Last updated on March 2nd, 2021 at 11:00 am
A 2000 watt generator is a very reasonable option to run your necessary appliances during a power outage. No doubt, it won’t power your entire home or office, but it has enough juice to keep you going. You can keep your refrigerator running, phone/laptop charged, TV running, and lights on with it. If you know how to manage loads applied on the generator and are aware of starting and running wattage concept, you can do a lot with a 2000 watt generator.
When it comes to buying the best 2000 watts generator for your needs, the selection can get pretty challenging. There are hundreds of options available in the market for you to buy. If you are not aware of the ins and outs of the generator world, you are likely to end up with low quality and unreliable generator. To help you buy the best generator, we have reviewed the best models for you. In this article, you will find 7 best 2000 watts generators, a buying guide, and an FAQ section. After reading our reviews, all your concerns and queries regarding a 2000 watts generator will be answered.
Check out our top 7 picks for 2000 watts generator and stay connected with the world during blackouts.
Best 2000 Watt Generators [Comparison]
Image | Product | Features | Ratings | Check Price |
 | Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator |
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 | WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator |
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 | Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Inverter Generator |
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 | Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator |
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 | Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Generator |
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 | Sportsman GEN2000 Portable Generator |
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 | Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator |
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Best 2000 Watt Generator Reviews
1. Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator – Best 2000-watt Inverter Generator
Start System: The Westinghouse iGen2500 is one of the best 2000-watt generators. It comes with a manual recoil start system.
Engine: A 98cc, 3.4HP, 4-stroke OHV engine is the part of this generator.
Starting and Running Wattage: It produces 2500 watts of peak power and 2200 watts of rated power.
Noise level: iGen2500 operates quietly at 52 dB (A).
Certifications: It is an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), USFS (United States Forest Service), and a CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant unit. You can easily ship it to California.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: A 1.0-gallon fuel tank offers a runtime of up to 10 hours at 25% load.
Control Panel: There are three indicator lights (low-oil, overload, and output ready). Also, we have an LED data canter that displays the remaining runtime, voltage, fuel level, power output, and lifetime run hours. Moreover, two 120V AC outlets, two USB ports, an efficiency mode button, an engine/fuel switch, and parallel connector ports are part of the control panel.
Safety Features: Safety features include low fuel shutoff, automatic circuit breaker, and spark arrestor. Low-oil shutoff turns off the engine when the oil levels reach seriously low. An automatic circuit breaker breaks the circuit in an overload situation. And the spark arrestor controls sparks from getting off the muffler.
Portability: Its lightweight and comfortable carrying handle make transportation and storage easy.
THD Rating: It has a THD rating of less than 3%.THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) tells the amount of distortion available in a signal.
Parallel Connection Capable: Westinghouse iGen2500is also parallel capable which makes it easy to link to another iGen Series Inverter to generate more power.
Weight and Warranty: It weighs 49 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is an inexpensive unit that offers more starting and running power than most of the comparable 2000-watt generators. It operates quietly and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Moreover, its data center keeps you up to date.
Cons: Westinghouse customer service is not very responsive or helpful.
2. WEN 56200iPortable Inverter Generator –Best 2000-watt Generator under $450
Engine: It carries a 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine that is less powerful than the engine of Westinghouse iGen2500.
Starting and Running Wattage: WEN 56200i generates 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts.
Start System: There is a pull start system.
Noise level: It also makes less noise during operation. It runs at 51 dB (A).
Certifications: You will get clean and environment-friendly energy, thanks to its EPA III and CARB certifications.
Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: WEN 56200i offers a runtime of 6 hours at a 50% load on a 1-gallon fuel tank.
Control Panel: It features two 3-prong 120V outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and one 5V USB port making it ideal for camping, tailgating, and backup power.
Safety Features: No need to worry about engine damages due to low-oil and overload. It shuts down automatically when it reaches lower oil levels or gets overloaded.
Portability: It has a handle, so you can easily carry it to different campsites or homes.
THD Rating: With less than a 3% THD rating, you can power your sensitive electronics without any fear.
Parallel Connection Capable: If over 2000 watts are necessary for the job, you can link two generators together with the WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit.
