DeWalt Commercial Generator (5700 Watt)

First impressions

I put the DeWalt 5700W generator to work on a framing job and a couple of weekend punch-list projects where utility power wasn’t available. My priority on a jobsite is predictable power in a package that can withstand abuse. This unit feels built for that brief. It’s a straightforward, contractor-focused machine with a 389 cc engine, a stout steel frame, and jobsite essentials like GFCI protection, idle control, an hour meter, and never-flat wheels. There’s nothing fussy about it, and that’s a compliment.

Build and portability

The first thing you notice is the frame. The 1-1/4-inch hardened steel tubing feels overbuilt in the best way—easy to grab from any side and confident when you’re lifting over a threshold or a trailer lip. The fold-down, locking handle and never-flat wheels make a heavy generator manageable for one person. It’s not light, but I rolled it over compacted dirt, wet grass, and a pitted driveway without drama. The handle locks down securely for transport and storage; it didn’t rattle loose in the truck.

Covered outlets are a small detail that pays off when the weather turns or when you’re cutting concrete nearby. Dust and drizzle stayed out, and the covers didn’t get in the way of plugging in cords. The steel fuel tank and overall hardware quality match what I expect from a jobsite tool—no thin stampings or fiddly bits that bend or snap the first time you brush them with a 2x4.

Power output and performance

At 5700 watts rated, this generator has enough headroom for a mixed crew’s tools without constant cord shuffling. I ran a 15-amp table saw, a sliding miter saw, a couple of LED area lights, and a small compressor through the day. The engine recovered briskly from motor-start surges, and voltage held stable judging by tool behavior—no dim-and-bright cycling on lights, and no bogging on the saws once up to speed.

The idle control is well tuned. When the load drops, the engine calms down instead of hammering away needlessly; when a tool kicks on, it ramps back up fast enough that the surge doesn’t trip anything or stall. That makes a noticeable difference in both fuel use and noise over the course of a day with intermittent loads.

Because the outlets are GFCI-protected, I didn’t have to drag around separate GFCI pigtails at the ends of cords to keep the site compliant. The test/reset operation worked as expected. I didn’t get nuisance trips in normal use; when it did trip once after a muddy plug-in, the on-board reset cleared it immediately after I cleaned the cord end.

Fuel use and runtime

DeWalt rates the 6.7-gallon steel tank at about 10.5 hours at 50% load. My experience lined up with that claim. Framing with staggered saw use and a compressor cycling for nailers, I got through a full day on one tank. On a steadier load (lights, fans, and a dust extractor), it stretched well into the evening. The idle control clearly helps extend runtime during lulls.

Refueling was straightforward, and the cap threads feel robust. I didn’t notice fuel seepage or fumes around the cap after bouncing around in the truck, which is a good sign for a steel-tank design. As always, shut down to cool before refueling and crack the cap slowly—basic generator safety that’s easy to overlook on a rushed site.

Noise and ergonomics

No conventional generator in this class is “quiet,” but this one is less fatiguing than some mid-tier units I’ve used. At idle or light load, conversation at a few feet is easy. Under heavier load, you’ll still want ear protection nearby, but the tone is more of a steady thrum than a harsh howl, which matters over long days.

From an ergonomics standpoint, controls are clear and logically grouped. I appreciate the inclusion of an hour meter—it eliminates guesswork for oil changes and air filter checks. Starting was consistently reliable in cool morning temps and after refueling breaks, and the choke and fuel control felt positive. Nothing here gets in the way of getting to work.

Safety and protection features

For jobsite use, the safety suite checks the right boxes. GFCI outlets enhance compliance, the engine’s low-oil shutdown adds a layer of protection when crews get busy and preflight checks get skipped, and the covered outlets provide a bit of weather and debris resistance. The hardened frame also protects components from the inevitable knocks. I’ve seen generators sidelined by a snapped plastic panel or bent bracket—it’s nice to run a unit that’s actually protected against the way generators live on real sites.

If you’re planning to use a transfer switch for home backup, consult a licensed electrician about compatibility. Jobsite-focused GFCI protection is a plus when you’re running tools outdoors but can present nuances with certain transfer switch and grounding configurations. That’s not a flaw—just something to plan for.

Setup, maintenance, and day-to-day use

Getting up and running was fast: fuel, oil, a quick inspection, and it was ready to work. The hour meter is the hero for maintenance—it nudges you to change oil on time rather than by gut feel. Access to service points is straightforward; nothing felt buried or obstructed by the frame. Keep a small kit with oil, a funnel, and spare plugs/filters in your job box, and you’re set.

Day to day, the transport hardware earns its keep. The wheels never went soft or developed flats in hot weather, and the handle geometry keeps the weight balanced when negotiating curbs. Tie-down points on the frame make it easy to strap securely without crushing anything delicate.

Limitations and things to consider

• It’s not an inverter. For sensitive electronics, audio gear, or high-end computer loads, I prefer to buffer with a UPS or pick a generator designed for clean power output. For saws, compressors, lights, and common jobsite tools, this unit is right at home.
• Weight is real. The wheels and handle mitigate it, but plan loading with a ramp or a second set of hands if you’re lifting into a tall truck bed regularly.
• Outlet mix is jobsite-focused. The GFCI protection is great for outdoor work; just make sure the receptacle types match your cords and tools. If you have specific plug requirements or plan to power a panel via transfer gear, verify your setup ahead of time.
• Noise is reasonable for its class, but not campground-friendly. If you need whisper-quiet power for events or RV use, a smaller inverter generator is a better fit.

Who it’s for

Contractors, remodelers, and trades who need dependable, portable power will get excellent value here. It’s robust enough for daily use, with enough capacity to keep a small crew productive without micromanaging loads. It also suits farms, outbuildings, and remote projects where durability matters more than ultimate quiet. As a home backup unit, it can cover essentials during an outage, provided you address transfer switch compatibility and accept the noise profile of a conventional generator.

The bottom line

I trust the DeWalt 5700W generator on a jobsite. It combines a rugged build, practical safety features, and real-world runtime in a package that’s easy to move and simple to maintain. The engine’s behavior under load and the idle control’s responsiveness make day-to-day use smooth, and the GFCI-protected outlets reduce hassle while keeping things compliant. It’s not the right tool if you need ultra-quiet, inverter-grade power for sensitive electronics, and you should plan for its weight during transport. But as a professional-grade, gas-powered workhorse, it hits the mark.

Recommendation: I recommend this generator for tradespeople and serious DIYers who want a durable, straightforward power source that can handle typical jobsite loads all day with minimal fuss. It earns its keep with solid runtime, protective features, and a frame built to survive real use. If your priority is clean, ultra-quiet power for electronics-heavy setups, consider an inverter alternative; otherwise, this is a dependable, go-to choice for portable jobsite power.