The Best 5kVA Generator? Here are the Models You Need to Know

There are some generators that are versatile enough to use across a wide range of applications - recreation, home backup, on boats, construction sites, events, small businesses and more. The key aspect of a generator that allows this kind of multipurpose use is its size: 5Kva generator. This level of power output makes them a great choice for all sorts of equipment from your home devices, power tools, kitchen appliances and much more. We like to think of these all-rounder generators as the Goldilocks of the generator world: not too big, not too small - they're just right! :)

Here are the expert selections of the best 5Kva generator:

1. Yamaha EF6300iSE Inverter Generator:

The Yamaha EF6300iSE: the most popular generator for coffee carts, food trucks and mobile businesses

Ok, so strictly speaking, this impressive unit is a 6.3kVA sized model, but it's the 5500 continuous watts that this unit produces that customers tend to focus on, so we think we've got a case for evaluating in the 5kVA generator range. The Yamaha EF6300iSE inverter generator comes with all the performance enhancing features you'd expect from a top Yamaha inverter machine, like the noise block technology and inbuilt mufflers for super quiet operation (only 58 decibels at quarter load). Also, the inbuilt smart throttle that adjusts the engine speed to match the required load and maximizes fuel efficiency. The sleek, compact design weighs around 25kg less than its direct competitor and comes with twin lifting bars and sturdy wheels, making this inverter generator the perfect power choice for mobile business owners. The 'inverter' classification of this generator means it produces pure clean power, making it suitable to run your sensitive electronic appliances such as mobile phones, laptops etc.

This is unit is our most popular generator for coffee carts and food vans; it will run most mobile food catering set ups and will do it will minimal noise and maximum fuel efficiency. Also popular for Government Departments powering/backing up satellite offices or Telco companies running remote equipment. Backed by a 4year warranty and a national service network.

BEST FOR: Small to medium mobile business requirements | Coffee vans and Food Trucks | Backup power where pure sine wave power is required | Events

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2. Briggs & Stratton 6500w Inverter Generator:

The Briggs & Stratton 6500w Inverter Generator is a great generator for RV's and home backup

A cheaper alternative to the Yamaha EF6300iSE is the Briggs and Stratton 6500w Inverter Generator. This generator has a maximum output of 6500W and a continous output of 5000W. It features 1 x 230V (32 amp), 2 x 230V (15amp) outlets and 2 x USB charging ports!

It also features PowerSmart inverter generator technology which will protect your sensitive electronics by automatically adjusting the engine speed - so there's no need to stress about your smartphone or tablet!

But best of all, the generator is only $2,900 which half the price of the Yamaha EF6300iSE! Plus you get a 3 year limited warranty - sign us up!

BEST FOR: Small to medium mobile business requirements | Coffee vans and Food Trucks | Home backup power | Events

Briggs & Stratton Q6500 Inverter Generator: Features & Benefits

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3. Gentech 5.9kVA Trade Generator powered by Honda:

5kva generator
Gentech 5.9kVA Trade Generator powered by Honda

A popular Honda 5kVA generator, designed for trade sites or for rural applications on the farm, this Gentech generator is built for longevity and durability. It's powered by a Honda GX340 petrol engine to deliver a running power of 4700 watts. At that size, tradesmen and farmers can power their small to medium sized drills, saws, pumps and other common tools. Other features include the steel rollover frame, two 15-amp outlets and a 6.5-litre fuel tank. Looking for some additional trade muscle? Add on the optional long-range fuel tank, earth leakage protection, lifting bar, electric start and more. The Honda generator engine comes with a 3-year warranty and the genset comes with a 2-year warranty.

Gentech generators are Australian-assembled and with over 20 years of industry experience, they are a highly respected brand for tradesmen, construction sites, mining applications, farmers and agribusiness. Built tough with a Honda engine; this unit will last for years and years to come.

BEST FOR: Small to medium trade use on construction sites | Farming equipment

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4. Pramac 5.3kVA Petrol Generator powered by Honda:

Pramac 5.3kVA Auto Start Petrol Generator powered by Honda
S GASOLINE PORTABLE GENERATORS

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The S5000 is a 5kVA auto start generator designed for intensive use, such as backup power for your home or business. We're talking about the powerful and economical Honda GX270 4-stroke engine, a robust design and impressive 18-litre fuel tank. You can also choose to add a 2-wire auto start controller for solar backup or automatic transfer switch (or AMF panel) for house mains back up - with these additions, the generator will start automatically when power goes out.

You'll need a qualified electrician to install the generator and associated relevant connection accessory to your home or solar set up. Pramac Generators are European made and are considered a world leader in auto-start backup power solutions.

BEST FOR: Auto-start back up to your home or solar set up

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5. Powerlite 5kVA Diesel Generator:

5kva generator
Powerlite Diesel 5kva generator, powered by Yanmar

Not to be outdone by its petrol counterparts, this Yanmar-powered 5kVA diesel generator is a top choice for portable electric tools, pumps, small to medium farming equipment and more. The generator is powered by a Japanese made Yanmar air-cooled diesel engine, which scores high marks in mobile operation thanks to its low weight, easy starting and fuel efficiency. Diesel equipment often has lower cost of ownership than petrol powered equivalents; typically they'll last longer and require less maintenance.

Popular for small commercial industry applications on the work site as well for rural applications, this Powerlite comes with 1 x 10amp outlet, 1 x 15amp outlet, a heavy duty steel roller-over protective frame and is backed by a 2 year warranty. Powerlite is an Australian owned and operated brand that has been manufacturing generators in Australia for over 50 years - they are our leading portable generator brand for most trade, industry and farm requirements.

