The portable generators we have today allow for usage in almost any type of environment. The best models on the market come with a dual voltage AC inverter, an exclusive Honda fuel tank design and a dependable Yamaha engine that makes it easy to provide power during emergencies, natural disasters or for portable home use. One thing worth mentioning is that half-horsepower (500 watts) generators are also available.
The term “portable” in the name of this device means it can be easily carried from one place to another or one location to another. The most important part of an engine powered by a fuel, namely its weight, is concentrated on wheeled apparatus and such apparatus can be moved in any direction and position. Wherever you are going, wherever you go your engine will follow you. Using fuel as a source of energy generation these machines seem to be very efficient, but they have some drawbacks like every other thing on earth. In addition this article contains field research about best-rated models of different types of products available in the market nowadays.
If you want to have a reliable and efficient generator for your house or business, it is necessary to make a special research about the characteristics of this device. Quality generators are not just engines but they will provide you with electricity when there is a power outage in any part of the world (irrespective who owns them). They are designed to supply appliances or devices with a stable and uninterrupted source of power. Qualified technologists from all over the world have designed the best generators from various types of materials such as synthetic, toxic, biological or radioactive substances that can generate proper energy for us.
Best portable generator models reviewed
The portable generators we have today allow for usage in almost any type of environment. The best models on the market come with a dual voltage AC inverter, an exclusive Honda fuel tank design, and a dependable Yamaha engine that makes it easy to provide power during emergencies, natural disasters or for portable home use. One thing worth mentioning is that half-horsepower (500 watts) generators are also available.
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 portable inverter is a 2,000-watt generator designed for portability and convenience. It weighs 44 pounds and has a fuel tank size of 1.1 gallons that can power your devices continuously for up to 10 hours at max capacity or 20 hours at 1000 watts with lighter loads. Small enough to fit in most cars or truck beds with storage space available but big enough to provide energy on demand.
The Westinghouse WGen7500 will take your camping experience to the next level with a 9500 peak watt generator. With 7,500 watts of total continuous power and up to 11 hours of run time; this generator can handle anything you throw at it! This unit can provide power to everything from your lights and microwave, to your electric blanket and TV. Don’t let the rain stop you from having a great time in the outdoors whenever you want with the convenience of this portable generator.
The Generac GP8000E is one of the most reliable generators on the market. It features Power Rush advanced technology – which delivers over 30% more starting capacity, making it ideal for those who are looking to do more with less. This model can be operated using electric start or recoil, and its durable OHV engine provides a long engine life that ensures durability despite frequent use. Providing up to 11 hours at 50% load time, this generator also features an easy-to-read fuel gauge and large capacity steel fuel tank.
The DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator is a powerhouse that can handle an entire house in the event of power outages. Containing 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this generator has enough power to supply multiple appliances at once. The 208cc OHV engine runs quietly with no need for a heavy muffler or sound enclosure thanks to the full electronic fuel management system. Featuring low oil shutdown protection, this unit is sure not to leave you stranded on your job site or without electricity during blackouts due to a lack of operational fluids. And a 12-inch steel frame comes standard with wheels for easy transport and durable electrical cable guards make it safe for storing close by your home’s electric meter panel when not in use.
A reliable power supply that lets you run your home for up to 12 hours with a simple touch. Features 6 outlets, including 120v and 240v 30a twist-lock receptacles, as well as assembly tools, engine oil, and funnel, included – just add gas! Includes electric start and LED-lit controls so it’s easy to use and single-sided operation for easier prep.
Best Quiet Portable Generator
The lightweight and portable Honda EB2200iTAG 2200-Watt Portable Power Range can be used in a variety of applications, perfect for any job site. Its CO-MINDER monitoring system prevents the generator from producing carbon monoxide readings greater than 25 ppm within 3 minutes after startup, so you never have to worry about safety when starting up this product. The EB2200i is also powerful enough to power more equipment than the previous model, the EB2000, at 10% more power with its 4kVA motor running on 20 ftA outlets.
This generator is widely used in all kinds of areas such as camping, tailgating, car shows or anywhere else you need power on the go!
Best lightweight portable generator
Whether you’re in need of power for a cell phone to keep up on work or a refrigerator full of food, our Champion Power Equipment 42436 portable generator can provide whatever and whenever you need it. Weighing in at only 27 pounds (so small and light), this generator is easy to transport between campsites, parties, family gatherings or anywhere else life takes you! Not only that but the sleek and modern design makes it able to fit inside most SUVs so as not to impede your driving experience. With all these wonderful features combined with an unbeatable price tag our Champion Power Equipment 42436 1500/1200-Watt Portable Generator is perfect for anyone looking for power happiness without straining their wallet!
