DeWalt makes some of the world’s best tools, which is why surveys categorized them as the most trusted brand across the entire industry, but how do they fare when it comes to the strictly power side of power tools?
Well, their hat’s been in the generator ring for a while now, but the DeWalt name is rarely mentioned in the same breath as industry leaders such as Honda and Yamaha, which calls their quality into question, a question I decided to answer!
I picked up 5 of their most popular generators and put them to the test, and today, I’m going to pass on everything I learned to you, so you can make an informed decision on your next generator purchase.
The DeWalt Contenders
Here are the generators I chose for my research:
My Approach
To drum up a comprehensive overview of DeWalt generators, I’ll rate each of the units listed above out of 5 in 5 categories:
- Design & Build Quality
- Compatibility
- Portability
- Running Volume
- Value for Money
I’ll tally up the results in each category to give the individual generators a score out of 25, and following my reviews, I’ll include an additional round discussing DeWalt’s warranty policy, which I’ll rate out of 5.
I’ll then combine individual category scores across all 5 generators to give DeWalt a company total in each area.
And finally, I’ll combine all points earned throughout my reviews to give DeWalt a company total out of a possible 130 points.
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
BEST VALUE
OUR TOP PICK
DeWalt DXGNI2200
The Gist
The DeWalt DXGNI2200 is a compact, 1 -gallon, gasoline inverter generator with a 2200-watt starting and a 1700-watt running capacity.
Capable of an 11-hour shift at 25% load, it’s a small generator that packs one hell of a punch!
Design & Build Quality
This thing may be small, but it’s built like an absolute tank! The hard plastic enclosure is super thick, protecting the delicate innards, all of which are set firmly in place.
There’s no doubt in my mind that the DXGNI2200 can handle life in the fast lane, so if you’re looking for a generator that can accompany you in some tough environments, it’s a good choice.
It’s pretty impressive on the inside too, boasting an 80cc OHV (overhead valve) motor, which in plain English means that the fuel mixture intake is enhanced, burning cleaner and increasing efficiency.
It’s also decked out with auto-throttle technology that automatically reduces output to save gas when the load is reduced.
On the safety front, it brings all the essentials to the table, including a circuit breaker to protect against overloads, low oil shutdown, and a CO sensor that cuts operation if carbon monoxide levels get out of hand.
During my tests, all three protocols were fast-acting, ensuring both the generator and user are safe at all times.
I was also really impressed by the inverter technology, as this thing can run some famously finicky electronics such as computers and LED light bulbs without causing any problems, and putting the icing on the cake, the integrated choke knob makes startup a walk in the park.
Rating: 5/5
Compatibility
Despite its diminutive dimensions, the DXGNI2200 has a pretty versatile selection of outlets, bringing two 120 V AC ports, a 12 V 8 A DC port, and a 5 V USB port for charging things like tablets and smartphones.
Rating: 5/5
Portability
Measuring 19 x 21.5 x 13”, the DXGNI2200 doesn’t take up much space in storage, onsite, or in transit, which is exactly what you need in a portable generator, but at 49 lbs, it’s not exactly the lightest unit rated for this output.
Even so, the handle is ergonomically designed, so as long as you’ve got a bit of muscle on you, transporting it by hand isn’t so much of a problem.
Rating: 5/5
Running Volume
DeWalt has done a spectacular job with the soundproofing in the DXGNI2200. It’s relatively quiet, even when it’s running at full capacity, but the thing that really impressed me about this generator’s sonics is their quality.
Now, that’s not to say it sounds like a symphony, but what I mean when I say “quality” is that the baffling kills off a lot of the treble-heavy, dentist drill frequencies that really tear through you and make working close by a daunting prospect.
You’re left with a low-end rumble that’s much more bearable, especially over long periods of time.
Furthermore, if communication is important on your worksite, you’ll be happy to know that this thing never gets so loud that you can’t converse normally right by its side.
And if you’re working with a light load, you can leave it purring away in eco-mode, which is very easy on the ears indeed!
Rating: 5/5
Value For Money
Arriving well below the $1K mark, I think this generator offers fantastic value for money.
Rating: 5/5
Verdict: 25/25
EDITORS CHOICE
DeWalt DXGNR8000
The Gist
The DXGNR8000 is an absolute beast designed to handle the rigors of even the most challenging environments.
With 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts, it can power far more than the essentials, and with a 7.5-gallon tank, it can do so for 9 hours at 50% load.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the gate, I was struck by the clean design of the DXGNR8000’s outlet panel.
