Frequent power outages, unfavorable environmental effects, and defective grid infrastructure in remote areas force people to buy portable generators. According to a survey, in 2018, the world-wide portable generator market size was 3.88 billion US dollars and it is expected to reach 5.87 billion US dollars by 2026.
Portable generators are best suited for emergency power backups, recreational activities, job sites, and RVs. So, if you want to buy one, then here we have a list of the best in the business.
Portable Generator Reviews
| Best Portable Generators [Comparison] | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Editor's ChoiceDurostar DS4000S Portable Generator
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 | DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
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 | WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
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 | Westinghouse WGen5300v Portable Generator
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 | Champion Power Equipment 100165 Portable Generator
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 | Champion Power Equipment 100554 Portable Generator
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 | Briggs and Stratton P2200 Portable Inverter Generator
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 | Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
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 | Firman W03083 Portable Generator
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 | Generac 5735 GP17500E Portable Generator
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 | Pulsar PG1202S Portable Generator
| LATEST PRICE → |
1. Durostar DS4000S Portable Generator
Portability: Durostar DS4000S is a portable generator. It weighs only 94 pounds and an optional wheel kit is available that can make transportation easier.
Size: The size of the generator also counts when buying a portable generator. Its dimensions are: 24 x 17 x 17 inches.
Fuel Type: It runs on gasoline so when going to anywhere with your generator, keep enough gasoline with you.
Certifications: It is both EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant. It means you can travel to all the 50 states of America with this generator.
Engine: Durostar DS4000S features a powerful 208cc/7HP air-cooled OHV engine with low-oil shutoff. This low-oil shutdown feature turns off the engine due to lower levels of oil.
Power Output: It gives 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 rated watts.
Power Panel: The power panel of this unit is quite simple. There are two 120V AC 20A outlets and one 120V AC 30A outlet. Also, we have a voltmeter (shows operating voltage) and an engine switch.
Designed for RV: Use the 30A power outlet to prepare your generator for RV use.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Durostar DS4000S has a fuel tank capacity of 4 gallons. With this fuel tank size, you can run your generator up to 8 hours at half load. Also, its fuel tank is featured with a fuel gauge that tells the fuel levels.
Starting Mechanism: This portable generator comes with a recoil (manual) start mechanism.
Noise: It has a super quiet muffler that keeps the noise levels lower than 69 dB (A). Keep this unit at a distance from your house, camp, or RV during operation.
Safety: If we focus on its safety features then there is a low-oil shutoff, GFCI outlets, and surge arrest technology.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a fast-acting circuit breaker that turns off the power supply when it detects imbalance between incoming and outgoing current. And the surge arrest technology protects your devices from voltage spikes.
Warranty: Durostar DS4000S has a 3-year limited warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: Durostar DS4000S is a powerful, mid-grade unit that gives great performance. It is an incredible choice for a general-purpose generator. It is easy to start and run and comes with an affordable price.
Cons: It is not made for demanding electrical or commercial work.
2. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Portability: If you are looking for a powerful portable generator then DuroMax XP12000EH is the best choice for you. It comes with a handle kit and durable solid-fill tires that make the unit easy to move on any surface.
Size: Its dimensions are: 40 x 29 x 27.5 inches. If we consider its weight then it is a heavyweight unit with 234 pounds of weight. But durable wheels and fold-down handles make it extremely portable.
Fuel Type: Gasoline and propane fuel options make it easy for the users to use any fuel according to its availability.
Certifications: Both EPA and CARB certifications allow it to use in all 50 states.
Engine: A powerful 457cc/18HP DuroMax OHV engine with cast-iron sleeve
Power Output: DuroMax XP12000EH can produce 12,000 watts of starting power and 9,500 watts of running power on gasoline. But on propane, the power output goes to 11,400 peak watts and 9025 rated watts.
Power Panel: Its power panel is very busy. First, we have two 120V AC 20A outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, one 120/240V 30A outlet, and one 120/240V 50A outlet.
Other than power outlets, DuroMax XP12000EH features a voltmeter, engine switch, and oil alert and recharge indicator lights. Also, the idle control and voltage selector switches are the part of the power panel.
