With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, portable generators have become fairly common. Anyone who lives in a suburban area often hit with power outages after storms is familiar with the sound of dozens of generators humming throughout the neighborhood. Which are the Best Portable Generators? You may ask.
But emergency power backup isn’t their only use. Portable generators are often used on construction sites, for tailgating and camping, and at barbecues and other events such as 5k runs, parades, fairs, or anyplace that can’t be reached by an extension cord.
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
Get on Amazon
And with prices coming down, portable generators are becoming more attainable for just about anyone who wants to keep one handy.
For the first hour or so, there can be a certain romance to a power outage. You move through your home, light some candles, and settle into the silence, envisioning a simpler, old-fashioned way of life.
Then dinnertime rolls around, you’re freezing, and the kids are completely over your “let’s turn this into a game” efforts. To get things up and running again, you need a portable generator.
We spent weeks researching portable generators over the years fall and winter and tested four we considered ideal for grab-and-go power.
These generators are not big enough to power an entire house, but with some smart power management, you can use one to keep the essentials going during an emergency.
Related Post: The Best Office Chairs in 2021
Because these generators are so small, they’re great for camping, tailgating, and working on outdoor projects, too.
Take a quick look at our five top options or scroll down to find out what you need to know about generators and the full reviews.
The best generator
Running watts: 1800 | Starting watts: 2200
Decibels under load @ 2 ft/25 ft: 81.2dB / 59.9dB
Outlets: 1 – 120v 20A, 1 – 120v 30A twist lock
Engine size: 121cc | Starting: Manual recoil
CO (carbon monoxide) shut-off: No | Low oil shut-off: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline | Fuel capacity: .95 gal | Weight: 46.5 lb
The quietest, lightest, and most powerful 2,200-watt generator we tested is easy to start, and the Bluetooth app makes monitoring its power output simple.
After we tested four generators in the 2,200-watt range, it was clear to us that the Honda EU2200i was the best.
The Honda was the quietest, lightest, and most powerful generator we looked at—it even exceeded its listed capabilities and powered appliances and tools that caused the other generators to overload.
Its distinguishing feature is its high-quality Honda engine, which is significantly larger than other generators we tested.
Starting a gas engine can be frustrating, and that alone could keep someone from buying a generator, but the EU2200i was the only model we tested that started on the first pull of the cord every single time we used it.
Related Post: The Best All-in-One Office Printers
In addition, you can easily monitor the Honda’s power output through a Bluetooth-connected app, so during a storm you can manage (and maximize) the generator’s operation from the cozy confines of your home.
This is a relatively new feature that not many generators have.
Like all of our picks, the EU2200i also has an onboard carbon monoxide detector that shuts the generator down if a concentration of the deadly gas gets too high, which can happen if the generator is running in an enclosed area.
(And that’s why you should never run one of these indoors or even in your garage with the doors open.)
Honda generators have an excellent reputation and recognition in the industry as the gold standard, but the hitch is that this quality comes at a cost.
The EU2200i is typically priced over $1,000, about $400 more than other gas options. But if we were riding out a storm-related outage or powering a coffee maker on a camping trip, this is the machine we’d rely on.
2. Briggs & Stratton 3500 Watt Portable
Running watts: 3500 | Starting watts: 4775
Decibels under load @ 2 ft/25 ft: 90.1dB / 73.2dB
Outlets: 2 – 120v 20A, 1 @ 120/240v 20A twist lock
Engine size: 208cc | Starting: Manual recoil
CO (carbon monoxide) shut-off: Yes | Low oil shut-off: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline | Fuel capacity: 4 gal | Weight: 121.3 lb
Briggs & Stratton, with a history powering equipment for other companies, sent us this 3500 Watt Portable Generator with CO Guard bearing its own name on.
At just over 120 pounds, it could be lifted out of the truck by one person, but it would be safer with two. Wheels and a folding handle facilitate moving and positioning the generator to make setup fast and easy.
Once the generator is running, a handy fuel gauge built into the top of the tank helps ensure there are no surprises with the gas level.
