best generator under $1000

Best generator under $1000

Markets offer generators at different price brackets based on factors such as quality, output power, type, and many others. 

In this article, we examine generator output power, build quality, and outlets to find the best generator under $1000. We also reviewed generators under $500 here.

There are two types of generator: traditional and inverter generators, and there is a key difference between traditional and conventional generators. 

After investigating different generators in both categories, we recommend four best possible generators in each category.

List Of Best Generators Under $1000 — Editor’s Top Choices

Image
Product
Features
Price

1

Westinghouse WGen9500DF
Westinghouse WGen9500DF
Watts: 12500/9500
Weight: 211 lb
Tank Size: 6.6 gal
Noise: 74 dB
Runtime: 7 Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil/Remote

2

WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel
WEN DF1100T DUAL FUEL
Watts: 11000/8300
Weight: 214 lb
Tank Size: 6.6 gal
Noise: 74 dB
Runtime: 8.5Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil

3

Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Dual Fuel
Pulsar G12KBN
Watts: 12000/9500
Weight: 209 lb
Tank Size: 8 gal
Noise: 75dB
Runtime: 12Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil

4

Champion Power Equipment 100813
Champion Power Equipment 100813
Watts: 9375/7500
Weight: 199 lb
Tank Size: 5.7 gal
Noise: 74 dB
Runtime: 8Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil

5

Westinghouse iGen4500
Watts: 4500/3700
Weight: 93 lb
Tank Size: 3.4 gal
Noise: 52 dB
Runtime: 18Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil/Remote

6

Champion Power Equipment 200988
Watts: 4400/3500
Weight: 97 lb
Tank Size: 2.3 gal
Noise: 61 dB
Runtime: 14 Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil

7

Pulsar G450RN Inverter Generator
Pulsar Products G450RN
Watts: 4700/3700
Weight: 108 lb
Tank Size: 3.4 gal
Noise: 62 dB
Runtime: 15Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil/Remote

8

WEN GN875i
Watts: 8750/7000
Weight: 147.3 lb
Tank Size: 4.2 gal
Noise: 60 dB
Runtime: 6.7 Hrs
Starting: Electric/Recoil

Conventional Generators

The working principle of a conventional generator is simple. Fuel is burned in the combustion engine, and current is produced.

1-Westinghouse WGen9500DF

Westinghouse WGen9500DF

Fuel Type >> gasoline / propane
Engine Size >> 457cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil / Remote
Sound >> 74 dB
Body >> Metal Frame
Weight >> 211 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 6.6 gal
Dimension >> 27.2L x 26.1W x 26.5H in.
Watts>> 12500/9500 (gas), 11200/8500 (propane)
Runtime>> 7hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Dual Fuel
  • Remote Start
  • 240V Outlet
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • 50A RV outlet
Cons
  • No parallel ports

Why Westinghouse WGen9500DF

Westinghouse Wgen9500DF is the best generator under $1000 because it has dual fuel capability, almost all types of outlets, robust power output, and many more. It is also called a 240V generator, or 50A remoter start RV generator

Fuel/Tank Size: This generator can be powered either by propane or gasoline, and it has a 6.6 gallon gasoline tank. 

Wattage: This generator has a 457cc engine which produces 12500 surge watts and 9500 running watts on gasoline, and 11200 surge watt and 8500 running watts on propane.

Devices: This unit can be used as a welding generator, home backup generator, food truck generator, construction generator, , and for many other activities.

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is equal to 74 dB, and if noise is a concern for you then you can see quiet dual fuel generators

Runtime: On a full gasoline tank this generator provides 7 hours of runtime at half load, and same time for 20 pounds propane. 

Weight/Size: It weighs 211 pounds, steel frame, wheel and handle kit which makes it transportation easy. 

Starting Method: This is a remote start generator, which can also be started with either electric method, or manual recoil method.

Outlets: On panel this generator has four 120V 20A GFCI house outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock, one 120V/240V 50A RV outlet, and all outlets are rubber covered.

Meter/Indicators: It has a digital data centre which shows information about voltage, frequency, and runtime of a generator. It also has a fuel gauge which is helpful in refuelling. 

Safety and Certification: For safety purposes it has low oil automatic shut down, which turns off the generator when oil is low, and overload protection protects it from overloading. It is approved by both CARB and EPA.

