Best Portable Generators Reviewed

Portable Generator Comparison Guide

How Do Portable Generators Work

Advantages of Having Backup Portable Generators

No matter if you’re buying a portable generator for safety reasons or the added convenience of electricity while camping/RVing, there are certain advantages to owning a backup generator. The best generator products provide reliable power, so you'll never have to go without electricity, even in the event of a citywide power outage.

Here are a few more advantages to owning a backup power source:

Choosing a High-Quality Portable Generator

Power Needs

The main thing keeping people from purchasing a portable power source is the assumption that portable generators don't provide a sufficient amount of power compared to a permanent generator. This may be the case for some generators, but it's certainly not true of all of them. Every generator provides a different amount of power, which is measured in watts.

It is up to you to calculate your power needs before deciding on a portable generator. To do this, first think about what you’ll be using this generator for. Are you in the market for the best portable generator for RV camping, or will this backup generator only be used for emergency power needs?

Then, consider which appliances and devices you plan on powering with the generator. By doing this, you can get a good idea of the exact wattage you’ll be needing from your generator (the higher the wattage, the more power it will provide).

Generator Type

Generator Size

A generator's size has a significant impact on its portability. For instance, a large backup generator that has a power output of 10,000 watts will be much less portable than a compact 3,000-watt generator. But even if you know that you’ll be needing a generator with lots of power, that doesn’t you have to give up on the idea of portability altogether.

Even bulky, heavy generators can be highly portable as long as they come with the right features. Look for a generator that is equipped with a carrying handle, rolling wheels, maybe even a suitcase-style design that allows for easy transport and storage.

Fuel Options

Fuel Efficiency

A generator's fuel efficiency doesn't just dictate how often you'll need to refill on fuel; it also determines the average cost you'll be paying for each tank of gas/diesel or each bottle of propane. Ideally, you’ll want to find a portable generator that has a long run time on a small amount of fuel.

To make this more feasible, some manufacturers add an “Eco” setting to their products, allowing the generator to save on fuel whenever possible. To get an idea of a generator's fuel efficiency, look at each product's average run time for a full tank of gas. Also, consider terms like "half load" and "quarter load," which refers to the amount of electrical load that is placed on the generator.

Noise Level

Extra Features

There is a long list of additional features that come in handy when operating a portable generator. Some extra features are strictly for added convenience, like a remote start function that allows a user to start the generator from a remote location. Others are for easing maintenance, like low-oil shutoff and maintenance alerts. Other features are for improving safety, like automatic CO shutoff.

Price & Warranty

The price of a generator is determined by many things, like size, power output, efficiency, and extra features. You can count on a 3,000-watt generator being more affordable than a 7,000-watt generator. Set your budget ahead of time, but don't be too frugal when it comes to spending on added safety features.

Every product on this list of best portable generator reviews comes with warranty coverage. Just like any product category, the pricier generators often come with longer warranty periods. Low-cost models are likely to come with 1 year of warranty coverage, and the mid to high price range typically come with 3 or more years of coverage. 

1. Westinghouse iGen4500

For the best portable inverter generator that is small yet powerful, no generator compares to the Westinghouse iGen4500. It has a peak power rating of 4500 watts, a running wattage of 3700, and it is compact for easy handling. It is extremely quiet and extremely fuel-efficient, running up to 18 hours on a full tank of gas. To experience this long run time, fill up the 3.4-gallon gas tank and set the generator on "Efficiency Mode."

This device is completely RV and camper van ready thanks to its 120V 30A outlet. It also comes with a 20A outlet and two USB ports for directly charging your small electronics. It's strong enough to run all of your essentials, but try to remember that a 3700 running wattage isn't adequate for running multiple major appliances at one time, like a full-size fridge and AC unit. So what do we love most about the Westinghouse generator? That would be the inverter technology, which not only produces cleaner-than-average electricity but also keeps operation at a whisper-quiet level.

2. WEN 56200i

3. Honda EU2200i

So far, we've covered two very quiet generators that both utilize inverter technology for whisper-level operation. But nothing compares to the Honda EU2200i if quiet power is what you're after. This quiet portable generator operates at as little as 48 dB, which is unheard of. The low end of the generator sound level typically fluctuates between 52 and 54 dB.

Honda portable generators have always been known for their outstanding quality and amazing power, and the EU2200i is no exception. It features a starting wattage of 2200, a running wattage of 1800, and an engine displacement of 121cc. Compared to the previous Honda portable generator, the EU2000i, this one comes with more power, but it's all contained within the same compact package.

4. Westinghouse WGen7500

5. Generac 7117 GP2200i

It can be challenging to find a source of reliable power that fits your budget. High-quality portable generators aren't known for their budget-friendliness, but the Generac 7117 GP2200i is changing that. This Generac portable generator is all about providing its users with a reliable, safe, and easy to use an alternative power source that doesn't break the bank. So if you're wondering what is the best portable generator to fit your budget, there’s a good chance that the GP2200i fits the bill.

With a starting wattage of 2200 and running power of 1700 watts, this generator is the go-to choice of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether the intended use is for weekends in the woods, football tailgating, or emergency power, the 2200i was designed for all occasions. Just keep in mind that a 2200 wattage isn't much, so this is not a suitable choice if you plan on continuously running your large AC unit. It is, however, perfect for small and medium-sized electronics.

