9 Best Portable Generators: Handy and Powerful Home Machine

The portable generator is the perfect tool for any emergency when you need to get things running again after a storm or if your power goes out. Therefore, you can easily hook up tools, refrigerators, and other appliances because of this lifesaving device.

You can take matters into your own hands by using a portable generator. With the right knowledge, it is easy to find and purchase this power-grabbing device that will be sure not only supply you with electricity during an emergency but also charge other devices in need.

🔹Does your home need electricity after an exasperating storm? 

🔹Do you require power while you go hunting and fishing? 

🔹Do you need extra power for your smart devices? 

If your answer is yes, then read on. Here are our top picks for the best portable generators. So, this article will give you all of your options so that it is easier than ever to find a great model in no time at all.

9 Best Rated Portable Generators for Optimal Power 

1. Generac 5735 GP17500E Gas Powered Portable Generator – Editor’s Choice
2. Westinghouse: WGen7500 with Remote Electric Start – Best Portable Generators for Home 
3. Joyzis 296Wh Portable Generator – Solar Power Station
4. Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator - Quiet Operation
5. Honda: EU3000IS 120V Portable Gas Generator – Fuel Efficient
6. Champion Power Equipment 200951 Portable Inverter Generator – Ultralight
7. Westinghouse: WGen3600DF Portable Outdoor Power Equipment – Dual Fuel System
8. Champion Power Equipment 100111 Portable Generator– Quiet Gas Free Inverter
9. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800W Portable Inverter Generator – Best for Electronics

1: Generac 5735 GP17500E – Gas Powered Generator – Editor’s Choice

The Generac GP17500E portable generator is a great choice for those who need an affordable, powerful option to keep their home running smoothly. But, not only does it come with all sorts of safety features, like an hour meter and low-oil shutdown, but you will also love how seamlessly it runs.

Furthermore, the OVHI engine is a high-horsepower, fuel-efficient model that provides full pressure oil lubrication and keeps your appliances, like 5-ton AC, running effortlessly. So, the filter helps preserve life by removing dirt particles from the inside of the machine so you can enjoy more with less maintenance.

This is your unit! Whether it is for fishing or hunting camp, you need not to worry. However, it keeps you powered up even if you are off the grid. However, if something happens or someone tries to take your power source with them, there is no chance of stealing all the batteries from inside.

The best way to get the job done is with a dependable, powerful generator like this one from Generac. It can handle any emergency at home or on the go and provide you with more than enough power for all your needs.

Pros

• Low-oil shutdown 
• Powerful 992cc OHIV engine 
• Hour meter
• Conserved fuel consumption
• Reduced running noise
• Electric start & a plug-in battery charger jack

Cons

• Weighs a bit heavy 

The lightweight and durable Generator GP17500E ensures that you have enough power for all your big items, no matter where you need it. It undoubtedly is one of the best portable generators 2022 for your camping trips.

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2: Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator – Best Portable Generators for Home 

Westinghouse has been a leader in the power industry for years, and they are back with their most powerful portable generator yet. The WGen7500 is small enough to go anywhere but big on functionality, and its 420cc 4-stroke engine can provide you power for everything. 

With the push-button key fob starter, you can get your generator operational from up to 260 feet away. Moreover, the automatic low-oil shutdown system protects against damage caused by lack of lubrication in an engine and meets EPA and CARB standards for better environmental protection.

If you need a generator that can take the wear and tear of being portable, this one will be right up your alley. Therefore, it is well designed with features for both home use and camping, making it easy to get set up quickly when needed. 

Furthermore, the digital readout on this model makes keeping track of fuel levels simple. Just watch out for those overload warnings, so no gas gets wasted due to too high a demand from accessories. It is one of the best small generators in the market available. 

Find all specs here:

Pros

• 11-hour running time 
• 420cc 4-stroke engine for powerful performance
• Easy to move with durable wheels
• Digital data readout
• EPA & CARB compliant
• 3-year limited service

Cons

• You have to purchase the smart switch separately. 

Though many people think that a portable generator is only good for emergencies, the Westinghouse WGen7500 can be used in everyday settings like home and work, which makes it one of the best portable generators on our list. 

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With this amazing portable charging system, you will never have to worry about running out of power again. The Joyzis 296Wh is powered by a lithium-ion battery that needs just six hours to charge up fully. Moreover, it has an AC outlet, four USB outlets, and supplies DC 5.5 output for small items like phones.

The best generator for camping is the one you can take anywhere. So, this powerful little machine has enough battery to power your electronics and charge efficiently. It is among the best battery generators for its commendable life. 

Furthermore, this small but powerful generator is ideal for people who like to camp, go on picnics or have their own space where they can relax. And, it is also perfect as an emergency backup power supply because of its ability to charge efficiently. 

In addition, the solar panel charging option is one of many great features that this product includes. If you need a smaller, more portable generator for your home or office space, then look no further than the Joyzis portable power station.