Best dual fuel generator
The Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator is your ideal companion for those jobs that require a large boost of power. Featuring dual fuel capabilities (gasoline and propane)and an electric start, this generator will not disappoint at any job site! It’s also easy to maintain thanks to the low oil shutoff sensor with included 10w30 oil. This 4500 running watt generator runs quietly so you can use it in residential areas as well or keep it quiet while camping.
The Champion Power Equipment 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator has all the features needed for reliable power; including RV Ready jump-starting 120v 30a RV outlets along with 2 120V 20A household outlets for indoor convenience!
Best generator for camping
The Honda EU2200i is the perfect solution for all your power needs. With inverter technology, it can run everything from sensitive electronics to high-powered tools. It’s so quiet, you won’t even know it’s running! And with its compact size, it’s easy to take anywhere – camping trips or job sites included.
You deserve reliable power wherever you go – whether at home or on the road. That’s why we created the Honda EU2200i Portable Generator Inverter. This model is quieter than a normal conversation and comes in two sizes for any situation imaginable. Add one more if you need even more power!
Best Value for the money generator
The Westinghouse iGen2200 is your home’s secret superpower in the event of a power outage. With 1800 Watts and 2200 Peak Watts at less than 3% THD, this dependable generator provides enough power to run all your essentials hours on end with its 12-hour fuel economy for maximum benefit. The IiGen2200’s shut down Economy Mode also saves significant gas and money while maintaining output. In addition, the unit features two 120V 20 amp outlets along with two USB ports, earning it a spot as one of our most affordable generators by carrying double duty as the emergency backup before or after a storm hits.
Together, these factors have made the Westinghouse iGen2200 the go-to emergency backup generator in homes nationwide.
Best for Long Run Times
Westinghouse has designed the perfect generator for family vacations that last over a week and emergencies. With 9500 peak watts, this system can take care of all your power needs. The features include 2 GFCI receptacles (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters), plus a 12V battery charger and funnel to top off oil levels after installation is complete. It also comes with remote start which includes a key fob, 110-volt outlet on the front panel, and LED control panel light display gives you information about the power status of input, output voltage agregity current line trips present alarms& warnings located near or around the LCD display screen – making it easier than ever to see what’s going on! The Westinghouse features a 1+1 year limited warranty or up to 3,000 hours of electrical service.
How to Choose the Best Portable Generator – the Buyer’s Guide
When thinking about purchasing a portable generator, there are many things to consider. Some of these include the amount of power you need it to produce, how much weight can it handle and what type of fuel source should it be able to use? Different generators also have different starting systems which is important when looking for one that’s easy to operate .
Before choosing a generator , decide how much power you really want because this will help narrow down your options. If you only need something that runs on 350 watts or less, then make sure the unit you choose has enough wattage for all your needs . However, if you’ll be using the unit in an emergency situation, you may need to buy something with a higher wattage.
Portable generators come in all shapes and sizes, but they weigh much more than their full-size counterparts. If you’ll be using your generator for camping or any other type of outdoor activity, then choosing one that has wheels can make life a lot easier . However, there are also many units available that don’t require the use of wheels so if yours is portable enough, this won’t really matter.
In order to understand what type of fuel source will be needed, first find out what size options are available on each unit. Many newer model generators have both liquid propane tanks as well as gasoline tanks so you’ll be able to choose one that’s compatible with your current fuel source . However, some units only run on LPG and don’t offer options for any other type of fuel.
The starting system can also play a big role in what generator you should buy. For example, most portable generators with an automatic starting system will be easier to use since they’ll start up much faster than a manual one . Plus, this type of generator typically has another option that can help it power your home in an emergency.
Most portable generators come with some sort of warranty for all parts except for the engine . In order to ensure that you’re getting a quality product, make sure it has some sort of warranty because this will give you peace of mind if it ever fails.
If you plan on using your generator for outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating , then choosing one with wheels can make transport a lot easier . This way, you can just pull the unit right through grass or mud if needed. Just make sure your generator comes with carrying handles as well so that it’s easy to carry after taking it out of the trunk.
In order to help ensure that you’re getting the best portable generator , it’s important to look at those features listed above. Not all generators have the same wattage, starting system and weight capacity so these can help determine which one is right for your needs .