We found starting to be straightforward, turning on the fuel, flipping the engine/ignition switch, choking the carburetor, and pulling the recoil starter. We measured sound levels, with no load, in front of the generator at 89.1 decibels.
Under load, that number increased only to 90.1 decibels, while 25 feet away measured 73.2.
Visually checking the current output on an oscilloscope, we found slight deterioration of the sine wave, a common occurrence with portable generators.
Because of this, it’s always best to use a power strip with a surge protector when powering sensitive electronics.
Possibly the most important feature is CO Guard, which shuts down the engine when carbon monoxide (CO) levels get too high around the generator.
This can help prevent CO poisoning, or death, resulting from improper placement or use of the generator. We tested this feature using a large appliance box placed over the generator—which shut down in 26.3 seconds.
Briggs & Stratton’s 3500 Watt Portable Generator is a great choice for moderate power needs when camping, for emergency power backup, or in places where electrical service just doesn’t reach.
3. Champion 5500 Dual Fuel
Running watts: 5500 | Starting watts: 6900
Running watts, propane: 5000 | Starting watts, propane: 6250
Decibels under load, gas @ 2 ft/25 ft: 93.8dB / 87.2dB
Decibels, propane under load @ 2 ft/25 ft: 93.4dB/86.2dB
Outlets: 4 – GFCI 120v 20A, 1 – 120/240v 30A twist lock
Engine size: 389cc | Starting: Manual recoil
CO (carbon monoxide) shut-off: No | Low oil shut-off: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline/propane | Fuel capacity: 6 gal | Weight: 162 lb
Choose your fuel, or use what’s available in an emergency, with Champion’s 5500 Dual Fuel generator. Being able to choose between gasoline and proprane has a couple benefits, especially when using a generator for backup power during or after storms.
Unlike gasoline, propane is very stable and won’t gum up carburetors or other components when stored for long periods between use or from storm seasons.
Additionally, dealing with gasoline shortages, following regional storms that take down power grids for days, can potentially be avoided. We found switching between gasoline and propane to be very simple, and the 5500 started equally well, on either fuel.
However, since propane doesn’t pack the same amount of energy as gasoline, the running and starting watts will be slightly reduced.
When we tested the 5500, we also confirmed that it runs just a little quieter on propane, with 78.2 decibels under load at 25 feet versus 81.5 decibels on gas.
One note on using propane: The main power switch on the panel won’t shut the unit down—the propane switch on the fuel selection panel shuts off both the flow of propane and the generator. This prevents the propane from being left on when the generator is off.
We appreciated the digital gauge at the top of the control panel that displays the voltage and current frequency being generated, as well as total hours of use—handy to keep track of maintenance schedules.
The 5500 Dual Fuel is a great option for emergency backup power, but it’s also good for job sites and bigger RVs and campers.
4. GeneracGP 6500 COsense
Running watts: 6500 | Starting watts: 8125
Decibels under load @ 2 ft/25 ft: 94.2dB / 83.3dB
Outlets: 4 – GFCI 120v 20A, 1 – 120/240v 30A twist lock
Engine size: 389cc | Starting: Manual recoil
CO (carbon monoxide) shut-off: Yes | Low oil shut-off: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline | Fuel capacity: 7.9 gal | Weight: 172 lb
The biggest Portable Generator we tested, Generac’s GP6500 COsense, boast a generous 8125 starting watts capacity.
This means the generator can handle startup loads from big appliances or tools that could be two to three times their running watts.
Larger-capacity generators like this are frequently used as backup power during power outages. Connected to the home through a manual transfer switch, instead of running extension cords to individual appliances, the generator can supply power directly to the home’s critical circuits.
This unit could also be used to supply power at construction sites, or for large RVs that have significant power needs. Wherever it’s used, Generac’s COsense technology keeps people near it safe.
When the unit detects high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the immediate area, it quickly shuts down—preventing CO poisoning or death.
We tested this feature by placing a large cardboard appliance box over the unit while running and found that it shut off in just 16.5 seconds.
For a larger generator, the GP6500 isn’t excessively loud, measuring sound levels at 83.3 decibels under load from 25 feet away.
