A Complete Buyer’s Guide for Best Portable Generator

We live in an age when we rely on electricity. Electricity is required to run refrigerators, freezers, lights, and even water pumps. That is simple enough; you don’t have to worry about it until something goes wrong. Power outages and natural catastrophes are the most prevalent causes of breakdown. When portable generators come in handy, that’s when they’re most useful. Portable power generators are useful for a wide range of things, such as building, camping, and simply living off the grid.

Why should I buy a portable generator?

If you’re in an area with frequent power outages, a portable generator can be your best line of defense against the long dark nights ahead. Also, if you go camping or tailgating at big events like football games and concerts, a portable generator can provide you with power. Even if you just want to be prepared for the next Hurricane Katrina, there is no denying that portable generators are a necessity.

What capacity do I need?

The most essential feature to look for when purchasing a generator is capacity. Portable generators come in different capacities ranging from 500 to 20 000 watts.

Portable generators come in two distinct capacity sizes: surge and running capacity. The power required to turn on a machine is known as surge power. In certain situations, the amount of energy supplied maybe four times greater than that required to operate the device, which is known as running power. If you require a generator for backup electricity in case of an emergency, what is the minimum capacity needed? The most common generators are 1000 to 2000 watts. For most people, that’s more than enough. Most of your appliances should be able to run on this amount of power. If you’re planning a camping expedition or other outdoor activity, consider taking portable generators with capacities ranging from 2000 to 5000 watts.

How big are portable generators?

The size of a portable generator is important if you’ll be moving it around. Most generators range in weight from 40 to 70 pounds, with the actual dimensions ranging anywhere between 17″ by 12″ by 16″, to 22″ by 11-1/2″ by 25″. Generally speaking, the larger your generator’s capacity, the heavier and larger it will be. If portability is important, consider purchasing a generator that features wheels and a handle for easy transportation.

How loud are portable generators?

Noise levels also need to be taken into account when purchasing a generator. Generally speaking, generators produce 82 decibels (dB) of noise. At this level, you may not be able to hear someone speak without the aid of a speaker. Portable generators are no quieter than standard household appliances, so make sure to keep this in mind when purchasing one; you may not be able to take it camping with you. The best portable generator for the average household is around 2000 watts, but if noise isn’t an issue, look into larger models that produce more power.

What fuel goes into a portable generator?

Portable generators are powered by gasoline or diesel, both of which can be found at gas stations across the country. There are some differences between these two fuels, however. Diesel is more expensive than gasoline, but it also has a higher cetane rating. Cetane is an index that measures the ignition quality of diesel fuel under compression in the engine. An indicator of the fuel’s ability to resist premature ignition, it is measured on a scale from 0 to 100. The higher the cetane number, the more energy-dense and stable the fuel becomes. Diesel generators work best at altitudes above 2500 feet. Gasoline generators tend to be cheaper than diesel models, but their performance is not as good. If you live at a high altitude, gasoline may not be an option for you.

What are the different types of portable generators?

There are three main types of portable generators to choose from: inverter generators, modified sine wave generators, and pure sine wave generators. Inverter Generators are the most popular of the three. They are small, lightweight, and generate enough power to run your appliances. Most models have overload protection which protects both the generator and appliances plugged into it.

The second type is modified sine wave generators. Also known as “inverter generators”, they produce a continuous supply of voltage that is identical to what you normally get from your outlets at home. If you are charging batteries or running appliances with motors, inverter generators are recommended.

The third type is pure sine wave generators, which produce the most consistent supply of power for running larger devices like air conditioners, microwaves, and refrigerators. However, because they are so expensive, they aren’t a good choice for the average household.

What additional features do I need?

There are more things to consider when picking the best portable generator besides power. There are features that will make a portable generator easier to use. Like electronic start and low oil shutdown. Electronic start gives you the one-button power up and low oil shutdown prevents the generator from damaging if it runs low on oil. If you are using a portable generator to supply power to your house it should also have Electric Overload protection. Since natural disasters and other emergencies can last for a few days, then the best portable generator should also be able to run for more than 9 hours with a full tank.

It must have a warranty!

Before we jump to reviews, there is one more thing that is crucial, a warranty. Even though most of the generator manufacturers make high-quality portable generators, there is nothing that can guarantee that nothing will ever happen to them. That is why the best portable generator should have at least a 2-year warranty.

