What Can I Run With a 5000 Watt Generator?

Knowing what you can run on any generator is a must for everyone. Let me tell you this- if you try to power up any appliance that your generator can’t handle, both of them can malfunction. As a result, you will have to call a repairman/technician and pay him hundreds of bucks to fix them.

But don’t worry; here, I will discuss in detail which devices you can use with your 5000-watt generator.

A 5000-watt generator can run almost every common electronics, entertainment, and kitchen appliance. You can use it to power TV, refrigerator, TV, laptop, coffee maker, toaster, etc. It is also ideal for home improvement, heating, and cooling devices.

However, it is crucial you have the best 5000-watt generator as low-quality ones can cause further problems. Lucky for you, I have also discussed the top generator later here. Let’s begin.

What Can You Run With a 5000 Watt Generator?

What Can I Run With a 5000 Watt Generator?

You can run all the common electronic appliances like freezers, microwaves, lights, and fans with a 5000-watt generator. It is also a great choice for appliances like a coffee maker, blender, toaster, and other recreational devices.

Here’s the complete list of every appliance you can use with your 5000-watt generator:

Common Electronics

Refrigerators and freezers: Refrigerators and freezers use around 600 to 800 watts. However, their starting watts are more, which is still not a concern if you own a 5000-watt generator.
Microwaves and ovens: Microwaves and ovens typically require up to 1200 watts, so you can easily use them if you have a 5000-watt generator.
Lights and fans: You can use lights and fans on any generator you like. The reason is that they use less than 40 watts in most cases.

Appliance	Wattage (Approximate)
Refrigerators & Freezers	600 to 800 Watts
Microwaves & Ovens	Up to 1200 Watts
Lights & Fans	Less than 40 Watts

Kitchen Appliances

Using coffee makers: The wattage of coffee makers depends on their size and models, but most of them use less than 1200 watts.
Toasters: You can also make your morning breakfast with a 5000-watt generator. Most toasters use around 600 watts only.
Blender: There are many blender models in the market and each has different watt requirements. However, I have noticed that most of them use 300 to 1200 watts.
Cooker: You can also use electric cookers, but the problem is that their wattages are higher than most kitchen appliances. They can use up to 2000 watts, which means you can’t turn on many other appliances if you have to use a cooker.

Appliance	Wattage (Approximate)
Coffee Makers	Less than 1200 Watts
Toasters	Around 600 Watts
Blender	300 – 1200 Watts
Electric Cooker	Up to 2000 Watts

DIY and Home Improvement

Power Drill: The typical corded power drill we use for DIY projects can consume around 600 to 800 watts. However, note that the exact watts depend on the model and power rating.
Circular Saw: We commonly use circular saws for cutting wood. The good news is- you can use them with a 5000-watt generator as well because they only require 1200 to 1800 watts. Still, I suggest you go for the right blade size and motor power.
Jigsaw: In my experience, most Jigsaws usually consume around 400 to 800 watts, making them suitable for use with a 5000-watt generator. Even if they use above 1000 watts, you can still operate them easily.
Reciprocating Saw: Reciprocating saws are more advanced than the traditional ones we normally use. That’s why it’s understandable that they need more watts to operate. Most models I have seen consume from 800 to 1200 watts.
Air Compressor: The wattage of an air compressor depends on its size and motor power. Smaller portable air compressors usually require around 1000 to 1500 watts. You may face issues with larger models as they consume up to 3000 watts (or even more).
Pressure Washer: Pressure washers are available in many sizes and power ratings. Luckily, smaller electric pressure washers can also consume around 1000 to 1800 watts. However, more powerful models may require 2000 to 3000 watts or higher.

Power Tool	Wattage Range
Power drill	600 to 800 watts
Circular saw	1200 to 1800 watts
Jigsaw	400 to 800 watts
Reciprocating Saw	800 to 1200 watts
Air compressor	1000 to 3000 watts
Pressure Washer	1000 to 3000 watts

Entertainment and Communication

Television and streaming devices: Most televisions and streaming devices require up to 400 watts to run smoothly, which means you can use them with 5000-watt generators.
Computers, routers, and modems: Computers and any related devices use up to 800 watts and their starting watts also cause no trouble.
Charging smartphones and other gadgets: Chargers usually require up to 40 watts only, which means you can use them on any generator you want.

