Power outages are not quite common in the US but when they happen, they wreak havoc. Heavy rain, storms, and similar disasters affect our lives beyond imagination.
We are so used to electricity, not havin g access to it can prevent us from performing daily tasks such as bathing, cooking. Since power outages are not in your control, the only option you have is to get the best portable generator.
They can provide you with electricity in case of an outage. They are portable due to their compact size and some may even come with wheels. This is why they are suitable not only for indoors but outdoors as well.
You can carry portable generators along and make your trips more exciting. There will be no need to reply on torchlights and fire when you go camping. A portable generator can provide you light and also let you run electrical appliances making your trips more fun.
We’ll talk about the benefits of portable generators later on. For now, let’s have a look at some of the best portable generators out there.
We have divided them on the basis of power, helping you choose the best portable generator. Without much ado, let’s have a look:
Light Duty Portable Generators
Let’s start off by looking at the five best light duty portable generators. They mostly offer wattage power between 1000 watts to 5000 watts. They may not be suitable for heavy appliances but can be used outdoors to light up spaces when you go camping. They may also be suitable if you wish to work at night.
Let’s have a look at some of the best portable generators now:
1.WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dB operation
- EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces...
- Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power...
- Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to...
The unit is capable of producing 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts. This is enough power to run a few lights, charge appliances, and power a TV or washing machine.
Features:
- Eco-Mode adjusts the fuel automatically depending on power requirements.
- Carb and EPA III compliant, therefore, expect clean energy from it.
- Solid 79.7cc 4 stroke engine delivers 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts.
- Less than 0.3% harmonic distortion.
- Automatically shuts down when fuel is low.
- Parts are easily available if you encounter a mechanical problem.
This one is super silent and gives only 51 dBa at 25% loud and 55 dBa at 75% load. Research by the US Department Of Health And Human Services states that this sound is approximately comparable to people having a discussion from a distance of 23 feet. There will be no feeling of uneasiness or itching because of the noise.
There will be no voltage variations due to the generator’s capacity to produce sine wave; this will maintain harmonic distortion at 0. 3% only. Hence, you can expect clean electricity from this portable generator.
It also has an eco mode which regulates the fuel – consumption on its own by analysing the load. Its inclusion means that you will not be using any fuel unnecessarily.
This portable generator incorporates a one-gallon tank that will easily run for 4 hours at 100% load and 6 hours at 50% loud. Moreover, the generator comes with a USB port that lets you connect and charge devices. This is a great feature that makes it a customer-friendly portable generator.
If the power is not enough, you can buy two units and increase output as it supports parallel connections.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
If your requirement is to light up a few appliances that require less than 2000 watts then this portable generator can be considered. It is lightweight and can be taken along trips and picnics as well.
2. Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator
- Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of...
- Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy...
- Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to...
- Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking...
- Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE...
Champion generators are popular as they’re hybrids, i.e: they support both propane and gasoline. This one incorporates a 244cc dual fuel engine that offers 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts.
Features:
There’s a 20 pounds gas tank installed on the unit which runs for 9-10 hours on a full tank. It also has a built-in volt guard that protects sensitive appliances from voltage fluctuations. You can look at the gauge meter to check the power output and voltage as well.
Starting the unit is a breeze thanks to the dedicated button on it. You won’t have to pull the rope and apply any force to start it. Just push a button and you’re good to go.
This unit features a low oil shut down option that will break the connection between the generator and connected appliances when the oil is low. This is an excellent feature that prevents the device from malfunctioning or causing voltage fluctuation.
There is one 30A locking outlet, one 120V 30A RV power outlet, and two 120V household outlets on this unit.
Bottom line:
Champion is a reliable name in the industry and this product is no different. It’s safe to use and can be suitable for users who need a unit to keep outdoors.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series Portable
- Run time: Up to 10 at 1/4 Load
- Running Amps 21.7A
- Alternator: Permanent magnet
- Clean and instant power to keep appliances and other important...
- Quieter than a traditional camping generator with enough power to...
Briggs & Stratton can be a good choice if you need reliable, portable, and silent generators.
Features:
- Powerstart mode (changes speed as per the load).
- Statstation LCD (allows you to see generator load).
- Telescopic handle and wide wheels aid in moving the unit.
- Automatic idle control.
