Best Portable Generator Review Guide For 2022-2023

Hits: 114

Best Portable Generator Review Guide For 2022-2023 – Particularly for vulnerable populations, power outages are often more than just an inconvenience, they can be downright dangerous. Sometimes a generator is necessary to heat or cool the house during extreme weather, ensure medical devices work properly, or keep the refrigerator running and prevent food from going bad for days. A power outage may leave you literally caught in the dark, but you can still be prepared by buying a portable generator. Take a look below at some quick info on some of the best generators in our Best Portable Generator Review Guide For 2022-2023.

How to Choose and Use a Generator:

Standby generators are handy in that they will automatically start once the power goes out and power your whole home. But they require professional installation and they are also very expensive. That’s probably unnecessary for most households and the occasional power outage.

The average homeowner likely only requires a portable generator, which can still power major home appliances like the refrigerator. These generators come with a wide range of wattage and the good news is they range from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. Others are under 50 for easier portability, though the most powerful may weigh more than 200 pounds. These also give you the versatility to take them camping or use them in an RV as well.

Don’t just buy a generator now and wait until the power goes out to learn how to use it safely. Most important to know is that generators must always be used outdoors—the farther away from your home, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the exhaust. It may also be worth purchasing a generator with a carbon monoxide cutoff switch, which will detect the build up and turn off the generator if levels get too high.

DuroStar DS4000S 4000 Watt Portable Recoil Start Gas Fuel Generator

The DuroStar is a less expensive, gas-only alternative to the 3,850-watt Duromax. It’s similar in terms of size and noise level, but can run only up to eight hours with its four-gallon tank. We think propane capability is often worth the extra price, but if you just need a mid-grade, gas-powered generator, this DuroStar is an affordable and reliable option.

Product Description:

Great for camping, RVs, sporting events, home back-up power, job sites and more, the DuroStar DS4000S gas-powered generator has a 7. 0-horsepower air-cooled overhead valve engine with a recoil start that cranks out 3,300 constant running watts of power (and a peak of 4,000 watts). This rugged workhorse is ideal for a wide variety of uses from getting you through a power outage to keeping you and your family supplied with all the necessary conveniences of home while miles from civilization.

The DS4000S has an 8-hour run time at 1/2 load, and it has a 4-gallon fuel tank that also includes an easily readable gauge. The heavy duty steel frame has four-point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. Other features include a recoil start, super quiet muffler that reduces engine noise (69 dBA rating), and automatic low-oil shut off to protect the engine. An optional wheel kit is also available for the DS4000S, enabling easy portability. Backed by a 3-year limited .

Product Details:

• Powerful Durostar Engine: The DS4000S is powered by a DuroStar 7 HP 208cc OHV engine with automatic low oil shutoff; Fuel Capacity: 3.96 Gallons; Noise Level: 69dB
• Plenty Of Power: With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
• Power Panel: Includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet; Also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
• Powering Everyone Anywhere: Like all DuroStar generators, the DS4000S is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states
• What’s In The Box: DuroStar DS4000S Generator, Oil Funnel, Sparkplug Wrench, Tool Set and Owner’s Manual

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Value for money
• 4.1 4.1
• Tech Support
• 3.9 3.9
• Maneuverability
• 3.8 3.8
• Portability
• 3.7 3.7

Pros:

• Inexpensive

Cons:

• no electric start
• gas only

WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CARB Compliant

One of the quietest generators on this list, the Wen inverter makes about as much noise as a normal conversation. It’s safe enough to use to power laptops, phones, and other small electronics, but its 1,600 running watts can also provide enough juice to run for up to six hours at 50 percent capacity. For more power, a parallel connection kit that’s sold separately can allow you to connect multiple generators to this model for added wattage. When you don’t need as much, it also has an “Eco-Mode” that saves gas by automatically adjusting its fuel use as you plug or unplug appliances. Because it weighs just under 50 pounds, it’s a portable generator that you can fairly easily transport when camping as well.

Product Description:

Remember when you had clean and quiet portable power? The WEN 2,000 Watt Inverter Generator produces clean energy free of voltage spikes and drops without making all of the noise of a regular generator. Generate 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts of power. Our 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine operates at an extremely quiet 51 decibels at quarter load, quieter than a window air conditioner or the average conversation. This limits its invasiveness while hunting, camping, tailgating and restoring back-up power.

Designed to mirror a pure sine wave, this generator limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3 percent at no load and under 1.2 percent at full load, making it safe enough to run laptops, cellphones, monitors, tablets and other vulnerable electronics. The lightweight design makes for easy portability while the ultra-efficient one-gallon tank provides over 6 hours of half-load run time. 56200i This fully-packed panel comes equipped with two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port.

Maximize fuel economy by engaging the WEN 2000 Watt Inverter Generator’s Eco-Mode Throttle. This feature allows the generator’s motor to automatically adjust its fuel consumption as items are plugged and unplugged from the panel, preventing the usage of unnecessary gasoline. Need more energy? Easily link up two generators using a WEN 56421 Parallel Connection Kit (sold separately) in order to share wattage amongst
multiple units. Low-oil and low-fuel automatic shutdown with indication lights along with overload protection safeguard both your generator and your electronics from damage. And because this is a WEN Product, your inverter generator comes backed by a 2-year warranty, a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and a friendly customer helpline. Remember when your generator powered your electronics safely and quietly? Remember WEN.