When we hooked up an oscilloscope and monitored the sine wave of the current generated, we noticed some mild distortion, which is normal for most AC generators.
It is a reminder, though, that if powering sensitive electronics from a generator, to do so using a good power strip with a surge protector.
To ensure the unit won’t need frequent refueling, it has a large fuel tank that holds nearly 8 gallons—there’s also a fuel gauge designed into the top of the tank.
A digital hour meter is included on the front panel to help track maintenance—as it approaches 100 hours and starts to blink, it’s time to change the oil. At 200, routine service is recommended. Lastly, the GP6500 meets emission standards in every state, including California.
5. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
This is an electric start portable generator, a feature that appealed to many five-star reviewers, like one who says, “The electric start and remote worked perfectly.
A very nice touch that everything was included (battery, oil, funnel, spark plug socket, etc.) and that the battery was already charged and ready to go.”
Another has “had this generator for a year now and started it again in preparation for Hurricane Florence,” and calls it, “Well-designed and well-built, starts first try.
The electric start is a nice perk, but pull start is there when you have a dead battery.”
One says that for “a portable generator, Westinghouse is great” because while “you have to get a transfer switch installed by an electrician,” he adds “it is very easy to start thanks to the electric start button.
It holds a lot of gasoline and has to be filled up twice per day depending on how much load you put on it.”
And the battery, according to one reviewer, really holds a charge, even after five years: “Got it out of storage yesterday, put in fresh gas, and it immediately started and ran great.
I could hardly believe that the battery still had a charge and i did not have to jump start.”
Best quiet portable inverter generator
6. Westinghouse WGen9500 Portable Generator
Half of all five star reviewers describe this portable generator as “quiet,” including one who keeps it on the porch without disturbing any neighbors: “My first impression was ‘Wow, this thing is quiet.’ I really didn’t expect it to be that quiet.
I chose an inverter since I live in a townhouse complex and was concerned about powering my necessities when power went out but didn’t want to annoy my neighbors. I was very pleased when I finally heard it run.”
Another is impressed that “This little baby just keeps on purring away and uses very little fuel,” adding that it ran, “13 hours on one gallon. Love it.” And it can run a lot. According to one reviewer, “I’ve being using it for four weeks as home backup power after hurricane Maria struck PR leaving the Island off the power grid.
In average, I use it daily for 12 hours powering a refrigerator, 1 55-inch LED TV, 1 40-inch LCD TV, 1 Blu-ray DVD, 8 16-watt lamps, two big fans, one 800-watt espresso coffee brewer running six minute cycle in the morning, charging my cell phones, tablets and laptops and washing two laundry loads per week.”
A fourth reviewer also purchased this after his home was hit by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, writing, “I have to say this little unit has been a life saver for me and my family. It has made our life much easier and I’m planning to buy another one for back up.”
Best (less expensive) quiet portable inverter generator
7. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant
This portable generator gets top marks for its low noise level.
As one reviewer explains, “At up to about 600W, this unit is so quiet, you can actually run it outside on your balcony, without disturbing the neighbors.”
Another exclaims, “This generator rocks,” explaining, “It kept two refrigerators and two freezers going 24 hours/day with a little room to spare for four days in the aftermath of the Irma induced storms in Atlanta.”
One reviewer even calls this “one of the best investments I’ve done,” explaining, “ We live in south Florida and this generator got us through the hurricane Irma.
The reason we got it because the price and performance; very fuel efficient, compact, light and quiet.” Another reviewer used this after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and concludes, “The generator has been used every day for at least eight hours per day and it’s still going strong with no problems whatsoever. That is at least four months, people!”
Best lightweight portable generator
8. Champion Power Equipment 42436 1500/1200-Watt Portable Generator
“This is a nicely priced 3.5 kw generator, and one thing I like is that it comes with a wheel kit standard. The box shows what items you can run at the same time, such as one refrigerator, one television, one computer, one fan, and one light,” writes one reviewer. “The instructions are clear enough, and the generator feels rugged and well built.