This one consists of four standard outlets and lets you power up four different appliances simultaneously. Moreover, it also incorporates a 12v-30 amp locking outlet with RV adapter, USB port, and a DC outlet.
The wheels and telescopic pull handle make it easy to pull the unit. It pumps 3000 starting watts and 2600 running watts, which is commendable for its size.
Its 1.5-gallon fuel tank offers a runtime of about 10 hours on a full tank when the load is 25%. However, it depletes faster when the load is above 500 watts. One of its highlights is the Special Quiet Power mode, which reduces noise and also uses less fuel, making it economical.
Ease of use is another strong characteristic of this portable generator. It has a simple control panel that lets you adjust settings, choose modes, check overload, generator status via LED and reset button in case of overload.
The generator uses the recoil system, but one wishes there was an electric option, too.
Thanks to its maintenance schedule feature, maintaining the unit is a breeze. The generator will notify you when an oil change is due, allowing you to keep it in good shape for years to come.
While it’s a small unit, you can increase the wattage by using the parallel connection feature that lets you connect two generators.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
This portable generator will allow you to run a few home appliances. You can also power up heavy-duty applications using the parallel connection.
Best Heavy Duty Portable Generators
Heavy-duty generators are better suited for you if it happens that you experience long power outages or you would need a unit that is capable of running big appliances. They can handle the heavier appliances such as irons, ACs, and heaters and may be used for business purposes also.
The former may be more powerful but the latter are still light and portable. So here is a list of our top 5 best heavy-duty portable generators.
1. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start
- 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With...
- Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V...
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery...
- Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a...
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in...
Westinghouse WGen7500 is a user-friendly portable generator that not only packs superior power but is also very safe to use. It offers 7500W of power which covers a plethora of home appliances including refrigerators, television sets, and sensitive appliances like laptops.
Features:
Thanks to the electric start, starting the unit is a breeze. You don’t need to rely upon the cord-pulling system, which is too tiring for most people. However, you can use the recoil system as a backup.
WGen7500 incorporates a large 6.6-gallon fuel tank that offers a runtime of 16 hours.
The unit comes with exciting additional tools, including a key remote to start or turn off the engine from a distance and an oil and oil funnel to keep it well maintained. Moreover, you also get an instruction manual on how to use it.
The powerful 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine is enclosed in a cast iron sleeve for protection, and there’s also a low oil protection feature to prevent damage.
This is an economic portable generator that uses less amount of oil and offers excellent runtime. Apart from that, it also incorporates a fuel meter gauge so you know when to add fuel.
It consists of two 120v AC duplex receptacle GFCI outlets and one 120/240v twist lock receptacle. All of these outlets are covered with a rubber casing for safety.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
WGen7500 is a good heavy-duty generator available in the market. It is safe to use, gets a good amount of power, and does well with all the users. Additionally, it typically weighs around 100 pounds, which makes it relatively easy to transport as well.
2. DuroMax Hybrid Dual Fuel XP12000EH 12,000-Watt Portable Generator
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax,...
- Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline...
- Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running...
- Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power...
- Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the...
Duromax XP12000EH is hands down one of the best choices when it comes to heavy duty portable generators. It delivers a tremendous amount of power and is quite robust as well.
Features:
- Less vibration and noise thanks to the heavy duty frame.
- Circuit breaker protection and low oil indication.
- Overload protection.
- Fuel efficient and RV ready.
It is a heavy duty portable engine that delivers up to 12,000W of power. You can choose between two fuel options, propane or gasoline.
This unit is fairly safe to use thanks to the low oil light indicator, circuit break, and a durable body. It also doesn’t require much maintenance and can run for up to 10 hours (50% loud). Choose propane and it will run for 20 hours.
It incorporates a 120V outlet, an RV-ready 120V socket, one twist lock 120/240V outlet, and a 12V DC receptacle. You can run several machines at once, including big and small electrical appliances.
It might be a bit heavy but thanks to the wheels and handle, you don’t have to exert a lot of strength to move it from place to place. Moreover, the handles are foldable, hence you will have no trouble in carrying it around.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
This portable generator is a treat for homeowners and travellers who want to light up heavy-duty appliances.
3. Pulsar 10,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Switch & Go Technology and Electric Start
- 10, 000W peak 8000W rated (gas)/ 9000W peak 7000W rated (LPG)
- The powerful 420cc, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled Engine is protected...
- A large 6. 6 gallon fuel tank give you up to 12 hours of...