Pros

• 3 charging modes: solar, car, & AC wall adapter
• SOS, fast light, and strong LED flashlight 
• Very lightweight 
• Safety system for power hazards
• Easy-to-pack design

Cons

• You have to buy a solar power charger separately

Here’s a detailed overview of the product. Credits: Is it worth it? Youtube

The 296Wh portable power station is the perfect choice for those who want to charge their devices on the go. So, it is lightweight, so you will not have any trouble carrying it with ease or dragging out all of your belongings from one campsite weekend.

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4: Briggs & Stratton P2400 Inverter  - Quiet Operation

The Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series inverter generator is the perfect solution for campers looking to power their outdoor adventures. With LED alerts that let you know when to recharge, this product also has 120V and 20A outlets and a parallel port or USB ports.

The CO Guard technology provides peace of mind knowing your safety is not compromised by carbon monoxide leaks anywhere in the house while running appliances.

In addition, the P2400 PowerSmart is the ideal choice for camping trips and other outdoor adventures. Secondly, with 1800 watts of power, you can run any appliance that needs an outlet, like a fridge or freezer.

This would be the best quiet portable generator to have as a backup for when you are in an emergency situation. Its soft and almost soundless functioning makes it rank fourth on our best portable generators list.

Pros

• CO Guard Shutdown Technology for safety measures against carbon monoxide harmful levels. 
• Outer noise-reducing shell
• Smoother electrical output for small appliances
• Compact design
• Easy to move around 
• Convenient monitoring system 

Cons

• Not powerful to power big home appliances

Here’s a customer’s review. Credits to: mygeneratorchannel Youtube

If you are looking for one of the best portable generators that can power your home during an emergency, this one is a perfect choice. So, it has enough juice to last even if it has been running nonstop and will make sure everything stays lit up bright at night.

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5: Honda- EU3000IS Gas Generator – Fuel Efficient Generator

Honda is the name to beat for small engines in just about any form. That is also true for portable generators, where Honda rules matchless quality, and you would have to pay less with other brands, but nothing matches their reliability or service durability.

The Honda 2800W portable generator is the perfect choice for camping, tailgating, or when you need portable power that can be used without disrupting everything around it. It features quiet operation and comes with an inverter style, which will work well in your home appliance.

Furthermore, Honda’s new generator offers a realistic chance of running for 20 hours on one tank, but most users estimated 15 with typical usage. The inverter offers two 120-volt outlets on a single tank of gas and 30 AMPs each for its 220V type outlet – perfect to power both simultaneously.

The Honda EU3000IS is one of the best small generators on today’s market. It can power your home or office with ease, giving you peace of mind knowing that everything will run smoothly, but you need to read the manual to know how to operate it properly. 

Pros

• Fuel efficient 
• High-end peak wattage of 2800
• Super quiet 
• Advanced inverter technology
• Oil alert system

Cons

• It does not have wheel support
• Not light 

The EU3000IS is a versatile device that can operate just about any appliance you could think of. It is perfect for camping trips or when living in an apartment with limited space.

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6: Champion Power Equipment 200951 – Inverter Generator 

If you need a small and powerful generator, then this model from Champion Power will be perfect for your needs. Like other inverter generators in its class, it has an ultralight build to make moving easier as well as the power for any critical appliance like fridge or TV without issue.

The best part about this generator is that it only runs off of gasoline and can deliver enough power for two 120V plugs. In addition, it will last up to eight hours on one tank, getting more out of their machine without needing maintenance.

If you want the power of a larger generator but with a more compact size and ease of transportation for your convenience, the parallel kit in this model will help you. So, it takes twice as much fuel to run the generator, but its power will not disappoint it. 

Pros

• Ultralightweight
• Quiet operation
• Parallel kit
• 3-year limited warranty
• Clean power

Cons

• Not automatic start
• Small gas tank

The 200951 2500W Portable Inverter Generator by Champion Power Equipment is a great choice for camping and tailgating, as well as powering items around the RV or providing backup when you are out.

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7: Westinghouse: WGen3600DF – Portable Power Equipment 

If you want to power your house with an affordable and reliable generator that will not take up too much room, try the Westinghouse WGen3600DF.

This generator is the perfect power source for those who love cooking and preparing food from scratch. It can run up to 4650 watts with ease, so you will not have any more excuses when it comes time to get dinner started. Moreover, it comes with dual-fuel compatibility. 

In addition, the 3600-watt power generator is more than capable of keeping your most critical heating and cooling appliances running while you wait for the grid to come back on.

The size of this generator makes it a little noisier than smaller inverter-driven models; however, if you need the power and don’t mind some extra noise, then consider it.

Pros

• 4650 peak wattage limit
• Dual fuel: gas & propane
• Automatic low oil shutdown
• 5-20R 120V duplex outlet
• Long-lasting cast-iron engine sleeve
• Minimal assembly required 

Cons

• Big in size

Westinghouse’s WGen3600DF portable generator is the perfect power source for your home and business needs. It can provide dependable, seamlessly-generated electricity when you need it.

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8: Champion Power Equipment 100111 – Portable Generator 

This Champion Power Generator is the ultimate in-home power. It has got enough power to keep your whole house cool, run all of those lights and appliances you need around. It is an ideal choice for powering your whole house with its 15000 watts power peak.

