Last updated on January 11th, 2022 at 10:58 am
If you are looking for a mid-range popular 6000-watt generator then we can help you. Keeping a generator as a backup or as a power solution can really help you. However, a 6000 watt genny might be an emergency house backup generator but it can supply electricity to essential home appliances.
Generators can keep your appliances up and running during a power outage caused due to human error or natural calamity. In North America, seasonal cyclones are called Hurricanes which occurs more than 10 times in a year. And such hurricanes are one of the major reason for a power outage.
Enough reasoning right! Let me help you understand the power and uses of a 6000-watt generator.
Contents
What Will a 6000 Watt Generator Run
You should know what you are buying and which why you must understand how many appliances you can run on a 6000 watt generator.
Though it is not very powerful, 6k genny can provide sufficient power supply to keep your house cool/warm, keep it lit with lights, run your refrigerator, and TV. It would handle a 120-volt load up to 50 amps without any interruption.
And the good news is that all the generators reviewed below are safe to run power-sensitive appliances such as TV, computers, and air conditioners.
Comparison Table of Range 6k-7k Generators
| Generators | Fuel Type | Run Time(Load 1/2) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen6000 | Gas | 9 Hours | Check Price |
| Champion 100165 | Dual Fuel | 7 Hours | Check Price |
| Honda Eu7000iat | Gas+Inverter | 9 Hours | Check Price |
| Briggs & Stratton 30469 | Gas | 7 Hours | Check Price |
| Generac 5939 GP5500 | Gas | 11 Hours | Check Price |
| Green-Power America GPG6500EW | Gas | 11 Hours | Check Price |
| All Power America 6000 | Gas | 8 Hours | Check Price |
Now as you have checked out the comparison based on runtime and fuel type, let begin the reviews and detailed analysis of these powerhouses.
1. Westinghouse WGen6000 Portable Gas Generator
Hands down Westinghouse WGen6000 is the best 6000-watt generator available in the market. It has 6000 running watts and 7500 peak watts to handle any power surge or power sensitive equipment.
In addition to recoil start, this generator features electric start to effortlessly begin operation with the push of a button. Typically electric start comes handy during summer and recoil start during winters.
Thanks to its 6.6-gallon fuel tank, this 6000-watt unit can provide uninterrupted electricity up to 18 hours when in optimal condition.
Westinghouse WGen6000 features a powerful 420cc 4-stroke OHV air-cooled in-house(Westinghouse) engine. It is designed to run longer on a single tank of gas than other competitive generator engines.
I personally like the automatic low oil shutoff features which protect the engine from any damage. The built-in fuel gauge is an added advantage which enables the user to check on the Fuel manually.
WGen6000 is transfer switch ready with a convenient L14-30 30A 120/240V twist-lock outlet which enables you to connect the generator with your home and power the necessary appliances when you need them most.
This generator has four GFCI standard household outlets covered with rubber to ensure safety from electrical shock and fire hazard.
- Running Watts: 6000
- Peak Watts: 7500
- Engine: 420cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine
- Fuel Tank Size: 6.6 Gallons
- Run Time: 18 Hours at 25% load
- Transfer Switch Ready: L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle
- Certification: EPA, CSA, and CARB Compliant
- Included in Sale: Oil, Oil Funnel, and Tool Kit
- Minimal Assembly: Ready To Use Straight Out of the box in few minutes
- Support: Backed by a 3-Year; Nationwide Customer Service and Support Network
WGen6000 is conveniently easy to use and maintain. This Westinghouse unit is the high rated and affordable 6000 watt portable generator available in the market. It has received more than 90% acceptance rating from the customers and has extremely positive buyers reviews. In nutshell: Affordable and powerful – it is the best in its class
2. Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Keeping propane as easily available fuel, this champion generator is one of the best 6000-watt generators. It is a dual fuel unit which can run on both Gasoline and Propane.
Depending upon the fuel type you choose, it can generate power between 6750 to 7500 running watts. Being docked on a wheelbase covered with steel frame it is easy to carry or move around your house or you can easily load it in your RV to fulfill the electricity/power demand of your camp.
Thanks to its one-switch electric start ignition system you can fire-up the generator very quickly start drawing the electricity from the fuel of your choice.
