A 4000-watt generator is a huge and robust power source enough to provide home back up power in case of a power outage, portable power for your camping and tailgating trips, or even job site applications. When you consider what this generator type can do for you, you might want to ensure you purchase the best model your budget can afford.
Today that might be a real challenge. Why? Apart from the market overflowing with different models, the quality, power output, reliability, and also usability differ. But that shouldn’t bother you anymore. Thanks to the buyer-experience I have, I was able to prepare this guide to help you with your purchase. Inside it, you will find a list of top-performing models and some considerations to help you select the best.
Let’s get to it!
Top Best 4000 Watt Generators in 2021
1. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator
My first best 4000-watts generator is a portable, versatile, and flexible power-provider from DuroStar, the DS4000S. It’s a gas-powered generator equipped with a robust 7HP air-cooled overhead valve engine to ensure it delivers reliable 3300 constant running watts and 4000 peak watts of power. It’s a rugged workhorse designed for a variety of applications.
With a 4-gallon full tank of fuel, the generator can give you up to eight hours of runtime at a half load. At 69dBA, the noise produced by the generator is moderately low, allowing you to enjoy quiet operation. The heavy-duty steel frame construction employed on this generator has 4-point isolated motor mounts intended for smooth and quiet operation.
Pros:
- Robust air-cooled OHV engine
- Automatic low-oil shut off
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Easily readable gauge
- Super quiet muffler
Cons:
- No electric start
- Frequent oil changes
2. Champion 100302 DH Series Inverter w/Quiet Technology
Champion Power Equipment wants you to have a 50% quieter and 20% lighter portable power that you can take wherever needed. That’s why they designed this next model, Champion 100302, an RV-ready inverter generator. The generator is here to give reliable power with high fuel efficiency and low noise production.
Furthermore, it comes with advanced open frame inverter design ensuring it delivers quieter and lighter portable power. Besides that, this model produces clean energy with quite low TDH for use with sensitive appliances and electronics. Another thing, apart from having extended run time, the generator also features an Economy Mode feature put in place to save on fuel and also extend the engine’s life.
Pros:
- Open Frame Inverter Design
- Economy Mode feature
- Optional Parallel Kit
- Dual USB adapter
- Parallel Ready
Cons:
- No Voltmeter
- No GFCI Outlets
- No Automatic Voltage Regulation
3. Pulsar PG4000iSR Quiet Inverter Generator
Pulsar PG4000iSR comes as a portable inverter generator designed for a wide range of applications form home backup power to small outdoor applications such as compact construction jobs. With 4, 000 peak watts and 3, 500 running watts of power, this model is more than capable of providing you with enough ability to run your RV and also keep you connected to amenities during a power outage.
Additionally, the model is designed to operate virtually silent and provide clean, stable power using its Sine Wave Technology. It does also features a compact design equipped with an extendable handle plus never-flat wheels to make it easy for you to handle it, transport and store.
Pros:
- Extendable Handle & Never-Flat wheels
- Convenient wireless remote start
- Stable sine WAVE Technology
- Carb, EPA, & CSA approved
- Integrated USB outlets
- Parallel capability
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- High fuel consumption
4. WEN GN400i Open Frame Inverter Generator
If you’re yet to find the best 4000-watt generator that can give you clean, stable, and quiet power, then you might want to consider this next robust model, the WEN GN400i. It’s an inverter generator carefully build to generate constant 3500 rated watts and 4000 surge watts of power, hugely thanks to the mighty- high-power 212cc air-cooled OHV engine.
What’s more, the generator is equipped with Open Frame Inverter Technology employed here to ensure it produces reliable and extremely quiet power ideal for a couple of applications. The generator is also designed to give you pure sine wave to limit total harmonic distortion and give you clean, stable power for running your sensitive appliances and electronics.
