Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Manager Access
A portable diesel generator is a great solution for a temporary home backup and use on remote sites.
When deciding between gasoline, propane, or diesel portable generator, you’ll see the pros and cons for each type.
A diesel generator’s major advantage is that it offers superior fuel efficiency, which means you’ll get longer runtimes and spend less on fuel overall.
Before you go out and buy the first (or cheapest) diesel generator you see, it’s important to realize that not every diesel-powered generator is reliable.
| Picture | Generator | Rated Wattage | Surge Watts | Product Weight | Fuel Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Generac XD5000E | 5000W | 5500W | 254 lbs | 12 GAL |
 |
Durostar DS7000Q | 5500W | 6000W | 305 lbs | 3.83 GAL |
 |
Gilette GEN-PRO GPED-65EK | 5000W | 6500W | 239 lbs | 4.0 GAL |
 |
Pulsar PG7000D | 5500W | 7000W | 353 lbs | 4 GAL |
When you’re looking for a power source, you need reliability to be a baseline. All of the generators on this page are reliable. I’ve weeded out all the duds.
1. Generac XD5000E – Cleaner Power, Longer Runtime
Generally, diesel generators are not inverters. This Generac machine isn’t either, but it does offer cleaner power than many other diesel generators.
This is because of its True Power Technology, which provides less than 5% total harmonic distortion.
That means the power is clean and smooth; you could probably even power some of your sensitive electronics.
Generac XD5000E runs on a Yanmar LW Series 435cc air-cooled, direct injection, industrial-grade diesel engine. It offers 5,500 peak watts and 5,000 running watts.
This generator is very durable. It has a tough, fully-welded 1-1/4″ steel frame.
This frame is incredibly sturdy. It is designed to make transporting easier.
It’s pretty heavy at around 250 pounds, but the frame design includes handles that make it much easier to lift.
You can also buy a wheel kit separately to make transport even easier.
If you want a long runtime, this might be the best diesel generator for you.
The huge 12-gallon fuel tank means that you can use this generator for just over 32 hours on a half-load.
Starting the generator is easy, and you choose either a recoil pull start or an easy push-button electric start.
Unfortunately, the battery is not included for the electric start. There also isn’t a remote start option.
The control panel includes an hour meter, a 120/240V selector switch, a 23-amp main circuit breaker, a 30-amp push-button circuit breaker, two 20-amp push-button circuit breakers, four 120-volt 20-amp outlets, and two 120-volt TwistLock outlets.
There is an automatic shutdown feature if the oil pressure gets too low. A compression release lever makes the generator easier to start in cold weather.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- large fuel tank and super long runtime
- 2-year limited warranty
- cleaner power with <5% harmonic disruption
- sturdy steel frame
- hour meter for monitoring maintenance schedule
- EPA/CARB compliant
Cons
- have to buy battery separately
- have to buy wheel kit separately
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The price tag of the Generac 6864 might be steep but it is an excellent machine with a long runtime that offers cleaner power and has a good warranty.
2. DuroStar DS7000Q – Dependable Power & Great Value
DuroStar generators are known for being dependable.
This 4-stroke single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine is a beast, ideal for backup use during a power outage.
It offers 6,000 peak watts and 5,500 running watts. Running this generator is easy. There are two different ways to start it up: a standard recoil start and an easy turn-key electric start.
Technically, there’s a third way that’s even easier because you can engage the electric start using a remote control.
The main panel has everything you need, including a low-oil alert light, a voltage meter, circuit breakers, a low fuel indicator, and power outlets.
There are two 120-volt, 20-amp, 3-prong outlets (with ground fault interrupter). These will work for all of your standard household appliances.
For high-powered tools, like on a farm or worksite, there are two twist-lock outlets; one 120-volt, 30-amp, 3-prong outlet; and one 120/240-volt, 30-amp, 4-prong outlet.
Diesel generators are known for being fairly loud, but this one has some effective noise-reduction measures in place.
