10 Best 3000-watt Generator in 2023 - Review & Buying Guide

Comparsion Table

#1. WEN 56380i Gasoline Inverter Generator with Electric Start

The WEN 56380i is made with an extremely reliable four-stroke 212cc engine. This engine is an OHV with a single cylinder that is air-cooled. You can expect 3,800 watts of surge power and 3,400 watts of continuous rated power. This kind of power allows you to run your power tools, microwave oven, air conditioner, heater, and full-size refrigerator (not at the same time). This is perfect for RV enthusiasts and sailors of the deep blue.

It weighs 99-pounds wet making it on the heavy side. It has two handles on either side for two people to carry it. And it also comes with a nice handle so you could wheel it around with a couple of small plastic wheels, better than some that I've seen on the market.

The easy-to-understand control panel has a low-oil lamp and an overload alarm. This is an electric start model, so you don't have to worry about cranking it.

The ECO-MODE technology helps it conserve energy while keeping the noise level to about 57 dBA. That is pretty good for such a powerful machine. It is EPA and CARB compliant as well.

One cool feature of this generator is that you can connect two of them together to double your wattage. This is a 3,800-watt generator. So, by connecting two of them, you should be able to get 7,600 Watts.

Other features:

• Its 2.2-gallon gas tank is capable of running the generator for about 8.5 hours at half load.
• The generator is equipped with two USB ports (1-amp and 2.1-amp).

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#2. Champion 200988 - Quiet 4,500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Introducing the New Champion Dual Fuel Generator, model 200988. This one's an enclosed inverter generator with an electric start. It's 4,500 watts starting (up to 37.5 Amps) and then 3,500 running watts (up to 26.3 Amps). It's got the Champion branded engine (model R210N-VP, four-stroke, 212cc). Run-on regular unleaded gasoline (I always run 91 non-oxy) or propane.

Note that when operating on propane, the running power is 3,150 watts.

Of course, for camping, portability is a big issue. And I'm already a little bit concerned at the 103-pound weight of this thing. But I don't think you can get a 4,500 watt or 3,500-watt generator that weighs much less than 100 pounds. So I'm going to have to just deal with it, and I'm sure that that won't be a problem.

Also, at the front of the generator, you have this flip-up carry handle. It's got an aluminum handle, not just plastic. This thing wheels around very easily, and it's super easy to do one-handed. There are all also two handles on the top here. These are powder coated. They just feel super robust.

It comes with:

• Two NEMA 5-20R Duplex Outlets
• One NEMA TT-30R RV Outlet
• One 12-volt DC Outlet
• One Parallel Port

Verified Customer Review

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#3. Westinghouse iGen4500 3,700 Rated Watts with Remote Start

Are you looking for a super quiet generator? Look no more Westinghouse iGen4500 is a noise-free solution to your power needs in emergencies as well as outdoor activities. You can take it along anywhere you may require additional power. It can generate 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts, which is a considerable amount to fulfill all kinds of power requirements, making it the perfect solution for backup power in case of power outages.

The Westinghouse Inverter Generator comes with an enclosed motor, which produces only 52-55 decibels (according to the manufacturer) of sound. It enables it to power your home without creating a lot of noise.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 is portable. It has two lifting handles, and it also has this one that comes out the front and two wheels, so this generator is easily carried and moved around once I take it off of the rack.

Best features of the Westinghouse iGen4500

Remote Start: this unit can be operated by a key fob, adding to the convenience of starting this generator from some distance away. It's very nice to be able to lay in bed in a campground where you have to shut your generators off at night to be able in the morning when quiet hours are over to start this generator without even getting up.

Clean power: our home electronic safety is paramount; this generator produces clean power with less than 3% distortion.

The item weighs 98 pounds fresh from the box, making it one of the most lightweight generators going for its output capacity.

Durable engine: it designed to shut down when the level of oil is too low and when there is overload this prevents the generator from damage which eventually increases longevity.

It's easy to combine a generator like this with another generator to get even more power and more output.

One of the nicest features of this generator is that it has a meter that tells me how much power I'm using, how much fuel is on board, what my output voltage is and how many hours I have remaining based on the current load of this generator. So how long it will run on the fuel that's in it.

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#4. WEN GN400i - Cheapest 4000 Watt Inverter Generator

One of the first things to look for with any portable generator is reliability. WEN is rightly regarded as one of the best manufacturers going, and their latest GN400i has plenty of points to recommend.

