500 watts continuous and 9,375 watts maximum.

It has a color coded starting controls and ac outlets. It comes with a three year warranty and it is non carb compliant, not sold in the state of California. It has a 6.5 gallon fuel tank and comes with a cast iron sleeved engine.

There are never go flat wheels and a handle kit. It has a hassle free battery and several outlets including one 120 volt, four 15/20 amp, one L14-30 amp and 15 amp outlets. There is assembly needed for wheel and handle and it weighs about 210 pounds. It earned 4 stars from Amazon reviewers.

Best Portable Generator for the Money

This generator, the Champion Power Equipment 41135 Gas Powered Portable Generator is carb compliant and sold in all 50 states.

It costs about $700 online and earned 4.5 stars from Amazon reviewers, making this one of the best generators for the money.

It has a low oil sensor and an overload protection to help prevent damage to the machine. It comes with a two year limited warranty. It runs for up to 11 hours at 50 percent load. It comes with a Champion 338cc OHV engine and it has a cast iron sleeve for added protection. It has an easy pull recoil start and 8 inch wheels. It runs at 6,800 watts.

All of these make great choices for the best generators for the money as they have multiple features and capabilities with accessories for a reasonable price.

See more top rated and affordable generators from Amazon.com here