Top 10 Best Portable Generators for Welding

Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by kiezelamquiz

When it comes to welding, you won’t always be somewhere with easy access to electricity.

Having a portable generator that can handle the demands of a welder will ensure that you can weld just about anything, anywhere.

Today, we are going to look at 10 of the best generators for welding and the features you can expect from each of them.

When using a generator around other people, the noise factor can be a huge problem.

Nobody wants to be that neighbor with the loud, annoying generator that ruins everyone else’s day or keeps them up at night. Luckily, there’s a solution.

These super quiet generators are perfect for things like camping and tailgating and they won’t upset your neighbors.

In fact, these generators are all quiet enough for nighttime use. This list includes the quietest generators at a range of price points and with a number of different features. There’s an option for every need.

1. Durostar DS10000E

When it comes to finding the right welding generator, you are going to want something that is easy to transport, has all of the necessary outlets, and can handle the wattage demands of your welder.

This Durostar DS10000E has all of these features and more. With 2 AC style outlets, 2 30A outlets, and a 50A outlet, you will have no problem hooking up just about any welder.

At 260 lbs, the generator is quite heavy, but the collapsible handles and integrated wheels mean it can be moved just about anywhere.

With an 8.3 gallon fuel tank, you can expect about 10 hours of runtime at 50% load.

The Durostar DS10000E features:

• 420cc OHV engine
• Running watts: 8,000
• Starting watts: 10,000
• Weight: 260 lbs
• 8.3-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 10-hour runtime @ 50% load
• 2 – 120V 20A 3-prong outlets
• 1 – 120V 30 amp twist lock outlet
• 1 – 120v/240V 30 amp twist lock outlet
• 1 – 120V/240V 50 amp heavy duty outlet
• Sound Level: 72 Dba
• Recoil style start

The Durostar DS10000E is backed by a 3-year residential warranty and a 1-year commercial warranty.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Since DuroStar is a product of DuroMax, it goes without saying that this is a high-quality generator. With a wide variety of outlets and easy mobility, there is no reason that this generator wouldn’t be a good choice for welders under 10,000 watts.

2. Gentron GG10020GL

The first dual-fuel generator featured on this list is the Gentron GH10020GL. This generator is made to accept gasoline or propane as a fuel source, making it very versatile in the welding industry.

You will have no trouble hooking up any type of welder thanks to the wide selection of outlets on this generator. Take your pick from 4 120V AC outlets, a single 120V 30A outlet, and a 120/240V 30A outlet.

With an 8-gallon fuel tank, you can get up to 11 hours of runtime from this generator on gasoline.

The Gentron GG10020GL features:

• 420cc OHV engine
• Running watts: 8,000
• Starting watts: 10,000
• Weight: 236 lbs
• 8-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 11-hour runtime @ 50% load
• 4 – 120V AC 3-spring grounded outlets
• 1 – 120/240V AC twist lock outlet
• 1 – 240V AC twist lock outlet

The Gentron GG10020GL is backed by a 2-year limited warranty for consumer purchases and a 90-day warranty for commercial purchases.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
A dual-fuel generator is a great investment for those who want an alternative fuel supply. The outlet selection is great on this generator; however, a 50A outlet would have been nice to see along with outlet covers. Overall, it is a still a great buy.

3. A-iPower SUA12000E

A popular name in the generator game lately is A-iPower, and the SUA12000E generator made my list for multiple reasons.

The SUA12000E is ready to take on your next welding job with a 459cc engine that puts out 9,000 running watts and 12,000 starting watts.

It is equipped with 4 120V AC outlets, a single 30 amp locking outlet, and a 50 amp outlet for your larger tools.

These outlets are covered to keep them protected as well.

While this generator weighs in at 226 lbs, you can easily move it where you need it with the collapsible handle and never-flat wheels built into the frame.

The A-iPower 12,000 Watt features:

• 459cc OHV engine
• Running watts: 9,000
• Starting watts: 12,000
• Weight: 226 lbs
• 7-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 8.5-hour runtime @ 50% load
• 4 – 120VAC 20 amp, GFCI protected
• 1 – 120/240VAC 30 amp
• 14-30R, locking mobility
• 1 – 120/240VAC 50 amp, 14-50R
• 1 – 12VDC 8.3 amp adapter plug
• Electric-style start

This generator comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty to cover any defective parts.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
It is hard to find another generator that is going to give you the same great features as this SUA12000E for the price. The great selection of covered outlets allows for great versatility, also for activities beyond just welding.

4. Duromax XP12000E

As a leader in the generator industry, it is no surprise to see a DuroMax generator on this list.

I chose this specific generator as it has all of the outlets and power you need to run most welders.

This generator is able to push out 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts from the 457cc DuroMax engine, which should provide you with plenty of power for small to mid-size welders.

