Events like power outages and blackouts can range from inconvenient to catastrophic. While most of us can survive a couple of hours without power, anything longer will severely impact every aspect of your life. Air conditioning systems, heating systems, freezers, lights, and water pumps all rely on having constant power, and surviving without these systems for days can be extremely difficult.
Many people have turned to portable generators to provide an alternative power source during a power outage or to provide power while on the road.
No matter what your needs, a portable generator is a big investment. There are so many generators on the market that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you want to avoid buying one that’s either too powerful or not powerful enough, check out our buying guide and list of the best portable generators in 2020.
WEN 56225i Inverter Generator
Features
· Running Wattage: 1,800 W
· Surge wattage: 2,200 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 6 hours at half-load
· Fuel capacity: 1-gallon tank
· Noise level: 53 dB
· Weight: 48.5 lb
The WEN 56225i generator is an excellent portable generator, especially if you’re a camper who wants a portable power source or a DIY enthusiast who needs an extra bit of electricity in your hobby room.
It’s a no-frills model with a pull-start mechanism, two AC outlets, and two DC outlets, as well as two USB ports for charging your electronics. As with most portable inverter generators, it’s surprisingly quiet and runs at just a little bit louder than an ordinary conversation.
The four-stroke 79.7 cc OHV engine produces around 1,800 W of running power, which probably isn’t enough to power a whole house during an emergency. However, it has a pretty good run time and low fuel consumption, making it perfect for the RV and camping crowd.
The WEN 56225i also has several useful features, including a fuel shut-off that helps prevent blockages and decrease the unit’s necessary maintenance. WEN itself states that this portable inverter is low-maintenance and will last for several years with minimal care.
The other features that we like are the very clear fuel gauge, circuit breaker, and automatic low oil shutdown, all of which will help extend the unit’s lifespan and make it easier and more convenient to use.
Pros
· Very quiet during operation
· Its low weight and convenient carry handles make it perfect for outdoor excursions or as a secondary power source for a home workshop
· Has many advanced features typically found on more expensive models
· Low maintenance and good build quality
· An excellent alternative to the Honda EU2200i
Cons
· The typical lifespan is around two to three years
Briggs Stratton 30651 P2200
Features
· Running wattage: 1,700 W
· Surge wattage: 2,200 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 4 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 1-gallon tank
· Noise level: 59 dB
· Weight: 54.6 lb
The 30651 P2200 is part of Briggs Stratton’s range of PowerSmart generators, which provide good power combined with a convenient and portable design. This portable inverter generator is easy to carry and makes a great camping power supply or a secondary source at home.
The P2200 is Briggs Stratton’s answer to the Honda EU2200i, offering all the benefits of inverter technology, such as decent running power, while remaining quiet and very fuel-efficient.
You may find that a 1,700-watt portable generator isn’t enough to power your home. Still, the generator is parallel capable, so you can hook up a second generator to get enough backup power to run your home for a while.
This gas-powered generator uses inverter technology to make it more fuel-efficient, quiet, and safe for electronics like mobile phones and tablets. The 30651 P2200 uses Quiet Power technology, which allows the unit to control the engine speed according to the current load. Under lower load, the engine will work less, meaning less pollution, less fuel waste, and less noise.
What sets this generator apart from others is its very low Total Harmonic Distortion of 3%, which means that any energy produced by this generator is mostly surge and fluctuation-free. It’s one of the best inverter generators for work sites since it won’t damage your power tools during use.
One aspect that we didn’t like is the weight of the product. It’s on the heavier end and only comes with an H-handle at the top. While it’s possible to carry, you may not be content to transport it around frequently.
Pros
· User-friendly design makes this a generator that’s great for first-time owners
· Parallel capability
· Decent power output and fuel-efficient
Cons
· Not CARB-compliant
· Relatively heavy for a portable model
Briggs Stratton 30663 Elite
Features
· Running wattage: 7,000 W
· Surge wattage: 8,750 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 9 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 7.5-gallon tank
· Noise level: Not measured by manufacturer
· Weight: 221 lb
If you want a home standby generator, you need something to provide enough power to your whole house. The Briggs Stratton 30663 Elite is a beast that will deliver 7,000 W while remaining relatively portable due to the open-frame enclosure.
