Jobsite demands, emergency home backup, industrial needs are some of the applications that can be satisfied by a 5500-watt generator. I have seen lots of construction sites using this type of a generator, many homeowners are buying the generators, and you will also find some small shops using the generator for power supply. That shows you how a 5500-watt generator can be useful in your life.
With that said, it’s time we get to the serious business. I believe you need one of the many 5500-watt generators available. Right? Well, as you might have noticed, it’s not a walk-in-the-park thing. However, my article is here to make the buying process as smooth as possible. Here I have provided a short buying guide and a list of highly-rated and top-performing models. Use this info to find the right 5500-watt generator right for your needs.
Top Best 5500 Watt Generators in 2021
1. Westinghouse WGen5500 Portable Generator
Since you might be searching for a 5500-watt generator for all-round application, this first model, the Westinghouse WGen5500, can be a great deal for you. It’s a heavy-duty portable generator powerful enough to produce 5500 running watts and 6850 peak watts. The unit uses a mighty 420ccc OHV Westinghouse engine with reliable performance and durability.
With its 6.6-gallon fuel tank full, the generator is more than capable of giving up to 20-hours of run time at half; it’s exceptional. Another thing, it comes fitted with a data center and GFCI outlets for easy monitoring and safe power supply. The fact that the generator is Transfer Switch Ready makes is quite useful as a home backup plan. It eliminates the hassle of the annoying extension cords.
Pros:
- Powerful OHV Westinghouse Engine
- Automatic low oil shutdown
- Intuitive control panel
- Hardened-steel frame
- Built-in fuel gauge
- VFT Data Center
Cons:
- Heavy
- High on the pricing
2. Generac 5939 GP5500 Portable Generator
The next best 5500-watt generator is the high-power, reliable Generac GP5500, a gas-powered and portable generator. It’s a welcome addition to many activities at home, Jobsite, and campground, or even in your RV. It’s a model that brings considerable flexibility, allowing you to take power wherever you need it most.
Its high-power 389cc OHV Generac Engine is employed on it to ensure you always get continuous and reliable power supply. And for durability and smooth running of the generator, the motor has splash lubrication extending the engine life. When its steel 6.7-gallon fuel tank is full, you get up to 10-hours of run time at half load. Best of all, you get to know the amount of fuel remaining in the tank thanks to the incorporated fuel gauge.
Pros:
- Dependable Generac OHV engine
- Automatic Low-oil level shutdown
- Covered, circuit breaker outlets
- Hardened steel-tube cradle
- Splash engine lubrication
- Incorporated fuel gauge
- Never-flat wheels
Cons:
- It’s not CARB or CSA compliant
3. Duromax XP5500EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The third model you can buy is a mighty dual-fuel generator, the DuroMax XP5500EH. It’s one of the many high-power and special generators in its class. The generator comes with a dual-fuel generator implemented to allow it to be powered by either propane or gasoline. The coupling of high power output in a small footprint allows the generator to provide enough power everywhere and for anything.
It also provides a secure and reliable starting, thanks to its keyed electric start and the E-Z recoil pull start. The construction is heavy-duty and durable, making it ideal for use in construction sites and also transportable for camping and tailgating. It’s designed and thoroughly tested to ensure you’re getting a perfect, durable, and reliable generator.
Pros:
- Powerful OHC DuroMax engine
- DuroMax mx2 technology
- EPA and CARB approved
- GFCI protected outlets
- All-Metal construction
- Dual fuel technology
Cons:
- Quite Heavy
- Difficulties in changing engine oil
4. Simpson Cleaning SPG5568 Portable Generator
Simpson Brand might not be famous when it comes to generators, but it’s a reputable name among power tools. Their quality works have, for years, received a lot of positive reviews for the excellent work there are doing. And today, we look at one of the master models, the Simpson Cleaning SPG5568. It’s a well-built portable generator ideal for multiple, if not all, applications.
The generator is more than capable of giving you 5500 running watts and 6800 starting watts of power, all thanks to its robust 420cc OHV SIMPSON engine fitted with the low-oil shutdown for extending its life. The roll-cage frame construction is employed to offer protection while the wheel kit and the foldable handle provide convenient portability.
