Top 10 Best Portable Generators in 2024
For some portable generators seem more like a commodity but their usefulness cannot be denied. There are plenty of situations in which one would be needed.
Most people use them as a power source during an outage but they can also be used to generate power when there is a source nearby. When that is the case it becomes obvious just how important it is for the power generator to be portable and ready to go.
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Why You Need a Portable Generator?
There are several reasons for you to get yourself a portable generator it can perform for several tasks and can fulfill multiple needs hence making it the perfect fit for your small business and moving business.
This is ideal for your business on wheels and can do much more. But if you are not satisfied then here are some reasons to make you believe that a portable Generator can be very useful.
Perfect for Backup Power
Mostly the people buy an electric generator to be cautious and prepared in a power outage. With the aid of a portable generator, it ensures that you will never run out of power in any case of emergency.
If you are out on road and require a generator then this can provide you with sufficient power and help you in those dark times.
If you ant enough power for your fridge and water dispenser then the perfect option for you is a portable generator.
Perfect Use while Travelling
When you are on a family trip or a camping adventure then a portable generator can help you on several occasions. With that said, if you have a business on wheels that require electric power then this can be the perfect option for you. Hence making this ideal in every situation.
Helps You with The Work of Contractors
The perfect solution for your late-night work as a contractor hence this can be the perfect solution for making your more efficient and work energy. Supplying you with sufficient power and electricity can handle any sort of emergency or power outage.
Best Portable Generators in 2024
Out of all the models we had to select only 10 that manages to stand out in terms of features and portability. Here are the top 10 best portable generators in 2024.
10- Powerhouse PH2100PRi
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The Powerhouse PH2100PRi is a high-end portable generator that comes with a convenient design. It is fairly light and it includes a small handle. The model has a four-stroke gas engine with a rated power of 4.35 HP.
It can generate 2100 watts which are enough to power regular household appliances such as a computer, TV and many others. The model is fairly more expensive but it is also one of the most silent ones available.
Key Features:
- Provides you with the power outage of 2100 watts.
- It is 4.35 horsepower four-stroke engine.
- The company provides you with a 2-year warranty.
- Has an economical fuel consumption.
- Follows all the standard.
9- Smarter Tools STAP-2000iQ
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Smarter Tools STAP-2000iQ is a powerful model that comes with a reliable 2000-watt Yamaha engine and a quiet operation mode. The model uses Sinewave technology that enables it to be used with sensitive equipment such as a laptop or desktop computer.
It is capable of sustained output of 3000 watts and it is compliant with EPA and CARB ratings making it both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Key Features:
- EPA and CARB approved.
- Made with pure sinewave technology.
- It is silent and quiet.
- Provides you with 3000 watts of a power outage.
8- Champion Power Equipment 46533
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The Champion Power Equipment 46533 is a mid-range model in terms of pricing. It is not as quiet as the more expensive ones but it offers a maximum output of 4000 Watts and can run for up to 12 hours.
The model weighs about 110 pounds which might seem a bit heavy but it is still fairly portable. In terms of fuel economy, the model uses a small 196cc OHV engine that has been CARB approved.
Key Features:
- Designed with all safety precautions.
- Provides you with 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watt power outage.
- There is a volt guard to prevent any energy overload.
- The company provides you with 3-years of company warranty.
7- All Power America APG3004
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The All Power America APG3004 is a decent portable generator but the thing that recommends it the most is its low price. It is one of the most affordable models in our list but it is also one of the least powerful ones.
The model offers 800 watts of power and uses a small petrol engine. It can run for about 8 to 12 hours using about one gallon of fuel. It is CARB compliant and comes with a convenient handle for easy transportation.
Key Features:
- It is lightweight perfect for the portability factor.
- Provides you with a 1000-watt power outage.
- Runs up to 8 ½ hours on a single load.
6- Sportsman GEN154
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Sportsman GEN154 is a small and efficient generator that also comes with a decent price tag for the ones that have a limited budget. It offers 1500 Watts of power and uses about 1.8 gallons of fuel for a runtime of 11 hours.
The model has a 120 AC outlet and a smaller 12 V outlet that can be used to charge batteries. The model is EPA approved and comes with circuit protection for extra safety.