The main target market for this portable generator is people who don’t want to rely on traditional power sources, like food truck owners and professionals in the lighting or construction industry. With a run time of over nine hours at half load, this generator will keep going for most of the day on a full tank of gas.
The four-stroke, 420 cc OHV engine has both a conventional pull-start mechanism and an easy-to-use electric start. It’s transfer-switch ready, making it easy to hook up to the home, and has five AC outlets, two of which are GFCI-compliant.
While the 30663 Elite is technically portable, it’s still relatively inconvenient to transport. The open frame is stable, and the 12″ wheels make hauling the generator around doable with a couple of helping hands. We appreciate that the wheels help displace the generator’s weight while keeping it clear off the ground.
The 30663 Elite comes with a digital data center with a menu that provides useful information like lifetime run time. The generator also comes with the typical features of a product this size, including a visual fuel gauge, spark arrestor, and overload protection.
Pros
· GFCI outlets for added safety and peace of mind
· Electric start is much more convenient than conventional mechanical starting mechanisms
· Relatively easy to transport despite the high weight
Cons
· Not EPA or CARB compliant
· Low fuel efficiency compared to similar products in the price range
DuroStar DS4000S
Features
· Running wattage: 3,3000 W
· Surge wattage: 4,000 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 8 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 4-gallon tank
· Noise level: 69 dB
· Weight: 94 lb
The DuroStar DS4000S is one of the most popular portable generators for household or work site use. It generates enough power to run your vital appliances with ease during power outages, though you won’t be able to run every device in your home. What makes it even more appealing as a backup power supply is that it’s relatively quiet thanks to its muffler system.
The main appeal of the DS4000S is fuel efficiency. It can run for almost eight hours at half-load on a four-gallon tank and has a very visible fuel indicator, so you’ll know when you need to put more into the fuel tank.
The DuroStar DS4000S has three AC outlets: two 120V amp outlets and one twist-lock outlet, making it easy to hook up to your RV. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have DC output or 240V outlets, so you’ll need converters or another generator if these are vital features for you.
Like many generators in this price range, you only get a pull-start with the DuroStar DS4000S. While it’s inconvenient, many generator owners are content with this feature, since it means that you don’t need to worry about setting up the electrical switch when you first get the product.
Overall, the DuroStar DS4000S offers a lot of wattage for a very attractive price. Many other heavy-duty generators provide this much power and have a more exciting menu of features, but you’ll struggle to find the same quality and power for a better price.
If you’re looking for a reliable home backup generator that does the job and is easy to use, this generator is well worth your attention.
Pros
· Excellent value for money
· Easy to maintain and operate
· Very good fuel consumption means that you can get almost eight hours on a four-gallon gas tank
· One-year warranty on all parts
Cons
· Lacks an informative control panel that shows amps and watts generated
WEN56180
Features
· Running wattage: 1,500 W
· Surge wattage: 1,800 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 8 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 1.45-gallon tank
· Noise level: 65 dB
· Weight: 50 lb
The WEN 56180 is one of the smallest portable generators we reviewed, but it still packs a punch. The generator’s design focuses on providing reliable, fuel-efficient results for all your minor power needs. Unlike the Honda EU2200i, this isn’t an inverter, which does create some drawbacks such as increased noise and high THD readings.
The 4-stroke 98 cc OHV single-cylinder engine uses a forced-air cooling system to keep it running cool even during extended use. The smaller engine means better fuel economy, and the WEN can keep going for up to eight hours on a single tank, provided you don’t overload it.
This 1,500-watt portable generator won’t be strong enough to power your AC or other power-hungry appliances, but it still has plenty of use as a camping aid or to provide some backup power for your essentials. It’s both EPA and CARB-compliant and comes with a spark arrestor, so it’s perfect for weekend camping trips.