- Switch & go technology allow for seamless transitioning between...
- Electric push start with recoil backup make start-up quick and...
It produces 10,000W of peak power and 8,000W of rated power on gasoline. Peak power falls down to 9,000W and rated power reduces to 7,000W on LPG. Nonetheless, this is enough power to run even heavier appliances like ACs.
One of the rarest features of any portable generator is found in this unit, and that is the switch-and-go feature. This option lets users switch between gas or propane while the generator is operational. This option allows you to run the generator for longer – up to 24 hours in some cases.
The 8 gallon fuel tank itself supports about 8 hours of runtime. This pulsar generator may be a heavy portable generator but the wheels make it easy to move it around.
It supports both recoil and electric start and is easy to manage. Moreover, thanks to the installed hour meter, you can also monitor fuel consumption. It lets you read fuel consumption and time left before the juice runs out completely.
There are 7 outlets on this unit altogether: four 120V AC outlets, one 50 Amp RV Port, one 120/240V twist-lock outlet, and finally, one 12V DC trickle charge output.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
If you are looking for a portable generator that will work properly when electricity is needed to back up many appliances, then this is the product for you.
4. Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Dual Fuel – 12000 Peak Watts and 9500 Running Watts (Gasoline);...
- Electric Start – Convenient One-Touch Power Switch with Back-Up...
- VFT Display – Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours; Full...
- Powerful – 457cc OHV 4 Stroke Rainier Engine; Up to 17 Hours of...
- EPA and CARB Compliant; RV Ready – Includes Wheel Kit with Two...
Rainier R12000DF isn’t your average portable generator, it packs a serious punch and delivers top notch performance.
With 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, and 10,800 peak watts and 8550 running watts on propane, this unit is one of the best in terms of power and runtime.
Features:
This portable generator can provide a run time of 17 hours on 25% load due to the 6. 6-gallon fuel tank. Also, it is fairly easy to take care of it because the low oil shutdown has been employed to ensure that the unit is automatically turned off to prevent damage.
There is also a fuel gauge meter; therefore, you can know when the fuel is low and you need to add more. This means that you do not have to dash at the last minute to seek a fill-in. It is also easy to start the generator because of the push-button feature. There is also the recoil system that could act as a substitute.
It has two 11.5mm5-20R 120V (20A) with GFCI, one 15mmL5-30R 120V (30A) with GFCI and two grounding ports, TT-30R 120V (30A) with GFCI. This means you will not have a problem operating several appliances at a go.
If the generator is overloaded, the machine emits an alarm to show a high load. If not corrected, this will lead to severe damage to the machine.
Though it may appear to be a little bulky, the 10” wide wheels make it easy to transport. It also has comfortable handles for pulling and pushing the sled easily.
The control board additionally shows a VTF that tells you the voltage, working hours, and recurrence.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom line:
This is a gas operated portable generator that can be easily transported from one place to another and can be used to power several appliances.
How To Find The Best Suitable Portable Generator In 13 Steps
So, if you are looking for a highly portable generator for your home, you have to consider certain factors. Let’s have a look:
1) Fuel Type: The vast majority of light-duty generators consume gas, and most heavy-duty models have a dual fuel supply (gasoline and propane).
- Gasoline: Gasoline or petrol is readily available and at a relatively low cost. It is also easy to store plus.
- Propane: It is costlier than gasoline but operates in a relatively silent mechanism. Fats are less energy efficient but its shelf life is longer.
Tip: Select one that is perhaps more accessible and less costly to you.
2) Applications: The number of appliances you want to run should be at the back of your mind when you’re out to purchase a portable generator. Check out your requirements in terms of watts and ensure the generator can support it. Also, some light duty generators may not support big appliances even if they meet the watt requirements.
Tip: Some generators allow parallel connections to increase outage.
3) Starting Technology: No matter how powerful and popular a portable generator is, it won’t do you any good if you have trouble turning it on. Normally, generators have two starting methods: the recoil system and the electric button start system.
The recoil system requires effort and is stressful. Whereas, the electric button takes a second to start.
Tip: Some generators have both the options but the electric system is definitely more suitable.
4) Wattage Check: It is important to know the generator is not overloaded to ensure it or other appliances sustain no damage.
Some generators come with a voltmeter that reads and displays wattage reading.