It is powered by a 439cc Champion engine that will help you run the important home appliances such as refrigerator, air conditioner or room heater, ceiling fans, TVs, and can be used to wash clothes by using a washer.
Champion 7500 is an excellent portable generator that can be used as a home backup unit or can be used at Jobsite to run power tools.
Its 4 stroke air cooled single-cylinder engine can provide you a run time of 14 hours on 1/4 load using propane. As its gasoline capacity is 1.6 gallons, it can provide an uninterrupted power supply for 7.5 hours on 1/4 load on gasoline.
The best feature of this generator is its, lightweight structure and low noise level (590 dBa). For example, if you run this powerhouse in your backyard then you may bearly hear any noise.
- Dual Fuel – Runs on GAS or PROPANE straight out of the box.
- Propane Run Time: 14.5 hours at 1/4 load
- Gasoline Run Time: 7.5 hours at 1/4 load
- Free propane hose to connect it with the inlet.
- 439cc Powerful Champion Engine
- Air-cooled single-cylinder engine
- Electric start and Recoil start
- RV and Parallel Ready
- Low Oil Shutoff
- 120/240V operation
- GFCI protected outlets that prevent electric shocks
- Very durable with cast iron sleeve and improve portability with wheels
- Warranty: 3-Years limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support
This is the best champion 6000-watt portable generator that gives you the flexibility to choose between multiple fuels. Backed by reliable company warranty, support, and highly rated, positive customer reviews, it is one of the best medium-size generators to buy for your home or work site.
3. Honda Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator 6000 – 7000 Watts
When it comes to finding a reliable generator then Honda is one of the top brands that everyone picks. And it should be as it is one of the oldest engines producing companies on the planet.
This 6000-watt honda generator is an excellent combination of power and durability. Keeping up with the new energy race, Honda has combined the classic with the modern inverter generator technology to give you the best in its class.
Fuel by electronic fuel injection system and supported by inverter technology, it can provide stable power to equipment at Jobsite or used as a backup home generator during a power outage.
The powerful and fuel-efficient Honda GX390 EFI Single Cylinder OHV air-cooled engine can run 6-18 hours on a single tank. The all-new electronic fuel injection system(better than carburetor) improves the overall run time and increases its power-producing capacity.
Many people fear that they might overload the engine, however, that is not going to happen with this case. As features an electronic circuit breaker that protects the generator from being overloaded.
It produces a very low noise of 52-60 dBA which is quieter than a normal conversation. And thanks to its exclusive inverter technology, you can charge your batteries or provide stable power to the computer, TV, and other power-sensitive electronic equipment.
- Engine: Honda GX390 EFI (air-cooled)
- Super quiet operation: Noise level 52-60 dBa
- Ignition system: Push-button electric start
- Electronic circuit breakers to avoid overloading
- Fuel Tank: 5.1 Gallons
- Run Time: 6 hours at full load and 18 hours at 1/4 load
- iMonitor tracks hours, RPM, volts, & wattage
- Warranty: 3-Year manufacturers warranty
Eu7000iat1 is another excellent portable inverter generator by Honda. It might not come cheap but it is definitely something that will last multiple decades if maintained well.
4. Briggs & Stratton 30469 – 6000 Running Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
This 6000 watt generator is powered by Briggs & Stratton 1650 Pro Series OHV 342cc engine which will fulfill your power requirement when needed. It is Gas-powered portable unit weighing only 194.4 pounds docked on a wheel frame.
Like other good 6k watt generators, this Briggs & Stratton 30469 comes with engine oil, quick start guide and operator’s manual to get you started straight away.
It has 7500 surge watt which will help you quickly start any heavy electrical types of equipment and then runs at 6000 watts continuously.
Thanks to its large 7-gallon fuel tank which will give you a run time of 12-13 hours at 50% load. To keep the fuel efficiency make sure to clean and oil it regularly.
The Briggs & Stratton 30469 features a 10-inch never go flat wheels. The wheels are attached below the sturdy steel frame which makes it easy to move this generator in and out of storage or to a new site.
The best thing about this unit is its 2-year limited warranty to protect against defects in materials and workmanship. This will protect you from losing any money and which is why it is a little bit costlier than other competitive models.