Key Features:
- Provides you with 2000 watt power outage.
- The run time is 11 hours on a single input.
- There are a recoil start and circuit protection.
- You are getting 120V AC outlet.
5- Earthquake IG800W
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Earthquake IG800W is a premium portable generator that offers both reliability and a compact form factor. It offers an output of 800 Watts and can run for up to 14 hours on a gallon of fuel.
What makes it a rather tempting option is the fact that it is quiet and weighs just 21 pounds. The model comes with overload protection and can be used to power sensitive pieces of equipment such as laptops, computer, tablets or smartphones.
Key Features:
- The power output is 800 watts.
- It is lightweight and portable.
- Conserves energy.
- Efficient enough to charge electronic gadgets and.
4- WEN 56180
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The WEN 56180 is a reliable and surprisingly affordable portable generator. The model is capable of providing 1500 Watts of power and can run for about 1.5 hours using just 1.45 gallons of fuel.
It is fairly lightweight for its size and comes with two 120 V outlets. The model can be used to power household electronics and comes with multiple safety features that protect the equipment from damage and surges.
Key Features:
- The fuel tank is 1.45 gallons.
- The total run time is 1.5 hours.
- There is a protective layer in case of a power surge.
- Total power output is 1500 watts.
3- Champion Power Equipment 42436
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The Champion Power Equipment 42436 is a decent pick for the ones that have a limited budget and require something to power a computer, TV or any other household appliance.
It has a fairly solid and rugged built and comes with one 120 V outlet. The model can run for up to 10 hours using a full tank of fuel and weighs just about 56 pounds. Manufacturers have included a 2-year limited warranty for the model.
Key Features:
- Perfect to handle heavy electronic equipment.
- Total run time is 10 hours.
- As it is portable it is also lightweight.
- Power output is 120V.
- There is a 2 years limited warranty for this model only.
2- Yamaha EF2000iS
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Yamaha EF2000iS is more of a premium model that comes with all the features to make it the best choice for someone that needs something compact and powerful.
It is capable of providing an output of 1600 watts and comes with an ultra-quiet motor and really compact design. It is extremely light and it is CARB compliant. The model is indeed more expensive but very few other models offer this much power in such a small form factor.
Key Features:
- The power output is 1600 watts.
- It is light-weight and CARB compliance.
- Perfect for powering small campsites.
- Made with durable and premium materials.
1- DuroStar DS4000S
The DuroStar DS4000S offers excellent value for the money. It is an affordable portable generator that delivers plenty of power without costing too much.
The model uses about 4 gallons of fuel for an 8-hour runtime during which it can provide about 3300 watts of continuous power. The model is easy to transport and is EPA approved.
Key Features:
- The total runtime is 8 hours in a full filled tank.
- It is EPA approved.
- The tank capacity is 4-gallons.
- Providing 3300 Watts of power output.
Best Portable Generators – Buyer’s Guide
There are some additional features that you should consider before buying such a product.
Automatic Shutoff Option
This feature is new for a portable generator, as the CO sensor installed detects any type of deadly and viscous gas building up inside the generator the to prevent it from harming this it kills the engine directly when the gas has reached to a certain limit.
Every portable generator should have this feature so that it can protect the one who surrounds it and can protect the engine from damage.
If you are into buying a portable generator then you would have learned any type of term that starts with CO well, this is a standard in portable generators and if you want to counter check it your should pay attention to these types of package listed down below:
- ANSI/UL2201 Certified for Carbon Monoxide Safety
- ANSI/PGMA G300 Certified Safety & Performance.
Low Engine Start
The low engine start is the feature that helps in the technology used from Ryobi to prevent any type of carbon monoxide vapourization in the hence saving the nature and the health of the people surrounding it. With the low start efficiency, the engines do not emit any type of carbon monoxide hence securing the nature and the environment.
Automatic Start
When the sudden power outage then you would be lost to find a light source to start your generator. Well, this has been made easy in this case of the portable generator as this includes the feature of the self-start or automatic start that can aid you instantly with the light and power as soon as the power is gone.
Hence this is the most important feature in this case as if you are tired and not in the mood of starting a generator well this is also covered because of the automatic start feature provided in the portable generator.