With an 8-gallon fuel tank, this generator should run for a little over 8 hours at 50% load.

The Duromax XP12000E features:

• 457cc Duromax OHV engine
• Running watts: 9,500
• Starting watts: 12,000
• Weight: 260 lbs
• 8.3-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 10-hour runtime @ 50% load
• 2 – 120V 20 amp standard receptacles
• 1 – 120V 30 amp twist lock receptacle
• 1 – 120v/240v 30 amp twist lock
• 1 – 120v/240v 50 amp heavy duty outlet
• 1 – 10A 12V utility connection
• Sound Level: 72 db
• Electric start

This Duromax generator is backed by a 30-day replacement warranty and a full 1-year warranty on parts.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
DuroMax is a trusted name in the generator industry and provides a wide selection of portable generators to fit just about any need. This particular generator is perfect for those who have small to medium-size welders, whose wattage demands will not exceed 9,500.

5. All Power America APGG10000

As one of the lesser known generators on this list, the All Power America APGG10000 still packs a punch when you compare it to other generators in its power range.

The APGG10000 comes equipped with a 420cc engine that can run 8,000 watts and start up to 10,000 watts, which makes it ideal for most generators.

The wide selection of outlets make this generator very versatile when using it for welding and plugging in other tools.

The All Power America features:

• 420cc Ducar engine
• Running watts: 8,000
• Starting watts:10,000
• Weight: 232 lbs
• 8.0-gallon capacity fuel tank
• 11-hour runtime @ 50% load
• 4-120V outlets (household style outlets)
• 1- 240V twist lock outlet
• 1- 120V/240V twist lock outlet
• Sound level: 76 decibels from 23 feet away

All Power offers a one-year warranty to cover their generators from manufacturing and workmanship defects.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The APGG10000 is a great generator for those who are welding in ideal conditions. Since it does not have covered outlets, I would be apprehensive about using it on dusty job sites, but it will get the job done.

6. CAT RP12000E

Cat is one of the most famous names in the construction business, building high-quality construction equipment used on job sites around the world.

This CAT RP12000E generator easily carries on that great reputation.

The RP12000E offers you a 670cc engine that can put out 12,000 running watts and 15,000 starting watts, more than enough for smaller and medium welders and most larger welders as well.

This generator offers you a wide selection of outlets that are all covered to ensure no dirt or debris can enter the outlets. You will have 4 120V outlets, 1 12V DC outlet, 2 120V 30A twist lock outlets, 1 120/240V outlet, and one 120/240V 50A outlet.

You can expect to run this generator for a total of 11 hours thanks to the 13.2-gallon fuel tank.

The Cat RP12000E Features:

• • • 670cc V-Twin OHV engine
    • Running watts: 12,000
    • Starting watts: 15,000
    • Weight: 347.6 lbs
    • 13.2-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 11-hour runtime @ 50% load
    • 4-120V outlets (household style outlets)
    • 2-120V 30A twist lock outlet
    • 2-120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet
    • 1-120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet
    • 1 – 12V DC outlet
    • Sound level: unknown
    • Electric start

CAT is a widely trusted brand across many different industries. They stand behind their work with each product that they put out. They offer a 3-year warranty on this generator for parts and service.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
The CAT RP12000E generator is by far one of the best generators on this list. It has great power, great features, and more outlets than you will know what to do with. It comes packaged in an easy to transport frame as well. The only drawback is that this generator is going to be the one of the most expensive on this list, but with the CAT name, it will be well worth it.

7. Honda EB10000 Industrial Generator

Honda is another industry leader in the generator market, and this Honda EB10000 generator made my list for its power level and versatility.

On this generator, you are going to find a nice selection of outlets, including 4 120V AC outlets, 2 30A outlets, and a single 50A outlet for plugging in larger appliances or welders.

The massive 630cc Honda GX630 engine will allow you to push out 9,000 running watts and 10,000 starting watts to make for a great power range for most welders used for recreation.

Weighing in at 464lbs, it is one of the heaviest generators on this list, but it does have collapsible handles and never-flat wheels that make it much easier to wheel around.

You will get a little over 7 hours of runtime from this generator before having to refill the 8.1-gallon fuel tank.

The Honda EB10000 features:

• • • 630cc Honda GX630 engine
    • Running watts: 9,000
    • Starting watts: 10,000
    • Weight: 464 lbs
    • 8.1-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 7 1/4-hour runtime @ 50% load
    • 4-120V outlets (household style outlets)
    • 1 – 30A 125V locking plug
    • 1 – 30A 125/250V locking plug
    • 1 – 50A 125/250V locking plug
    • Sound level: 72 decibels from 23 feet away

Honda warranties this generator with a 3-year limited warranty to stand behind their high-quality generators.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Overall, the EB10000 is one of my least favorites on the list as it is quite pricey and does not have many reviews, but it is a great generator if you have the money. For the price, I would have expected a few more features.