Although it’s a large (some might say scary) generator, everything is laid out in an intuitive fashion, making operation easy for absolutely anyone.
The frame is made out of high quality steel, tested for use on construction sites, and the general body is just as robust.
Yet, despite its overt brawn, there are a couple of very intelligent additions that make it a joy to work with.
Take the smart runtime meter, for example. This nifty little feature assesses the load and current rate of fuel consumption and offers a super accurate estimation of remaining runtime.
Then there’s the wattage meter that keeps you in the know in terms of output, which, combined with the runtime meter allows you to map out precisely what you can get done over a certain period — Perfect for time-sensitive, onsite applications.
All outlets are covered to protect against dust, and the integrated CO technology halts operation as soon as carbon monoxide levels reach a dangerous level in the local atmosphere, rounding out the standard low oil and overload security protocols.
Rating: 5/5
Compatibility
Spread across the operating panel, you’ll see a whopping 5 outlets. 4 are your standard 12 V AC outlets, while the other is a 120/24 V 30 A L14-30R receptacle, meaning you can hook this thing up to your breaker box to power your home during a blackout.
No DC outlets, but that’s the norm for this kind of onsite unit, so I won’t deduct any points.
Rating: 5/5
Portability
Needless to say, this is a heavy generator, but DeWalt does a respectable job of taking the sting out of the DXGNR8000’s 180 lbs.
The wheels are puncture-proof, and they’re a good size to help you navigate bumpy and loose terrain. The handle is sturdy, comfortable, and folds away neatly, which I think is a thoughtful touch, as space often runs a premium on worksites.
Measuring 27.3 x 27.4 x 28.5”, it’s quite big, and you may well need assistance to lift it for transportation or storage, but once those wheels are on the ground, it’s easy enough to manage.
Rating: 4/5
Running Volume
The DXGNR8000 doesn’t try to keep its roar under wraps, so it’s best to have it stationed well away from whatever it is you’re doing.
I’d compare the sound to a powerful gas lawnmower – roughly 85 dBA – but that’s what you’d expect from a worksite unit.
Rating: 3/5
Value For Money
The price tag sits right in the middle of the market, but it feels like a more expensive generator than it is.
In fact, I put it head to head with a friend’s pricey Briggs and Stratton unit with similar output, and it blew it out of the water (my friend was not pleased).
Rating: 5/5
Verdict: 22/25
BEST VALUE
DeWalt DG6000
The Gist
With a 5-gallon tank and an 8.2-hour runtime (50% load), the DG6000 is a worksite classic.
Design & Build Quality
I’m not gonna lie… I was really excited about this one. Why, I imagine hearing you ask? Well, at the heart of the DG6000 lies an 11 HP Honda GX motor, and, as I suspected it might, it fires up on the first pull every single time!
To protect this insanely high quality motor, the DG6000 is wrapped in a worksite-tested steel frame, yet it doesn’t look quite as brutal as certain competitors. For an onsite unit, it’s all very neat and tidy, which I appreciated.
The gas tank is an all-metal construction for longevity’s sake, and as a maintenance-free design, the brushless alternator needs no intervention days, weeks, months, years down the line.
As far as security is concerned, the low oil and overload shutdown protocols are incredibly swift, but unlike the DXGNR8000, there is no CO kill system, so using it in a wide open space is essential.
Rating: 4/5
Compatibility
With 7 outlets in total, the DG6000 really changes the game. Four are standard 120 V AC outlets (GFCI rated for ultimate outlet and user protection), and the remaining 3 are 30 Amp twist-lock receptacles, one of which can cycle between 12 and 240 V.
Rating: 5/5
Portability
Weighing in at 185 lbs, dry, the DG6000 can be a real challenge to lift (It’ll take two of you), but once it touches down, the semi-pneumatic tires and fold-away handle take care of business.
What’s more, it can be removed from the wheel cart for easy transportation in your trunk.
Rating: 4/5
Running Volume
Here’s where the DG6000 puts the DXGNR8000 to shame. During my tests, it maxed out at a very liveable 72dBA, which I attribute to the exquisite Honda motor and the advanced muffler.
Rating: 5/5
Value For Money
While the DG6000 is quite a bit more expensive than the DXGNR8000 on a dollar-per watt-ratio, the Honda motor really does sweeten the deal, and the quiet running volume is a nice addition too.
Rating: 4/5
Verdict: 22/25
RUNNER UP
DeWalt DG7000B
The Gist
Potentially one of the most rugged generators currently on the market, the DG7000B thrives in demanding, worksite environments.
