which portable generator is best

Best high-end portable generators

• Generac GP8000E This $1,069 Generac model delivers 10,000 starting watts for easy power-ups. You'll get 8,000 running watts for up to 11 hours at 50% load. ...
• Champion Power Equipment 100110 Similar in price to the Generac model, this Champion generator offers a bit more power output. ...
• Duromax XP13000EH This heavy-duty portable generator delivers 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts. ...
• Cat RP6500 ...

Full Answer

What are the top 10 portable generators?

Top 10 Quietest Portable Generators in 2021. WEN 56200i – Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator. Westinghouse iGen2500. Honda EU2200is – Super Quiet. Yamaha EF2200iS. Atima Inverter Generator. Generac IQ2000. Energizer eZV2200. Champion 100233.

What is the highest rated portable generator?

Top 12 Portable Generator Reviews 2022

1. Editor’s Choice WEN 56200i. Fuel tank: 1 gal. ...
2. Best Quiet Portable Generator Honda EU3000iS. Fuel tank: 3.4 gal. ...
3. Largest Fuel Tank NorthStar Portable Generator - 13,000 Surge Watts. ...
4. Best Dual-Fuel Portable Generator Westinghouse WGen7500DF. ...
5. Most Powerful Portable Inverter Generator Champion Power Equipment 100302. ...

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What is the most reliable portable generator?

What Is the Most Reliable Generator on the Market?

1. Honda. As one of the largest automobile manufacturers globally, this Japanese company is also known for its power tools, home enhancement equipment, batteries, and power generators.
2. Yamaha. Another non-surprising entry is Yamaha, a Japanese company that has expanded to power tools and equipment from their piano-manufacturing beginnings.
3. DuroMax. ...

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Should I buy a portable generator?

Here 6 reasons why people should buy a portable generator: They are Portable! A portable generator can come in handy in numerous ways. Modern portable generators are lightweight and more compact than the older generations.

What is the best portable generator to buy?

The Best Portable GeneratorsBest Overall: Honda EU2200i Companion.Best Capacity: Predator 9500.Most Rugged: Generac iQ3500 3500.Best for RV Camping: Champion 4,650-Watt Dual Fuel.

What is the best kind of generator to buy?

Generac Guardian Series Natural/LP Gas Whole House Generators. Our top overall choice as the best generator for your home is part of the Generac Guardian series we recommend as the best standby generator. The series ranges from 10kW (10000 watts) to 24kW (24000 watts) and comes with a pretty reasonable price tag.

What are the top 5 home generators?

The 5 Best Whole House Generators.Generac Guardian Wi-Fi Enabled Standby Generator.Briggs & Stratton 12,000-Watt Automatic Air Cooled Standby Generator.Champion 14-kW aXis Home Standby Generator with 200-Amp Whole House Switch.Generac PowerPact 7,500 Watt Standby Generator.More items...•

What is the most fuel efficient portable generator?

The 5 Best Fuel-Efficient Portable Generators for Home UseBest Small Generator: Champion 73536i Portable Inverter Generator.Best Medium-Sized Generator: Honda EU7000iS Portable Generator.Best Large Generators.

What are the 3 types of generators?

There are three main types of generators: portable, inverter and standby....Inverter GeneratorAlmost all are gasoline powered.Most models power only 120-volt outlets, so they usually power smaller or more sensitive equipment and electronics than conventional portable generators.More items...•

What should I look for when buying a generator?

8 Factors to Consider When Buying a Mobile GeneratorThe amount of power you'll need from your mobile generator. ... Clean power. ... Quietness. ... Diesel vs. ... Runtime. ... Customize your generator with the features your job site needs. ... Trailer. ... An ongoing maintenance plan.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

between 5,000 and 7,500 wattsSome may need to use more appliances during a power outage while some may be enough with having just a few of them running. But in general, a generator that can provide between 5,000 and 7,500 watts would be enough to power a house.