Before purchasing a portable generator, you’ll need to consider several things like wattage and the amount of power you want to supply. Watts are a measurement of how much energy is created by an electrical source or appliance. By multiplying this number by your volts, then converting it into amps, you can find out how much power your unit will provide .
It used to be that you could figure the power needs of a home by working with the following formula:
850 watts x number of homes = main service panel amps Then, you’d multiply this number by 120 volts to get your wattage. For example, if the above equation resulted in 5,400 watts , then the generator would need to run on 540 amps .
Today, however, most homes have more appliances than they used to and they tend to be more energy-hungry. In addition, many people are using the same wattage in their homes that they would use if they were outdoors , such as when camping or tailgating . Knowing this information can help you determine how large of a generator you’ll need .
What exactly do you need?
Numerous companies are manufacturing top-rated generators with different types of fuel and rating capacities per hour, but you should be aware of the drawbacks of such devices. Because portable generators are not attached to a building they have some disadvantages when compared with other types of power stations:
- They should be refueled constantly – so you will need plenty of fuel and in case if you don’t have any extra storage space then it is more difficult for you to maintain your generator;
- They should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure it provides the best possible performance. If you don’t know how to work with this device properly, then probably you will face some troubles;
- Various types of weather conditions may affect their efficiency. During heavy rain or snowstorms fuel reserves in your storage can leak out so always try to cover them to prevent possible damage.
If you want to use portable generators for some specific purposes, it is necessary to make deep research about their characteristics and efficiency. This article will provide you with a list of top-rated models which are considered as best products on the market today. Such models are designed by professionals based on modern technologies that are used in their production.
According to our studies, we have found out a lot of companies manufacturing these devices, so, first of all, it is necessary to determine what exactly you need. Because there are various types of portable generators available on the market today, you should find out what kind of power source will suit you better: gasoline or diesel-powered machines.
Most people prefer to use a gasoline generator because this type is not just cheaper but also more convenient for using all over the world. This type has fewer parts that can be adjusted or repaired properly so this is one of the main advantages of using the gasoline-powered generator. The next step during our research was to determine output power which is provided by this device based on maximum capacity (in watts, KVA, or Amps). In addition, it is necessary to measure running time in minutes because this factor can affect the real efficiency.
Another essential feature of this type of device is price. You should make deep research if you want to get the highest efficiency for your money and choose the right model which provides you with great value; also, it’s important to check the warranty provided by manufacturers to ensure you will not face any troubles after purchasing such product.
The last but crucial step was our testing of portable generators to determine their efficiency. In this research, we used a wide variety of methods: from gathering opinions and reviews from other people who have already tried such products, to our own field tests. During this process, we considered the following features: noise level, power source strength, fuel consumption, size and weight of the device, warranty, emergency power supply, fuel type and durability. These aspects are major factors that must be taken into account when choosing a portable generator and they are considered as main characteristics of top-rated products available on the market today.
Universal features that every portable generator should include
Fuel tank – your device must have a properly sized fuel tank (usually 5 gallons) which is enough for running a portable generator non-stop for 8 to 10 hours. Moving wheels – they make the job of moving portable generators much easier.
Power Output (in watts)- the power output is important if you want to avoid connecting more than one unit of other electrical appliances. Every device must have a manual or automatic voltage regulator that keeps the voltage held within acceptable limits while increasing or decreasing according to demand. Voltage regulators help prevent damage from voltage spikes that occur when restoring power after an outage.
Power outlets– they must have a wide range of power outlets in order to connect more than one device (e.g.: lamps, radios, TVs, etc.) at the same time
Generator voltage control – most devices offer between 110 and 120V but there are also units that have 220 – 240 volt output to power larger appliances like stoves, microwaves, etc.
Battery bank charger – nowadays many customers buying portable generators want to be able to use them even if there is no electricity in their houses so it’s a good idea to check this feature and see how many times your generator can charge the battery bank during one hour of operation.
LED lights – some devices are equipped with such lights for better visibility and security when using them outdoors. No-load speed – this feature shows you how fast your engine will run without any additional load on output (in other words if you have a 2000W generator, the no-load speed tells you how fast it can run if only one light bulb is connected to its input.)
Some devices are also equipped with LCD display panels but these features aren’t so important because you can always read all necessary data from the fuel gauge, hour meter, or ammeter.