The control menu on the WEN is pretty simple, and the generator requires minimal input to run. You won’t get much information, and the most you can do is turn the generator on and off. The product has the traditional manual pull-switch mechanism, and the entire model is minimalist to save on weight and cost.
While the WEN 56180 is great for occasional use, you may not be content with its performance for heavy-duty jobs like running a work site. Many users report that it tends to break within the two-year warranty period if used often, even with proper maintenance. The most common issue is the capacitor, which tends to expire well within the warranty period.
Pros
· Very compact and lightweight, making it perfect for low-energy camping trips
· A full 1.4-gallon tank can generate power for up to four hours at full load
· CARB-compliant
Cons
· No lifetime hours counter, which makes keeping up with maintenance tricky
· Some parts are unreliable and may need to be replaced before the warranty expires
Rockpals 250W Solar-Powered Generator
Features
· Running wattage: 250 W
· Surge wattage: 300W
· Fuel: solar
· Runtime: 222W per hour
· Fuel capacity: N/A
· Noise level: Silent
· Weight: 5.5 lb
If you’re not ready to commit to a large portable generator, the Rockpals 250W solar-powered generator may be the right fit for you. Technically, it isn’t a generator since it doesn’t generate any power of its own. Instead, it’s a big battery that you can recharge either via solar power or through your wall socket.
Once fully charged, you can get almost a full hour of use before you need to recharge it, which is perfect for people who live in areas with an unreliable power supply. We recommend purchasing some solar panels since the Rockpals has the technology to get the most out of solar charging. Adding solar panels essentially changes the Rockpals 250 W generator from a battery into something significantly more useful and reliable.
Most people will use a low-power-output generator like this to charge their electronic products, like cellphones, laptops, and maybe lights and fans. The Rockpals’ Pure Sine Wave technology ensures that you get steady flow with no surges or fluctuations, so your devices are safe from potential electrical damage.
Pros
· Very lightweight and easy to carry
· Has lots of important features including short circuit and overcharge protection as well as temperature control
· Pure Sine Wave technology ensures a steady flow of power
· Perfect for running small devices during a power outage
Cons
· Very low power
· You have to buy the solar panels separately
DuroMax XP12000EH
Features
· Running wattage: 9,500 W
· Surge wattage: 12,000 W
· Fuel: dual-fuel, gasoline and propane
· Runtime: 9 hours at half load on gas, 4 hours on propane
· Fuel capacity: 8.3-gallon tank
· Noise level: 72 dB
· Weight: 221 lb
The DuroMax XP12000EH is a heavy-duty portable generator that’s ideal as a backup power supply during a power outage. It produces enough electricity to power most of your normal home appliances and has a good run time as well.
At first glance, it may not seem to meet the definition of “portable” at 221 pounds, but the heavy-duty frame and wheels make transporting this beast surprisingly easy. It’s one of the lighter generators in the 10,000 running watts range while still putting out plenty of power.
DuroMax is one of the best-known brands for generators, and they take their reputation seriously. There is a three-year warranty on most parts as well as a 30-day full refund window.
Thanks to its all-metal construction and dual-fuel functionality, the DuroMax XP12000EH is the best emergency generator you can buy. It’s portable enough to use on construction sites where it will handle all the power tools with ease, and it also has an engine that will produce enough output to keep most of your appliances and AC running during a power outage.
The dual-fuel tank means that you can get a total runtime of 16 hours before refilling. This incredible run time gives the Duromax significantly more reliability than a single fuel gas-powered tank generator.
It also comes with all of the features you’d expect from a high-end portable generator, including electric start, idle control programming, and a voltmeter. There are four outlets, two of which are GFCI-compliant, a heavy-duty 50 amp outlet, and a 240 V outlet. Each outlet has its own circuit breaker for added safety, making this one of the best portable generators for heavy-duty use on work sites.
As you’d expect from a four-stroke 457 cc OHV engine, when the XP12000EH starts running at full load, it gets very loud. The official noise measurement is 72 dB at quarter-load, and it will only get louder the more you run it. However, all gas-powered generators of this size have the same problem, and even the best muffling system can’t do much to prevent it.