Tip: If your generator does not have a voltmeter then consider if it supports a separate voltmeter.
5) Number Of Outlets: Portable generators have other features that most people may not be considering, for example, the number of outlets the generator has. Different rooms give an easier flow of multiple outlets to distribute the load and allow connecting multiple appliances at the same time. This is a good measure of ensuring that no overload takes place.
Tip: Ensure it has different types of outlets to support various devices.
6) Weight: Big and heavy generators can be a bit problematic to travel with. So pay attention to this feature and the dimensions as well so they are easily portable.
Tip: Pick a generator with wheels and a properly designed handle to ensure no trouble.
7) Noise: Generators cannot be completely silent so choose one that produces between 50-68 dB of noise. This equals to two people conversing at a distance of 23 feet. Noise will not be much of an issue if you want to keep the unit at a large distance but it can still result in noise pollution.
The higher the noise level of a generator, the more irritating it gets for the family and neighbors. Plus, it can also be a distraction and make it difficult to sleep or work.
Tip: The noise also often depends on the type of fuel and energy consumed.
8) Fuel Economy: The amount of fuel a generator consumes is of vital importance. Some generators are meant to drink up a lot of fuel which can be expensive.
Therefore, choose a generator that is economical when it comes to consuming fuel.
Tip: Generators that have a quiet mode, eco mode are good as they only produce the required amount of energy.
9) Runtime: This depends on the use that one can want to put to the runtime. Choose a generator that comes with a longer duration of runtime so that you may not have to worry as you deal with an emergency situation.
Tip: You can reduce loud to increase runtime.
10) Price: One of the primary things you need to keep in mind is the cost. The rule of thumb is simple: this renders a logical explanation: if you choose a powerful generator with a lot of features, the price tag will be high.
Tip: It does not require any recurring cost to a portable generator and thus takes being careful when making a purchase.
12) Warranty: It is wise to consider seeking companies that offer guarantees as this guarantees a good working system. They are from 1 to 5 years of age.
Tip: There are warranties which must be registered from the manufacturer and some may not also be transferrable to the next owner of the car.
13) Accessories: There are certain generators that would need certain accessories to be installed in order to be fitted for proper operating standards.
Tip: Ensure that it has a carry kit which includes a pack of fuel for the generator.
14) Safety: It is crucial to establish the importance of safety since generators have the potential to cause personal injuries but also lead to monetary losses. Some of the features that you should consider while choosing generators include the ability to automatically switch off. In addition, see that the tank is thoroughly closed.
Tip: Avoid staying around running generators since they have, on occasion, been noted to emit harmful gases.
Portable Generator FAQS
Q. Which portable generator is best for home use?
Ans. This depends on what you need to run.
For running heavier appliance such as a water pump, you will need to choose a generator with at least 5000w because running a pump requires at least 4000W.
A high-end washing machine requires at least 3500W, electric heaters require 4500W, and electric dryer needs 5500W. Make sure you consider all of this before making a purchase.
Also, makes sure it can support sensitive appliances as well. Generators with sine wave technology can be a good pick. Our personal favorite portable generator for home use would be Goplus 4000 Watt Gasoline Portable Generator Gas Powered.
Q. Best Portable Generator For Camp Use?
Ans. You will need to run coffee makers, blenders, bulbs, laptops, phones and small refrigerators at a campsite. These are the power requirements:
- AC: 3000-3500W.
- Electric kettle: 2000-3000W.
- Microwave: 1000-1500W.
- Fridge: 200-300W.
You can opt for a heavy duty generator like Rainier R12000DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator.
Q. Best Portable Generator For Job Site?
Ans. Construction sites involve the use of heavy machinery such as electrical saws, pulleys, etc. Therefore, you will need to buy heavy duty portable generators.
Consider Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start. It is reliable and works well for offices, too.
Q. How do I know the right amount of watts an appliance needs?
Ans. You can find the number of watts an appliance needs by checking the labels or stickers given on it. However, they’re usually given in amps.
You will need to convert amps into watts. Here’s how:
watts= volts x amps.
Best Portable Generator: The Bottomline
The use of portable generators has become essential for homes, camping, RVs, and job sites because of the instant relief it brings from the lack of electricity. Choose the most useful portable generator by considering all the mentioned thirteen factors.
Note: Make sure the generator can function in the rain and outside environment. It should be noted that it is necessary to pay special attention to the material.