Product Details:

• Dimensions: 18″ x 11″ x 18″ | Weight: 50 lbs
• Noise Level: 53 dB operation
• EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
• Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
• Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers
• Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Weatherproof
• 5.0 5.0
• Durability
• 5.0 5.0
• Maneuverability
• 4.6 4.6
• Noise level
• 4.6 4.6

Pros:

• Quiet operation
• Portable and versatile
• Energy efficient mode

Cons:

• Only runs up to 6 hours

Champion Dual-Fuel

The most affordable full-size generator here, this Champion is loaded with plenty of power and features to get you through a storm. It’ll run on propane for up to 10.5 hours or a full-tank of gas for up to nine. In addition to its easy push-button start, its cold-start technology improves its ability to power up when the temperature drops, which is especially useful when you loose electricity in the middle of a blizzard. (Typically, the cold air in the cylinders means the gas can’t vaporize correctly for combustion below 40 degrees.) The Champion also boasts features for safety and durability like a cast-iron sleeve, built-in surge protection, oil sensors, a folding handle, and variety of outlets—all of which make it a great buy for a relatively low cost.

Product Description:

The Champion Power Equipment 76533 3800 Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start operates off GAS or PROPANE straight out of the box (propane hose included). On gasoline the generator will produce 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts, and on propane 4275 starting watts and 3420 running watts.

The generator also comes with a battery for easy Touch Start: push-button electric start which includes an internal battery charger that charges the batter as the generator runs. It makes a great addition to your RV as well as a cost effective and convenient solution for power outages or other emergency situations.

It comes travel-ready with a standard 30A RV outlet with enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner. This unit also makes a great solution for backup power during an emergency and will power the essential items you need in a power outage – lights, sump pump, refrigerator, modem/router, furnace blower, fan, TV/DVD, computer, smartphone/tablet charger, etc.

Since propane has such long stable shelf life you don’t need to worry about having fresh gasoline on hand during an emergency. The 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator operates at 68 dBA from 23 ft. and has a run time of up to 9 hours on a full tank of gasoline or 10.5 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank at 50% load. The generator features Volt Guard, a built-in surge protector which protects your appliances from any spikes in voltage above a safe threshold, as well as Cold Start technology which optimizes the generator to start easily in cold weather.

The generator is portable and comes in a durable steel frame with a folding handle and never-flat tires for easy maneuvering and transportation. The 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator comes with a patented fuel selector switch that allows for quick and safe switching between fuel sources. It also comes with 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), 120V 30A locking (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R).

The Intelligauge (volts, Hz, hours) allows you to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. The 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is powered by a reliable 224cc Champion single-cylinder OHV engine with a 3.4 gal. fuel tank, 0.6 qt. oil capacity (recommended 10W-30) and automatic low oil shut-off sensor. The generator is 50-state/CARB compliant. Champion Power Equipment is a market leader in power generation equipment.

Champion has years of experience providing dependable and durable power equipment designed and engineered in the US for the North American and world markets. Champion products are the standard of performance excellence – for work, for play, for home. We make the power that makes your life easier. The Champion 3800 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator comes with a three year limited warranty. Champion demands excellence from their dedicated technicians and service network ensuring that you will receive world-class service and response wherever and whenever you need it.

Product Details:

• Dimensions: 26.3″ L x 24.8″ W x 22.9″ H | Weight: 119 lbs
• Noise Level: 68 dBA from 23 feet
• Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
• Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
• Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
• Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals
• Outlets: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R) – trust Volt Guard built-in surge protector to prevent overloads
• Champion Support: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Value for money
• 4.5 4.5
• Maneuverability
• 4.4 4.4
• Tech Support
• 4.2 4.2
• Noise level
• 3.5 3.5

Pros:

• Dual fuel
• Cold-weather start

Cons:

• Battery needed charging

DuroMax XP4850EH 4850 watt Dual Fuel Hybrid generator with Electric Start

This Duromax compares to the Champion generator in terms of its wattage, weight, noise level, and dual-fuel options, but it costs just under $600. It can run with propane at half load for nine hours or gas for 11, which is slightly longer than comparable models in this price range. It’s also constructed out of metal, but does lack some user-friendly features that the Champion possesses, like cold-weather start.

Product Description:

As global energy consumption grows at exponential rates, so does the demand for energy solutions that are both more environmentally responsible and more efficient. The Duromax XP4850EH has a dual fuel system that operates on either standard gasoline or cleaner burning liquid propane which can more than double your generator’s run time. With the XP4850EH, operating on propane will not gum up or foul your generator’s carburetor, and will give you quick, reliable starts every time.