Pros
· 9,500 running watts
· Large fuel tank with dual fuel gasoline and propane options
· Many convenient features like electric start and large tank capacity
· Three-year warranty for extra peace of mind
Cons
· Loud
· High fuel consumption and no eco-mode make this portable generator expensive to run continuously
Honda EU7000is
Features
· Running wattage: 5,500 W
· Surge wattage: 7,000 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: almost 7 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 5.1-gallon tank
· Noise level: 58 dB
· Weight: 261 lb
If you want the best portable inverter generator to power a home, the Honda EU7000is is an appealing option. It’s the top of the range of the EU inverter generator series, which also contains the incredibly popular Honda EU2200i.
This mid-range portable inverter generator is compact and provides 5500 watts running power for an acceptable seven hours on a full tank. This type of power output is enough to provide emergency power to your home, and the run time increases to around 18 hours on a quarter-load.
The secret to this notable runtime is the Honda GX390 engine, which uses fuel-injection technology for better fuel consumption and reliability. It also has the Honda-patented eco-throttle technology, which allows the Honda engine to adjust its speed to produce the power needed and nothing more.
Unlike many other models in this power output range, the Honda EU7000is has several quality-of-life features that we appreciate. It has an electric start, and the i-monitor console keeps track of running hours, power output, voltage, engine speed, and maintenance notes, which makes diagnostics and repair a breeze.
Overall, we think the Honda EU7000is is a great portable inverter generator for household use. It has an acceptable fuel tank size, impressive run time (especially at low load), and the Honda engine will keep trucking for a very long time.
If you don’t need this much power and don’t mind a lower tank capacity, look at the Honda EU2200i, which is much smaller and perfect for camping or tailgating.
Pros
· Very dependable Honda engine
· Has all of the advantages of a portable inverter, including low noise and good run time on a small fuel tank
· Easy to carry when paired with the wheel kit
· Low THD
· Honda eco-throttle technology
· Electric start
Cons
· Surprisingly heavy
Champion 3500-W RV-Ready Portable Generator
Features
· Running wattage: 3,500 W
· Surge wattage: 4,000 W
· Fuel: gasoline
· Runtime: 12 hours at half load
· Fuel capacity: 3.8-gallon tank
· Noise level: 68 dB
· Weight: 97 lb
Also known as the Champion Power Equipment 46596 3500W, this is another excellent portable generator for camping or RV use. While it doesn’t have the cachet of bigger names like Honda, Champion Power Equipment is known for providing good portable generators at a reasonable price, and this model is no different.
A portable generator with a power output of 3,500W is enough to run a low BTU AC and lights and appliances. As such, the Champion is the best portable generator for RV use since it’s light and easy to carry around while remaining powerful enough to bring all the conveniences of home with you.
The 4-stroke OHV engine comes in all-metal housing for extra durability that you’ll need in the great outdoors. However, one drawback of this engine is that it’s relatively loud and may annoy your neighbors if you’re in a crowded RV camp.
Pros
· Good portable generator for camping, tailgating, or RV use
· Has a dedicated RV outlet as well as two other outlets complete with a built-in surge protector
· Excellent warranty and great customer service on all Champion Power Equipment generators
· EPA compliant
Cons
· Not CARB-compliant
· No electric start
How to Choose the Right Portable Generator
Portable generators will never produce enough power to run an entire household, but they still provide a great emergency supply when you need it most. Any good portable generator will let you run the vital things, such as lights, heating/cooling, and freezers, with relative ease throughout even the worst blackout.
When you start looking for the best home generator for your needs, your first step should be to figure out exactly what you require. Is it going to be a standby generator, or will you use it when camping or traveling? From there, you can pick a model that’s best for you.
Here are just a few of the factors that can help you narrow down your choices among all the generators on the market. You can then read up on portable generator reviews to find the best portable generator that’s perfect for your home.
Power
Your portable generator should be able to run your essential appliances with ease. While lower-powered portable generators are more affordable, you don’t want to spend a blackout deciding whether to turn the lights on or run your heating/cooling system. You also don’t want to spend too much on a high-powered generator if all you want to do is power the lights and fridge.
