A 30-amp generator is a generator with a 30-amp rated outlet featuring three prongs with one live wire. These generators are mostly used on RVs to deliver power that can be used to run multiple appliances at once. When I encounter searches of the best 30-amp generator, I feel attracted to all the best things you can do with such a generator.
Today, if you did a simple best 30-amp generator, the results will be overwhelming. The situation creates an atmosphere that most buyers find it hard to comprehend and end up buying the first result they come across. That comes with consequences later. And since I do not want to see that happen to you, I’ve decided to prepare this guide aiming to smoothen your search.
Let’s dive in!
Contents
- Top 10 Best 30 Amp Generators in 2021
- 1. Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator
- 2. DuroMax XP4850EH Hybrid generator w/Electric Start
- 3. DuroStar DS10000E Portable Generator
- 4. DuroMax XP15000EH Dual Fuel Generator
- 5. DuroMax XP4400E Generator w/Electric Start
- 6. Briggs & Stratton P3000 Inverter Generator
- 7. WEN 56475 Portable Generator
- 8. WEN 56380i Super Quiet Inverter Generator
- 9. Champion 100165 Dual-Fuel Generator w/Electric Start
- 10. Champion 100573 DH Series Inverter Generator
- Best 30 Amp Generator Buying Guide:
Top 10 Best 30 Amp Generators in 2021
1. Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator
If you need a massive, dual-fuel 30-amp generator, I give you the Westinghouse WGen9500DF. It comes as a high-performance dual-fuel generator designed for all tasks,s including heavy duty. It comes equipped with a heavy-duty 457cc Westinghouse OHV engine to ensure you get reliable power whenever you need it. The generator engine has a protective, long-lasting cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown feature that protects it from running dry.
The generator can give you 9500 and 8500 starting power, 12500, and 11200 surge power for both gasoline and propane. The power panel has multiple controls and features that make it easy to use the generator. Among them are two GFCI 120V 5–20R, a Transfer-Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R outlets for usage versatility.
Pros:
- Up to 12-hour run time
- Electric and Recoil Start
- Remote start w/Included Key Fob
- Heavy Duty Westinghouse OHV Engine
- Multiple rubber covered outlets
- Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
- Digital Hour Meter
Cons:
- Customer Service and Support not reliable
2. DuroMax XP4850EH Hybrid generator w/Electric Start
Next in the list is the DuroMax XP4850, a portable, dual-fuel generator. It’s one of the hybrid generators from DuroMax and designed to handle heavy appliances too. It does use both gasoline and propane. The generator is here to give you an exceptionally reliable power supply. It does have a small, lightweight design fitted with a heavy-duty frame.
The construction allows easy portability while the framing protects the generator interiors. It’s also fitted with two wheels and a handle kit. Versatility is also something you enjoy from this generator; you can use it at homes, with your RV, at a job site, and even while you camp.
Pros:
- All-copper windings
- Dual Fuel Technology
- Al-metal construction
- Two wheels and a handle kit
- Robust 208cc DuroMax engine
- 4850 starting and 3850 running watts
Cons:
- Short handles
- Can be noisy
3. DuroStar DS10000E Portable Generator
DuroStar DS10000E is the next generator. It comes as a portable, gas-powered generator ideal for heavy-duty applications too. It’s fitted with a high-power DuroStar 440cc OHV engine that allows it to be a reliable workhorse. For that, it’s able to deliver around 8000 running watts and 10000 peak power. You know what that means. Right?
It’s a portable workhorse that delivers power found in those large home standby units. The generator is more than capable of running an RV, power your whole house, and gives you enough energy needed for a remote job site. The use of DuroStar MX technology delivers more power when needed most.
Pros:
- Reliable DuroStar OHV engine
- Automatic low oil shutoff
- DuroStar MX2 technology
- EPA and CARB approval
- Wheel & Handle Kit
- Wide versatility
Cons:
- Heavy
- The noise level could be lower.
4. DuroMax XP15000EH Dual Fuel Generator
Here I have another reliable and high-power model from DuroMax, a renowned brand with a high reputation in building highly reliable products. The DuroMax XP15000EH is also a dual-fuel generator with a portable design. It’s fitted with a highly robust DuroMax 713cc V-Twin engine that delivers heavy-duty power ideal for a variety of applications.