Appliance	Wattage (Approximate)
Television & Streaming Devices	Up to 400 Watts
Computers, Routers, & Modems	Up to 800 Watts
Charging Smartphones & Gadgets	Up to 40 Watts

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

Tent Lighting: Tent Lighting does not consume more power. They usually use up to 40 watts, however, the requirement can increase if the brightness is more.
Portable Fans: Portable fans are energy-efficient devices that consume up to 20 watts. If you own older models, then they will most likely use up to 80 watts.
Electric Stove or Grill: The electric stove and grill you take on camping can use around half the power of a 5000-watt generator. These devices can utilize up to 2500 watts.
Charging Stations: Charging stations don’t consume much wattage. Most of them only require up to 10 watts. So, you can charge your gadgets easily without any fear.
Personal Devices: If you have medical devices or gadgets requiring a power source, a 5000-watt generator can provide a reliable backup. The reason is that such devices only use around 50 watts.
Sound Systems: For events like parties, weddings, or outdoor concerts, I suggest you use a 5000-watt generator. It can easily power sound systems, speakers, and microphones.
Projectors and Screens: Outdoor movie nights or presentations can benefit from a 5000-watt generator. It is because these things only need around 300 watts.
Inflatables and Rides: For events with amusement rides or inflatable attractions, I also recommend a 5000-watt generator to you.

Appliance	Wattage (Approximate)
Tent Lighting	Up to 40 Watts
Portable Fans	Up to 80 Watts
Electric Stove or Grill	Up to 2500 Watts
Charging Stations	Up to 10 Watts
Personal Devices	Around 50 Watts
Sound Systems	Varies based on the setup
Projectors and Screens	Around 300 Watts
Inflatables and Rides	Varies based on the setup

Heating and Cooling Devices

Space heaters: Your winter time can be well-spent with space heaters running on a 5000-watt generator. They only use around 1500 watts, and their starting wattages also cause no trouble.
Powerful heaters: You can power on bigger and more powerful heaters with 5000-watt generators but the problem is that they use around 2800 to 3000 watts. It means you can’t use many other appliances if you turn on a heater.
Portable air conditioners: Most average-sized portable air conditioners use around 1500 watts, which is why you can use them with your 5000-watt generator. However, the bigger ones consume more than 3000 watts. You can still run it on a 5000-watt generator but may have to turn off some other appliances.

Appliance	Wattage (Approximate)
Space Heaters	Around 1500 Watts
Powerful Heaters	Around 3000 Watts
Portable Air Conditioners	Around 1500 Watts

Which is the Best 5000-Watt Generator?

You can find many 5000-watt generators in the market, but I think DuroMax XP5500HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator is the best one out of all.

Here are its key features:

DuroMax XP5500HX can run on two types of fuel- propane, and gasoline, which means you will have flexibility in deciding which one to use.
It has CO Alert technology, which means it will detect carbon monoxide levels in the air and let you know.
It uses a powerful 210 cc engine that can easily bear the load.
The MX2 switch makes everything easier for the generator owner.
DuroMax XP5500HX only weighs 130 pounds. Plus, it has wheels, which means it is portable.

The only problem is that it is available in blue color only.

So, if you don’t have an issue with the blue color and want to get the best 5000-watt generator, then go for DuroMax XP5500HX.

What Can’t a 5000-Watt Generator Run?

A 5000-watt generator can’t run bigger and high-energy-demanding appliances like large air conditioner units, central heating systems, electric water heaters, etc. You can’t also use it to power commercial sites as well.

Let’s delve further.

Large Air Conditioners

I know it may disappoint you but it is better not to run large air conditioners on 5000-watt generators. Most of them consume up to 5000 watts, which means you will be barely able to power them on. Some of them require up to 7000 watts.