With 7000 watts of startup juice and 6550 watts of continuous power, there isn’t a power tool this 4.8-gallon beast can’t fire up.
Design & Build Quality
Once again, the outlet panel design is easy to get to grips with, and the steel framing is insanely solid, with all connective areas welded to perfection. I could probably roll this thing off a cliff and still get it running.
It’s another OHV motor (Honda again, I think), so the fuel intake is truly next level, which is why it has an impressive 8-hour runtime at 50% load, perfect for a full day’s work onsite.
While this model is missing the CO detector, low oil and overcharge protections are present and worked perfectly during the testing period.
My one caveat here is that the handles aren’t retractable, needlessly increasing the DG7000B’s footprint, but it’s not by any means a deal-breaker.
Rating: 4/5
Compatibility
On the outlet front, the DG7000B is exactly the same as its little sibling, the DG6000:
- 4 x 120 V AC outlets
- 2 x 30 A twist-lock receptacles
- 1 x 20 A twist-lock receptacle (120/240 V)
Rating: 5/5
Portability
At 284 lbs, this is the heaviest DeWalt generator in my review thus far, and that kind of weight can certainly take its toll if you need to move it multiple times throughout the day.
What’s more, the layout of the handles lends itself more to pushing than pulling, which is harder to do over loose, bumpy terrain. The chunky tires are a saving grace, though — The best yet!
Rating: 3/5
Running Volume
Fitted with the same advanced muffler system as the DG6000, the DG7000B tops out at around 76dBA, which isn’t bad for a generator of this size.
Rating: 5/5
Value For Money
You don’t get the best value in terms of output with the DG7000B, but you absolutely do get your money’s worth where longevity and build quality are concerned.
So, ultimately, unless you’re going to challenge this model in demanding environments, it might be overkill.
Rating: 3/5
Verdict: 20/25
RUNNER UP
DeWalt DXGNR5700
The Gist
The DXGNR7500 strikes a balance between muscle and mobility. It’s compact, but with a 6.7-gallon all-metal tank, it can keep a jobsite productive for 10.5 hours at 50% load.
With 7125 watts of starting power and 5700 watts of continuous power, there isn’t much this generator can’t handle.
Design & Build Quality
Surprise, surprise, the DXGNR5700 motor is exceptional, proving that DeWalt knows where to focus on to provide consistency and longevity, and with the 1 ¼” jobsite-tested steel tubing wrapped around it, no amount of rough and tumble is going to change that.
However, compared to similar generators, fuel efficiency is a tad below average.
During my tests, the idle control brought down gas consumption (and noise) significantly, and the low-oil and overload protections offered seamless shutdown right when necessary.
The integrated fuel-gauge is another favorite appointment of mine, as are the runtime and wattage meters we discussed in the GXDNR8000 review earlier.
Rating: 4/5
Compatibility
This model has 5 GFCI-certified AC outlets, 4 of which follow the standard 120 V blueprint, while the remainder is an L14-30R twist-lock receptacle, making it transfer switch-ready.
Rating: 5/5
Portability
Measuring 27.2 x 27 x 25.7”, it may be smaller than some of the other generators in my review, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s light. At 172 lbs, I was definitely feeling the burn after shifting this unit around, but the locking, fold-away handle does make things much easier, as do the puncture-proof tires.
Rating: 4/5
Running Volume
DeWalt hasn’t put much effort into shutting the DXGNR5700 up, so prepare your ears for an onslaught, unless, of course, you switch it to idle mode.
Rating: 3/5
Value For Money
One of the best things about this generator is the price tag, so if you’re after pro-grade machinery on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the DXGNR5700.
Rating: 5/5
Verdict: 21/25
DeWalt Warranty
Indicative of the trust this brand has in their products, DeWalt offers a 7-year limited warranty, a 1-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee on all their generators.
The Final Verdict
Considering their affordability, I was truly astounded by the quality of the DeWalt generators I had the pleasure of testing.
I can honestly say that they live up to the sterling name the company has established for itself in prior pursuits, and I can’t recommend them enough.
Some might lament the absence of electric starts, while others might yearn for a slightly quieter running volume depending on the model they pick up, but DeWalt generators deliver where it counts, providing consistent power and unparalleled longevity.
Let’s see how the scores panned out!
- Design & Build Quality: 22/25
- Compatibility: 25/25
- Portability: 20/25
- Running Volume: 21/25
- Value for Money: 22/25
- Warranty: 5/5
This gives DeWalt generators a company-wide total of 115 out of a possible 130 points!