There is vibration-isolation mounting between the engine/alternator feet and base frame. This not only reduces the noisy vibration but also extends the durability of the machine overall. There is also a very quiet muffler and some additional soundproofing.
The DS7000Q has a fairly long runtime. You can expect it to run for about 12 hours at a half load. It has a large 3.83-gallon fuel tank. There is a fuel gauge so you can keep an eye on how much fuel you have left.
Moving this generator around would be a challenge (as it weighs 300 pounds) were it not for the wheel kit. That said, the wheel kit makes it pretty easy to transport this generator.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- tons of power
- electric start and remote
- noise-reduction measures
- wheel kit for easier transport
- long runtime
- large fuel tank
Cons
- expensive
- warranties could be better: 30-day replacement and 1-year parts
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
It’s not cheap, but the DuroStar DS7000Q actually offers the best value of any diesel generator. For the money, you won’t find a better one; it offers great power and reliability.
3. Gilette GEN-PRO GPED-65EK Diesel – Big Size & Big Power
This is the largest diesel generator on the list, measuring 48 x 48 x 48 inches. That said, it’s also the lightest, weighing only 200 pounds.
The steel frame is pretty sturdy, and the handles make it fairly easy to lift. To make transport even easier, you can buy a wheel kit separately.
This generator runs on a 9-HP, Kohler KD420 air-cooled, direct-injection engine.
The 4-gallon fuel tank will give you enough fuel to run for around 10 hours at a half-load. It features 6,500 peak watts and 5,000 running watts. A fuel gauge helps you keep an eye on when you need to refuel.
This generator has both a recoil pull start and an electric start. There is no remote start option.
You get 6 total outlets on this generator: four 15-Amp 120V (GFCI) outlets, one 30-Amp 120V twist outlet, and one 50-Amp 120/240V outlet.
The control panel includes a voltmeter, an hour meter, and circuit breakers.
There are a low oil alert and an automatic shutdown feature to protect the engine.
Also, there is a runtime meter on the control panel and some service alert lights for alerting you when it’s time to change the oil, change the engine air filter, and service the engine.
Like most diesel generators, you can generally go longer before required maintenance than you would with a gas generator.
Because of this, these service indicator lights are helpful, so you don’t have to keep track of how many hours you’ve run the generator.
Providing clean power, there is Power Assist. This is a Gillette-exclusive excitation system that uses a power capacitor and a unique winding design to ensure minimum power fluctuations.
This results in a harmonic disruption of less than 6%, making it safe for many smaller and more sensitive electronics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- cleaner power with Power Assist
- decent runtime
- sturdy and durable frame
- lighter than other diesel generators
- great warranties: 3-year engine, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
- EPA/CARB compliant
Cons
- have to buy wheel kit separately
- no remote start
- quite large
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The Gilette GEN-PRO is a professional-grade powerful generator with a lot to offer, but the price to value ratio isn’t quite as high as some other models.
4. Pulsar PG7000D – Cheapest Decent Diesel But a Riskier Buy
If you’re looking for the cheapest portable diesel generator worth considering, this is the one.
While you might find this model to be a decent fit for you, you will probably get what you pay for.
That is, you might be disappointed, especially in the long term. A diesel generator is an investment, but generally, it’s one that you will be able to use for a very long time.
With this model, that longevity is less certain.
This generator is known for having some problems. That said, some people have been happy with it, and the price tag is certainly enticing.
This Pulsar machine runs on a 10-HP single-cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, air-cooled engine.
It features 7,000 peak watts and 5,500 running watts. Starting it up is pretty easy, and you have your choice of standard recoil pull-start or electric push-button start.
This generator only gives you five total outlets: two 120V outlets, one 120V/240V TwistLock outlet, one 120V TwistLock outlet, and one 12V 8.3AMP outlet.
The digital control panel includes a voltage meter and an hour meter.
Especially for a diesel generator, this unit is remarkably quiet.
