Best Portable Generators of 2024 | Reviews & Comparison Chart

Best Portable Generator Reviews
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A portable generator is a very good investment, and it can save you from many uninvited situations and power cuts. A portable generator can be a lifesaver in emergencies. It is the power equipment that keeps your essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and fans running in power outages.

If you want to go camping, then these small and lightweight devices are easy to carry and bring along. Besides, they provide clean power so that you can safely charge your electronics, and they can also power a few of the electronics of an RV.

They offer many benefits, but when it comes to choosing one, the market is full of portable generators. So, there comes a dilemma of which one to choose. We have prepared a list of the best portable generators on the market, along with their pros and cons. Go through them so that you can find the one which fits your needs.

Best Portable Generator
Champion 100573 (Best Portable Inverter Generator)
  • Latest Model with Wireless Remote Start
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 4000/3500
  • Run-Time (Gas): 17 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Remote + Electric + Recoil
  • Fuel Capacity: 2.9 Gallon
  • Noise Level: 64 dBA
  • Weight: 96.8 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

  • (Other Variants available too)
Westinghouse WGen7500DF (High Power Dual-fuel Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 9500/7500
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 8550/6750
  • Run-Time (Gas): 16 hrs @ 25% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 12 hrs @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Wireless, Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 58 dBA
  • Weight: 192 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Special Feature: Wireless Start, GFCI Outlets, VFT DATA Display & Transfer Switch Ready Port

  • (Other Variants available too)
Champion 100263 (Best Dual-fuel Inverter Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 3400/3100
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 3060/2790
  • Run-Time (Gas): 7.5 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 14.5 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Electric + Recoil
  • Parallel Capable: Yes
  • Fuel Capacity: 1.6 Gallon
  • Noise Level: 59 dBA from 23 feet
  • Weight: 95 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Special Feature: RV-ready, Quick touch panel, Eco-mode, Compact & Lightweight
WEN 56203i (Most Lightweight, Compact and Affordable)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 2000/1700
  • Start Type: Recoil
  • Run-Time (Gas): 10.8 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Fuel Capacity: 1 Gallon
  • Noise Level: 51 dBA
  • Weight: 39 pounds
  • Warranty: 2 years
Champion 76533 (Cheapest Dual-fuel Generator)
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 4750/3800
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Propane): 4275/3420
  • Run-Time (Gas): 9 hrs @ 50% load
  • Run-Time (Propane): 10.5 hrs @ 50% load (20-pound tank)
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 68 dBA
  • Weight: 122 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years

(Other Variants available too)
Westinghouse iGen4500
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 4500/3700
  • Run-Time (Gas): 18 hrs. @ 25% load
  • Start Type: Remote + Electric + Recoil
  • Noise Level: 55 dBA
  • Weight: 98 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
  • Special Feature: RV-ready, Remote start, LED data center
WEN 56380i
  • Starting Watts / Running Watts (Gas): 3800/3400
  • Run-Time (Gas): 8.5 hrs. @ 50% load (2.2-gallon tank)
  • Start Type: Electric & Recoil
  • Noise Level: 57 dBA
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • Warranty: 3 years
Other Variants Available Too

Best Portable Generators 2024

1. Champion 100573 – Best Portable Generator

Champion 100573 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator

With a weight of just 96 pounds, Champion 100573 can be easily handled by one person. To pick up and put it in a truck will now be a play of one hand. This is a lightweight generator that comes with a large bottom wheel and handles to increase the portability even more.

When you are camping, the generator typically stays away from you. So to start the generator without going up to it, this unit comes with a remote key fob. It also comes with an easy on & off electric push-button start.

The switch will turn on the 224cc engine which generates 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts. With this power, you can power most of the appliances at the camping and in an RV if you camp in one.

It will also serve as a backup to power essentials of the house in power outages.

Another highlight is its cold start technology, and it aids in the generator starting when the temperature goes down the scale. With a noise level of 64 dB, this generator doesn’t disturb your camping, your neighbor, or for that matter, anyone else.

The Inverter generator with a THD rating of less than 3%, safely powers your electronic devices without inflicting any damage. To keep the generator safe, a low oil shut-off sensor is also given.

If we talk about the runtime, then with the 2.9 gallons of gasoline, the generator will give 17 hours of runtime when it is on 25% load.

This is a portable and compact generator which means the power will be less, but it should not create a problem with its ability to be connected in parallel with another same kind of generator.

At last, this unit with a 3 years warranty is a solid choice during camping or to power essentials in an emergency backup. To know more about this model, you can check this article.