Pros:
- Conveniently placed data center
- Heavy-duty Never-flat wheels
- Roll cage frame construction
- Auto low-oil shutdown
- Foldable handle
Cons:
- Its pricing is a bit high
5. Yamaha EF6300iSDE Portable Gas Inverter Generator
Unlike all the other models in this list, Yamaha EF6300iSDE is a portable inverter generator designed to give you quiet, clean, safe, and stable power to run and charge your appliances and electronics. It comes packed with advanced features to ensure it exceeds your expectations. According to customer reviews, this model is highly reliable at providing super quiet, portable, and reliable power.
It uses a Pure Sine Wave Inverter System to ensure the power output it produces is clean and stable for safe use with your sensitive appliances. For an effortless start, the generator has a wireless remote control, an electric start with a simple push-button, and an automatic choke. There is also a smart throttle put in place to adjust the engine speed to match the load, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing noise.
Pros:
- Lightweight, Easy-to-Transport Body
- Pure Sine Wave Inverter System
- Automatic Smart Throttle
- Wireless Remote Control
- Power Meter
Cons:
- Heavy
- Small wheels
6. Champion 100231 Dual Fuel Generator w/Wheel Kit
The list ends with a model from a high-reputable and reliable brand, especially when it comes to customer support. The Champion 100231, a dual-fuel portable generator, is here to give transportable 5000 running watts and 6250 starting watts power you can take wherever you need it most, be it for camping, construction site, tailgating, or home backup.
It’s a great companion operating on either gasoline or propane. For a safety switch between the two fuel sources, the generator has a patented fuel selector. It is run by a heavy-duty 389cc Champion engine fitted with an automatic low-oil shut-off feature ideal for protecting your investment. The heavy-duty open-frame design is durable and does allow the generator to stay lightweight and portable.
Pros:
- Never-flat tires and Folding handle
- Durable Rugged steel frame
- Safety Fuel Selector Switch
- Low oil shut-off sensor
- Dual Fuel Technology
Cons:
- None
Best 5500-Watt Generator Buying Guide
When I’m asked what the best 5500-generator to buy is, I give options, and the buyer gets to choose the right model for needs at hand. That is the same here, and you need to make sure that the generator you’re buying is the right fit for your needs. How do you do that? All you need is to keep the following best 5500-generator buying aspects at your fingertips as you make your selection.
1) Power Rating
A 5500-watt generator is more than capable of running a couple of appliances, yes. But it has a limit to the amount of wattage it can provide. First of all, the 5500-watt rating can be starting or running watts. You need to have an estimated value of the amount of electrical output you need before you can pick your generator.
2) Run time
While checking on the right generator for you, you have to check the number of hours the generator can run on a single fuel tank. That will help you estimate the amount of fuel you need and the frequency of refueling. For better convenient usage, I would suggest you pick a model that gives you at least a 6-hours run time at half load.
4) Fuel type
If you need a day-to-day generator use, you can buy a gas-powered generator. However, if you need a generator to use one in a while, then you might want to consider a dual fuel generator. Why? Propane has a longer shelf-life compared to gasoline.
5) Extras
Some of the extras you need to check are mostly the safety features.
a) low-oil shut-off feature
The benefit of this feature is to protect the generator engine from damages by automatically shutting it off when the engine oil gets to a certain level.
b) Overload Protection
As you enjoy the power supply, your generator, on the other hand, might be straining to give you enough power and, in return getting the engine too hot. The overload protection feature kills the power to protect the motor and other crucial parts from damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the benefit of Smart Throttle?
The smart throttle is a feature designed to allow the engine to vary the speed according to the amount of energy drawn from it. It helps in reducing engine wear and also reduces operation noise.
What does DuroMax mx2 technology do?
The DuroMax MX2 technology provides maximum power from each 120volt receptacle. It allows you to choose from operating at both 120volt and 240volt simultaneously or using 120volt at full power.
Conclusion
That is everything you need to settle with the best 5500-watt generator. Everything I have given will guide you on how to choose and which models are the best. So, with your budget ready, you should be able to purchase a model that exceeds your expectations. Good Luck.
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