Weight and Warranty: WEN 56200i weighs 48 pounds and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Eco-mode: It is a fuel-efficient product. Its Eco-mode saves fuel and money.
My Opinion:
Pros: This generator best for camping and tailgate parties. It operates with little or no sound, light in weight, and starts without any problem. Also, its eco-mode makes life easier.
Cons: This generator is tall and may not fit in the back of your truck with the cover closed.
3. Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Inverter Generator –Best 2000-watt Portable Generator
Power Output: Another excellent addition in the list is of Westinghouse WH2200iXLT. It produces 2200 peak watts and 1800 continuous watts.
Start System: It features both the electric start and pull-start system.
Engine: Westinghouse WH2200iXLT features a 79cc engine.
Control Panel: There are two 120V AC power outlets and a 12V DC 8A outlet. More, we have an eco-mode switch, engine shutoff, and light indicators.
Noise level: It is quiet, fuel-efficient, and operates at a noise level of 52 dB (A).
Certifications: WH2200iXLTis an EPA, USFS, and CARB Compliant generator.
Runtime: You will get a runtime of 13 hours at 25% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity: A 1.3-gallon fuel tank comes with this generator.
THD Rating: It has a THD rating of less than 3%.
Safety Features: Low-oil indicator and an overload alarm are the two safety features.
Portability: It comes with a built-in handle that allows for easy transportation.
Parallel Connection Capable: You can pair it with another unit through the Westinghouse Inverter Parallel cord (sold separately) for a solid 3,600 watts of clean power.
Weight and Warranty: Westinghouse WH2200iXLT weighs 43 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: The Westinghouse WH2200iXLT inverter generator is lightweight and is ideal for sensitive electronics such as televisions, laptops, and cell phones.
Cons: Low oil sensor tends to develop faults.
4. Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator –Expensive 2000-watt Generator
Start System: It only has a recoil start system.
Engine: Honda EU2200i is powered by a 121cc Honda GXR120 engine.
Power Output: It produces 2200 surge watts and 1800 rated watts.
Control Panel: There is one 15A 120V Duplex outlet and one 12V DC outlet.
Noise level: EU2200i is a quiet machine that operates at only 48–57 dB (A).
Runtime: Its Eco-Throttle system offers great fuel efficiency and a runtime of up to 8.1 hours at 25% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity: You have a 0.95 fuel tank.
Safety Features: It comes with a smart oil alert technology that shuts off the engine automatically after detecting low oil levels.
Portability: You can easily take it with you at camping, hunting, or fishing.
Parallel Connection Capable: EU2200i allows secure parallel connection with another EU2000i.
Weight and Warranty: It weighs 47 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: It operates a wide variety of appliances. It is perfect for use at home, camping, job site, and much more.
Cons: It has a limited fuel capacity and also causes starting problems at times.
5. Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Generator –Best Cheap 2000-watt Inverter Generator
Start System: Pulsar PG2000iSN comes with a recoil start system.
Engine: It comes with an 80cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine.
Power Output: If we talk about the power output, then it produces 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts.
Control Panel: There are two (2) 120-volt outlets, one (1) 12V direct connect 8A outlet, and a 5V direct connect USB outlet.
Noise level: It operates at a noise level of 59 dB (A) from a distance up to 10 feet.
Certifications: It is a CARB compliant product.
Runtime: Your generator can run up to 8 hours at 50% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity: A 1.2-gallon fuel tank is the part of this unit.
Safety Features: Low oil indicator with a low oil shutdown feature
Portability: The handy suitcase design is both durable and compact, giving you the freedom to take the Pulsar anywhere with ease.
Parallel Connection Capable: Parallel Capability allows you to connect two PG2000iSN units for increased power output.
Weight and Warranty: It weighs 47 pounds and comes with a 1-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: Equipped with an 80cc OHV engine that makes it strong enough to operate a 5,000 BTU air conditioner running all night on a full tank of fuel.
Cons: It has some customer reported quality issues. Also, it is a little noisy than comparable models.
6. Sportsman GEN2000 Portable Generator –Best 2000-watt Conventional Generator
Start System: It comes with a recoil start system.