The idle control switch reduces the speed of the engine at no load and then allows the engine to regain its rated speed when loads are turned back.
The voltage selector switch with DuroMax MX2 technology allows you to switch between 120V and 120V and 240V simultaneously.
Designed for RV: It is an RV-ready unit
Tank Capacity and Runtime: DuroMax XP12000EH can run up to 9 hours at half load on an 8.8-gallon gasoline tank.
Starting Mechanism: A user-friendly keyed electric start system is there with a recoil backup. Electric start mechanisms are great to have when you are away from home.
Noise: It operates at 74 dB (A).
Safety: Built-in spark arrestor, GFCI-protected outlets, and low-oil shutdown feature. Spark arrestor limits sparks from getting out of the muffler. This makes the generator suitable to use in parks and forests.
Warranty: This DuroMax generator is backed by a 3-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: DuroMax XP12000EH is a hybrid model that can run on both gasoline and propane. It is a highly portable generator that comes with an exceptional fuel tank capacity. Also, its MX2 technology is the most noticeable feature.
Cons: Some users claims that they’ve bad customer service.
3. WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
Portability: Its 48 pounds weight and a built-in carrying handle make it easy to move from one place to another.
Size: WEN 56200i is a compact unit. Its dimensions are 18 x 11 x 18 inches.
Fuel Type: It requires gasoline to power your appliances and electronics.
Engine: The 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces decent and clean output power.
Power Output: WEN 56200i generates 2,000 starting watts and 1600 running watts. This output power is clean and reliable as the generator limits THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) rating to under 1.2% at half load. You can freely run your sensitive electronics like laptops, cellphones, tablets, and others.
Parallel Capable: This machine is also parallel capable. That means you can attach another inverter machine by using a WEN 56421 parallel connection kit to increase the power output. This parallel capability becomes quite useful when you are away from home and need more power to run your essentials.
Power Panel: Power panel of WEN 56200i features two 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC outlet, and one 5V USB port. Also, eco-mode switch, parallel operation outlets, and overload, low-oil, and output indicator lights are featured.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: One-gallon gasoline tank gives 9.4 hours of runtime at quarter load. This runtime is because of the Eco-mode that adjusts the engine speed a/c to the applied load. This saves fuel as well as provides quieter operation.
Starting Mechanism: It supports recoil start mechanism.
Noise: Its 51 dB (A) decibel rating makes it a noise-free generator.
Safety: Low-oil indicator with automatic shutdown and overload protection. This overload protection protects your generator and electronics from severe damage.
Certifications: WEN 56200i meets both EPAIII and CARB set standards.
Warranty: 2-year warranty period
My Opinion:
Pros: WEN 56200i is an inverter machine that gives significant output power. It is very light in weight and a budget-friendly option. Its fuel-efficient engine gives excellent runtime and its parallel capability doubles the power output.
Cons: It also has bad customer service.
4. Westinghouse WGen5300v Portable Generator
Portability: It is also a highly portable machine. The hardened steel roll-bars, two strong wheels and a foam-grip handle make movement easier.
Starting Mechanism: Westinghouse WGen3500v only supports recoil (manual) start system.
Size: It measures 23.3 x 17.5 x 21.3 inches.
Fuel Type: Only gasoline can run this Westinghouse generator.
Warranty: This machine is featured with a 3-year limited warranty.
Engine: It is equipped with a 212cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine featuring cast-iron sleeve and automatic low-oil shutoff feature.
Power Output: With 6600 peak watts and 5300 rated watts, you can run a variety of things inside or outside your house.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Up to 20 hours of runtime on a 4.7-gallon fuel tank.
Power Panel: Westinghouse WGen3500v features two 120V 20A household outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, and one 120/240V 30A outlet. Also, there is a voltage selector switch like the DuroMax XP12000EH. Moreover, we have a VFT meter that shows volts, frequency, and runtime.
Designed for RV: The 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet makes the unit camper and RV ready. Also, it is a transfer switch ready generator.
Certification: Both EPA and CARB approved
Safety: Automatic low-oil shutdown and rubber covered power outlets.