Pros

  • The weight is just 96 pounds.
  • Cold start technology.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Safe to power electronics.
  • Comes with a remote and electric start.

Cons

  • Can only power small appliances.

2. Champion 76533 – Best Portable Generator for 50-Amp RV

Champion 76533 RV Ready Portable Propane Generator

With the benefit of portability, you also get the ability to choose from gasoline and propane to use as fuel. Switching from gasoline to propane and vice versa is possible just with the flip of a switch, it can’t get any more convenient than that.

The portability is aided by the set of big wheels at the bottom to make the movement more simple and effortless.

With the help of a 224cc engine, Champion 76533 is capable of providing 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts. That is enough to power all your essentials in outages and all your electronics and lights at the campsite.

It will keep delivering power for up to 9 hours, and if the power is due to the propane burning, then the runtime will be extended up to 10.5 hours.

The main issue that anyone faces with the portable generator is that they make more noise than the ideal, which you don’t want when camping. This generator also makes noise but of just 68 dB, which is not so much the same or slightly less than a lawnmower.

As long as the starting of the generator is concerned, you can get the power in no time with the flip of a switch. And there is also a pull-start if you feel like giving it a go with a cord.

There are enough outlets on the control panel that will easily accommodate most of your devices along with other controls. Moreover, the durable construction will bless it with extended life. The essential condition for a satisfactory operation of any generator is enough oil, and if it is not, then a low oil shut-off sensor will turn the generator off, saving the engine from any potential damage.

This lightweight and portable dual fuel generator comes with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime of free customer support from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Dual-fuel engine.
  • Lightweight.
  • CARB and EPA compliant.
  • Volt guard for equipment protection.
  • Electric and recoil starting.

Cons

  • Weak air filter cover.
  • The positioning of the battery is not ideal.
  • The wiring is exposed, and may get damaged.

3. Westinghouse iGen4500 – Best Portable Generator for Camping

Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

What its name incorporates is proved in its performance. The sound level of just 52 dB justifies the tag “Super Quiet.” You will hardly find any portable generator with this power rating that emits noise this low.

It is an exceptionally capable generator that can power all your electronics along with a few small appliances with 4500 starting watts and 3700 running watts.

This power comes from the powerful 224cc engine, enclosed in a durable and noise-mitigating casing. It takes gasoline as fuel and provides 12 hours of runtime when the connected load stays below 50%.

This is when the 3.4 gallons of gasoline tank is full. And as a side note, there is also a different version of this unit that features a dual fuel engine.

As the portability of this generator is praised by the consumers who are currently using it, it is bound to be lightweight, and the weight it has is just 93 pounds.

This makes transportation extremely easy. The small wheels at the bottom and the easy-hold handle to assist in transportation makes it more convenient.

Another good thing is its control panel, along with many types of outlets to power various appliances. There is also an RV-ready outlet, which will let you connect the generator with ease and without any adapter to your RV, ensuring increased safety.

You must keep an eye on different parameters of the generator for an increased lifetime, and an LED data center on the control panel helps you to do that. The LED display shows the remaining runtime, fuel level, low oil level, and a few other things.

The clean power coming out from the outlets won’t damage any of your electronics, be worry-free about that. This portable generator is protected with a 2-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Has a large fuel tank.
  • Digital LED display.
  • Electric and remote start.
  • Very quiet operation.

Cons

  • The price is a bit high.
  • No parallel capability.

4. WEN 56380i 3800-Watt – Best Quietest Portable Generator

WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

This is the generator that demonstrates what portability and noiselessness are. It is simply one of the best generators in the market in terms of portability and noise level. You can be assured that it won’t disturb you or your neighbors during camping; it has a noise level of 57 dB.

The one commendable provision of this generator is its auto fuel shut-off feature. If you have experienced any carburetor and engine fault results because of the build-up due to the remaining fuel, then it is eliminated here.

The fuel supply to the generator will turn off before the generator shuts off, and this will make the generator use the remaining fuel from the carburetor. It will save you much on long-term maintenance.

Having an electric start is a common and convenient thing in modern generators, and this best portable generator also doesn’t stay behind there. With the push of a button, the engine starts roaring.

It also has an easy-to-read meter on the control panel, which shows different parameters related to the generator condition.

And if the need arises to suddenly shut off the generator, then surprisingly, it has a manual shut-off switch to do that.

The power coming out of the outlets will be enough for most of the appliances, and you can expect a small portable generator to power all your electronics as well. It has a 212cc engine which generates 3800 surge watts and 3400 running watts.