With plenty of power to give, this unit is more than capable of handling heavy loads. That is from lights to your refrigerator at home, multiple power tools, or your whole RV. The dual-fuel technology allows you to use either propane or gasoline, whichever is more convenient and available for you. There is also the use of MX2 technology, a patented improvement that allows you to draw maximum power from two receptacles.
Pros:
- Highly-robust V-Twin Engine
- DuroMax MX2 technology
- Dual Fuel Technology
- Low Oil Shut-Off
- Idle Control
Cons:
- Heavy
- High-noise levels
5. DuroMax XP4400E Generator w/Electric Start
One way of making sure you have a reliable power back up to get a highly-reliable generator. And since you need the best 30-amp generator, here is another choice for you, the DuroMax XP4400E. It’s a gas-powered generator designed for a variety of applications. You can use it for home emergency backup, camping, and tailgating, or even remote job sites.
The construction of this generator is something to appreciate. It does feature all-metal construction, all-copper windings, and GFCI protected outlets. All these ensure you have a highly durable model. The use of a powerful DuroMax engine allows the generator to deliver reliable and dependable enough to run multiple appliances at once.
Pros:
- Durable All-Metal Construction
- Patented MX2 Power Boost
- Fully-featured power panel
- Surge Arrest Technology
- Wheels and handle kit
- All-copper windings
Cons:
- High price
- No dedicated lifting hook
6. Briggs & Stratton P3000 Inverter Generator
When it comes to compactness and power in a generator, I have to give Briggs & Stratton all the points. They make their products compact yet packed with highly robust power like the P3000 30-amp generator. It comes as a Power Smart Series inverter generator ideal for use at home, in a campground, job sit,e or tailgate. As an RV-ready model, you can connect it directly to your RV using a 30-amp cable.
The generator is here to give you 2600 running watts and 3000 starting watts of gasoline power. It has an enclosed body designed to protect the interiors, including the robust engine, and reduce noise. As an inverter generator, it’s cable to give you clean power and quiet operations. The compact design allows easy portability.
Pros:
- Conveniently designed LCD Display
- Permanent magnet Alternator
- Quiet Power Technology
- Clean and instant power
- RV Ready plugs
Cons:
- It’s not CARB approved.
7. WEN 56475 Portable Generator
WEN 56475 is another best 30-amp generator that I can say, yes this is it. It comes with everything you may need from a reliable, portable generator. It’s powered by a high-power 223cc OHV engine that allows it to deliver 3750 rated watts and 4700 surge watts. This power is enough to power a couple of appliances in your home, your RV, campsite, and more.
It does use a convenient electric start for smooth operation. Its fully-featured power panel has everything needed for a smooth operation of this unit. It’s here where you get a circuit breaker, digital readout for the voltmeter and runs time, and other features like multiple outlets, including the 30-amp 3-prong outlet. The generator has protective safety features such as automatic voltage regulator, overload protection, and low-oil shutdown for optimized safety.
Pros:
- Features electric start, low-oil shutdown
- A wheel kit and foldable handles
- Automatic voltage regulator
- CARB and EPA III approved
- Reliable 223cc engine
- Overload protection
- Digital readout
Cons:
- Heavy and noisy
8. WEN 56380i Super Quiet Inverter Generator
We have another WEN generator, the 56380i, which is a super-quiet model with a portable design. As an EPA III and CARB Compliant generator, it has passed all the emission guidelines meaning you can use it worldwide. It uses a high-power 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine designed to produce 3400 rated watts and 3400 surge watts. When it comes to fuel efficiency, you will be impressed with an 8.5-hour runtime at half-load.
And to ensure your investment is protected, the generator is fitted with a fuel shutoff designed to use up all the remaining fuel in the carburetor before the engine shuts off. It also produces clean power ideal for preventing damage to your sensitive electronics; you can use to charge or run devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Pros:
- Quiet power
- Spark arrestor
- Built-in wheels
- Collapsible handle
- Easy-to-read digital display
- Clean true-sine-wave power
- Portable, lightweight design
Cons:
- No electric start
9. Champion 100165 Dual-Fuel Generator w/Electric Start
I wouldn’t be fair to you if I don’t mention any exceptional work Champion Power Equipment has done in the generator industry. Their first model in the list is the Champion 100165, a dual-fuel portable generator designed with smooth operation in mind. The best part I love about this model is, you can operate it right out of the box with gasoline or propane. It comes packed with a robust 439cc Champion Engine featuring a toggle key.