It starts up very easily and runs very quiet, at least quieter than I thought it would run.” Reviewers also liked the easy setup process: “The instructions for setup are very professional and intuitive.
I was able to set up the generator very quickly, and engineering of parts seems precise,” another one says.
It’s so easy that one customer, who left the unit in its box until the power went out one morning, says, “Within 20 minutes, using only the excellent quick-reference guide, we were running and had the refrigerator and Wi-Fi back on.”
Best portable solar-powered generator
9. EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER AC-Outlets Solar Generator
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station 720Wh, Power Multiple Devices, Recharge 0-80% Within 1 Hour, for Camping, RV, Outdoors, Off-Grid
One customer got their generator just in time: “It had just arrived six hours before Hurricane Eta hit our area hard.
Hence there was just enough time to charge the power station before the power went out.
With this station, we have been able to ‘survive’ the evening (powerwise), to have enough power for emergency light, charge all our equipment, and even watch local TV (with an HD antenna) for some time.”
Another reviewer praises this generator’s ability to charge numerous devices: “I’ve been able to run my small electric fan, along with having the ability to charge my laptop, metal detector, GoPro Hero 9, and 30,000mAh power bank.
This solar generator is a priceless addition to our outdoor, camping, and emergency supplies!”
What You Need to Know About Portable Generators
Before running out to buy a portable generator it’s important to think about how and where you’re going to use it.
There are often laws, rules, and restrictions regarding their use in residential homes, with homeowners associations, at campgrounds, or on construction sites. Picking the right one means you’ll be able to power up the appliances or equipment you need.
Picking the wrong one, or using it improperly, could damage the generator or what is connected to it, at best—at worst, it could be dangerous, posing a risk of fire, electrocution, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
How Generators Work
Generators consist of two major components: an engine and an alternator. The engine turns the alternator, producing AC (Alternating Current) power that goes through a voltage regulator to deliver 120 volts or 240 volts, as required.
AC power is what is distributed and used in our homes, so just about anything we can plug in at home can be powered by a generator.
Types of Generators
1. Portable
This portable generators, sometimes called backup generators, are used to provide temporary power when and where it is needed. The word Portable is a relative term; some are more portable than others.
While the smallest models can be picked up and carried, most have wheels and a handle to make transport easier. However, at 100 plus pounds, picking them up to load or move may take two people.
Appliances, power tools, or other devices can be plugged directly into standard outlets on the generator’s front panel. Additionally, many models have a twist-lock plug that can provide up to 240 volts and be used to power circuits in a home via a manual transfer switch.
2. Inverter Generators
Though inverter-type generators are typically portable, we put them under their own heading because they are significantly and technically different from the other two in terms of how they work. Like most generators, inverter generators provide 120/240 volts of AC power.
They generate AC current just like the others, but it’s then converted to DC (Direct Current), and then inverted back to AC.
The conversion and inversion is controlled by circuitry which acts like a filter, flattens surges, and cleans up the sine wave (or oscillating wave) of the electrical current.
Typical generators have varying degrees of distortion in the sine wave of the alternating current. This isn’t usually an issue for most electrical devices—the exception being sensitive electronics like tablets, laptops, televisions, and other smart devices which can be damaged by current distortion or surges.
These devices will last longer with “clean” power and steady voltage. Because of the added complication, inverter generators can be significantly more expensive.
3. Standby
Standby generators are permanently installed and connected to a home. These may power selected, critical circuits during a power outage, or may provide power for the whole home.
Standby generators have systems that monitor power supplied by a utility and start automatically in the event of an outage.
Generators Fuel Options
Most portable generators are powered by gasoline, which is the most commonly available fuel. However, when using generators for emergency power, their infrequent use presents some issues to consider.
The first is that when big, catastrophic storms hit and power outages span days, local gas stations may have trouble meeting the demand and there may be long lines.
The second issue has to do with the infrequent use of backup generators, which may sit for months to years between use.
Gasoline sitting in a carburetor will slowly evaporate over time, leaving gummy deposits that can block fuel from getting through, and make starting difficult or impossible without servicing. This can be avoided by turning off the fuel valve and letting the generator run until it stalls, using up the fuel left in the carburetor.