Engine: Sportsman GEN2000 carries a 2.6 HP, 87cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
Power Output: It produces 2000 starting watts and 1400 running watts.
Control Panel: There are two 120V AC household power outlets and a 12V DC 8A outlet for battery charging. Also, there are circuit reset buttons and a power switch button.
Noise level: 65 dB (A) is its operational sound.
Certifications: It is EPA approved and non-CARB compliant.
Runtime: It offers a runtime of 9 hours at 50% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity: You have a 1.2-gallon fuel tank.
Safety Features: Sportsman GEN2000 comes with an engine shut-off switch for convenience and safety.
Portability: Its compact size and weight make it easy to travel and transport.
Weight and Warranty: The weight of this unit is 53 pounds, and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: In case of a power outage, it can easily save everyone’s day by powering up a lot of home appliances. It runs for 9 hours on unleaded gasoline, which is easy to find.
Cons: It is not recommended for high altitude use above 3,000 feet.
7. Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator –Best 2000-watt Generator under $500
Start System: Generac iQ2000 is simple to use. You can power it up with a heavy-duty pull cord. A simple power dial lets you start, run, and stop the generator.
Engine: It carries the 80cc engine.
Power Output: 2000 and 1600 are the starting and running watts.
Control Panel: On the control panel, there is one 120-volt 20-amp duplex outlet to operate two devices at once. The triple-position idle-control rocker lets you select either the economy mode for noise reduction and fuel efficiency, a standard mode for regular use, or a turbo mode for total power.
Noise level: It operates at a noise level of 53dBA.
Certifications: Generac iQ2000 is a CARB compliant product.
Runtime: Your unit can run up to 8 hours at 25% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity: It features a 1.06-gallon fuel tank.
Safety Features: This generator immediately shuts down in case of low oil levels for added safety.
Portability: You can easily carry this generator in one hand. The U-shaped handle in the middle makes it both comfortable and highly portable.
Parallel Connection Capable: Connecting two iQ2000 generators give you twice the power.
Weight and Warranty: Generac iQ2000 weighs 46 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: The Economy mode is great for smaller loads; it takes less gas and results in a much quieter operation.
Cons: Several people report having trouble with the generator at higher altitudes.
Buyer’s Guide
Inverter vs. Conventional Generator
Most of the 2000 watt generators are inverters. However, there are a few models that come in conventional style. If you don’t like inverter generators and want to save some bucks, the conventional generator is a great option. Please keep in mind that conventional generators are heavier than inverters, don’t produce clean current, and are not perfect for powering sensitive appliances. They are cheaper to buy. If you have a limited budget, a 2000 watt conventional generator is the best option.
Type of Fuel
The next big thing to consider is the type of fuel. Most of the 2000 watts generators are gasoline-powered. However, it is always beneficial to have a dual fuel generator. It gives you the freedom to run your generator on propane as well. Propane comes in handy when you don’t have gas to run your generator. Propane has a long shelf life and can be stored without any fears for emergency use. It burns cleaner and gives a better run time. Propane has a lower energy density than gas. On the other hand, gas is hard to find during infrastructural problems and natural disasters. Its shelf life is also less than propane.
Engine Capacity
A powerful engine in a small generator means no fluctuations and a more stable current. If you plan to run heavy appliances on your generator like a refrigerator, AC, then look for a powerful engine. For lightweight appliances like TV, phone/laptop chargers, lights, a less powerful engine is also perfect.
Control Panel
Regardless of the size of the generator, it must have a fully advanced and functional control panel. A fully advanced control panel allows you to control your generator without any hassles. The latest units come with an odometer, on/off buttons, choke, and power outlets.
Power Outlets
You may need to run your appliances directly on the generator. Hence, you must look for all the power outlets. It must have DC/AC outlets, car adapter outlets, USB outlets, and other options to directly connect your appliances. If these outlets are covered with rubber pads, it increases safety and keeps the outlets and plugs safe from water and dust.
Tank Capacity and Run Time
2000 watt generators come with small gas tanks. However, they still provide you with an impressive run time. The reason is that inverters are fuel-efficient, and when the load is kept under half of their total capacity, their efficiency and run time increases further.