How do I choose a generator for my home?

You'll need a generator that produces at least this many STARTING WATTS.Run Time. Look for a generator with a long run-time at half-load. ... Outlets. Make sure you select a generator with enough outlets and the right type(s) of outlets. ... Portability. Portable generators can be heavy. ... Cord Set.

Which is better inverter or generator?

Although inverter generators can't produce as much power as conventional generators, they are more efficient due to how the energy how the AC current is produced. The more efficient a generator is the less fuel is used and the smaller the fuel tank can be.

Is it cheaper to run a generator on gasoline or propane?

Gas Generators Pros Less expensive - Gasoline generators usually cost less to purchase and install. Greater heat output - A gallon of gasoline puts out about 30 percent more heat than the same amount of propane. Unless propane is 30 percent cheaper in your local market, gasoline generators are cheaper to operate.

What is difference between inverter generator and regular generator?

Conventional generators use a mechanical alternator to produce alternating current (or AC) power that's ready to use. Inverter generators also use an alternator to produce AC power, but this current is converted into direct current (or DC), before a microprocessor inverts it back into cleaner AC power.

Are portable generators worth it?

If you depend on an electric car, having a portable generator will ensure that you can drive to work, go to the grocery store, pick up the babysitter, rush to the emergency room, or travel wherever else you need to go, even during an extended blackout.

What size generator is needed to power a house?

between 5,000 and 7,500 wattsSome may need to use more appliances during a power outage while some may be enough with having just a few of them running. But in general, a generator that can provide between 5,000 and 7,500 watts would be enough to power a house.

What is difference between inverter generator and regular generator?

Conventional generators use a mechanical alternator to produce alternating current (or AC) power that's ready to use. Inverter generators also use an alternator to produce AC power, but this current is converted into direct current (or DC), before a microprocessor inverts it back into cleaner AC power.

What kind of generator should I use for my house?

With a generator rated at 5,000 to 7,500 watts, you can run even the most critical household equipment, including things such as refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. A 7500-running watt generator can run all these appliances at once. For RV, a 3000-4000-watt generator will work great.

How big of a generator do I need for a 2500 square foot house?

If your home is 2500 square feet or less, a 20kW generator should suit your needs well, particularly if you have gas heat and hot water. If the range top is also gas, all the better. A 20kW generator will run most house receptacles, lights, and up to a 5-ton central air conditioner.

What do portable generators do?

A portable generator provides essential backup in case of a power outage or blackout at home or when you are away on a camping or tailgating trip,...

How do portable generators work?

It depends on what kind of power source you go for. The vast majority of the most powerful portable generators are run on gasoline or liquid propan...

How do I decide how much power I need?

Portable generators are sold according to how much power output they can generate, which is measured in watts. If you want to be able to power a ra...

What is a portable generator?

What, exactly, is a “portable” generator, anyway? That designation can include everything from a little 30-pound generator you’d use at a campground to charge your phone all the way up to a 250-pound behemoth capable of powering your entire house through a sustained outage. Think of a portable generator as any model that’s not a home standby generator.

How much does a generator weigh?

These generators, referred to as midsized inverter generators in our ratings, provide 2,000 to 4,000 watts of power, and they weigh 75 to 150 pounds. They pack plenty of power for a boat, an RV, or a camper, or they can power a few household essentials. They're more fuel-efficient and quieter than those above, but despite their lower power output, they're also pricier, at a range of $500 to $2,500.

What to do when power goes out?

When you need to power your house during an outage, you have two options: a home standby generator or a portable model. If you lose power often, you might opt for a standby, also called a stationary, generator. The unit itself can cost thousands, with an installation bill to match.

How much does a recreational generator cost?

These generators, called recreational inverter generators in our ratings, provide up to 2,000 watts of power and usually weigh 50 pounds or less, making them perfect for campsites. In a pinch, you can power a fridge and a few lights with these, but for anything more, look to the generators above. These more modest units are fuel-efficient and quiet, and you'll pay $500 to $1,200.