This model supports both propane and gasoline so that you can use it on a single tank. Therefore, the gas-powered generator is perfect for when you need power in an emergency but does not have time to stop at the store. But, it should last eight hours on a single tank of fuel, making it one of the best generators.

However, the drawbacks of this product are that it is very heavy and loud, so you will want to make sure your location can easily access the power tool when needed. You definitely will not be able to lug it around in a snowstorm with all those batteries.

Pros

• Dual fuel operation
• Electric start 
• Ultra-powerful running watts
• 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support
• Lift hook

Cons

• Quite heavy
• Very noisy 

The Champion Power Equipment 100111 Portable Generator is a must-have for those who know what they need and want. With 12,000 watts of power at your disposal to keep things running smoothly during an emergency situation, this portable genset will have you up in no time.

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9: WEN 56380i Inverter Generator – Best for Electronics 

When you need an inverter generator that can keep your sensitive electronics running smoothly, look no further than WEN. This model is top of its class and will give years of dependable service for any home or business user with power needs in mind.

The power of this inverter will be enough to run all your devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops. So, you can also rest assured knowing that the current will not damage anything in its path, so go ahead and charge your things up.

Furthermore, the WEN generator is a silent but powerful companion on your next camping trip. It has two 120V, 20A household outlets and can run up to 8 1/2 hours with just one gas tank. Plus, you will not have any trouble getting along as it is super quiet. 

Pros

• Compact design 
• 2 three-prong 120V receptacles
• Light 
• EPA III & CARB compliant
• A digital load & fuel display

Cons

• No propane option
• No electrical panel connectivity

The WEN 56380i Inverter Generator is a revolutionary product that produces clean energy without voltage spikes or drops. It’s noiseless and reliable, so you can finally enjoy your power again.

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Things to Consider Before Buying Portable Generators 

It is important to know what you need and how much it will cost before purchasing a generator. The best portable generators come with versatile features, so make sure that the one for your needs fits in. Let’s look at the key considerations to make the perfect buy: 

i): Wattage

Generators vary by the number of watts they are capable of producing. Like gas-powered and diesel models, some work best for power needs, whereas others such as solar/windier systems may be better suited to battery backup plans to get your home running smoothly.

A generator in the 5000 to 7000W range provides ample power for many homeowners. However, the more power your appliances use and how often they are turned on or off will determine their individual consumption rates, so you must find out what these figures may be for each device.

Whether to go with a battery, gas or diesel-powered generator is something that you will need some time and research for. Therefore, the list of must-have appliances also bears on whether the best portable generators come in different forms like propane-powered ones as well.

iii): Invertors

The AC power produced by this type of generator can be changed between high frequency and low. So, it is an excellent choice for those who want greater versatility or need to save on their electricity costs since it produces clean energy by changing AC into DC and then reverting it to standard AC. 

With these generators, you can be sure that your electronics are protected from excess voltage fluctuations.

iv): Exhaust

Portable generators are a great way to provide power in an emergency, but they also produce emissions that can be bad for your health. However, the type of gas used by these machines determines where you should use them and how close the unit will stay away from buildings or other structures.

NOTE: Those living in California need compliant units according to CARB standards. 

v): Sound

Portable gas generators are a great way to power your home during an emergency, but some may be pretty louder. If you are concerned about the noise they will make at night or on vacation, then consider getting one with special features designed for quieter work, like mufflers and vibration-absorbing feet.

vi): Accessories

A generator is a great investment for any home, but it is vital to know what you need before purchasing. For example, wheel kits and transfer switches may be sold separately, which can add significant costs when purchasing one of these products upfront or as an extra cost during installation.

Credits: National RV Training Academy

vii): The Bottom Line

The need for portable generators after natural disasters is clear. They provide hours of electricity to power tools and appliances, especially those requiring high amounts to complete their task.

Portable generators are a great investment for any outdoor enthusiast. With the recent situation that has knocked out power in people’s homes, the best portable generators we mentioned above will have your campgrounds running smoothly with plenty of electricity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: Portable generators are designed to power important items or circuits in a home, but they may not provide enough power for your typical house. 

Q2: Are portable generators loud?

Ans: Portable generators are a great way to provide power when the grid goes down, but there is always some noise. Some come equipped with sound-dampening features that reduce the noise and make them perfect for homes or businesses.

Q3: Can I leave my portable generator running over the night?

Ans: Portable generators are great for power outages, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly. The best way to use one is with an overnight timer, so you do not have the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or your appliance turning itself off while it is running unattended.

Q4: What is the average lifespan of a portable generator?

Ans: You can depend on a portable generator to keep you powered through any emergency, with the average lifespan ranging from 10000 to 25000 hours. With proper maintenance and care, it will last for years.

Q5: Is a 22kW portable generator enough to power the entire house?

Ans: The 22kW generator has enough to power most appliances and even smaller homes, but it is often not powerful or efficient enough for the entirety of your home.