Portability
2000 watt generators are lightweight and easy to carry around. Inverters come with carry handles to facilitate movement. Make sure that the carry handle is big and has an ergonomic design.
Safety Features
Generators with safety features are reliable and durable. When you are buying the generator, make sure it has all the safety features in it. Low oil shutdown, protection from overloading, overheating, surge voltage protection your generator and appliances running on it. Some latest models also come with low oil and overload warning indicator lights.
Starting Mechanism
If you don’t feel comfortable pulling the starting ropes every time you need your generator, buy an electric start model. They are very easy to start. All you have to do is push a button and your generator will be up and running in the blink of an eye. Generators with dual starting options are a bit costly.
Throttle Control
Another feature to look for in an inverter generator is throttle control. It is also known as eco-mode in some generators. Throttle control adjusts the engine output according to the load applied to it. It helps in increasing the run time and reducing the running cost.
Noise Level
Inverters are generally less noisy compared to conventional generators. They usually operate at 60-65 DB. You must look for the quietest generator under your budget. Prolonged exposure to generator noise can be harmful to your health and the people around you.
Parallel Capability
Almost all the inverters are parallel capable. Paralleling allows you to connect two same generators and get more power out of them. The benefit of parallel is that it allows you to run heavy appliances that can’t be run on a single inverter. You also get more power outlets to connect the appliances directly to the paralleled inverters.
Warranty and Certifications
Never ignore the warranty while buying a generator. You never know when it will start troubling you. Therefore, it is better to buy a generator with a warranty cover. Make sure you read all the terms and conditions before setting up your generator. Certifications from EPA and CARB ensure that the exhaust of your generator is not harmful and won’t impact your health and disturb the environment.
Price
The last thing to consider is the price. We suggest you buy the best generator under your budget. There is no point in saving a few bucks at the time of purchase when you have to spend more on operational costs and repairs.
Pros and Cons of a 2000 Watts Generator
Pros
- They are perfect for emergency use, recreational purposes, RV, and tailgating.
- 2000 watts generators are cheap to buy, easy to maintain, and have a low operational cost.
- Inverter technology is fuel-efficient, quieter, and lightweight.
Cons
- You cannot run heavy appliances on them. Any appliance having a starting wattage of more than 2000 watts will not start on this generator.
- 2000 watts generators have a small fuel capacity.
FAQ
What can I run on a 2000 watt generator?
Any appliances having a starting wattage below 2000 watts can be run on a 2000 watts generator. However, if you add an appliance with 1800 starting watts and 300 running watts, you will have to switch off all the other appliances on the generator and then add other devices. You can run a small refrigerator, AC, TV, lights, computer, and other appliances under 2000 watts. Please make sure that the total load on the generator never exceeds the maximum rated power of the generator.
Can I use a 2000 watts generator for my RV?
Yes. If the generator is RV ready, it can be used for RVs as well. However, it will only run appliances under 2000 watts.
How can I increase the run time on my generator?
To increase your generator’s runtime, make sure the load is kept at 50% of the total output of the generator. 2000 watts generators have a small tank, so make sure you fill the tank completely when you need power backup for a long time.
How to avoid generator theft?
To avoid generator theft, use metal brackets, safety chains, and cable locks. You can lock your generator with a solid object nearby. Generator theft is common for small generators.
How to maintain my generator?
A 2000 watts generator has the same maintenance needs as compared to a large unit. You must inspect spark plugs, change engine oil timely, and keep the battery charged. Always store your generator at a safe, dry place and cover it with a generator cover. Never run your generator in rain or snow without a generator tent.
Is it better to buy two 2000 watts generator or a single 4000 watts generator?
The answer to this question depends on your usage pattern. If you use the generator to power heavy appliances and your use is limited to home or RV, then go for a bigger generator. However, if you want versatility but less power and freedom to use your generator at different places, go for two 2000 watts generator. You can always connect them to enhance the power output and increase the number of outlets.
Conclusion
Never underestimate the potential of a 2000 watts generator. If used correctly and load is managed in the right way, you can use a 2000 watts generator to run a small AC, refrigerator, and a majority of other appliances in your home/office or RV. You can select one from the list above and forget the tension of staying without electricity.
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