When you need a generator, you need one you can count on. Buying a generator can be a big investment, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Aside from dependability and value, you also want quiet operation, durability and a whole host of other factors. We identified the most popular 1000 watt generators in the market and put them through extensive testing.

We looked at durability, portability, power, cost and technical specs. There are a lot of generators to choose from, so we kept our standards high and settled for nothing less than the best. Here’s what we found:

Best Overall 1000 Watt Generator

Champion Power Equipment 42436 1,500 Watt Portable Generator

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B009E26LLC” cloaking=”default” height=”126″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51j9fFMWsKL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Imagine our surprise when we discovered the best overall generator was also portable! The Champion 42436 is powered by the Champion 80cc OHV engine, which provides a 1,500 watt maximum output. This is enough to power lights, TV and a refrigerator simultaneously.

The unit is 17.7 by 14 by 14.8 inches and weighs only 56 pounds. Noise output is only 65 Dba. The generator includes overload protection, a low oil sensor, a voltmeter and a 1-120V outlet. It’s covered by a two year warranty and Champion’s Lifetime Free Technical Support.

The 1.45 gallon tank provides power for approximately 10 hours (exact duration depends on the types of equipment you’re powering).

Champion has a strong reputation among electricians and other construction professionals. One review noted many homeowners tend to overlook Champion because the product is made in China and isn’t considered a top brand. However, the truth is the 424361 is a very solid, well-made machine and the best 1000 watt gas generator on the market.

Best Portable 1000 Watt Gas Generator

Yamaha EF1000iS 1000 Watt Gas Generator (50cc OVH 4-Stroke Portable)

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B002RWK9LY” cloaking=”default” height=”127″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a6%2B2%2BibrL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Small, quiet and powerful, the Yamaha EF100iS is our top choice for a portable generator. The unit uses an inverter system to deliver pure sine waves, which produce clean energy which is very reliable and safe for your appliances. The generator has a 1000 watt maximum AC output and 900 watt rated AC output. With a noise block sound reduction system, and a run time of up to 12 hours without refueling, the EF100iS is very easy-to-use and reliable.

The generator is 17.7 by 9.4 by 14.9 and weights a light 27.9 pounds. It’s easily portable with a carry handle, and easily operated with a central control panel. Also, the generator has a 12-volt DC output which is able to recharge 12-volt batteries. Perfect for RVs, autos and boats!

Customers found great success with this portable unit. While obviously a portable 1000 watt generator isn’t going to power your entire RV, it can power multiple small appliances simultaneously. It’s generally used for camping and other outdoor activities, although it also works great as a back-up for your house in the event of an emergency.

If an emergency does occur, such as a blizzard or a hurricane, the EF1000iS has a Smart Throttle Load, which helps with throttle control. In our experience, the generator never took more than two pulls to start. Very impressive.

The EF1000iS is also CARB compliant. The California Energy Board is among the strictest standards for the regulation of carbon dioxide emission. A CARB compliant device is considered to not emit enough carbon dioxide to be harmful to humans. This means the EF1000iS is safe to use around your family.

With its small size and light weight, this generator is very portable. It’s also an excellent source of power, capable of providing comforts during outdoor excursions as well as a safeguard during any unexpected black-outs. An excellent portable gas generator.

Honorable Mention

All Power America APG3004 1000 Watt (Two-cycle, gas-powered, portable)

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B0017YV188″ cloaking=”default” height=”155″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fBrAyj83L._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]While theYamaha EF100iS is our top choice for a portable, we want to also mention the All Power is a great generator for camping, tailgating and other fun time activities. It’s a quiet 68dB and a portable 44 pounds. You can run multiple small appliances at once: coffer makers, lights, laptops, phone chargers and more.

The unit has a one and a half gallon tank, and can run for about eight to twelve and half hours, depending on the load. The air-cooled, two-stroke single cylinder engine, and the recoil start, worked great in our experiences. The engine delivers a 1000 Watt surge with 800 Watt continuous.

Note that this 1000 watt inverter generator is not CARB compliant, which is an issue if you live in California. Another reason the All Power gets an honorable mention, and not the top prize, is because the generator doesn’t have enough power to run a large appliance, such as a refrigerator. While it can be somewhat useful in a pinch, it’s not really part of a serious emergency preparedness plan.

Generator Fuel Sources – a Quick Overview

Which type of fuel is the best for you?

Gasoline is reasonably cheap and easy to obtain; most 1000 watt gas generators use the same fuel used for most cars. The downside is you can’t store gas in your generator, it must be stored away from your home in an area suitable for flammable material. Of course, on the plus side, sometimes you can take the gas from your generator and put it right into your car. Or, in an emergency, vice versa.

Propane has a long shelf life and is easily stored in tanks. The fuel is clean burning and results in a quieter engine noise for your 1000 watt propane generator. The downsides are propane can be very dangerous if there’s a leak. Also, propane can be somewhat expensive.

We recommend first finding a generator you like, and then assessing how its fuel source will fit your needs. Overall, both fuels are relatively easy to use. The most important thing to remember is to never leave fuel sitting in your generator for any extended period of time – this simple action will keep your generator in top shape all year long.