Keep in mind that this is a parallel capable generator, so if the need arises, then you can always connect another same generator to double the power output.

This CARB and EPA compliant generator comes with a warranty of 2 years to instill trust in customers about the product. Along with that, they also provide friendly customer support from skilled and capable technicians if you are stuck in something.

Pros

  • Compact design and low noise level.
  • Eco-mode saves fuel.
  • RV-ready outlet.
  • Affordable.
  • Digital meter.

Cons

  • No remote start.
  • The quality of the build material is average.

5. Westinghouse WGen7500DF – Best Portable Generator for Home Backup

Westinghouse WGen7500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Westinghouse produces admirable generators which last for years to come, and this WGen7500DF is the new addition to their generator series of powerful portable generators.

It is user-friendly, provides enough power, and works at a reasonable noise level. Other than that, the generator is highly portable owing to the flat wheels and foldable handles, and it weighs 192 pounds.

This portable generator can power almost anything that you want; it will power most appliances in a power outage, it can power the electronics at camping, and it can power the RV as well as can be used to run the tools at the Jobsite.

This particular model, from the 420cc ferocious engine, provides the starting watts of 9500 and 7500 running watts. Also note, the engine with which it comes can either work on gasoline or propane.

The generator has 6.6 gallons of fuel tank to store the gasoline, and the full tank provides a runtime of 11 hours. For propane, there is no need for a tank; directly couple it with the hose provided with the kit.

The convenience of an electric start is included in its features list, and there is also a remote start. It makes it possible to start the generator from a distance, and this means you won’t have to go out just to start it. You can do it with the electric key fob by staying in your house.

With its durable and strong outer casing, the generator will keep going on for years. It is made out of Cast Iron. For the protection of the engine and the moving parts, it has a low oil shutdown. And there is also a digital hour meter that shows the runtime.

The quality of this transfer-switch-ready generator is assured by the 3-year warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Full Review of Westinghouse WGen7500DF Portable Generator

Pros

  • Long runtime.
  • It is very user-friendly.
  • Transfer switch ready.
  • Low noise level.
  • portability.

Cons

  • The battery is less reliable.
  • Easy to move but heavy to lift.

6. Champion 3400-Watt – Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

This is not just some other portable generator from the Champion in the market. It is the complete package that offers the flexibility to choose the fuel, which is lightweight, and supplies enough power while also being highly portable.

This portable generator comes with an electric start for easy starting, but there is no remote start. The portability is the result of its lightweight design and the transport wheels at the bottom of the unit, and also the carrying handle.

Furthermore, there is a low oil shut-off sensor to protect the engine from any damage, and it produces a noise level of only 59 decibels.

The generator has a 4-stroke 192cc engine, which is enough to generate 3400 starting watts and 3100 running watts. This is a dual fuel generator, which means if you don’t have access to the gasoline, you can always use the stored propane.

For propane, you can directly connect the tank to the unit, while it needs a tank to store the gasoline. And with its 1.6 gallons of tank full, the generator supplies the power for up to 7.5 hours, and the gas tank is relatively small.

With that runtime, you can charge all your electronic devices numerous times at the campsite, and that too without worrying about the damage it can do to them. This is because the generator output power will be extremely clean.

The power it generates won’t have a THD rating of more than 3%.

Another good feature is its economy mode, and it will improve fuel consumption by suitably controlling the speed of the engine based on the connected load at the terminal.

This portable generator includes a propane hose in a kit and also comes with a 3 years warranty and friendly customer support for a lifetime.

Pros

  • Quiet operation.
  • Dual fuel.
  • Economy mode.
  • 3-year warranty.
  • Easy electric start.

Cons

  • No remote start.
  • Something can get stuck between the wheels and the body.

7. WEN 56203i – Best Quiet & Compact Portable Generator

WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

WEN 56203i is for you if you are looking for a highly portable, lightweight, and one that generates very little noise. It is highly suitable to bring along on a camping trip, power a few appliances on an RV, or in a blackout.

The portability of this generator can be concluded just by the size, and it won’t be surprising if I say that it weighs 40 pounds only. With this weight, it can be easily carried by anyone, anywhere.

The power supplied by this generator is going to be less for some applications, there is no denial there, but it can be easily overcome with the use of another similar generator by connecting it in parallel with this unit.

The size is small, but the control panel is big, and it has all the necessary outlets that will let you power a variety of appliances. And one of those outlets is an RV-ready plug, so connect your RV directly to the generator without any fuss.

