Best Portable Generators

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 6, 2024
The modern world totally relies on electricity. Think of all electrical appliances you use every day and imagine what will happen in case of power outage. Disaster! However, there is a great independent source of electricity and it's called a power generator. We've picked 5 best of them for you. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Power source
Engine
Rated / maximum power
Fuel / oil tank capacity
Runtime
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS
This portable generator is relatively lightweight and, thus, easy to transport. The tool has a reliable Honda engine.
CONS
Indicator lights are rather small.
OUR VERDICT
It's one of the best portable generators that will help you power your house during outages, picnics or for powering tools at a construction site.
detailed parameters
Power source
Gasoline
Engine
4-stroke Honda GX100 98.5cc
Rated / maximum power
1600W / 2000W
Fuel / oil tank capacity
0.95 gal / 0.42 qt
Runtime
3.4 hrs at rated load / 8.1 hrs at 25% load
Weight
45.9 lbs
Warranty
3 years
PROS
There are 3 available modes of operations so you can pick the optimum one. Turning the power generator on is simple thanks to the EasyStart function.
CONS
The Run Time indication (that shows how much time you've left before the refueling is needed) is sometimes inaccurate.
OUR VERDICT
This Generac portable generator can easily compete with some of the best appliances of this kind. It's compact yet extremely high-performing.
detailed parameters
Power source
Gasoline
Engine
4-stroke OHV 79cc
Rated / maximum power
1600W / 2000W
Fuel / oil tank capacity
1.06 gal / 0.42 qt
Runtime
5.7 hrs at 50% load / 7.7 hrs at 25% load
Weight
46.2 lbs
Warranty
3 years
PROS
The Intelligauge allows you to control power output and runtime. Large wheels and a folding handle ensure easy transportation of this industrial power generator.
CONS
The noise level is rather high at the maximum load.
OUR VERDICT
Champion Power Equipment generator shows a great price to performance ratio. This appliance can be used as a full-scale backup power source.
detailed parameters
Power source
Gasoline / Propane
Engine
4-stroke Champion OHV 224cc
Rated / maximum power
Gasoline: 3800W / 4750W, Propane: 3420W / 4275W
Fuel / oil tank capacity
3.4 gal / 0.63 qt
Runtime
9 hrs at 50% load (on gasoline)
Weight
119 lbs
Warranty
2 years
PROS
DuroMax power generator boasts a really long run time on a full fuel tank. This unit can generate both 120V and 240V current.
CONS
This unit is rather heavy.
OUR VERDICT
It's one of the most high-performance portable generators on the market. DuroMax provides enough power for your household appliances as well as for power tools.
detailed parameters
Power source
Gasoline / Propane
Engine
4-stroke DuroMax OHV 210cc
Rated / maximum power
3850W / 4850W
Fuel / oil tank capacity
3.96 gal / 0.63 qt
Runtime
12 hrs at 50% load (on gas)
Weight
130 lbs
Warranty
1 year
PROS
This portable generator has a 12V DC cigarette-lighter receptacle. The tool is quite affordable and economical. The frame of the generator looks simple yet it's extremely durable.
CONS
There is no electric start, so you need to pull a start cord.
OUR VERDICT
WEN 56352 is an affordable mid-power generator that can be used as a backup power source or at small construction sites.
detailed parameters
Power source
Gasoline
Engine
4-stroke OHV 212cc
Rated / maximum power
3000W / 3500W
Fuel / oil tank capacity
4 gal / 0.42 qt
Runtime
11 hrs at 50% load
Weight
103 lbs
Warranty
2 years
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Honda EU2000I

Top-Grade Portability

This Honda portable generator is a fantastic combination of perfect ergonomics, amazing design, and high performance. The appliance weighs just 45.9 lbs! Therefore, this portable generator is excellent for trips to the countryside, picnics, and for powering your house during power outages. These appliances are considered to be highly noisy but this is surely not about Honda EU2000i as it has a noise insulation hood that helps reach a really low level of noise when the unit is running - just 59 dB. Thus, you can use this inverter generator during outdoor parties and events. You can easily carry the appliance by a large handle on top. Moreover, if the delivered power output is insufficient, this Honda portable generator has two parallel operation outlets allowing you to use two Honda EU2000i appliances simultaneously. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that it's an inverter generator, which means you can connect sensitive electronics to it. Without going into deep technical details, an inverter generator produces a 'clean' current which is totally safe to high-tech microprocessors in consumer electronics. Also, this fantastic inverter generator automatically adapts to the load and reduces the fuel consumption of the engine. As a result, the unit can work up to 8 hours on a single tank. As you can see, this Honda portable generator is surely a worthy appliance for any house!