2-WEN DF1100T DUAL FUEL

WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel

Fuel Type >> gasoline / propane
Engine Size >> 457cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Body >> Metal Frame
Weight >> 214 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 6.6 gal
Dimension >> 27.3″ L x 20.6″ W x 21.9″ H
Watts>> 11000/8300 (gas), 9500/7500 (propane)
Runtime>> 8.5hrs (gas), 3hrs (propane)
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Dual Fuel
  • 3-Mode meter
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • 240V outlet
  • 50A RV outlet
Cons
  • No wireless start
  • No parallel ports

Why WEN DF1100T

Wen DF1100T is also another best generator under $1000 due to its dual fuel capability, enough output power, outlets, and many more. 

Fuel/Tank Size: It is a dual fuel generator which means that you can power it either by propane or gasoline, and it has a 6.6 gallon gasoline tank. 

Wattage: It is equipped with 457cc which can deliver 1100 surge watts, 8300 running watts on gasoline, and 9500 surge, 7500 running watts on propane. 

Devices: This generator can be used for a variety of purposes such as for welding, construction, RV, home backup power, and more. 

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is equal to 74 decibels.

Runtime: On a full gasoline tank it can run up to 8 hours at half load, and same for 20 pounds propane. 

Weight/Size: This unit can be easily carried and stored due to its 214 pounds weight, steel frame, wheel kit, and foldable handles.

Starting Method: It can be started with an electric key, or manually pulling recoil. 

Outlets: This unit has four 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A twist lock outlet, one 120/240V 50A RV outlet, and one 12V cigarette style dc outlet.

Meter/Indicators: The generator has an hour meter that indicates how often it should be maintained.

Safety and Certification: The unit has an overload protection, voltage regulator, and low oil shutoff as safety measures. It is CARB compliant and EPA certified.

3-Pulsar G12KBN

Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Dual Fuel

Fuel Type >> gasoline / propane
Engine Size >> 457cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Body >> Metal Frame
Weight >> 209 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 8 gal
Dimension >> 28.5″ L x 26″ W x 25.5″ H
Watts>> 12000/9500 (gas), 10800/8550 (propane)
Runtime>> 12hrs (gas), 5hrs (propane) @ 50 load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Dual Fuel
  • 3-Mode meter
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • 240V outlet
  • 50A RV outlet
Cons
  • No wireless start
  • No parallel ports

Why Pulsar G12KBN

Pulsar G12KBN is another best generator under $1000 in traditional generators category, due to solid build quality, high output power, and outlets. 

Wattage: It is equipped with a 457cc OHV engine which provides 12000 surge 9500 running watts on gasoline, while 10800 surge 8550 running watts on propane. 

Fuel/Tank Size: It is a dual fuel generator that can be powered either by propane or gasoline, and it has an 8 gallon gasoline tank. 

Devices: It can be used for welding, home backup power, emergency power, office work, RV, and many more.

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is approximately equal to 75 decibels.

Runtime: At half load, this generator can be run up to 8 hours on full gasoline tank, and 5 hours on 20 pounds propane. 

Weight/Size: It has 209 pounds weight, steel frame, wheel kit, and foldable handles which is helpful in storage and transportation. 

Starting Method: This generator can be started either by recoil manual method or electrically start method.

Outlets: There are four 120V 20A household outlets, one 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, one 120/240V 50 RV outlet, and one 12V DC outlet for charging batteries.

Meter/Indicators: It has a VFT digital display which provides information about voltage, frequency, and runtime of the generator. It also has a low oil level indicator. 

Safety and Certification: The generator automatically shuts down its operation when oil level is low to save it from damage. It is CARB compliant and EPA approved.

4-Champion Power Equipment 100813

Champion Power Equipment 100813

Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 420cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 74 dB
Weight >> 199 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 5.7 gal
Dimension >> 29.9″ L x 27.2″ W x 25.2″ H
Watts>> 9375/7500
Runtime>> Up to 8hrs
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • 3-Mode meter
  • Cold start technology
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • Low oil shut off
  • 50A RV outlet
Cons
  • Single fuel
  • No wireless start

Why Champion Power Equipment 100813

Champion 100813 is also the best generator under $1000 due to strong build quality, high output power, outlets and many more.

Wattage: It has a 420cc engine which is capable of producing 9375 surge watts and 7500 running watts on gasoline. 

Fuel/Tank Size: This generator can be operated on gasoline, and it has a 5.7 gallon fuel tank. 

Devices: This generator can be used as a welding generator, home backup, bigger RV, and many others. 

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is approximately equal to 74 dB. 