My Opinion:
Pros: Westinghouse WGen3500v is both RV-ready and transfer-switch ready unit. It produces excellent output power and offers an extended runtime. Also, the VFT meter tells critical information related to the generator.
Cons: No electric start system available.
5. Champion Power Equipment 100165 Portable Generator
Portability: It is easy to maneuver. The U-shaped handle and two durable wheels allow you to move the unit with ease.
Size: If we talk about its size then it measures 27.8 x 28.7 x 26.4 inches.
Fuel Type: Champion 100165 runs on both LPG and gasoline.
Certifications: It is tested and approved by both CARB and EPA.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Engine: Start the 439cc Champion 4-stroke air-cooled engine to power up your appliances.
Power Output: Get 9375 starting and 7500 running watts on gasoline and 8400 peaks and 6750 rated watts on propane.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Champion 100165 runs up to 8 hours on a 6.1-gallon gas tank and up to 5.5 hours on a 20-pound propane tank.
Power Panel: Its power panel is equipped with an intelligauge that helps you to monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. Also, we have four 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 30A locking outlet, and one 120/240V 30A locking outlet.
Starting Mechanism: Recoil and electric start with the included battery and cold start technology. This technology ensures quick starts in winters.
Noise: It has an operational sound of 74 dB (A).
Safety: Volt Guard, GFCI-protected outlets, and low-oil shutoff sensor are included in its safety features. Volt Guard is a built-in surge protector that protects your equipment from overload damages.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is an excellent generator from Champion that runs on both propane and gas. Its cold start technology makes it easy to start. Also, it features four 120V household outlets and durable tires for easy movement.
Cons: Its operational sound is on the higher side.
6. Champion Power Equipment 100554 Portable Generator
Portability: It is also highly portable. Two carrying handles, one pulling handle, and two never-flat wheels are enough to transport the unit.
Engine: Champion 100554 generator has a 208cc Champion OHV engine.
Power Output: It gives 4375 starting watts and 3500 running watts.
Fuel Type: Gasoline-powered generator
Size:Its dimensions are: 28.5 x 21.1 x 20.7 inches
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Champion 100554 can run up to 12 hours at half load on a 4.7-gallon fuel tank.
Power Panel: It has one 120V 30A locking outlet, one 120V 30A RV outlet, and two 120V 20A outlets. Also, there is an intelligauge.
Designed for RV: This Champion generator is an RV-ready unit
Certifications: EPA and CARB compliant
Starting Mechanism: It is an RV-ready unit so the remote start system will make it easy to start the generator from quite a distance. Also, it supports electric and recoil start mechanisms. Moreover, its cold start technology makes life easy in winters.
Noise: Its decibel rating is 68 dB (A).
Safety: Rubber covered outlets and Volt Guard are there for safety.
Warranty: Champion offers a 3-year limited warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: Champion 100554 is a reliable and powerful generator that offers easy transportation. It is an RV-ready unit that can be controlled remotely. Also, the volt guard feature protects your unit and equipment from overload damages.
Cons: It fails to start manually in extremely cold weather.
7. Briggs and Stratton P2200 Portable Inverter Generator
Portability: Its H-shaped handle and lightweight make it easy to move.
Starting Mechanism: Briggs and Stratton P2200 only features a recoil start system.
Size: It is a compact-sized unit that measures 22.4 x 14.4 x 19.9 inches.
Fuel Type: It is a single fuel generator that runs on gasoline.
Engine: P2200 generator has a fuel-efficient 111cc OHV engine.
Power Output: You will get 2200 watts of peak power and 1700 watts of rated power. It produces less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion which makes it suitable to power sensitive electronic items.
Parallel Capable: A dedicated parallel connector port allows you to link another PowerSmart Series inverter to generate more power.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: It has a 1-gallon fuel tank that offers a runtime up to 8 hours at 25% load. Its Quiet Power Technology saves fuel and reduces operational sound.
Power Panel: The small power panel features two 120V household outlets and one 12V DC outlet. Also, there are low-oil, overload, and output ready indicator lights.