Pros:
- Low-oil and low-fuel automatic shutdown
- Ultra-efficient 4-stroke OHV engine
- Fuel-economy eco-mode switch
- Built-in overload protection
- Indicator lights
Cons:
- Parallel Connection Kit is sold separately
5. Sportsman GEN4000 Portable Generator
Another best 4000-watt generator you can invest in and expect the best is the mighty Sportsman GEN4000. It’s a portable, gas-powered generator designed to provide 3500 Running Watts and 4000 Starting Watts of power enough to run a couple of light-appliances at a time. It’s also an excellent solution for powering your RV, temporal power supply for recreation activities, and even home power backup solution.
The best part is, unlike most of the generators in this list, this model can give you up to 10-hours of run time with its 3.6-gallon-full fuel at half load. Even though the generator lucks a wheel or handles kit, the framing provides an ideal lifting handle for one or two people to carry. The heavy-duty construction ensures the mighty engine is protected while also ensuring you get long-lasting investment.
Pros:
- Durable, rugged construction
- Mighty 4-stroke OHV engine
- Dependable run time
- Reliable Recoil Start
- Low oil shutdown
- EPA approved
Cons:
- No wheel-kit
- No electric start
6. Champion 46565 Portable Generator
Champion Power Equipment Model 46565 closes the list. It comes as a portable gas-powered generator run by a potent 196cc Champion Single Cylinder Engine enough to provide reliable produces 3,500 running watts and 4,000 starting watts. Besides that, the model has integrated auto-choke designed to provide one-touch starting.
With its 3.8-gallon fuel tank full, this Champion can give 12-hours of run time at half load, making it the most fuel-efficient generator in the list. The robust engine on this unit comes with a low-oil shut-off sensor designed to protect the motor, giving it long-life and easy maintenance. The model also has a wheel-kit and a foldaway handle to ensure you have easy transportation, maneuverability, and storage.
Pros:
- Mighty, reliable Champion OHV
- Automatic Low Oil Shut-off
- TT-30R RV Ready outlet
- Wireless remote start
- Never-Flat Wheel Kit
- Spark arrestor kit
- Intelligauge
Cons:
- Not CARB Compliant
Best 4000-Watt Generator (Buying Guide)
Investing in the best 4000-watt generator is a huge step that requires you to evaluate your options before purchase keenly. That’s why I recommend taking a closer look at the following considerations before you make your purchase.
Power requirement
Yes, you indeed want a 4000-watt generator. But did you know the 4000-watt rating can be the starting or running wattage? Here the most important thing to do is evaluate the power you require by adding up all the wattage of all the appliances you intend to use.
Fuel type
Best 4000-watt generators use either gasoline or dual fuel. For a dual-fuel generator, it can run on either propane or gas. Mostly gasoline is ideal for the heavy-duty applications, and also it’s readily available. However, its shelf-life is wooing compared to propane. So, if you need a generator for backup purposes, you might want to buy a dual-fuel generator.
Noise
When it comes to buying a generator, you need to get concerned with the amount of noise the generator produces. You must obtain a generator that won’t disturb your neighbors and your residents. Also, if you plan to get a camping or RVing model, then get a generator that gives you some peace of quiet.
Extras
The extras I’m talking about are the features put in place to make the usage and operability of the generator easier for you. Some of them include easy-touch push-button start, Built-in surge protector, Cold start technology, and Intelligauge. There are many others, all you need is check them out. Some other features work great at making it easy to maintain the generator by offering some protection to the engine like the low-oil shut-off and overload protection.
The 4000 Watt Generators (FAQs)
When should I change engine oil in my 4000-watt generator?
The manufacturer will always have a recommended period indication on the user’s manual. However, for a portable 4000-watt generator, the oil change is recommended at 50-hours of operation, but the first oil change might be sooner.
Can I use my 4000-watt generator in a vented tent?
No. Generators are designed to be used outdoors in an area with lots of fresh air because they produce high levels of carbon monoxide. The gas is invisible, odorless, and kills within minutes. The best and safest way is to place it at least 20 feet away from your tent or home and ensure it’s far from the windows and vents.
Conclusion
The best 4000-watt generator can be a credible source of power with lots of applications. It’s best if you use all the information it this guide to ensure you invest in a reliable generator fit for your needs. Make the best purchase according to your budget limitation, and that way, you will get a win-win situation. Good Luck!
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