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The Best 4000 Watt Generator On The Market Today
While it's a great experience to get away from civilization and experience the great outdoors, many people still prefer to have some modern conveniences available. Having a generator will make your camping trip more comfortable, giving you the ability to refrigerate food, keep your lights illuminated, and heat your water.
Generators are also useful at home, especially during a power outage. A 4000-watt generator produces enough electricity to keep your essential appliances running in the event of a blackout, without making too much noise. For many people, 4000 W represents the perfect compromise between utility, weight, and fuel consumption.
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The Top Five 4000 Watt Generators On The Market Today
With so many different generators available on the market, it can be tough to pick the right one for you. We've taken a look at hundreds of generators, reviewed their specifications, and found several that we think may be worth your time and money.
1. Westinghouse WGen 3600
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient, quiet generator that will produce enough power to keep your basic appliances running, the WGen 3600 is an excellent choice.
Westinghouse is a well-known generator manufacturer, and they have a reputation for making affordable and reliable generators.
Features And Benefits
The WGen 3600 has a runtime of 12 hours on a four-gallon tank, provided you have a 50% load. This runtime is more than sufficient for most household appliances and camping use, where you won't need to top the generator off in the middle of the night.
The generator's control panel is very intuitive and well-designed. The controls group according to function and are evenly spaced out, preventing unwanted clutter and confusion. The WGen 3600 has four outlets, making it versatile enough to use almost anywhere.
Pros
- Relatively quiet at 62 dB
- Large fuel tank for an uninterrupted night runtime
- Up to a three-year warranty
- Easy to use with an intuitive control panel
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move
- No hour meter, making it difficult to track usage time for maintenance requirements
- 3600 Running Watts and 4650 Peak Watts; Recoil Start; 4 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge; Up to 13. 5 Hours of Run Time Per Tank
- Features One 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Receptacle, and One L5-30R 30 Amp Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 212cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
<Click Here For A More In-Depth Westinghouse WGen 3600 Review>
2. Firman 3650 PO3601
If you want to get the longest runtime possible, the Firman 3650 Watts PO3601 should be high on your list of generators to buy.
With a large, five-gallon tank and runtime of 14 hours, you can leave this on all night and still use it in the morning.
Features And Benefits
The Firman PO3601 generates 3650 W of running power, with a peak of 4550 W, significantly higher than many of the other generators we reviewed. This extra power generation makes it an excellent option for people looking to independently power their basic workshop tools, such as belt sanders and air compressors.
The PO3601 has four AC outlets, including the TT-30, 120 V, and a 30 amp twist-lock outlet needed for RV hook-ups. The control panel provides a wealth of information, including total lifetime hours, voltage, frequency, and a built-in fuel gauge, to quickly evaluate the generator's supply.
Pros
- Higher runtime than many of its competitors
- Convenient remote start
- RV-ready
- Enough wattage to power most household appliances, including AC
Cons
- Weighs over 100 pounds
- 4550 Starting Watts / 3650 Running Watts Priovides a 14 hour Run Time
- Max Pro Series 208cc FIRMAN Engine, Phoenix Fat Head Block for enhanced engine efficiency
- 5 Gallon Tank with integrated fuel gauge
- Whisper Series Muffler with USDA Forest Service Approved Spark Arrester provides quiet operation!
- Reliable Recoil Start, Power Stream Alternator, Volt Lock Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), 4-in-1 Data Minder Measures Volts, Hertz, Hours and Low Oil Indicator
3. Champion DS4000S
Champion is a recent contender on the portable generator scene.
The company operates on US soil but manufactures its products in China. By producing their units in China, Champion can provide customers with cost-effective, reliable generators that are competitive with more well-known brands such as Generac.
Features And Benefits
The Champion 4000 W generator uses an advanced inverter to reduce noise pollution and weight. The generator also has an 'economy mode' that conserves fuel when used for minimal performance, meaning you'll still be able to use most of your appliances while saving a lot.
Champion generators go through a stringent checking and verification process to ensure that every generator performs well under normal conditions. The company also has 24/7 customer support in the unlikely event that you experience problems with the generator.
Pros
- Has parallel-ready components, allowing you to run multiple appliances at the same time
- The advance inverter reduces noise and weight
- Excellent customer support with various contact options including chat, email, and phone
- High fuel efficiency and affordable spare parts make this an economical choice
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move
- Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional Champion 3500-watt generator, plus our Economy Mode feature saves fuel and extends engine life
- Quiet Technology and Extended Run Time: 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or home backup, with 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts for up to 17 hours run time on gasoline
- Clean electricity for sensitive electronics: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
- Parallel Ready: Increase your power output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or digital hybrid with the optional Parallel Kit
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
<Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion DS4000S Review>
4. DuroMax XP4000S
The DuroMax XP4000 is a lightweight generator that's ideal for camping, RV travelers, and the occasional tailgater.
One appealing feature that campers will appreciate is the spark arrestor, meaning you can safely use the generator in forested areas.