Can you use a portable generator to power your home?

But if you live in an area where outages are infrequent or where the lights often come back on in a few hours, you’ll save thousands by going with a portable generator. These units keep costs down and pack plenty of power to run most of the essentials in your home. Even smaller midsized and recreational generators—which we also feature here—will power some essentials in a pinch.

Do portable generators have safety features?

But portable generators also carry safety risks. They produce carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless and invisible gas—and more than 60 people die each year from generator-related CO poisoning. Many new models feature automatic shut-offs and low-CO engines. Consumer Reports now puts every gas-burning generator through a rigorous safety test and only recommends portable generators with either or both of these potentially lifesaving safety features.

What is portable generator?

Portable generators, as the name implies, are meant to be portable. That means they can be moved around when you need emergency power. Portable generators come in a variety of sizes and power outputs. They’ll provide your home with backup power whenever you need it.

Why do we like the generator?

Why We Liked It: If you live in an area that experiences constant power outages, this powerful generator will keep your household appliances running. The large fuel tank means that you won't have to refill it too often. The transfer switch allows direct connection to your switchboard. The built-in handle and wheels mean that you can move it around when you need to, making it ideal for construction sites.

How many watts does a Champion generator have?

This powerful 7500-watt Champion power generator will give you all the power you need when you need it, thanks to the 439cc engine. As it's a dual-fuel generator, this means it runs on both gasoline and propane. Start-up is easy with the battery-powered start button. The tank's fuel capacity reaches 6 gallons of gasoline, allowing around 8 hours of run time. A propane hose is also included. The intelligauge allows you to keep track of power usage and maintenance schedules. It also has a built-in surge protector and runs at 74 dBA.

How much power does a Duromax generator have?

It has a massive 12,000 watts of output, which means it can run your entire house without missing a beat. It's also ideal for construction sites when there's no mains power available. This machine might be heavy at 224 pounds, but it has wheels to make it easier to move around. It's powered by an 18HP, 457cc overhead valve engine. The noise rating is 74 dBA.

How long does a propane generator run?

The fuel tank holds 3.6 gallons, giving you a run time of 10 hours at 50% load. If you're using the generator on propane, you can expect 12 hours of run time at 50% load.

Why is it important to have a backup generator?

With climate change causing extreme weather events, and more people working from home , it’s now more important than ever to invest in a backup portable generator for when the power goes out. Having a portable generator that can run your essential appliances and your electronic gadgets will keep you working and your family comfortable.

What to do if you have a generator but no fuel?

If you have a generator but no fuel, your generator won’t do you much good. Store fuel so you’re ready when you need to use your generator, but make sure you check local regulations for fuel storage. And remember that gasoline can oxidize over time, so look into fuel stabilizers.

What is portable generator?

Portable generators are backup electrical sources for your home in the event that the power goes out. They can also be used to power tools or appliances within your home. Unlike standby generators, portable generators can be moved and manually started.

How much does a portable generator cost?

Most portable generators range from $300 to more than $1,000. Three of the five generators we considered are around $800. It’s difficult to find a cheap generator without compromising quality or reliability. Although it’s certainly an investment, a portable generator still costs less than a permanent one, which starts at $4,000.

How many watts does a portable generator use?

The wattage of a portable generator varies by model and refers to how much power it offers. A portable generator’s running watts, or the watts available to keep appliances and devices running, can range from 200 to 7,500. High-wattage models like the Westinghouse WGEN7500 Portable Generator offer around 7,500 watts and can power a few of your home’s essential appliances. Smaller generators offer around 200 watts, which is just enough to power small devices, such as phones and laptops.

Why is a generator important?

A power generator is an important item for emergency preparedness and those living in areas with frequent power outages. It’s also nice to have when camping or to run equipment for home improvement projects. However, purchasing a portable generator comes with a big price tag and it can be difficult to know which ones are really worth the investment.