At 66 pounds, considering what you get from it, the WEN GN400i inverter generator is still good for portability. For those who want to power their RV or have a mega camping adventure planned, you can be sure it will do the job and more.

The Key Features of the GN400i model include:

• It is equipped with LED indicator lights along with the control panel which helps to show the system status.
• The inverter generator has electronic circuit breakers to protect against any overloads.
• It can reproduce an excellent AC sine wave which enables the electronic device to connect directly to the generator to last longer.
• It is also equipped with ECO-MODE which runs as much as 11 hours without refueling. It also automatically adjusts the engine speed depending on the load. In this case, the load dictates how the engine runs.
• 7 hours of run time on 1.85 gallons worth of fuel at 1/2-load capacity makes it very fuel-efficient.
• Lots of outlets: The model comes with two 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets, two 5V USB ports, and 120V 30A (NEMA TT-30R) RV-ready outlet. This gives users plenty of options.
• Most importantly, it has parallel operation ability. Inverter generators can synchronize their output waveform, so you can combine two similar generators and provide double the wattage.

Other features:

• 1.85-gallon fuel tank
• 120-volt operation
• Carry handles built right in
• EPA+CARB / 50 State Compliant
• 2-year limited warranty

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#5. Champion 100554 - 3,500 Watt Generator Gasoline Generator for RV & Home Use

Champion is renowned for its high-performing power generation equipment. The Champion Ready Portable Generator has to be one of their most innovative products. Not only have exceeded an innovative design for a portable generator but they have surpassed the universal standard for performance excellence.

This 3500-Watt RV Ready Generator has a 208cc Champion engine with an electric start plus a battery that features Intelligauge for outrage backup all your RV power needs. In fact, it has enough watts to power an RV air conditioner. It easy to start features are stress-free when it comes to starting the generator in cold weather. Even the push-button start includes a battery for added coverage.

This generator is also EPA certified and CARB compliant. In addition, you can purchase with the utmost confidence. Champion Support provides you with a 3-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support.

With a 4375 starting watt and 3500 running watts, you will enjoy up to 12 hours of run time on a full tank of gas (4.7 gal.). It also has a Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads and to keep your devices and appliances safe. And with a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet, the sound will be no louder than an air conditioning unit at 50 feet or heavy traffic at 300 feet. Moreover, the innovative Intelligauge will monitor frequency, voltage, and operating hours. Plus, with the foldaway easy-grip handle and wheel kit with a forever inflated tire, you can simply move your generator where it is needed.

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#6. WEN 56475 Gasoline Powered Generator with Electric Start

Are you looking for a cheap and portable generator? WEN 56475 is readily available in the market to ensure all your power problems are sorted out. You may be asking yourself why WEN 56475, its best preferred due to the fact that at half load this generator will give you power for at least 11 hours. When running continues it has an ability to produce 3750 watts while the starting wattage is at 4750 watts, this is enough power to run almost every electronic at home or office.

Why WEN 56475 4750 Watt

Durable: this unit is long lasting its designed with a feature which allow low oil shutdown.

Easy portability: it comes with mounted wheels and fold-down handle this enable easy mobility of the unit.

Electric Start: a keyless electric start lets you turn on your generator at the press of a button.

Very safe: this unit has spark arrestor, a very vital part for those intending to use it in the forest.

Conclusion

Get yourself WEN 56475; get the value of your hard earned money.

Warranty

WEN 56475 4750-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator has a 2-year limited warranty.

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#7. Champion 201052 Dual Fuel (Gasoline+Propane) Generator

Champion - 201052 is a 3800 rated watt portable generator used as a backup or standby power source. It produces enough power for most appliances. Because of the dual-fuel source, this champion generator is very diversified in terms of usage. You can either use propane gas or just regular gasoline to power this generator.

The generator is quite big, but you do not have to worry about how to start it because the electric push-button start makes things easier. And if the battery of the generator is low, well, you have to fall back to the use of the pull start. And for people who are concerned about the noise this generator produces, well, the generator creates so little sound that you'd almost think it's just a lawnmower.

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#8. Westinghouse WGen3600 - Portable Gasoline Generator for Home Standby & RV

The Westinghouse WGen3600 Portable Generator is a real powerhouse, with more than enough watts to power just about anything you need.