This is thanks to the special consideration Pulsar took into effect regarding insulation, housing, and airflow.
They go so far as to call this line of generators their Silent Series. To say it’s actually silent is a stretch, but it is one of the quietest diesel generators out there.
According to Pulsar, the total noise for this unit is less than 70dB. This is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
At a half-load, the 4-gallon fuel tank will last 9.5 hours. There is a fuel gauge to keep you aware of when you’ll need to fill up the tank.
This unit is pretty heavy at over 350 pounds. Wheels are included but there are no handles and the frame is fully enclosed. The lack of handles and the size of 38 x 32.5 x 22 inches makes it challenging to pick up and carry, even with two people.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- more affordable than other models
- decently long runtime
- quiet
- digital control panel with maintenance alerts
Cons
- not CARB compliant
- not as durable as other models
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The price tag of the Pulsar PG7000D is its most attractive feature, but it does have a few additional positives, like its quiet operation. That said, the fact that it’s less durable and has issues of quality control and potential damage during delivery makes it a riskier purchase.
Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Before buying a diesel-powered portable generator, you might want to learn a little bit more about how these generators work.
You also might want to gain a better understanding of how these generators compare.
While I have my own favorite, I know that not every generator is right for every person or their needs.
To help you find the right generator for you, you may want to consider the following questions.
Which diesel generator do you recommend for home use, as a backup power source?
My recommendation for a diesel backup power source is the No products found.. It offers a good amount of power, the outlets you need, and the best overall value.
The pricier Generac 6864 is a better choice for people who need a long runtime.
If your power loss lasts for a while, it can get frustrating quickly to keep refilling the fuel tank. The Generac will last for more than 24 hours at a half-load. If you might be looking at a power loss of several days or live in an at has regular switches, the Generac is probably the smarter choice.
Which oil to use in a diesel generator?
You should always use the oil recommended in the generator’s manual. For the Generac 6864, for example, the recommended oil type is SAE 10W-30. That oil is probably a safe bet for all diesel generators, but you should definitely check the manual to make sure. As the Pulsar manual points out, the correct oil type should account for the current ambient air temperature.
For colder temperatures, you’ll want to use an oil with a lower viscosity like 5W-20. For really hot temperatures, you’ll want to use an oil with a higher viscosity, like SAE 40.
Regardless of which oil type you use, it’s very important that you follow all the oil-related maintenance tasks as laid out in the manual for your diesel generator. Generally, this includes checking the oil regularly, usually before every start.
You’ll also have to change the oil fully after so many hours of use. Some of the generators on this list include an indicator on the control panel that alerts you when you need to do this. Failure to follow the manual’s maintenance instructions could mean your generator won’t last as long, which could even void the warranty.
What is the smallest diesel generator?
These generators are all around the same size, which is to say not huge but a bit bulky. The smallest one of this list is the Generac, which measures 38 x 22 x 25 inches.
That said, it weighs around 250 pounds, so it’s not the lightest option. The Gilette is quite a bit larger but only weighs 200 pounds. If you’re concerned about the size for storage purposes when it’s not in use, the Generac is your best bet.
If you’re thinking instead of how easy it will be to move around, you should consider other things as well.
These include the weight, frame design, whether it is enclosed or open, whether or not it has handles, and if a wheel kit is included. Think about how you will be using the generator and whether or not you’ll need to transport it from place to place regularly.
If you foresee a lot of transport, you should think about which one will be easiest to transport.
How does diesel compare to propane or gasoline-powered portable generators?
One major advantage that diesel generators have over gas generators is fuel efficiency.It takes less fuel overall to run a diesel machine.
All engines need a combination of fuel and air to run. This is because a diesel-powered engine compresses air before ignition instead of a gas engine that mixes fuel and air first.
The compression of a diesel engine results in much better fuel efficiency. This means that diesel engines will run for longer in addition to needing less fuel. If you are running your generator pretty consistently, a diesel generator will cost less to operate over the long run than a gas generator, just based on fuel cost alone.