BEST FOR: Small to medium trade use on construction sites where diesel is required | Farming equipment

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6. Mosa 5.7kva Yanmar AVR Diesel Generator GE S-6000 YDM:

Mosa 5.7kva Yanmar AVR Diesel Generator GE S-6000 YDM

The Mosa GE S-6000 YDM generator is a one phase, 5.7kVA AVR generator that features electric start. This generator is a common choice for night working requirements, powering small temporary mining camps, roadworks, events, farms, and various backup power applications.

A Yanmar L100N engine and 20 litre fuel tank provide 20 hours of run time at approximately 75% load.

Backed by a 2 year warranty, Mosa Generators are manufactured in Italy and are designed to provide a low maintenance, long life option particularly for backup power requirements.

BEST FOR: Long-run backup power requirements | Roadworks | Events

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Do you agree on our list of 5kVA generator champions? Tell us what you think!

Lastly, if you want more advice on 5kVA generators; visit mygenerator.com.au or speak to our team of experts on 1300 400 122.

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


5 thoughts on The Best 5kVA Generator? Here are the Models You Need to Know

Yusri says:
2 January 2019
Q: Do "My Generator" have a register distributor at my country, Malaysia. If yes appreciate to share person in charge contact name soonest. Kind regards, Yusri

My Generator Response
Hi Yursi, thanks for your question. My Generator is an Australian retailer that services all of Australia only. Cheers

Peter Cunningham says:
28 March 2017
First of all: Your website is EXCELLENT. Uncluttered / Informative / Support documentation ... and it seems you know what you are talking about! I was looking at the KOHLER range but stumbled on your site, so now am am interested in the GENERAC 8kva unit - or likely bigger - or both. Initial needs are for <8kva, but soon, @ 20kva. 100% duty cycle. My questions relate to approx gas usage (bottled LPG) per hour at max output so that I can determine a daily / hourly running cost at a given gas cost input. and noise levels (Db) at max output (worst case) Your input is appreciated.

My Generator Response
Hi Peter - thanks for your kind words! The Generac Standby Gas Generators models are very popular for home or small business backup power, as they automatically start up and restore power to your home/property when there is mains power power blackout. They also self-test to ensure they are ready to start when there is a blackout and often gas is a preferable fuel source over petrol/diesel. Just be sure to read our Installation Comments on the product page regarding the requirement for qualified electricians and plumbers as part of the install and certification process. In terms of your specific questions; Firstly, if you click on this Generac Spec Sheet link HERE, you can see on page 3 there is Fuel Consumption data for each of the models both on LPG bottle and mains gas. Secondly, the manufacturer states the noise level as 60dBA under 'normal' operating levels. Thanks Peter

Shayne Stewart says:
27 May 2016
G'day to run an average house hold effectively what size generator would I require, taking into consideration I am running all these appliances with 4 persons residing. Light bulb — A 100 watt light bulb would use 1 kWh in 10 hours Electric oven — Set at 180C for 1 hour, an electric oven uses around 2 kWh Crock pot — Set at 95C for 7 hours, a crock-pot uses around 0.70 kWh Toaster oven — Set at 180C for 1 hour, a toaster oven uses 0.33 kWh Microwave oven — Set on High for 15 minutes, a microwave oven will use 0.36 kWh Electric oven (convection) — Set at 165C for 45 minutes, an electric convection oven will use 1.39 kWh Refrigerator — 2200 kWh Refrigerator — 1100 kWh CEE Tier 3 refrigerator — 425 kWh Desktop computer — 60-250 watts per hour Desktop computer (on sleep mode) — 1-6 watts per hour Laptop computer — 15-45 watts per hour, or 72 kWh per year LCD monitor (20-24”) — 18-72 watts per hour Washing machine (hot/warm water setting) — 4.5 kWh per load Washing machine (cold water setting) — 0.3 kWh per load Television — 200 watt TV used for 6 hours = 1.2 kWh Fan — 2400 watt fan used for 8 hours = 19.2 kWh Phone charger — charging a phone for a year = 2kWh

My Generator Response
Hi Shayne, thanks for your question - you have done a good job of gathering all your appliance information! The easiest way to size a generator run your whole house is to engage an electrician to take a reading whilst your above-mentioned appliances are running. The electrician will be able to tell you the maximum power you will need for your home and then you can size your generator accordingly. The appliance info you have listed relates to kilowatts per hour consumption rather than the maximum power consumption (or peak start up amount) you will require. As a guide, some popular generator models for your type of application (subject to the electrician's power reading on your home) are: Yamaha EF7200 6kVA Petrol Generator - cost effective and comes with a long range fuel tank. Requires manual start up of the generator to restore home power (as opposed to automatically starting up). Pramac 6kVA Diesel Generator - auto start silenced generator with long range fuel tank for automatic mains power back up. Generac 8kVA Gas Generator - an automatic start generator that can run on mains gas or LPG. Very effective and seamless once installed. Requires certification from a gas qualified plumber.

abirami says:
23 May 2016
Portable generators provide electricity by running a fuel-powered engine. That turns an on-board alternator to generate electrical power. Power outlets on the unit allow you to plug extension cords, electric-powered tools and appliances into it. In general, the more powerful the generator, the more outlet combinations are available.

Adpower says:
19 April 2016
Helpful post about petrol and diesel power generators. Thanks for sharing it

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