Top 5 list of portable generators:

Whenever a natural disaster hits an area where I’m living I get nervous because my family has been without power for hours. It gets hot and stuffy inside the house too fast. Here is a great solution – a generator. We’ve listed ten of the best generators to help you out finding the perfect model for your needs.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF

The number one on our list is Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF. This generator is ideal for large events. It has a 9500 starting watt and 8000 running watts to ensure you can handle tasks easily.

This model also features two 120/240-volt outlets with twist-lock connector, one 30 Amp circuit breaker, one 20 Amp circuit breaker, USB & auxiliary charging ports, a single exterior receptacle box for convenience, and a LED display.

This generator has a 4-gallon fuel tank with low oil shut down to ensure your safety when in use. You can set it up in less than 15 minutes, and its noise level is 65 dB. It also comes with a 2-year warranty from Westinghouse

DuroMax XP5500EH

DuroMax XP5500EH ranks number two on our list. It features a starting power of 5500 watts/8120 running watts and it’s EPA approved to be sold in all 50 states.

This model has a digital hour meter, pressurized engine oil alert system, low oil shutdown, circuit breaker protected outlets (6-20R), and extra-wide rubber tires for superior traction. With this generator, you can be sure that it will start within the first try every time making it easy to use.

You can set it up in 30 minutes and its noise level is 74 dB. Its fuel tank holds 4 gallons of gasoline, and with its dimensions of 57 x 33.5 x 22 inches this model occupies little space for storage. DuroMax XP5500EH has a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Honda EU2000i

This model is a slightly higher price than our first two but it’s worth every cent you spend on it! Honda EU2000i is the best small generator anyone could ask for. You can start it by pushing a button or pulling a cord, whichever way works for you. Its maximum running wattage is 2000 watts, while its starting wattage is 2400. What’s even better? You can get about 10 hours of run time on a full tank!

This model has a 5-gallon fuel tank which makes it easy to refuel, low oil shutdown for your safety, super quiet muffler assembly with Eco-Throttle, and a smart inverter design.

This generator is EPA approved so you can use it in all 50 states, and to make your life easier you will get a detailed owner’s manual with instructions on how to assemble this beauty so you can start enjoying it right away. This model comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Proform XP1000EH

ProForm XP10000EH ranks number four on our list. It features a powerful 10,000 watts starting power and 8,000 running watts with a 2-120/240V 30Amp twist-lock receptacle. For your safety when in use there are also built-in circuit breakers to prevent overheating or overloads.

With this model, you can expect to get about 10 hours of run time on a full tank. It has a fuel capacity of 5 gallons, and it starts with an electric start or recoils back up.

This generator is great for your home or cabin use, but it’s also powerful enough to power tools during your next project! When not in use this generator occupies little space because it measures 23 x 18 x 22 inches. It will also help you save on your energy bill with its Eco-Throttle system that adjusts the engine speed to match the electrical load for optimum fuel economy.

You can set it up in about 15 minutes and when in use its noise level is 66 dB. This model comes with a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Champion Power Equipment 200954

Number five on our list is Champion Power Equipment 200954 4250-Watt Gas Powered Residential Generator with Wheel Kit. With this generator, you can be sure that you will never have to worry about being left in the dark! This machine offers reliable 3,750-watt surge watts and 3,250 running watts for your convenience.

This model features an electric start so you don’t have to deal with any cumbersome cords. It has a fuel capacity of 6.6 gallons and it comes with a 2-year warranty in case you have to replace or repair it. It will be a perfect investment for your home, cottage, or cabin! When not in use, this generator takes little space so storing is no problem at all. This model is 53 x 27 x 24 inches in dimensions and weighs about 260 pounds.

When in use, its noise level is 63 dB and its voltage is 120/240V. This generator will allow you to run your appliances with ease, so if you need a well-functioning machine that won’t let you down when in need this might be the perfect choice for you!

Final Remarks

We have finished our list of the best small generators, now it’s time to choose which one you’ll buy! Our favorite from this list is Honda EU2000i, but you can’t go wrong with any of these choices! Check out all five and decide what will be the right choice for your needs.

We hope that we have helped you to make your choice! No matter which one you choose, we are sure that you will love it. Of course, if you have any other suggestions or recommendations please let us know in the comments below!

If you are looking for the best generator based on fuel type, noise, use, or price, you should then check out our other guides and reviews.