When comparing a diesel generator to a propane generator, these differences are even starker. A propane engine will use about three times the fuel of a diesel engine.
In addition to being cheaper to run, diesel also has the advantage of being the least flammable fuel type. In certain kinds of natural disasters, this is especially important.
Another advantage diesel generators have over gas generators is their life expectancy.
Because gas generators tend to run much hotter than diesel generators, they tend to die and need to be repaired or replaced sooner. Diesel generators need regular maintenance a bit less often. One reason for this is that they have no carburetors or spark plugs.
A disadvantage of diesel over gas and propane is that diesel generators tend to be a bit noisier.
That said, diesel generators have gotten much quieter than they used to be. The Pulsar generator, in particular, is just as quiet as many portable gas generators. Some of the other generators on this list have open frames. This has certain advantages but also comes with the downside of being louder.
A disadvantage of both gasoline and diesel, when compared to propane, is that the exhaust is not clean-burning. Propane has a lower environmental impact as it is a clean-burning fuel source.
Conclusion
Diesel generators can be great tools to have on hand, especially for use as a home backup in a power loss situation. Have you ever used a fuel-efficient diesel-powered generator? What did you think?  Which one of these models do you have your eye on?  Let me know in the comments! Feel free to ask any questions you might have about diesel generators as well.
Last update on 2024-04-18 Affiliate links & images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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What do you think about this Diesel Powered Generator? And is GENPOWER a reputable company? I am looking for a good and reliable diesel generator for a permanent living situation. I need it to power a 240v well pump and provide power for 2 RV’s a 30amp and a 50amp. I am a single mother, with 2 children, simply trying to survive as best we can. Accompanying us on this mission are my 2 single female friends, also just trying to make it in a very harsh world, at times. There are no men available to be working on a broken down generator, so we need one that will be reliable and dependable. We are definitely not in a position where we can just throw money away. We will be hard pressed to purchase one at any price. However, this is not a choice, this is a necessity! So i would greatly value your input and any advice on this subject.. Sincerely, Rachael Garin
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GENPOWER-Max-7kva-Rated-5kva-Diesel-Generator-Three-Single-Phase-420cc-13hp/
One of you should take a few hours to learn the basic maintenance of whatever will be your choice, specially learn how to bleed it, later or sooner you will run out of fuel and have to bleed it, very simple task when you know how to do it. If you take good care of it, don’t skip oil change, it will run trouble free for very long time. Pay particular attention of fuel quality, I.E. no water or dirt, no fuel more than 1year old, drain fuel filters and change them in doubt.
We want to purchase Diesel GENERATORS 10KVA,20KVA & 100KVA.
Quick Reply from your company.
The order happens to be so big and business on long term basis, Could
you please give us your best quote and details of the products to enable
us arrange the first order.
Your early response will be highly appreciated.
Thank you.
Thanks for the reviews. I’m a bit surprised you didn’t include any models from Honda.
This is engineer Sa’ad, my company are looking for an inverter type generator with power of 15 KVa and KVa, 60 kHz three phase or single phase 220 volt, silent type for diesel inverter generator which is not a regular diesel generator. If you has it please send me the info of it as such diminution, weight, and etc.
we are also looking for 20 of them maybe more. Also, I would like them to shipped to Saudi Arabia. We are a bank that is why we need them as a back up generator for our branches.
I’m so sick of repairing my carrier APU on my semi truck . Is there a way to purchase and plumb it into my system on my truck?
As I understand it, a diesel wants to run at near-capacity for longer life. Along with these supplying way more watts than I need (about 2000) they are too big for my sailboat. Do you know of any that are smaller in both watts and size?
One possibility I can see are Chinese made Diesel engines in the 3- 4-hp size; maybe I can find the extra components needed to turn one into a generator? Thanks, Will
You get what you pay for with those Chinese generators. Not worth the price of admission