8. Pulsar PG10000B16

As one of the only hybrid generators on this list, the Pulsar PG10000B16 offers the luxury of using gasoline or propane as the main power source for the 420CC 15hp engine.

With Switch & Go technology, you can easily switch back and forth between gasoline and propane instantly to keep your welder working throughout the day.

You can expect to get 9,000 running watts and 10,000 starting watts from gasoline while liquid propane gas will power 7,000 running watts and 8,000 starting watts.

There is a nice selection of outlets as well: 4 120V household outlets, a 30A outlet and a 50A outlet for RV plug-in.

This means you will have no problems hooking up just about any welder to this generator.

The Pulsar PG10000B16 features:

• • • 420cc 15HP OHV engine
    • Running watts: 9,000 gas
    • Starting watts: 10,000 gas
    • Running watts: 7,000 LPG
    • Starting watts: 8,000 LPG
    • Weight: 209 lbs
    • 6.6-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 12-hour runtime @ 50% load (gasoline)
    • 1 – 120v/240v twist lock
    • 4 – 120v 20A receptacles (household style outlets)
    • 1 – 120/240V 50A RV port
    • Sound level: 74 decibels from 23 feet away
    • Electric start with recoil back up

Backed by a 3-year warranty, this Pulsar generator is covered for any manufacturing defects.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
Pulsar PG10000B16 is an excellent generator to have for welding as you can easily switch between gas and propane, extending the run times between fill ups. It shares all of the great features of most generators except for the covered outlets.

9. Duromax XP12000EH Dual Fuel

If this DuroMax XP12000EH generator looks familiar, it’s because it’s very similar to the XP12000 we have on this list,only in a hybrid form, meaning you can use both propane and gas to power this generator (also see my top 10 best dual-fuel generators article).

This generator also features a 457cc DuroMax engine but will have different wattage ratings for gasoline and propane.

For gasoline, you can expect 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts, while propane will give you 9,025 running watts and 11,250 starting watts.

The dual-fuel capabilities will allow you to get 10 hours of runtime on gasoline and 20 hours of runtime on propane for a total of 30 hours of runtime if you have full tanks of each.

The DuroMax XP12000EH features:

• • • 457cc Duromax OHV engine
    • Watts: 12,000
    • Weight: 269 lbs
    • 8.3-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 10-hour runtime @ 50% load (gasoline)
    • 20-hour runtime @ 50% load (propane)
    • 1 – AC 120V 30A
    • 2 – AC 120V 20A GFCI
    • 1 – AC 130.240V 30A
    • 1 – AC 120/240V 50A
    • CARB compliant
    • Sound level: 72 Decibels from 23 feet away
    • Recoil style start

This Duromax generator is backed by a 30-day replacement warranty and a full 1-year warranty on parts.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
This DuroMax hybrid generator is going to be a great way to keep welding for longer periods of time. With a combined runtime of 30 hours, you could weld for days without having to refuel.

10. Westinghouse WGen12000

Last but not least we have the popular Westinghouse WGen12000 generator. This generator is going to be a great addition to any welder’s arsenal as it is versatile and rugged for all conditions.

Utilizing a 713cc engine, this generator is going to give you 12,000 running watts and 15,000 starting watts to help power just about any size welder you may have.

Given its wide selection of covered outlets, you will never have to worry about not having the right generator for the job.

The 10.5-gallon fuel tank paved the way for 9-hour run time, perfect for getting you through the workday.

The Westinghouse WGen12000 Generator features:

• • • 713cc OHV engine
    • Running watts: 12,000 watts
    • Starting watts: 15,000 watts
    • Weight: 330 lbs
    • 10.5-gallon capacity fuel tank
    • 9-hour run time
    • 2 -GFCI 120V 5–20r standard household receptacles
    • 1 – 120V L5-30R outlet
    • 1 – transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R
    • 1 – RV ready 120/240V 14–50r
    • 2 – 5V USB ports
    • Sound level: 78 dBa
    • Electric remote/recoil style start

Westinghouse is going to provide a 3 year warranty with this generator to keep your investment protected.

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
When it comes to generators, it’s hard to beat a Westinghouse. The engineers at Westinghouse take all things into consideration when building their generators, and this WGen12000 proves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This list should help you find the best generator for your welding needs and give you all of the information that you need.

I have included generators of different wattage ratings so that you have a great selection to choose from depending on what your welder requires – even if it’s a stick welder.

And if you’re interested, you might want to read about the difference between a portable and an inverter generator.

I hope that this has made it easier for you to understand which generator you may need and how you can safely use a welder with a generator.

Are you currently using a welder with a portable generator? Which generator are you using and what type of welder are you using with it?

Please consider sharing this post with anyone you know who might be in the market for a generator that can handle welders!