Having a generator on hand to provide power to the necessary appliances in your home during an emergency, or to provide power to your job site during construction is always a good idea. But, with so many on the market today to choose from, it is hard to know which one can work well for you. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, narrowing down our top three choices for the best 5,000 watt generators for this year.

Best Overall 5,000 Watt Gas Generator – WEN 56551

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B003N9AT5Q” cloaking=”default” height=”144″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51h8eVgTZGL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]WEN 5500 generator[/easyazon_image]Our Best Overall goes to the the WEN 56551 5500-Watt 389cc 13-HP OHV Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit. Its 6.5 gallon fuel tank provides enough power to run for 11 hours on a half-load. It’s the perfect solution for emergency power at home or on a job site. Featuring a 13 hp motor, this generator delivers a consistent 5,000 watts, but offers an additional 500 watts for when you need extra power to start certain appliances.

When used on a job site, the WEN 56551 will deliver all the power you need to handle all construction tools. When used at home during a power outage, it will keep everything running smoothly to keep everyone comfortable and safe.

Because you never know what you may need to power with the generator, there are four 120-volt (standard U.S.) three-prong power outlets, a 120-volt/140-volt outlet, and a cigarette lighter style 12-volt plug, perfect for charging cell phones and other devices.

This generator features a light to indicate when power is on, so there is no guessing or having to read a meter. There is also a digital hour counter to show how many run time hours the generator has been used – which helps users determine when required maintenance should be handled. This generator also features a low oil automatic shutdown option, so that if users forget to add or change the oil, the engine does not become damaged. Running the generator with too little oil can lead to the need for expensive repairs.

The WEN 5500 generator features a manual starter, that in most cases can start with a single pull, though sometimes multiple pulls may be needed to get it started. It features everything you need to keep the generator stable on the ground once it is running, and a mobility kit designed to make it easy to move. It also comes with a two year limited warranty.

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B003N9AT5Q” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]WEN 5500 generator[/easyazon_block]

Looking for a nice tri-fuel generator? Take a look at our breakdown of the best tri-fuel generators.

Best Portable 5,000 Watt Gas Generator – Yamaha EF6300iSDE

[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”right” asin=”B002RWK9QY” cloaking=”default” height=”120″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417HSbFVpUL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”genergator-20″ width=”160″]Yamaha EF6300iSDE[/easyazon_image]We’ve given this award to the Yamaha EF6300iSDE. It produces up to 6,300 watts of power, and can run for up to 13 hours at a ¼ load, on a single 4.5 gallon tank. It features an electric battery-powered starter and a an optional wireless remote control for ease of use, so you can start or stop the generator from up to 66 feet away. The Noise Block feature ensures it runs quietly and does not disturb your family during use.

With the 5,000 watt inverter generator, you have all the power you need to run power tools, computers, appliances, and other electronic equipment. Your engine speed will automatically adjust to the power demand, which ultimately conserves fuel to save you money. The built-in fuel level gauge lets you see how much fuel is left in the generator at a glance.

With dual voltage at 120 and 240 volts, you can run nearly anything in your home. The power meters lets you easily see how much power you’re using, and how much power is available. The hour meter lets you see how much running time you have accumulated, so you can easily see when it is time to either refuel or to perform routine maintenance tasks to keep the generator in good working order. The generator also comes with a three year warranty.

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B002RWK9QY” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]Yamaha EF6300iSDE[/easyazon_block]

How about a smaller portable generator? Take a look at our list of the best generators under 3,000 watts!

Best 5,000 Watt Propane Generator – Champion Power Equipment 71330 LP

[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″]For those who would rather have a propane generator, we’ve given the title of Best 5,000 Watt Propane Generator to Champion Power Equipment No.71330 LP, a 6,000 watt portable generator. It produces 5,000 watts rated, and 6,000 maximum. It will run up to 8 and a half hours on a single 20 lb. tank of propane, at a half load.

Keep your family comfortable and safe during a power outage at home, as this generator can run your television, sump pump, refrigerator, and furnace fan all the the same time. If you need it for a construction site, it can run three to four power tools at once. The generator features a mobility kit to make it easier to move from place to place as needed.

This generator features two 120-volt duplex outlets, a 120-volt twist lock, and a 120/240 volt twist lock receptacle. There is built-in overload protection to prevent the generator from experiencing mechanical issues from trying to run too much power. There is also a low oil sensor that alerts you when it is time to change the oil in the motor. The Intelligauge feature shows the watts and hertz of power being used, and also includes an hour clock to show you how long the generator’s been in use. This helps the user see when routine maintenance tasks need to be performed to extend the overall lifespan of the generator. The generator comes with a two year limited warranty, as well.

No matter whether you want a gasoline or propane powered generator, any of these 5,000 watt generators will get the job done. Power what you need, when you need it, when electricity is not available. Because you never know when a storm may keep you without electricity for days on end, it is a good idea to keep a supply of either gasoline or propane to power your generator for a few days. If you need to conserve fuel, only run the essentials to charge your cell phone, protect your food supply and keep the temperature of your home ideal.

[easyazon_block add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B00BBDCE9U” cloaking=”default” layout=”left” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”genergator-20″]Champion Power Equipment 71330 LP[/easyazon_block]