Over time, gasoline can oxidize or go “stale,” losing combustibility. It may also absorb water which can then corrode fuel tanks and other metal components in the fuel system. Starting a generator regularly, as well as treating fuel with a stabilizer, can help fight these issues.
Dual-fuel generators can be run on gasoline or liquified petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as propane. Switching between the fuels is simple, and you won’t be tied into the availability of one type of fuel.
There is a bigger advantage to propane, though: It is very stable when stored for long periods of time. It won’t go stale, and it won’t gum up carburetors from sitting.
Plus, some homes that use propane for other purposes may already have large storage tanks on the premises, foregoing the need to make repeated trips out for fuel.
The one downside to propane is that it has fewer BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measurement of energy) than the same amount of gasoline.
So, a generator running on propane will have slightly reduced starting and running watts, but will also run a little quieter than those that run on gasoline.
There are also kits available to convert many popular generators to run on propane. Some kits also allow the use of natural gas. These vary in price, depending on the application, but they start around fifty dollars.
Does Your Generator Need to Be Grounded?
Generally, if powering appliances, tools, or other devices by plugging them directly into the standard outlets on the front of the generator, no. If the generator is being used to power circuits in your home, maybe.
It’s always best to consult the operator’s manual, a licensed electrician, and/or township ordinances with your local building officials—some localities may have requirements that differ from the NEC (National Electric Code).
Electrical circuits need to be grounded in order to operate electrical devices safely, so that any current that shorts out, or has a fault, is directed to the ground, i.e. the actual, literal earth, less the user become the conduit to “ground.”
There are two ways that generators are grounded: neutral bonded and floating neutral. Neutral bonded means that the neutral wire is bonded, or connected, to the generator frame. With a floating neutral, the neutral is not connected to the frame.
In the latter case, the generator should be grounded by connecting to the ground terminal to a grounding rod driven into the ground.
Generators with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets, when used to power circuits in your home, require a neutral switching, manual transfer switch, and need to be grounded by connecting the ground terminal to a ground rod, driven into the soil. Neutral switching transfer switches are also referred to as three pole transfer switches.
Generator Safety
A generator, or anything with a fuel-powered engine, should never be operated in a closed space, like a garage or shed. Exhaust gasses contain carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can poison and kill people.
Most manufacturers offer models that will shut down when they detect carbon monoxide gas building up, which prevents them from running in closed spaces.
Do not run a generator in a garage, with the door open, or in front of the garage with the door open—carbon monoxide can still become trapped in the garage and slowly make its way into the home.
For this reason, generators should be run outside, at least 20 feet from the house, away from windows and doors, with the exhaust blowing away from the house.
Sizing The Best Potable Generators Correctly
It’s important to know what you intend to power with a generator in order to choose the right size. Manufacturers list two figures for generators: starting watts and running watts.
Starting watts includes the initial surge required to start appliances or tools with powerful electric motors or compressors.
Once started, these devices require far less power to run continuously. Many manufacturers have a chart with estimated power requirements for common appliances and tools to help add up what is required.
The figure can also be calculated by adding up power consumption of specific appliances and adding them together.
To calculate watts, multiply voltage (usually 120 volts) by the amps (amperage) required to run the appliance (usually found on a tag attached to the appliance). Do this for each item the generator will power.
How We Tested These Generators
We researched popular features, scoured consumer reviews, and talked with product engineers to select these generators.
Testing these models was based on our experience using generators for backup power with and without transfer switches, on construction sites to run power tools and equipment, as well as running sound systems and lighting at outdoor events.
We measured sound levels of these generators idling with no load, and while running under load at 2 feet and 25 feet.
We used an oscilloscope to observe the sine wave of the AC current generated by these machines, and a clamp meter to check voltage output.
Some examples of devices we used with large starting and running loads include a large air conditioner and a portable table saw.
We evaluated these generators based on ease of starting, power response, sound levels, value, safety, and reliability to select the top performers.
You must be logged in to post a comment.