This generator provides more than enough power to run an off grid cabin, a tailgate party or your RV air conditioner and microwave. It will also provide your home with the essential backup power you need in case of a prolonged black out or natural disaster.

Why Westinghouse WGen3600 Portable Generator

This generator is easy to unbox, and comes “plug and play” with minimal assembly required. It has everything you need to get it up and running right away. The kit includes oil and an oil funnel, as well as a tool kit, and a detailed user's manual.

The 120v house receptacles, as well as 30 amp receptacles have weather proof rubber covers. It can run for up to 18 hours on just 4 gallons of gas. It has an easy to read gas gauge, as well as an automatic low oil shut off.

The 212cc engine is sturdy, with a cast iron sleeve.

The price isn't bad, for such a powerful generator.

Potential Problem

It's big and heavy, weighing in at 107 lbs. If you plan on using it camping, you may need two people to get into the truck. However, the wheels make it easy to move once you get it out on the ground.

If you intend to use this with an RV, it may not be suitable for a motorhome, due to limited storage. But it would be perfect for use with a toy hauler. It could also be used with a trailer, if you can transport it in the truck bed.

It's a 4 stroke engine, so it can be noisy. However, it's not as noisy as some 4 strokes.

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#9. DuroMax XP4000S - Portable Gasoline Generator

Have you ever thought of a dependable portable generator for your power problem? DuroMax is all you need. The XP4000S is a light-duty generator with the capability of producing 4000 peak watt and 3,300 running watts. This unit can handle the most common equipment such as a refrigerator, home air conditioner among others.

It's durable, it has a metal casing, therefore, can withstand rough manhandling.

This generator complies with California Air Resources Board CARB exhaust emission standards, which means it is environment friendly.

When in full tank you will enjoy 12 hours of uninterrupted power supply. Everything is made easy thank to oil funnel, spark plug wrench, toolset and owner’s manual accompanied this package.

Potential problem

If the generator does start it could mean that the gas may be too old therefore draining it and adding new gas would be the best idea. Still, if it takes longer to start you can clean the spark plug, and if this fails you need to change it completely.

Conclusion: It is pocket-friendly and is of high quality; get the value of your money.

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#10. Briggs & Stratton 30736 - 3500 Watt Portable Generator with RV Outlet

Are you looking to power some of your tools or appliances? Better yet, looking for an affordable conventional generator that can power your RV’s 15,000 BTU air conditioner? Well, you might have to pay serious attention to the Briggs & Stratton 30736!

At a glance, this unit still is what you would consider a heavy piece of machinery. However, you might have an easier experience moving it around thanks to its set of never-flat tires. Let’s closely scrutinize why this unit might be the best buy at this price tag.

Operation & Ease of Use

This unit’s control panel presents you with amazing functionality, and it isn’t overly complicated to use. The multi-featured control panel rocks three household outlets – (2) 120V/20A Duplex (NEMA 5-20R), (1) 120V/30A (NEMA TT-30R) – Locking RV outlet.

This unit is equipped with circuit breaker protection to safeguard it in the case you overload the outlets and an automated low-oil shut-off system.

Given, the Briggs & Stratton 30736 is not a lightweight generator. Even though it weighs about 115lbs, it’s technically movable. That being said, you might want to use special equipment for any attempts to manipulate and transport it. The good thing is that it rocks 7” never-flat tires to assist you when moving it around.

CO Guard technology: advanced carbon monoxide detection system. The generator will automatically shut off if it's not in a well-ventilated area, and the CO2 concentration may be dangerous.

Noise Level & Power

The Briggs & Stratton 30736 is fitted with a powerful 208cc, OHV engine for a power yield of about 3,500 running watts and 4,375 surge watts. All thanks to its Power Surge Alternator, this unit produces short power surges that can power up your huge motor-driven appliances.

It’s quite unfortunate that the Briggs & Stratton 30736 doesn’t have quiet functionality. Even though the manufacturer doesn’t specify this conventional generator’s noise level, they went out of their way to fit it with a Super Lo-Tone muffler in an attempt to reduce its noise generation.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Bottom line, if you’re on the market looking for a huge fuel-efficient generator, just under $600, that packs the juice to power most, if not all, of your RV’s appliances – then, the Briggs & Stratton 30736 might be a good buy for you. In fact, the DuroMax XP5500EH is one of the other few models that have comparable levels of power for every dollar spent and functionality!

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