Is a generator battery or gas?

Most generators are either gas- or battery-powered. Gas-powered generators like the Generac 7680 GP6500 Portable Generator are high-powered models that can run major appliances in your home. However, because of their power, gas-powered portable generators are typically more expensive and louder than battery-powered models.

What is the point of portable generators?

Portability - The whole point of a portable generator is that it has designed to be transported where you need it most. There are plenty of compact options featuring built-in wheels which make it easy to maneuver your generator smoothly from one place to the next. Units with fold-down or telescoping handles are also excellent choices.

How many hours does it take to run a portable generator?

When you purchase a portable generator, gas has to stretch for as long as possible. Generate 2000 watts with nine hours of runtime, supporting five different outlets that you can use to power small appliances and charge your mobile electronic devices: Laptops, phones, tablets, and you can even power coffee pots.

How to figure out how much power you need?

The best way to figure out how much power you need before you go ahead and purchase a generator is to physically write down a list of all the essential appliances you would want to continue using. Add up that total wattage and go for a generator that meets those needs. As a handy reference, below are some of the most common domestic applianced and how much power they utilize:

What is Duro Star generator?

If you are looking for a workhorse of an engine that will keep you in power in case of an emergency at home, work or off-site at an outdoor event, then the Duro Star DS4000S is an excellent recommendation. It’s a portable generator featuring an EZ-Pull starting mechanism and will ensure that you never need be without the use of all your favorite appliances. It’s powerful enough to run multiple heavy-duty tools simultaneously thanks to that superb 208 cc OHV engine. From lights to your refrigerator, air conditioning units to those tools, it can handle the lot.

How many watts does a Briggs and Stratton generator have?

Never worry about running out of power ever again thanks to this quiet running Briggs and Stratton PowerSmart series inverter generator. With 3000 watts of starting power and 2600 watts of running power, it’s a lightweight and efficient solution to all your backup and portable power needs. It’s been intuitively designed with a telescopic luggage-style handle and large 6-inch wheels for convenient maneuverability. Whether you’re heading off camping or tailgating, it makes the ideal portable generator.

How many watts does a WEN generator have?

This model also comes in a slightly less powerful version (1250 watts) and a more powerful version (3100 watts) depending on your needs. Gas-powered and extremely quiet, your WEN generator comes with an inverter, overload protection, and a two-year warranty.

How many outlets does the WGen7500 have?

Besides all that, the WGen7500 conveniently operates on both 120/240 volts and is fitted with four standard household outlets meaning you can quickly get all your major domestic appliances back up and running in case of an emergency.

What kind of fuel do portable generators run on?

Some portable power generator models run on gasoline, while others run on liquid propane tanks. Deciding which fuel type to use for your portable generator likely depends on your available resources.

How much does a generator cost?

Of course price is a factor, and in general, you're going to pay more for more peak power. You can find good generators from $300, or you can spend big for max power and end up with a $2,000 model.

How many gallons of gas does a Durostar generator use?

If you don't need the propane tank option, this DuroStar portable generator runs on a 3.9-gallon gasoline tank. It is a quiet portable generator that also offers a bit more peak power supply than the Sportsman with 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts.

What is running watts?

Running watts are the watts a generator can produce for hours on end while powering appliances. You'll want a portable generator with at least as many running watts as watts used by your household appliances.

How long does it take to run a propane generator?

Gasoline run time is about 11.5 hours at 50%, while propane will run 9.8 hours on 50%. There are two 120-volt outlets and one 120/240-volt outlet.

How long does a Durostar generator run?

Run time on a 50% load is 8 hours, and it is equipped with two 120-volt household outlets and one 120/240-volt outlet. The DuroStar includes its wheels, something often sold separately in kits for generators.

Can you double your wattage with a generator?

Up your budget, and you can double your wattage with these generators.