The generator accommodates a 78cc engine, and it provides 2000 starting watts and 1700 running watts.

To maximize the lifespan and minimize the maintenance and associated cost, the portable generator comes with the auto fuel shut-off feature, which stops the fuel from entering into the carburetor. When the remaining fuel in the carburetor is used up, the generator will automatically shut off.

It makes the lowest noise than any other generator in the market, with just a 51 dB noise level when heard from the 23 feet distance. This unit receives all the praise from consumers.

You will get about 7 hours of runtime when the 1-gallon fuel tank is full, and this is when the connected load is 50%. To improve the runtime, the generator has an eco mode that optimizes fuel consumption.

This highly portable generator from WEN comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer. There is a similar model of WEN 56203i, which might be a good fit for you.

Pros

  • Extremely quiet.
  • Small size.
  • Highly portable.
  • Has an Eco-mode.
  • Parallel capability.

Cons

  • For 2000ft above, it needs an altitude kit.

How Do Portable Generators Work?

Portable generators are essential when you want to power appliances on the go. They are small devices and with the help of an engine, a generator head, and some auxiliaries, they can supply most of the electronics at the camping site.

The main element of any generator is its engine, which uses gasoline or diesel, or propane to generate the energy, the energy which is used to rotate the shaft of a generator head or Gen-set, sometimes referred to as. The rotational speed of the shaft is controlled by a regulator.

This, in turn, will induce electricity in the alternator, which can be accessed from the outlets to power various appliances. Any generator will have moving and rotating parts, so make sure that these needs are satisfied.

What are Different Types of Generators?

It should be understood that for any situation, one generator is the ideal choice, and it might not be for some other application. There are various types of generators available in the market from which you can choose the one you see fit.

Portable

Portable generators are those which offer ease of transportation. Their portability is related to the size and weight of the generator. So, for generators to be portable, they need to be small and lightweight.

This results in lower power output. If the power output increases beyond a certain level, then the size also increases but with decreasing its portability. It will be easier to grasp if you consider portability as a relative term. Some generators will be more portable than others.

A comparatively large generator can be portable with the provision of the bottom wheels and the handles. They aid in making transportation easier. But they don’t help when you need to load the generator in the truck. If the weight is more, then lifting is the work of two persons.

A portable generator can provide you the power anywhere you want, whether you want to run a few appliances at the campsite or in an RV.

Besides, with their clean power, you can safely connect sensitive electronics for recharging. In outages, it can power home essentials, and on the Jobsite, these are the preferred type to run the tools because they are quiet.

Inverter

Another type of generator is the inverter generator; the name comes from the technology used to generate and refine electrical power. The working of this type of generator is a bit different and somewhat complex.

It generates electricity the same as any other generator does; the difference is the refinement of this electricity. The generated electricity from AC is converted to the DC and then again converted back into the AC.

This process is what keeps it away from the crowd, and it will reduce the spikes and surges and also harmonic content to a very low level. The power with the spikes won’t be much of a problem for most of the appliances, but it will be for sensitive electronic items like mobiles, TVs, laptops, etc.

Your electronics will see many more days when powered by an inverter generator rather than the conventional generator. Moreover, due to their advanced technology, which provides clean power and reduces noise significantly, these generators are expensive.

Standby

These types of generators are the total opposite of portable generators. They sit at one place and supply the power to the house in case of an outage, and that too automatically.

No manual turning on and off is required. The generator is hardwired into the electrical circuits of the house and powers critical appliances or the whole house.

Sometimes you may want to connect a portable generator to your house in case of emergency. This technical guide will tell you how to connect a portable generator to your home without a transfer switch.

What Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Portable Generator?

Portable Generator

 

Before making a purchase, keep these things in mind to make the right choice and get the best generator that fulfills your needs so you don’t end up with the wrong generator.

Battery

Most generators can work without the battery as well. It is non-essential and not a must-have in generators but is good and can sometimes be helpful if it comes with one.

Whereas, if it comes with a battery, then the generated energy can be stored for future use. With this, the generator won’t always have to be running if you don’t need much power, and you can utilize the power stored in the battery.

In gasoline and diesel generators, it might not be that common to have a battery, but when it comes to solar generators then batteries are the essential part of the system, and without them, solar generators can’t function.

The reason is, solar generators simply can’t generate enough power to run any appliances, so to get the power from the generator, it is first accumulated in the battery, and from there, it is utilized.