The generator has a convenient electric start, and the battery for it is included in the shipping package. It uses an Intelligauge designed to help you keep track of hertz, volts, and runtime; it’s a perfect idea to track maintenance intervals. The generator highly durable and reliable; it’s even covered with a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- High-power Champion engine
- Low oil shutoff sensor
- Dual-Fuel Technology
- Handy toggle switch
- Battery included
Intelligence
Cons:
- Customer support needs improvement.
10. Champion 100573 DH Series Inverter Generator
The list ends with another Champion generator, the 100573 Digital Hybrid Series generator. The generator comes as an Open-Frame Invert power unit here to transform how you use your 30-amp and 20-amp power. The design makes it 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a conventional Champion 3500-watt generator. The inverter technology employed here allows this power unit to deliver clean, smooth, and economic power.
Using the generator has been made easy by packing the generator power panel with everything you need to operate it. What’s more, the generator uses a wireless remote key fob and reliable electric start; everything adds convenience to how you start the generator. The economy mode is used here to allow the generator to lower the engine RPM on idle to save on fuel and reduce noise.
Pros:
- Advanced Open Frame Design
- Touch Push-button start
- Wireless Key Fob Start
- Quiet Technology
- Parallel Ready
- RV Ready
Cons:
- Support isn’t reliable.
Best 30 Amp Generator Buying Guide:
Yes, I get that you want to buy the best 30-Amp generator, but do you know not all the best 30-amp generators will be ideal for you? You need to buy the right models for your specific needs. Here are some of the selection considerations I’ve composed to make your purchase a smooth process.
Task at hand
What do you need the best 30-amp generator for? How many watts do you need from the generator? Most of the 30-amp generators are used with RVs. So, do you plan on using the generator for other applications? You may find yourself needing power during a power emergency at home or portable energy to take with you when camping or tailgating.
It’s also crucial you know the amount of power you need before you can buy your generator. Add up all the wattage of the appliances you have in your RV. I recommend you buy a unit that gives you 20% more than what you need. That allows the generator to run on its pace, reducing wear and tear.
Portability
As I mentioned before, 30-amp generators are mostly used by RViers. If you’re one of them and looking for the best 30-amp generator, you may want to find a portable generator. What does that mean? It must have an easy to move the body that can fit comfortably on your RV. You may also want a model that takes you slow when it comes to lifting or pushing/pulling it around.
Durability
Yes, all the models I have given you here are highly durable, and I expect you will find the best model to buy here. However, if you don’t and decide to find a better option, consider a model that won’t disappoint you. Since a generator is an investment that should pay for itself, you need to make sure the construction materials used in building it are nothing but long-lasting.
Ease of use
Whenever anybody gets involved in operating a heavy-machine like a generator, your primary concern should be how to run it correctly. Here I suggest you look at ease-of-use features including voltmeter, electric start, and conveniently placed and fully featured power panel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the Big Difference Between 30-Amp and 50-Amp Service?
A: A 50-amp service delivers more watts that the 30-amp service. It’s designed to provide around three times what 30-a service offers. Another thing, the 50-amp RV plugs feature four prongs while 30-amp plugs have three prongs.
Q: Can you plug an RV into a 30-amp generator?
A: Yes, but your RV must have a dedicated 30-amp RV plug. With this plug, you can quickly and directly connect your RV using the ideal extension cord. If your RV doesn’t have a dedicated 30-amp plug, you got to buy a special RV 30-amp 3-prog adapter.
- Comfort grip with non slip grooves
- One piece heavy duty construction
Q: Can You Plug a 30-Amp RV Into a 50-Amp Plug?
A: I would say yes and advise you to get the right adapter, the 50-amp adapter, with four prongs. With it gets easier to hook it up to your RV. All you need is to plug in your RV cord to the adapter and plug the adapter into the 50-amp generator.
Conclusion
A 30-amp generator is a perfect investment if you’re looking for an RV generator. It allows you to connect your RV directly to the generator using an extension cord. Another thing is that most of the 30-amp generator has the 20-amp plugs, allowing you to use it for residential applications. With this post, it gets easier to find the best 30-amp generator for your needs. Good Luck!
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