It only takes a few seconds to switch over from regular gas to propane, and with the flexible line, you can easily hook up any size propane tank including the one from your barbeque. And unlike gasoline, propane can be stored for years without going bad. The Duromax XP4850EH unit features a 7 Horsepower, Air Cooled Engine and is designed with a Low-Oil Shutoff Sensor to protect the Motor. It offers the switching capability of running on Propane or Gasoline fuels. Built to offer more power and longer-lasting durability.

Product Details:

• Your purchase includes One DuroMax XP4850EH 4850 watt Dual Fuel Hybrid generator with Electric Start, One oil funnel, One spark plug wrench, tools set, wheels and handle kit, DC charging cables and owner’s manual
• Portable Generator dimensions: 24” L x 17″ W x 17″ H. Product weight: 127 lbs
• Specifications: Noise level – 69 dB. Fuel tank capacity (GASOLINE) – 3.96 gallons. Suggested tank size (PROPANE) – 20 gallons
• The ability to run on Propane or Gasoline allows the Freedom and Flexibility of Fuel Choice
• With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools. Operate at both 120 V and 240 V simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Value for money
• 4.4 4.4
• Portability
• 4.3 4.3
• Maneuverability
• 4.2 4.2
• Light weight
• 4.0 4.0

Pros:

• Runs on propane and gas
• Metal construction

Cons:

• The warranty is deceptively misleading

Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start

This Westinghouse is only powered by gas, so it doesn’t have a propane fuel option like the Duromax and Champion above. But it provides a decent 16 hours of run time at 25 percent load. Its remote key fob can start it from up to 109 yards
away, so you won’t have to go out into the storm to power it up. Its steel frame adds protects to the six-gallon tank. If you really want the option of propane power, Westinghouse offers a similar 7,500-watt model with dual fuel at a higher
cost.

Product Description:

The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a powerful and easy-to-use power source to keep your home prepared for emergency events. It produces 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts, operating for up to 16 hours on 6.6 Gal. (25 L) gasoline fuel tank. The WGen7500 features Push-Button Electric Start, conveniently pairing with a wireless remote key fob for effortless ignition.

Forged with a cast iron sleeve, the WGen7500 has a 420cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed for durability. It’s equipped with a built-in fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, and GFCI household outlets for added protection. The L14-30R outlet is Transfer Switch Ready, connecting straight to your home for total household power and eliminating the hassle for annoying extension cords or power strips.

The WGen7500 is easy to care for with a VFT Data Center to share real-time updates on maintenance information, ensuring long life and lasting utility. A hardened-steel frame with added roll bars, foam grip handle, and never-flat wheels lets you easily transport this generator on the go while rubber outlet covers provide added protection from the environment. The WGen7500 is complete with a 3-Year Warranty and Lifetime Technical Support backed by our nationwide customer service and support
network.

Product Details:

• 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 16 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
• Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
• Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
• Powered by a 420 cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
• EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service and Support Network at 1-855-944-3571 or service@wpowereq.com

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Easy to assemble
• 4.5 4.5
• Value for money
• 4.5 4.5
• Maneuverability
• 4.4 4.4
• Portability
• 4.4 4.4

Pros:

• Remote start
• Long run time

Cons:

• Louder than comparable models

DuroMax XP12000EH 12000-Watt 18 HP Portable Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator

With a peak of 12,000 watts, this Duromax is one of the most powerful portable generators. Its dual-fuel capability means it can run on propane or gas. A 20-pound propane tank at 50 percent max output will provide 20 hours of power, while gasoline at 50 percent will run for 10 hours. the XP12000EH has a user-friendly electric start, as well as an optional recoil start just in case. The heavy-duty metal frame will also protect it when it’s outside amid potentially falling debris in stormy conditions, and the power panel includes individual breakers for added safety. This generator may be heavy, so maybe don’t store it in the basement if you can help it, but its big wheels will help you transport it from the garage to outside before you fire it up. In addition, all Duromax generators come with a three-year warranty.

Product Description:

The DuroMax XP12000EH is a workhorse powered by a 457cc OHV Engine. With 9,500 watts of running power and the ability to surge up to 12,000 watts, this generator can power household essentials such as lights, small and large appliances, and your home’s central A/C system. The fully loaded power panel features multiple outlets including: 2 120V household GFCI outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 240V 30A outlet, and 1 240V 50A outlet. Also on the power panel are individual breakers to prevent overloading and keep everything safe.

Product Details:

• POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE: The XP12000EH is Powered by a DuroMax 18HP, 457cc DuroMax OHV Engine
• PLENTY OF POWER: With 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
• DUAL FUEL TECHNOLOGY: This generator runs on gasoline or propane giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
• MX2 TECHNOLOGY: With DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 Volt receptacles; Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power
• LOW OIL SHUT-OFF: Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.
• IDLE CONTROL: Generator lowers RPMs when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise. Ideal in situations like on job sites where power is used intermittently.

Customer Ratings By Feature:

• Value for money
• 4.1 4.1
• Portability
• 4.1 4.1
• Maneuverability
• 3.9 3.9
• Tech Support
• 3.6 3.6

Pros:

• Runs on both gas and propane
• Heavy-duty frame

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Conclusion:

We hope this Best Portable Generator Review Guide For 2022-2023 has been a help in picking the right portable generator for you.