A battery capacity in the generator starts from around 7 to 8 Ah, and this is enough for charging electronics 2 to 3 times a day, but to run other appliances, a bigger battery is needed. With the increased battery capacity, the size and the price of the generator also increase.

Power Output

The main purpose of having a portable generator is to power your essentials in outages and bring it along for a camping trip. And the generator should satisfactorily fulfill all your power requirements.

So if you don’t want to end up with a generator that is either too small or too big, then you will need to have a rough idea about the total wattage that your appliances are going to need.

A generator has two ratings, starting watts and running watts. The difference is that the starting watts are the power that the appliance will need for a few seconds at the starting, while the running watt is the power that the generator needs to keep supplying continuously for the proper working of appliances.

So, make a list of appliances you want the generator to run and add their power rating. The ideal generator is that which has a power output rating of about or more than 1.5 times the needed rating. You can find the power rating for different appliances on their label.

Price

Another important factor that comes into the picture when deciding which generator to buy is the price point. If you don’t have any idea what your requirements are and what features you want your generator to have, then you will be clueless about what to look for. The market is full of different kinds of generators with a variety of price ranges.

Generally, the price of the generator increases as its runtime and output rating increase. You will find the generator which ranges from $ 300 to $ 2000. With this wide spectrum of generator prices, if you want to pick the best one, then you must keep in mind the other things you want from your generator, and then you can find the one that suits your budget.

Fuel Type

A portable generator that is available on the market can run on either gasoline or propane. Diesel can also be used as fuel, but the diesel engine is bulkier, so they are not portable.

Now the question is which fuel to choose; the answer is whichever is easily available in your vicinity. After all, you don’t want to travel for miles just to get the fuel to run for 3 hours.

If you live in a rural area and there is no gas station nearby, then you should prefer the propane generator so that it can be fired from a stored propane tank whenever needed.

If access to gasoline is easy for you, then you should go with the smallest generator, which fulfills your needs, so it doesn’t burn fuel more than what is needed. If you don’t want to make a choice, then there are generators available, and they can run either on gasoline or on propane.

Size and Weight

When talking about portable generators, their size and weight are of critical importance. If you want a generator to bring along for camping, then you might not want to purchase one, which you can’t handle on your own. If you have a vehicle to carry the generator, then a little bigger size won’t do any harm, but it should not be so big that it can’t be properly secured in a vehicle.

The generator available in the market ranges in size from 40 pounds, small enough to carry it with extreme ease, to hundreds of pounds. So you must know how big a generator you are going to need by keeping in mind its portability.

FAQs

Q. Is It Necessary to Ground the Portable Generator?

Portable or not, the grounding of the generator must be properly done, there is a high risk of an ungrounded generator, and one of them is the possibility of getting electrocuted. We strongly suggest that you check and follow all the guidelines from the state or local regulations to ensure that it is properly done and to avoid any accidents.

Q. Is There a Risk of Getting Burned or The Explosion with The Portable Generator?

The generator can turn out to be a dangerous device if you don’t know how to correctly operate and maintain the device. Most portable generators use gasoline as fuel, which is highly flammable and explosive.

If you pour in the fuel more than the tank’s capacity, then there are high chances of it overflowing onto the hot engine and resulting in a fire and flames. It can burn you if you are in proximity. So, it is the best practice not to fill the fuel tank full, let it have some space where fuel can expand.

Another thing to keep in mind about refueling is to let the engine cool down before adding more fuel and don’t add the fuel when it is running. A generator runs hot, so be very careful when going near it; it can give you a burn if you come in contact with the outer hot parts.

Q. Can a Portable Generator Be Used Indoor?

Never! Don’t ever use a portable generator inside a house. The generator should always be placed and run where enough ventilation is available for the exhaust to get out in the open. The main reason is the exhaust, which contains the deadly and poisonous gas known as Carbon Monoxide. It is odorless and colorless, so you can’t smell it or see it even if it is in front of you.

If it is accumulated in confined spaces and someone breathes in then, it can turn out to be fatal and sometimes deadly. So always provide adequate exhaust ventilation and keep it away from the windows and doors so that gases don’t creep inside.

Q. Do Portable Generators Need Maintenance?

Same as every other type of generator, to get years of reliable power, portable generators need to be regularly maintained. The requirement of portable generators is not much, but simple maintenance at regular intervals can ensure a long life. You will have to keep changing the oils and filters for proper functioning.

To know the schedule and procedure for maintenance, refer to the instruction manual from the manufacturer. And to make things easier, there are preventive maintenance kits also available in the market.

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