The best portable generator is one that meets your needs without exceeding them too much.
Starting vs. Running Watts
Many portable generators will advertise that they provide thousands of watts of power, but it’s important to note that most of these claims refer to starting watts.
Even the best portable generators can churn out a massive amount of power, but only for a short amount of time. These surge watts are important for appliances and equipment that needs a lot of power to start up but idles at a much lower power draw.
The other type of power draw is known as “running watts,” which is how much power a generator can provide continuously without sustaining damage. This consistent power draw is important for fixtures such as light bulbs and hot plates, which don’t have a surge phase.
The best way to find out exactly how much wattage you need is to list all the appliances and electrical devices you need during an outage. There are plenty of websites available that will tell you how much power these devices need. Once you have this estimate, you can add on around 200W extra to be safe and start shopping around for the best portable generator for your household.
Fuel Type
There are many portable generators on the market that use either fuel or solar power. Fuel-powered generators use gasoline, propane, or an oil/gas mix. These generators are reliable and don’t experience any power fluctuations. However, they are typically loud, give off potentially dangerous exhaust fumes, and can be hazardous if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another option is to go with a dual-fuel generator. These portable generators have a fuel tank for gasoline and another one for propane. Propane tends to last longer than gas but produces less power, and a dual-fuel option results in a portable generator with the power generation of gas with the efficiency of propane.
Fuel Efficiency
If you choose a fueled portable generator, it’s important to take its fuel efficiency into account. Some manufacturers try to hide this number by giving the generator a larger tank and saying that it runs for the same amount of time as a generator with a smaller tank.
You can work out fuel efficiency by taking the capacity of the tank in gallons and dividing it by the theoretical run-time. This number should be consistent across all generators and give you a good idea of how economic and eco-friendly a particular generator is.
Some manufacturers also offer eco mode, which produces less power while using significantly less fuel. It’s a good idea to use this when your tank capacity is low or when you’re not using all of the generator’s power.
Running Time
Nobody wants to wake up in the middle of the night to refuel their portable generator. Ideally, you want a generator with a run time of at least eight hours so that you can fuel it up before you go to bed and still have some fuel left when you wake up.
Many manufacturers will make claims about their generator’s run time, but only at a certain capacity. Saying that a portable generator can run 12 hours at quarter-capacity is much better than saying that it has three hours of run time on full-load. Make sure to take this into account when looking at run time claims.
Tank capacity and engine power all play a role in run time, and many generators will have higher run times due to significantly larger tanks. However, the best portable generators are the ones that have excellent fuel economy in addition to a large tank.
Portability
Portable generators aren’t all very portable, and many powerful generators are heavy enough to need two people to carry them. If you’re using your generator as an emergency backup, you won’t need to worry about moving it often and can get away with a heavier model.
Portability becomes a concern when you want to take your generator on the road. If you want a generator for your RV or work sites, check out features such as wheels and handles that make it easier to move around. Try to find a portable generator that has wheels or convenient carry handles. Some manufacturers will sell these as separate products.
Conventional vs. Inverter
Both conventional and inverter generators produce power, but the type of power they produce is slightly different. The main difference between the two is that an inverter will “invert” the DC power it produces back into AC current before it reaches your power line.
This produces a steadier stream of power without the fluctuations and surges that are typical for a conventional generator. If you want to run sensitive electronics off a generator, an inverter generator is a much better option.
Overall, inverter generators offer a host of advantages over conventional generators. They run quieter, are more lightweight, and don’t need as much maintenance. They produce cleaner power and often are more fuel-efficient than their conventional counterparts.
There are instances where a conventional generator is better. If you use many appliances and an AC, conventional portable generators can produce significantly more power and may be cheaper than their inverter counterparts.