Features And Benefits
The XP4000S generates an average wattage of 3300 W and can push that up to 4000 W in peak conditions. The four-gallon tank will provide enough fuel for a 12-hour runtime at 50% load. Unfortunately, the generator's power fluctuates slightly, with a distortion of 12%, making it unsuitable for sensitive electronic devices like mobile phones and tablets.
The generator has three AC outlets and is RV-ready—as long as you have an L5-30P to TT-30R adaptor. We also liked the control panel, which has a convenient voltmeter for activity monitoring and a built-in fuel and oil gauge.
Pros
- EPA-approved and CARB-compliant
- Includes several accessories including funnel and tool kit
- Three-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- Relatively lightweight with a convenient open-frame design
Cons
- No electric start
- Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household outlets and (1) 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also...
- Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroMax generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to...
5. DuroStar DS 4000S
If you're looking for excellent value for your money, the DuroStar DS 4000S is a great place to start looking.
This portable generator can produce 3300 W of continuous power, with a peak of 4000 W, and has two power outlets, including a 120V 30A with twist-lock, ideal for RV travelers.
Features And Benefits
The DS 4000S has an automatic oil protector that will shut off the engine if it detects that the oil is too low, preventing potential engine damage. It also has a generous four-gallon tank that can fuel the generator for up to eight hours at 50% load.
We found that the DS 4000S works best as a building site or home backup generator due to its relatively loud engine that may be problematic on camping trips. It's reliable and robust enough to handle construction sites with ease, and its fuel efficiency can power your home appliances through a blackout.
Pros
- Automatic low oil shutdown
- Affordable and cost-effective generator
- Comes with plenty of accessories, including an oil funnel, sparkplug wrench, toolset and owner's manual
- RV-ready with a twist-lock outlet
Cons
- Almost 25% shorter runtime than similar models
- Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
- Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also...
- Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to...
<Click Here For A More In-Depth DuroStar DS 4000S Review>
4000 Watt Generator: Buying Considerations
Generators are a big investment, so it's a good idea to do your research beforehand. By identifying your needs, you'll be able to find a generator that's within your budget and meets all of your requirements.
Use
Do you want to use your generator for camping, RV travel, or home use? Some generators come with wheels, making them better for camping, while others are heavy and better suited as a home backup. Your use will determine many other factors, such as noise, portability, and outlet needs.
Price
Ideally, you want a generator that meets your needs within your budget. Don't buy the most affordable generator, but rather shop around to find a good quality option at the top end of your budget.
Noise
Conventional portable generators are much louder than inverter generators, which can run as quietly as 50 dB. A quieter option is the way to go if you're trying to sleep near your generator and are fine with slightly less power output.
Fuel Type And Availability
Most of the generators we've reviewed run on gasoline, but others may run on alternative fuels like propane. It's vital to check if you can easily buy the fuel you need. Consider a dual fuel generator for versatility.
Runtime
Runtime depends on fuel tank size and fuel-efficiency. Take both of these factors into account: A five-gallon tank that runs for 14 hours won't be as efficient as a four-gallon tank that runs for 12 hours and will cost you more money long-term.
Outlets
Most generators come with standard 120V outlets, so it's the extras that make the difference. Some people want RV-ready outlets, while others prefer having an extra USB outlet for charging electronics.
Size, Weight, And Portability
Many conventional generators are big, heavy, and difficult to transport, making them unsuitable for rugged terrain. Size won’t be a priority if you want a stationary generator, but it will be a huge factor for camping and RV trips.
Warranty
Make sure to fully understand the conditions of the warranty. While most manufacturers offer a three-year warranty, some will offer replacements for the first year and only repairs after the replacement warranty has expired.
FAQs
What Can You Run On A 4000 Watt Generator?
4000 W generators are ideal for RV travel since they can single-handedly power most RV appliances, including AC, TV, fridge, and lighting. If you want to run portable electronics like smartphones and tablets, make sure your generator doesn't produce too much distortion, which may harm your sensitive electronics.
What Will A 4000 Watt Generator Run In A house?
While a 4000 W generator won't power everything in your home, it can power your most important large appliances. Most homeowners connect their freezer, fridge, and lighting to a 4000 W generator. If you want to add more appliances during a blackout, consider a larger generator with larger engine and capacity.
What Is The Quietest 4000 Watt Generator?
The Westinghouse WGen 3600 is the quietest generator we reviewed.
4000 Watt Generator: How Many Amps Is That?
A typical 120V 4000 W generator will produce 33.3 amps. If you have a 240V output as well, this will place your output at 16.6 amps.
Need A Smaller Generator?
Check our 2000 watt generator reviews
Looking For More Grunt? Check Out These Reviews
The Best 5,000-Watt generators
The Best 10,000-Watt Generators
Summing Up
4000-watt generators are an excellent option for light home backups, RV travelers and campers who want a bit of modern convenience. We recommend establishing your needs beforehand since they'll have a significant impact on the generator that works best for you.
- 3600 Running Watts and 4650 Peak Watts; Recoil Start; 4 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge; Up to 13. 5 Hours of Run Time Per Tank
- Features One 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Receptacle, and One L5-30R 30 Amp Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 212cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
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