Electric Start
Various portable generators offer this feature that lets you start through a push-button hence there is no hassle in pulling wires and strings to start a portable generator you just have to press a button and voila there you would have your generator started.
With that, this feature can be added aftermarket and will cost you less than you think you just need to install a battery and a proper connection of push start to avail this feature.
Fuel Gauge
Well, there are few generators that offer you with this feature and these are including permanent generators. Hence with the portable generators, you would be able to check out the fuel position when there is a long blackout and you are worried if the fuel would end.
This can help you to determine how much fuel is left in the generator and if it needs more to run. With that said, this feature can be extremely handy when it comes to determining whether your camp would run out of power provided from your portable generator or not.
Fuel Consumption
There are several options to choose from which fuel or resource you use as a fuel with this portable generator. Some use natural gas that is supplied through your lines, some use gasoline and some are equipped with propane gas tank for efficient use of fuel.
Either way, this depends on which fuel you use as Gas is more efficient and can be used for a longer time while on the other hand propane tank can provide you with less runtime. With that, the typical fuel consumption is an average depending on what fuel quality you are using.
Low-oil Shutoff
This is a typical technique that has been used to prevent any type of engine damage in permanent generators but here with the portable generators, the engineers have implemented the same technique to prevent any type of engine damage.
If your generator oil falls below the recommended position then the engine will automatically shut down to prevent any dry run for the engine and eventually preventing it.
Several Outlets
When you are provided extra that makes you happy right? Well, the case is the same with these portable generators every time they tend to provide you with extra features.
Such as you would get a standard of 4 power outlet to use the power wattage at its best hence making this the perfect power source when you don’t have any socket and proper power supply around. Let’s say it gets the job done efficiently.
FAQ’s about Best Portable Generators
What is an Inverter Generator?
These both Portable and Portable inverter generators use fossil fuels to run or as their main fuel consumption when it comes to providing efficient power.
Usually, portable generators work while they convert mechanical energy into electrical energy with the aid of electromagnetic process this includes the help of voltage to move the conductor and through the coils of wires while they are covered inside a magnetic casing.
With the normal and standard portable generator whenever the engine rotates it produces one powerful wave of AC power. But for creating or producing electric energy the engine has to run at the constant rate of 3600 rpm according to the USA electricity requirement.
But a few years ago a company who is pioneered in such mechanics Honda provided us with an inverter generator that was lightweight, soundless, and more convenient than a conventional generator.
It works more efficiently to provide you with the power you require with the help of a powerful engine it can convert that much mechanical energy into electrical with a low rpm rate and low energy or fuel consumption.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a House on a Generator?
When you are thinking of running a house on a complete source of the generator than you would face a lot of problems such as power surges and pollution. Generators are used to provide you with the convenience of a back-up power source if your main source is out.
Hence using a generator as the main power source can be expensive and can cost you more than your electric bills of other bills.
With that said, this will not only affect your budget but also effect on the environment around you with all the smoke released from a generator you would feel suffocated in your own house.
Other than that, it would drop some level of power when there is low fuel of oil hence this can harm your home appliances that consume electricity. And to run those appliances you would need a bigger generator and that can be expensive.
Who Makes the Best Portable Generator?
There are several companies that make perfect to ideal portable generators hence making this choice is completely up yo you as to when you are in the market you would get several options to go with that offers you with various functionalities.
Every Portable generator provides you with different functionalities hence it is hard to decide which is the best but through this list, you can determine what can be the perfect option for you and your use.
How Many Watts do You Need In a Generator?
In a standard case for a short power run out then you need a low such a 2000 to 3000 watts of power. But when it comes to elongated runtime then a generator should be able to provide you with a power supply more than standard hence it should be continuously.
What Size Portable Generator Do I Need?
Well, this question answer lies in yourself as it depends on the use that which one they should get.
Well, to do that you should first consider the use either you want a portable generator for you camping trips or other adventures that include more travelling that stoping then in that case you should get yourself a lightweight small portable generator that is easy to accommodate and easy to travel with.
With that when it comes to having a portable generator to save and stay in your budget then I will consider you to buy more sturdy and durable portable generator with hight power output to handle all your electric appliances.