Noise: Briggs and Stratton P2200 generator operates at only 59 decibels.
Safety: Low-oil and overload indicators
Warranty: It has a 2-year warranty.
My Opinion:
Pros: Briggs and Stratton P2200 is a reliable portable inverter machine that makes less noise during operation. It saves fuel and gives excellent runtime on a 1-gallon tank. Also, it has a low-oil shutdown feature.
Cons: You cannot monitor the fuel level.
8. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
Portability: It is a lightweight machine.
Certifications: You can ship this generator to California as it meets the CARB set standards. Also, it is an EPA approved product.
Size: Yamaha EF2000iSv2 measures 19.3 x 11 x 17.9 inches.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Fuel Type: It is a gas-powered generator.
Engine: Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is featured with a 79cc OHV air-cooled engine.
Power Output: It gives clean and high-quality 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts. The generator is powered by Pulse Width Modulation (PWD) that ensures voltage and frequency stability.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: The 1.1-gallon fuel tank gives a 10.5-hour runtime at a 25% load. Its Smart throttle system makes sure you get extended runtime.
Parallel Capable: You can either connect another EF2000iSv2 or the previous model EF2000iS to produce more power.
Power Panel: A new controller with advanced programming enhances the ability of the generator to power a wide variety of applications. Its control panel includes two 120V AC outlets and one DC outlet.
Starting Mechanism: A recoil start with an auto-decompression system for quick starts
Noise: Its operational sound lies between 51.5 dB (A) and 61 dB (A).
Safety: Safety features of this generator include the USFS-approved spark arrestor, oil watch warning system, and a gasoline petcock. This Gasoline petcock allows the generator to run without gas to prevent stale gas issues. It will help you in storing the unit without any fear.
My Opinion:
Pros: Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is an inverter generator with pulse width modulation. Its eco throttle system improves fuel economy and reduces noise. Also, the gasoline petcock allows the safe storage of the unit.
Cons: It cannot produce 240V power.
9. Firman W03083 Portable Generator
Portability: Firman W03083 is an inverter generator that is light in weight. Also, two small tires with integrated ergonomic handle make transportation easier.
Fuel Type: It only runs on gas.
Size: If we talk about its size then it is a compact unit with 25 x 19 x 19 inches dimensions.
Engine: It comes with a Max Pro Series 171cc Firman engine. It has a Phoenix Fat Head Block that keeps the engine cool and efficient.
Power Output: Firman W03083 can produce 3300 peak watts and 3000 rated watts. Its low THD rating under 3% makes it an ideal unit to power sensitive electronics.
Parallel Capable: It is a parallel capable generator through which you can generate more power by connecting another Firman inverter.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Its 1.8-gallon fuel tank offers up to 9-hour runtime. Because of the fuel economy mode, you will get extended runtime.
Power Panel: The power panel of this machine has an hour meter and overload, low-oil, and output ready indicators. Also, there are two 120V 20A outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, one 12V DC outlet, and one 5V USB port.
Starting Mechanism: Firman W03083 features recoil, remote, and electric start systems.
Noise: Its Whisper Series muffler keeps the noise level at 58 decibels.
Safety: Volt locks automatic voltage regulator, low-oil indicator, and spark arrestor are there for safety.
My Opinion:
Pros: Firman W03083 is a compact inverter generator that gives clean power. It makes less sound during operation and has a remote start option. Also, it offers a good runtime.
Cons: Its small wheels are not made for every surface.
10. Generac 5735 GP17500E Portable Generator
Portability: It is quite a heavy unit but its strong and durable handle and two big wheels make it easy to move.
Starting Mechanism: Generac GP17500E supports both electric and recoil start mechanisms.
Size: Its dimensions are 48.5 x 31 x 39.5 inches.
Fuel Type: It needs gas to power your appliances during a power outage.
Engine: A powerful Generac 992cc OHVI engine produces excellent power.
Power Output: It can generate 26,250 watts of peak power and 17,500 watts of rated power.