Runtime: This generator can run up to 8 hours at half load. 

Weight/Size: It has a steel frame, foldable handle, wheel kit, and weight of 199 pounds which makes it mobility easy. 

Starting Method: It can be started either by electric push start button or manual recoil method. The quick start technology ensures it quick start even in cold weather. 

Outlets: There are four 120V/20A common house outlets, one 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and one 120/240V 50A RV outlet.

Meter/Indicators: It has a 3-mode meter which shows information about voltage, frequency, and runtime of a generator.

Safety and Certification: It has auto low oil shut down, and voltage guard which prevents overloading.

Economy Mode: Economy mode of the generator conserves fuel, and reduces noise by adjusting engine speed as per load requirement. 

Inverter Generators

The working principle of an inverter generator involves several steps. AC current is produced first, which is converted into DC and then inverted back to AC using an inverter. 

There are pros and cons associated with inverter generators which you can read here.

1-Westinghouse iGen4500

Westinghouse iGen4500

Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 224cc
Start Method >> Remote / Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 52 dB
Weight >> 93 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 3.4 gal
Dimension >> 24.5″L x 17.5″W x 20″H
Watts>> 4500/3700
Runtime>> 18hrs
Transportation>> Wheels, Telescopic Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Remote start
  • Multi meter
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • Low oil shut off
  • 30A RV outlet
  • Parallel capability
Cons
  • Single Fuel

Why Westinghouse iGen4500

Westinghouse iGen4500 is the best generator under $1000 in inverter generators because it has positive feedback, clean current, output power, USB outlets, and many more.

Wattage: It has a 224cc OHV engine, which produces 4500 peak watts and 3700 running watts. 

Fuel/Tank Size: This generator is operated on gasoline, and it has a 3.4 gallon gasoline tank. 

Devices: The current produced by this generator is very clean whose THD is less than 3% which makes it suitable for laptops, phones, and all kinds of sensitive equipment.

It is used as a cabin generator, laptop generator, home backup inverter generator, quiet generator for food business, and generator for electronics.

Weight/Size: This generator has 93 pounds weight, solid build, telescopic handle, wheel kit which makes it movability easy. 

Runtime: This generator can run up to 9 hours at half load. 

Noise: The generator is very quiet which produces only 53 decibels of noise. 

Starting Method: This generator can be started with three methods: manual recoil method, electric start, and wireless fob key start.

Outlets: There are two 120V 20A house outlets, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and two USB outlets rated 5V 2.1A and 1A, and all outlets are covered.

Meter/Indicators: LED data centres display fuel level, power output, remaining runtime, voltage output, and total runtime. There are three indicators as well for low oil level, overload, and output ready.  

Parallel Connectivity: Any compatible Westinghouse generator can be paired with this generator to increase power output with parallel ports.

Safety and Certification: This generator automatically shuts down when it detects oil level is down from a certain level. 

Extra Features: The efficiency mode automatically adjusts engine speed according to requirements, saving you 30% to 50% on fuel compared to traditional generators.

2-Champion Power Equipment 200988

Fuel Type >> gasoline / propane
Engine Size >> 212cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 61 dB
Weight >> 97 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 2.3 gal
Dimension >> 23.2″L x 17.7″W x 20.1″H
Watts>> 4400/3500 (gas), 4500/3150 (propane)
Runtime>> 14hrs (gas), 22hrs (20 pounds propane)
Transportation>> Wheels, Solid Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Dual Fuel
  • Multi Meter
  • Economy Mode
  • Low oil shut off
  • Parallel capability
Cons
  • No Remote Start

Why Champion Power Equipment 200988

Champion 200988 is another best generator under $1000 due to its build quality, dual fuel capability, powerful outlets, wheel kit, and many others.

Fuel/Tank Size: It is a dual fuel generator which can be powered either by propane or gasoline. It has a 2.3 gallon gasoline tank.

Wattage: This generator has a 212cc OHV engine which produces 4500 surge 3500 running watts on gasoline, while 4500 surge 3150 running watts on propane.

Devices: This generator can be used as a home backup power solution, emergency generator, DJ equipment’s generator, and for many other reasons. 

Weight/Size: It weighs just 97 pounds, wheel kit, solid build, and carrying handles makes it easy to move.

Runtime: It can run up upto 7 hours on full gasoline tank at half load, and 11 hours on 20 pounds propane at half load. 

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is equal to 61 decibels.

Starting Method: This generator can be started with two methods: electric and manual recoil.