- Engine: 1650 Professional Serie 342cc OHV Engine
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 7 Gallon
- Run Time: 12 hours of run time at 1/2 load
- Running Watts: 6000
- Surge Watts: 7500 (25% more)
- Portability: 10-inch flat-free tires
- Outlets: 120-volt outlets, 20/240-volt 30-amp outlet with circuit breaker
- Protection: Rubber outlet safety covers for added protection
- Additional Features: Fuel gauge, Hour meter, Super Lo-Tone Muffler, and Recoil start type
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
The brand is known for hard-working, fuel-efficient, and durable gas engines across the globe and it is quite popular for making the best outdoor power equipment. And keeping its name value, Briggs & Stratton 30469 is another reliable 6000 watt portable generator available in the market.
5. Generac 5939 GP5500 Portable Generator
Generac generators are very popular among professionals because of their long life engine. Job site professionals tends to use the machines roughly and it is important that the engine is reliable. And this Generac 5939 stands up to the mark and can be said that it is the best 6000 watt Generac generator available in the market.
Like any other reliable generators, Generac 5939 also features low-oil shutdown, hour meter, circuit breaker outlets, and covers for added protection.
Not just that, It has the largest fuel tank of 7.2 gallons among all the 6000 watt generators in this list. It can provide power supply for 10 hours at 50% load on a full tank.
Such high-performance credit goes to its long-lasting and reliable Generac 389cc OHV engine. It not only last longer, but also maintains a consistent power without any flux.
This Generac generator seats inside a steel frame featuring flat-free wheels and foldable hand for improved portability and compact storage.
Portable generators are essential useful and emergency power equipment that we should have in our house or at work. This 6k watts range unit is perfect for critical power backups and also suitable for camping, tailgating, and useful for contractors at the Jobsites.
- Engine: Generac 389cc OHV engine
- Use: Home backup or Heavy Duty (worksite)
- Fuel Type: Gas Powered
- Run Time: 10+ hours at 50% load on a full tank
- Operational Power: 5500-6875 Watts
- Engine Protection: Low-oil shutdown and hour meter
- Safety: Covered, circuit breaker outlets for circuit protection
- Frame: Hardened 1 1/4″ steel tube cradle
- Portability: never-flat wheels and foldable handles
- Support and Warranty: Company limited warranty with lifetime telly support
This Generac generator has been used by professionals for 100+ hours under heavy load and still runs as smoothly as possible. For sure, it is one of the best mid-size backup units for emergency power needs.
6. Green-Power America GPG6500EW – 6500W Pro Series Recoil Electric Start Generator
The GPG6500EW is designed for home, emergency back up, and for recreational use. This pro series electric start generator is well designed and powerful enough to keep your house warm and run all the basic appliances.
Green-Power America is known for its pro-recoil start system that fire-up the engine even in freezing cold weather. However, this unit also comes with a push-button electric ignition system for effortless operation.
This portable 6000-watt generator is equipped with LCT 420cc / 15HP OHV Engine and has a 6.6 gallon of a fuel tank. At half the load it can back your home with continuous electricity supply for 9-11 hours.
This generator is also equipped with a low oil auto-shutoff sensor. Such a sensor improves the lifetime of the product by preventing engine damage due to low oil.
The portability of this generator was kept in mind while designing its sleeve which is kept inside a steel frame. It also features 10-inch flat-free wheels.
GPG6500EW is an EPA approved and CARM compliant 6000-watt generator. Which means that you can carry them in National Parks for Picnic or events.
All the outlets are covered with weatherproof covers which we liked the most. Some companies don’t bother much about them but with a changing environment, it is a good update to the product.
- Engine: Powerful 420cc / 15HP OHV Engine
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.6 Gallons
- Run Time: 11 Hours at 50% load in a single tank
- Operational Power: 5500-6500 Watts
- 3 in 1 Digital Indicator
- DC Outlet: 12V/8.3A
- AC Outlet: 120V, 120V Twist Lock AC, 120V / 240V Twist Lock AC
- Noise Level: Average Noise 100% Load – 76 dB(A)
- Certification: EPA and CARB complaint
- Automatic fuel shut Off with internal fuel filter
- High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Included
Green-Power America GPG6500EW gives you peace of mind even in a natural disaster. This power source unit comes with all the essential outlets and parallels ready feature for a continuous supply of power.