That’s why for larger air conditioners, I suggest getting a 12000-watt generator.

Electric Water Heaters

Many models of electric heaters need around 6000 watts, which is impossible to provide with a 5000-watt generator. However, some smaller and energy-efficient ones can run on 3000 watts. Still, it is better to use a much more powerful generator than a 5000-watt one.

Central Heating Systems

Central heating systems consume around 5000 to 7000 watts, which means you can’t use them with your 5000-watt generator. If you still try, the generator will overheat in a few minutes. It might even start to leak fuel.

For central heating systems, I recommend a 13500-watt generator.

Electric Stoves or Ovens

Electric stoves and ovens usually require significant power to operate, which a 5000-watt generator may not provide. Most of these devices use around 3000 to 5000 watts, which means you will be putting lots of pressure on your 5000-watt generator if you try to power them.

A 10,000-watt generator is suitable for electric stoves and ovens.

Clothes Dryer

Small clothes dryers take around 2000 watts, but the bigger and more advanced ones consume more than 5000 watts. Therefore, it is better not to take the risk and use a bigger generator to power the clothes dryer.

I suggest 10,000-watt generators if you want to operate a dryer.

Welding Machines

Welding machines are power-consuming, which is why I recommend using a much more powerful generator to operate them. Using them on a 5000-watt generator may cause issues like engine damage, overloading, abrupt machine shuttings, etc.

Well Pumps

Deep well pumps or high-power water pumps cannot be used with 5000-watt generators. They require thousands of watts, which is why I suggest a standby generator to operate them. Portable generators don’t usually have the capacity to handle any agriculture irrigation-related machines.

Commercial Equipment

A 5000-watt generator is not fit to run industrial or commercial-grade machinery. It is because lots of devices are being used in an office and no ordinary generator can fulfill the requirements.

For commercial sites, I always recommend getting a standby generator.

High-Intensity Lighting

I know most of you might not use high-intensity lighting, but I should still tell you that a 5000-watt generator is not a good choice for it. High-wattage lighting systems, such as stadium lights or powerful spotlights, may overload the generator. In most cases, the machine will overheat and break down.

Electric Vehicle Charging

I don’t recommend you use a 5000-watt generator to power up any vehicle. There should be a specific charging station for electric vehicles.

Sensitive Electronics without Surge Protection

I never recommend directly connecting sensitive electronic devices like earbuds, laptops, or smartphones to a generator without proper surge protection. Slight power fluctuation can damage their batteries, and you will then have to contact a technician.

Here’s the table:

Appliances and Equipment	Power Requirements (Watts)	Suitable Generator
Large Air Conditioners	Up to 7000	12000-watt generator
Electric Water Heaters	Up to 6000	A more powerful generator recommended
Central Heating Systems	5000 to 7000	13500-watt generator
Electric Stoves or Ovens	3000 to 5000	10000-watt generator
Clothes Dryer	More than 5000	10000-watt generator
Welding Machines	Varies, typically high	A more powerful generator recommended
Well Pumps	Varies, typically high	Standby generator recommended
Commercial Equipment	Varies, typically high	Standby generator recommended
High-Intensity Lighting	Varies, typically high	A more powerful generator recommended
Electric Vehicle Charging	Specific charging station required	Not suitable for any generator
Sensitive Electronics	Not recommended for direct connection	Surge-protected power source recommended

Final Words

In conclusion, you can run almost every common household appliance with a 5000-watt generator. It is perfect for powering coffee makers, laptops, drills, ovens, refrigerators, etc. Furthermore, a 5000-watt generator is also an ideal choice for camping as it can handle all the outdoor gadgets well.

If you want the best 5000-watt generator, I recommend DuroMax XP5500HX. It has a reliable engine that can keep powering your home for hours. It is also equipped with “CO Alert” technology, which will keep you safe from harmful carbon monoxide.

It is not heavy, either and you can take it for any outdoor trip. So, get DuroMax XP5500HX and remain stress-free!