Outlets: There is one 120V 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A standard house outlets, and a 12V cigarette lighter DC outlet. For charging phones and laptops, there is also a dual USB adapter that can be plugged into a 12V DC outlet.

Meter/Indicators: Four-mode digital meters display session runtime, total runtime, voltage, and frequency information.

Parallel Connectivity: Two same kinds of champion generators can be connected together with the help of parallel ports for more power.

Safety and Certification: This generator has auto shut off technology on low oil level. It is CARB compliant and EPA approved.

Extra Features: It has an economy mode which saves fuel and reduces noise by adjusting the engine speed.

3-Pulsar Products G450RN

Pulsar G450RN Inverter Generator

Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 224cc
Start Method >> Remote / Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 62 dB
Weight >> 108 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 3.4 gal
Dimension >> 27.5″L x 21″W x 23.5″H
Watts>> 4700/3700
Runtime>> 15hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Remote start
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • Low oil shut off
  • 30A RV outlet
  • Parallel capability
Cons
  • Single Fuel
  • No Multi meter

Why Pulsar Products G450RN

Pulsar G450RN is also the best generator under $1000 in the inverter generators category due to its build quality, remote start method, output power and many more.

Fuel/Tank Size: It is operated on gasoline, and it has 3.2 gallon gasoline storage capacity.

Wattage: It has a 224cc OHV engine which can deliver 4500 surge watts 3700 running watts. 

Devices: This generator produces clean current which is suitable for both sensitive and non sensitive equipment. So it can power the refrigerator, air conditioner, laptop, phones, coffee pot, and all essential kitchen items. 

Weight/Size: It weighs just 108 pounds, solid build, whee kit, and telescopic handles makes its transportation easy. 

Runtime: This generator provides 7.5 hours of runtime at half load. 

Noise: The noise produced by this generator is approximately equal to 62 dB. 

Starting Method: It can be started with three methods: Remote start method, electric start method, and manual recoil start method. 

Outlets: On panel it has one 120V 30A RV outlet, two 120V 20A common house outlets, one 12V 8A DC outlet for charging batteries, and a 5V USB port.

Meter/Indicators: It does not have any meter but three light indicators: output ready, low oil level, and overload.

Parallel Connectivity: Parallel ports on this generator allow it to connect with other pulsar generators for more power. 

Safety and Certification: It shuts down its operation when oil level is low to prevent damage.

Extra Features: The economy mode of the generator conserves fuel and reduces noise by adjusting the engine’s speed.

4-WEN GN875i

Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 420cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 60 dB
Weight >> 147.3 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 4.2 gal
Dimension >> 26.8 x 26.4 x 23.2 inches
Watts>> 8750/ 7000
Runtime>> 6.7hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA

Pros
  • Wheel kit and Handle
  • Multi Meter
  • 30A RV outlet
  • 30A Twist Lock Outlet
Cons
  • No Remote start
  • No Parallel capability

Why WEN GN875i

Wen GN875i is the best generator under $1000 in inverter generators due to steel frame, high output power, outlets, and many more. It is an open frame inverter generator. 

Wattage: It is equipped with 420cc engine which produces 8750 suge watts and 7000 running watts. 

Devices: This generator can be used to power the air conditioner, refrigerator, laptops, phones, television, coffee pot, home backup power and many others. 

Weight/Size: It has 147.3 pounds, steel frame, wheel kit, and foldable handles makes it easy to move and store.

Runtime: This generator can run upto 6.7 hours at half load. 

Noise: This generator is very quiet and produces only 60 decibels of sounds. 

Fuel/Tank Size: It is operated on gasoline, and it has a 4.2 gallon gasoline tank.

Starting Method: It can be started with electric start method or with manual recoil method. 

Outlets: On panel there are four 120V 20A house outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and two usbs ports rated 5V 2.1A and 1A. All these outlets are covered. 

Meter/Indicators: It has 4-mode meter which provides information about voltage, frequency, sessional runtime, and total runtime. There are three light indicators as well output ready, low oil level, overloading. 

Safety and Certification: There are low oil auto shut down, and overload protection  on this generator. It is CARB compliant and an EPA approved generator. 

Extra Features: Economy mode of this generator saves fuel and reduces noise by adjusting engine speed. 

Conclusion

We reviewed two types of generators, conventional and inverter, and recommended the best possible generators in each category. Further, Westinghouse WGen9500DF in conventional generators, and Westinghouse iGen4500 in inverter generators are our top picks. 

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