7. All Power America 6000 Watt Generator – Cheap Gas Alternative
The combination of a good engine, durability, and fuel efficiency in a generator might increase the cost. However, the All-Power America APGG6000 is an excellent affordable 6000-watt generator. With the decent power of 6000 watts you can use the APGG6000 as your Jobsite generator or can be used as an alternative power source during a natural disaster.
Though the engine has 291cc OHV air-cooled engine, it provides 8 hours of power supply at a 50% load. All thanks to the fuel efficiency and the 6.6-gallon fuel tank that will keep your house running in any power outage situation.
Apart from being a cheap generator, we also like the fact that at such price you also get the wheel kit that improves the mobility and portability of the unit.
APGG6000 is a gas-powered portable generator that comes with environment certification (EPA and CARB).
All-Power America does not suggest you take the unit for camping, however. I find it safe and durable enough to bring it to my camping site. It is most popular as an emergency backup generator for home or popularly used on Jobsites.
- Engine: 11 HP 291cc OHV air-cooled Engine. Runs 8 hrs @ 1/2 load
- Fuel Tank Size: 6.6 Gallon
- Run Time: Uninterrupted 8 hours at 50% load
- Start Function: Recoil Ignition
- AC/DC Outlets: duplex 120V, 120V/ 240V twist-lock, 120V twist-lock, and 1x12V DC
- Operating Noise Level: 76dB (average generator noise)
- Easy to install wheel kit and handle
- Warranty: Company provide limited on-purchase warranty and support
The All-Power America APGG6000 is a sturdy machiner that starts up every time. It is well received by customers and backed by positive reviews. It can easily run refrigerators and cooling/heating system in case of a power outage in the area
Running vs Starting Watts
Not all of your appliances are the same and most of them have different loads and surge power needs. Make sure that you know your appliance type to draw the best out of these units.
There are two types of loads(1):
1) Resistive loads: Need the same power for starting and running.
- Toaster
- Light Bulbs
- Coffee Makers
- Heaters
2) Reactive Loads: Equipment has a motor and requires more power to start then gradually lowers to a constant need.
- Furnace
- Well pumps
- Refrigerators or freezers
- Air compressor
- Air conditioners
- Bench grinders
- And other power tools
This is why 6000 watts are not a constant unit, your generator will start at a higher surge power then runs at constant power. Knowing the difference between Resistive and Reactive load equipment will help you use those 6000 watts properly.
Plan for Power Surge
Some appliances such as air conditioners, or refrigerators may need extra power when they start, which is why it is a safe practice to start only appliances that are equivalent to half of your generator power.
For example, if you have a 900-watt refrigerator, two 900-watt air conditioner, and a 500-watt TV then, initially start only these 3 types of equipment while you are drawing power from your generator.
Because above-mentioned appliances “may” cause a surge of power and it is safe to stay in the folds of 2 to protect both generator and your appliances.
When they are up and running, then you can load your generator with other home appliances or power tools.
What will a 6000-watt generator run?
You can power your whole house with a 6kW generator. However, to be on a safer side, the power of 6kW can sufficiently power 2 fans, house heater, furnace, electric clothes dryer, LCD TV, electric water heater, microwave ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, and bore pump.
To keep the load on the lower end, whenever you use high capacity units such as bore pump then avoid using a furnace to reduce the power load on your 6kW generator.
Conclusion
Most of us rush to buy generators only when we hear news about tornado, hurricanes, floods, or other natural calamities. However, such a rush can affect your buying decision and you might not be able to buy the best unit for the price.
Generators are sold by power output measures as watts. Having a 6000-watt unit will cover all the basic appliances of a home. With such power output, you can run Refrigerator, computers, lights, portable heater, window air conditioner, Sump pump, and still have power left for occasional washing machine uses.
While making the purchase check weather if the generator comes with a transfer switch, if not, then don’t forget to buy one because it is going to connect the unit with your home circuit panel via one cable.