Types of Portable Generators
- Fuel Options
If you’re looking for a generator to power your entire house or business in case of an emergency, it’s important to look at the fuel options for that particular model. The amount of fuel it takes to operate directly relates to how long you can run your appliances before refueling. Gasoline is generally the most efficient way to get electricity going quickly, but propane generators are much cheaper when operating at low wattages. Natural gas and diesel generators tend to be really effective if you want something that will last as long as possible without being refueled frequently, although their liquid fuels may pose hazards if handled improperly and they require ventilation systems while running (if using natural gas) to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Many of the larger generators are able to use multiple different fuels, but they may have a harder time starting when using gasoline or propane. They also tend to be more expensive than smaller portable options. That’s not to say that you can’t find something reasonably priced for sale – especially during special sales. Some companies will include accessories like wheels, dollies and storage boxes when selling products in order to make them easier to move around and store. Overall, you should consider how often your generator is going to be used and how much fuel it is intended for before committing to any particular model or brand name.
- Gas-Powered Generators
Gas-powered generators are the most common type of generator used for household use as well as during natural disasters. Since they don’t need to be refueled very often, they’re typically more affordable to operate than other options (depending on what you’re using them for). They also start up quickly and have a simple design that is durable enough to last for decades, so long as you perform regular maintenance.
But remember that gasoline can leak out and when it comes into contact with oxygen, the result is an explosive combination. If your gas tank does rupture or begins leaking while you’re running your generator, never try to light it. Instead search online for trusted advice from victims who have been through the same problem in order to get it fixed properly.
If your generator is small enough, you can remove the gas tank before it spills completely and move to a well-ventilated location. That way you won’t have to worry about doing something dangerous that could blow up in your face – just make sure there are no sparks or flames nearby before moving the unit! If you don’t want to risk spilling gasoline at all, consider switching over to propane.
- Diesel-Powered Generators
Diesel-powered generators are another popular option for homeowners, especially if they want some of the perks that a gas generator has without the risk of explosions. That’s because diesel is more stable than gasoline during its production as well as during transportation. This means you won’t have to worry about any accidental spills or leaks while transporting your generator from one location to another.
But diesel also provides better durability and reliability compared with other fuels – it can last up to 3 times longer between refills when powering appliances in a pinch! It doesn’t create fumes, either, which makes it appealing even for those who are concerned about airborne contaminants and carbon monoxide .
That said, make sure you store your diesel fuel safely so that children or animals don’t find it and drink it. You should also be sure to use your generator in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside) just to be on the safe side, since diesel doesn’t burn as cleanly as other fuels do.
- Propane-Powered Generators
Propane is another option if you’re looking for something simple that won’t pose any safety risks . It doesn’t require ventilation systems or special storage options, but it does have somewhat limited durability compared with gasoline or diesel – you’ll need to refill your propane tank more often than refilling a gas tank, so make sure that’s something you’re willing to deal with before buying one of these generators! Propane also creates fumes when used, though they are less harmful than fumes from gasoline or diesel .
For safety reasons, you should never store propane tanks inside the house where they could accidentally rupture in a fire and send deadly chemicals everywhere. You also have to be careful when moving them to avoid overfilling the tank or dropping it on accident. If you’ve ever seen those large propane canisters that people use for outdoor grills, then you know how easy it is to take these things seriously!
- Solar-Powered Generators
If you have a solar energy system, then you might want to consider getting a generator that can charge off of that power source instead of relying on the national grid. While this option does cost more than most other types of generators do – they aren’t cheap! – it can save you money in the long run if you’re planning on relying on an alternative energy system to go completely off-grid .
That said, make sure your solar panels are positioned properly and aren’t broken before purchasing one of these units. You should also double-check with local bylaws as some areas don’t allow homeowners to use solar energy without proper licensing. Finally, don’t expect your generator to actually produce usable power during daylight hours or when there are clouds blocking the sun – you’ll need a battery bank to provide energy at those times.
Solar-powered generators are often used during natural disasters, so it’s good to know how they function before they’re needed in your family!
- Inverter Generators
Inverters have become a popular option in recent years, since they produce an alternating current (AC) that is compatible with household appliances. This AC energy is the same type of electricity that you get from the power grid, so it’s basically just converting the DC energy that solar panels and batteries store into a form that is more useful to your electronic devices.
Conclusion
Portable generators are essential for homes, businesses and outdoor activities. With our comprehensive guide and analysis, finding the right portable generator for home use, RV, camping, or even the job site should be an easy task. Our portable generator reviews feature only the top-selling and highly rated ones from the best brands.
Here, we’ve laid out detailed information on each of the portable generator models we’ve analyzed. We have explained what you need to consider when buying a portable generator in order to find one that suits your needs perfectly.