Review of Honda EU2000I Portable Generator with Inverter

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B005ND19AE

VIDEO
Honda Generator EU2000i 2000 - Explained
 

Generac 6866 iQ2000

Intelligent Generator

If you adore picnicking, having rest in tents or just traveling in a house on wheels, you certainly need a power source and a portable generator is exactly what you need. Generac iQ2000 is a portable, compact, and fairly lightweight inverter generator that will come in handy for any homeowner. This tool is so simple that anyone can quickly learn how to use it. Just look at the intellectual control panel! First of all, it has 3 operating modes: Turbo, Standard, and Economy. Needless to say, the maximum performance is delivered in Turbo mode, whereas the highest fuel efficiency and the lowest noise level are achieved in Economy mode. The control panel has the Run Time indication (telling you how much time is left till the tool needs to be refueled), the PowerBar (displays the wattage produced by the portable generator at the moment), and some other indicators (gasoline level, oil level, overheat, overload). If a single inverter generator is insufficient for powering your house, then there's some good news - this tool supports the parallel operation of two Generac iQ2000 portable generators. Thus, it's a truly functional tool!

Review of Generac 6866 iQ2000 Gas Powered Inverter Generator

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0128KR4EE

VIDEO
Generac iQ2000 air conditioner test
 

Champion 76533

One of the Most Powerful Generators

Champion Power Equipment 76533 portable generator is among the most powerful tools of its kind. Moreover, it can consume both gasoline and propane. The generator has a high-displacement 4-stroke 224cc engine, so you can imagine how much power it delivers. At 50% load, the tool can work for up to 9 hours in a row (after filling a full tank of 3.4 gal). The rated power output on gasoline reaches 3800W while it's slightly lower on propane - 3420W. Yet, it's more than enough for connecting a variety of power tools, garden tools, pumps, compressors, etc. There's a 30A outlet allowing you to power the whole house on wheels, for example. For your convenience, there is a special gauge for controlling the voltage in the circuit and two 120V household outlets. Of course, this powerful generator provides the top-grade protection against power surges thanks to the Volt Guard system.

The package this unit comes with includes a 9A / 12V battery for starting the engine easily in any situation. Though this tool is rather heavy and bulky, it's fairly simple to move it thanks to large 8-inch wheels. In all, if you need a full-fledged power generator - this model is a true Champion!

Review of Champion 76533 Portable Generator with Electric Start

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $590.18
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VFDJGCE

VIDEO
Champion Dual Fuel 3800 Watt Propane Generator
 

Duromax XP4850EH

Great Performance

This portable generator manufactured by DuroMax has a powerful yet economical 4-stroke engine which can be fueled with both gasoline and propane. This generator can be connected to any propane tank to get even a longer runtime. Also, propane can be stored much longer than gasoline. Switching from one type of fuel to another is simple - just flip a fuel switch. The control panel of DuroMax portable generator is very easy-to-use: there is an ignition dial, a voltmeter, a circuit dial, and an oil alert lamp. The generator has a durable metal frame that protects the engine and other mechanisms as well as reduces vibrations when the unit is running. The fuel tank of the XP4850EH has the capacity of nearly 4 gal and, as a result, the runtime of the generator is fantastic - 12 hours at 50% load. That's one of the best results for such tools! And you shouldn't worry about noise since it's just 69 dB.

Review of Duromax XP4850EH Portable Generator

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $499.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00J7V5ENG

VIDEO
Duro Max XP4850EH unboxing features 3850 watt propane gasoline generator
 

WEN 56352

Affordable Unit for Backup Power Supply

This WEN portable generator isn't among the most powerful tools of its kind but it certainly makes a great backup power source. Unlike many other portable generators, this tool runs on gasoline only. The model is suitable for powering your house in case of power outage, for powering a house on wheels, as an electricity source at a camping site, etc. Needless to mention, the portable generator is useful at any construction site. The rated power is 3500Wl, which is enough to power such appliances as a stove, kettle, toaster as well as for a fridge, TV set or a washing machine. As you can see, this WEN portable generator is quite a bargain for campers and travelers! The engine has a displacement of 98cc and is air-cooled, so you can use the tool for several hours in a row. The generator requires a pull-start only, so there's no chance of using any electric start system. Yet, starting the engine isn't that difficult and you will surely get used to it. The fuel tank of the WEN 56352 generator is fairly enough - 4 gal - but it's enough to provide up to 11 hours of running time (at 50% load).

Review of WEN 56352 Gas Powered Portable Generator
Last updated price $600.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003N9AT5G

VIDEO
WEN 56352 Powered Portable Generator
 

What is a Portable Generator

Nowadays, the mankind can barely exist without electricity. Every day we use scores of electrical appliances, such as a fridge, cell phone, computer, etc. However, what if some accident happens and the power supply is off? Some areas in the world are particularly prone to earthquakes, which means power outages are highly likely. And that's why the best solution is to have a portable independent power source that will help you generate electricity and power your house. Such power sources are called portable generators and they are used everywhere electricity is needed! We have shortlisted 5 most popular portable generators so that you can pick the one you need.

If you wish to light your yard without using electricity, get one of the solar lights from our brand-new review. And if you like camping and picnics, you will certainly appreciate the best camping stoves.

Sources:

1. Choosing the Best Power Generator, The Family Handyman.

2. Generator Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. September 2016.

3. Portable Generator Buying Guide, Lowe's.

4. Robert Richardson Emergency Generators: How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home, Off Grid Survival.

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