6. Rainier R12000DF

So far, each of the best portable generators reviewed has been compatible with just one type of fuel - gasoline. But what if you want a more versatile power source, one that is compatible with multiple fuel types? If fuel versatility is a feature that you've added to your portable generator bucket list, you'll want to invest in the best dual fuel portable generator, like the Rainier R12000DF.  Not only is this ranked as the best portable propane generator on the market, but it’s also known for its efficient gasoline operation.

The dual-fuel capability isn't the only thing that the R12000DF has going for it. It's convenient and easy to use with a reliable one-touch electric start button. The full control panel has all the outlets you could ever need, including one L5-30R 120V 30A outlet, one TT-30R 120V 30A outlet, and two grounding ports. It also comes with a VFT display that shows volts, frequency, and lifetime hours of the generator.

The engine is powerful, to say the least; it has a displacement of 457cc and up to 17 hours of runtime on quarter-load capacity. The operational volume is a bit loud - 72 decibels - but this is to be expected from such a powerful engine. If you want something quieter, you'll want to choose an inverter generator like the Westinghouse iGen4500. But if power and versatility are your main priorities, you can't go wrong with the Rainier R12000DF.

7. MAXOAK BLUETTI EB150 1500Wh

8. Generac 7043

The only issue, according to Generac customers, has to do with the difficult task of how to hook up a portable generator to a house. It's not an easy process, so it is suggested that you hire a professional to help with installing this portable generator for house use. Professional installation of this type of generator doesn’t come cheap, but it is worth the added expense. If you choose to undergo DIY installation and mistakes are made, there’s a chance that the 5-year warranty will be voided.

9. Generac 6864

So if you’re looking for something heavy-duty and powerful, there’s no comparison. But with power comes noise, so even though this is the best diesel generator, it’s definitely not the best quiet portable generator on the market. Diesel generators are by no means quiet, so if a close-to-silent operation is something you're looking for, consider the Generac inverter generator instead.

But if you have your heart set on a diesel generator, it's possible to minimize the machine's sound by building or investing in a portable generator sound enclosure. The only other downside to the 6864 is that the portability kit is sold separately. This kit is worth the extra purchase, though; it includes handles and wheels to enhance the 6864's portability.

10. Sportsman GEN4000LP

Portable gas generators have a lot of positive attributes, but propane generators come out on top when it comes to clean fuel burning.

There aren’t many top rated portable generators that use propane as the main fuel source, but this is starting to change. Portable generators that use propane, like the Sportsman GEN4000LP, burn fuel at a much cleaner rate than gasoline generators. This specific model offers 10 hours of continuous run time on a 50% capacity, and it has a power output of 3250 watts (running wattage).

The 7 horsepower engine is protected by features like recoil start, circuit protection, overheat protection, auto fuel shut off safety valve, and auto low-oil shut down. One thing that Sportsman customers love is the simplicity of this generator; the layout of the control panel is far from overcrowded - it just contains all the necessary outputs (two 120V AC outlets, a 12V DC outlet, and an RV-ready plug).

Whether you plan on staying on-the-grid or heading off-the-grid, the Sportsman generator will provide you with the power that you need. Just be aware that this is not intended for use in high altitudes. If you plan on traveling higher than 3,000 feet above sea level, the Sportsman is not recommended. The only other downside is that this generator comes with a short warranty period compared to the others, but aside from that, we have nothing bad to say about the GEN4000LP.

Types of Generators Explained

By Design

By Use

RV - Not all RV parks give visitors access to a power source, which is where an RV-ready generator will come in handy. Before deciding on an RV generator, consider how much power you'll be using in your recreational vehicle to decide on an appropriate wattage.

Camping - Using a portable generator for camping is the best way to experience the great outdoors without having to give up on modern-day comforts. For camping, most people can get by with a small power station or generator that maxes out at 3,500 watts.

Whole House - A whole house generator is designed to provide power to the entire home, so these are much larger than generators used for camping or RVs. In most cases, installing a whole house generator requires the help of a professional electrician.

By Fuel

Determining Basic Home Power Needs

Learning your home power needs is a lot easier than you might think. Every large appliance and small device uses a certain amount of power per hour, which is measured in watts. For example, the standard 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts of power per hour. So if you have the light on for 5 hours in one day, that's a total of 300 watts (unless, of course, it contains more than one bulb).

This is how you would go about calculating your exact power needs, but you would do this for all of your electronics and appliances. While doing your calculations, just be sure to look at each device’s starting power, which will be slightly higher than its running power. This extra wattage needed for the initial device startup needs to be taken into account when deciding on generator power.

Here are a few additional considerations that need to be made when calculating your home’s power needs:

Importance of a Generator Transfer Switch

People also Ask (FAQs)

Do portable generators have to be grounded?

Will rain ruin a portable generator?

How long do these portable generators last?

Are portable generators safe to use?

How much does it cost to run a house on a generator?

Is buying a cheap generator worth it?

Should I hire a professional electrician to install a transfer switch?

Conclusion

After covering the top 10 portable generator reviews, the verdict is that the iGen4500 from Westinghouse is the #1 pick. But why? Westinghouse has gone above and beyond to create a compact yet powerful alternative power source for any occasion. It is the ideal solution for homeowners, campers, and RV owners, even those living in California (yes, the iGen4500 is CARB compliant).