Useful Features
Portable generator features fall into two broad categories: safety features and useful features. Safety features are non-negotiable and include things like:
· Low oil shutdown, which detects low oil and shuts the generator down to prevent damage
· Circuit protection, which protects you and your family from electrocution
· Spark arrestors to prevent the generator from forming sparks, which represent a serious fire hazard
· Surge protectors, which protect your appliances and electronics from large spikes and fluctuations in voltage
We also recommend trying to find a portable generator with a carbon monoxide detector that will turn the generator off when it detects toxic levels of this gas. This safety feature is only useful in fueled generators, which release large amounts of the gas during operation.
Many of the best portable generators also come with added features that make them easier and more convenient to use. These include:
· Button start instead of having a pull-chain. Top-end generators will have a button that you simply push to start the machine.
· Multiple output sockets allow you to connect multiple appliances and devices. This feature is especially convenient in RV-compliant portable generators.
· Visible fuel gauges and odometer give you a clear indication of how long your generator will run on its current fuel tank.
· A voltage selector switch gives you more usable power to the 120V outlets and extra versatility.
· A transfer switch lets you connect your portable generator to the circuit breaker panel, which means you don’t have to find and untangle power cords and extension cables during a blackout.
Manufacturer
Portable generators can be dangerous, especially when manufactured poorly. That’s why you want to buy from the best portable generator manufacturers that have a reputation for producing safe, effective products.
There are plenty of excellent manufacturers on the market, including:
· Honda
· Duromax
· Westinghouse
· Champion
· Briggs Stratton Co.
· WEN
Positioning Your Generator
Once you’ve bought your new generator, you should consider its placement. Generators emit lots of fumes while running, including carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal within five minutes, so your generator must sit in a dry, open area.
Your portable generator should sit on a durable, non-slip, flat surface slightly above floor level so that it is free of moisture and dirt. It should also be in a waterproof area, and you should invest in a generator cover to keep it clean and dry when not in use.
OSHA recommends that you keep fuel-powered portable generators at least 15 feet away from any residential building and that fumes should be directed away from windows and doors.
Many people tend to store their portable generator in an open such as their patio or yard. The good thing about portable generators is that they’re portable, so you can store your generator inside the garage and only move it outside when you need it. Just make sure that you empty the fuel tank when you store the portable generator for extended periods to help prevent off-gassing of other toxic chemicals.
Safety Tips When Using Your Generator
Even the best portable generator with the latest safety features should be used with care. While it’s exciting to start your portable generator up for the first time, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before you begin. These instructions will give you safety and operational tips that will ensure that you use your generator for decades to come.
Refuel Carefully
Ensure that your portable generator is completely turned off before adding extra fuel, since adding extra fuel to a running generator is a fire and safety hazard.
Also make sure not to overfill the tank. Gasoline and propane tend to expand, and if you overfill the tank, they can spill out during operation. Since both materials are highly flammable, overfilling your tank can be extremely dangerous.
Don’t Overload Your Generator
Not only should you never run your portable generator at maximum capacity for long periods, but you should also try not to use all the outlets simultaneously, except in emergencies.
Overloading your generator can cause significant damage to the motor, which will decrease the machine’s lifespan. It can also damage your wiring and even the appliances themselves, thanks to larger fluctuations and power surges.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Your portable generator will come with manufacturers’ instructions for how to stop and start the generator.
Most will recommend installing a transfer switch that connects the generator to your home’s circuit board. If you’re using your machine as a standby or emergency generator, be sure not to skip this step. The transfer switch will ensure you get the best performance out of your generator, but it will also ensure that your generator won’t start running if there is still electricity on the grid.
Also, let your portable generator run for several minutes before plugging any appliances into the outlets. By putting too much load onto the generator before it’s ready, you risk damaging the motor and causing serious issues. Also, turn off and disconnect any appliances before turning the generator off to prevent excess power draw.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for the best standby generator for your home or something for your RV adventure, portable generators are an exciting and affordable option. They have enough power to supply your essentials during a blackout, and even the best smaller products can run a fridge and lights on a camper.
It’s important that you find the best portable generator for your needs. What works for one household may not be the best choice for the next. Take your time, do your research, and use our buyer’s guide to help you narrow down your choices before you pick the best home backup generator for your home.