Power Panel: The GP17500E is equipped with four 120V 20A outlets, two 120V 30A outlets, one 120/240V 30A outlet, one 12V DC outlet, and one 50A outlet. Other than power outlets, there is an hour meter and an idle control switch.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: You will get up to 10-hour runtime at half load on a 16-gallon tank. Its idle control feature reduces noise and saves fuel as well.
Safety: Automatic low oil shutdown and auto voltage regulation feature.
My Opinion:
Pros: Generac GP17500E is a whole house generator that produces outstanding power output. It has a variety of power outlets and a big fuel tank.
Cons: It is very rough around the edges. Also, the battery included for an electric start is not the best one.
Also see: Generac Generator Reviews: Top 5 Picks
11. Pulsar PG1202S Portable Generator
Portability: This Pulsar PG1202S is light in weight so you can easily carry it with a comfortable carrying handle.
Warranty: It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Size: The size of this unit is small. It measures 16.2 x 14 x 14.8 inches.
Fuel Type: It is a gas-powered portable generator.
Starting Mechanism: Pulsar PG1202S comes with a manual start system.
Engine: It is powered by a 72cc, 2-stroke engine.
Power Output: 1200 starting watts and 900 running watts.
Power Panel: Its control panel has two 120V AC household outlets and one 12V DC outlet.
Tank Capacity and Runtime: Up to 8-hour runtime at half load on a 1.1-gallon fuel tank.
My Opinion:
Pros: Pulsar PG1202S is a small conventional generator that gives enough power to run small appliances and tools.
Cons: After some time, it may start leaking gas from the carburetor screw. Also, it is not a reliable generator to use.
Also see: Pulsar Portable Generator Reviews: Top 5 Compared and Reviewed
Buyer’s Guide
Here in this section, you will learn about those factors that you must consider when buying a portable generator.
Portability
The first thing to look at when buying a portable generator is how much portable your generator is. If it is lightweight then you may only need a comfortable handle to carry it. On the other hand, make sure your unit has big wheels and durable handle if it is heavy in weight.
Fuel Type
It is always suggested to go for a dual fuel portable generator. The reason is that when any fuel gets short in your area due to any reason you can still manage to run your generator on the second fuel option.
As you can take portable generators to any place so for traveling, dual fuel generators are the best choice.
Certifications
To move with your generator in all the states of America, your machine must be both EPA and CARB compliant.
Conventional or Inverter Generator
To get clean AC power, the inverter generator is the option but to get higher output power, you have to go with a conventional unit. Inverter machines are more fuel-efficient and are compact and light in weight. On the other hand, conventional units have big fuel tanks and big bodies.
Output Power
What is your purpose of buying a portable generator? The answer to this will help you to determine the total power you need. If you need a portable generator for your home or construction site then a 5,000-watt to 10,000-watt generator would be suitable for you. If you require an RV generator then a 5000-watt generator is ideal. Or if you need to power your campsites or tailgates, then 2000-watt generators are best suited.
Fuel Efficiency and Runtime
Your portable generator must be fuel-efficient to give you extended runtime. During outdoor trips and natural disasters, fuel-efficient generators come handy. A generator with a big fuel tank and the fuel-efficient engine will benefit you a lot.
Safety
Safety is also equally important to consider. Low-oil shutdown and surge protection are the basic safety features that your portable generators must-have. Other than these, spark arrestor is another safety feature that allows you to use the portable generator in jungle or parks.
Are all portable generators safe for sensitive electronics?
Not all portable generators are safe for sensitive electronics. In order to run your laptop, mobile phone, or iPad, you must have an inverter portable generator as it provides clean power. And these sensitive electronics need clean and stable power.
How loud are portable generators?
You will find different portable generators with different noise ratings. Inverter machines make less noise as compared to conventional ones. The decibel rating of these portable generators ranges between 55 dB (A) and 85 dB (A).
Is the wheel kit an essential feature to have?
Yes, a wheel kit must be the part of your conventional generator to move it easily. If your selected generator doesn’t come with a wheel kit then you must buy it separately.
Will my firman trifuel be ok for house use? The harmonic distortion is 11-14 k? Safe for new homes furnace, computers plugged in?
It’s the To7571