A generator (electrical) is a device that converts mechanical or chemical energy into electrical energy. It can generate electricity for both long-term and short-term applications. While you can easily find a generator, not every type will serve you right. Some may be too noisy, others too bulky to carry around, while some may be a little hard to start especially in the cold.
In this review, we will briefly go through the top 10 best portable generators in 2024.
Table of Contents
What We Looked At
- Portability: Carrying the generator had to be easy and convenient. It came with a carry-friendly design, lightweight, and compact. Key considerations were the handle size, design, and wheels;
- Power: A good choice delivers adequate power-to-power most basic items. It should run the toaster, small TV set, blenders, small refrigerator and computer;
- Noise: The best accessory allows you to carry on with your activities without being disrupted by too much noise;
- Fuel Efficiency: A good generator would deliver maximum power yet consume minimal fuel. Other than gasoline, some types can run of alternative fuels like natural gas or propane; and
- Outlets: More outlets mean you can run several things concurrently. It also allows you to spread the load hence maximize on the wattage.
Other vital features were automatic start, electric start, fuel gauge, low-oil shutoff, inverter technology, removable console, and price.
Best Portable Generators in 2024
10. Briggs & Stratton, 30663 Gas Power Portable Generator
The Briggs & Stratton portable generator stands out as one of the lightest and most reliable generator. It generates up to 8750 peak power and 7000-watt running power which is adequate for most appliances and devices including television, DVD player, small blender, lighting, and charging devices.
It includes an air-cooled OHV 420cc gasoline engine that starts easily while the 7.5-gallon tank when full will allow the generator to run for as many as 9 hours. It’s worth buying because it’s energy efficient starts easily, has a large capacity tank, and requires minimal maintenance. The only setback is it doesn’t come with an extension cord.
9. Goal Zero, Yeti 150 Portable Power Station
Specifically designed for charging small devices like phones and tablets, the Goal Yeti 150 portable power station will come handy during power outages. It generates up to 150 watts per hour and features a 168Wh lead acid battery that can power up to 5 devices at a go as long as the wattage doesn’t exceed 14Ah.
The generator provides continuous 80W, 160W surge modified-sine wave power that protects sensitive equipment such a phones, notebooks, and cameras. Other positives include travel-friendly, compact, lightweight, and easy to use. The main downside is that it is only suited for small gadgets and appliances.
8. DuroMax, XP4400E Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP4400E generator is among the best portable generators in the market. It’s famed for its good power delivery and offers 3,500 watts of continuous power while the peak power is 4,400 watts. The 7 horsepower unit starts easily thanks to the electric start although it also features a standard recoil start.
The 4-gallon gas tank offers as many as 8 hours Running Time and features Automatic Low Oil Shut Off. Advantages of the EPA-Approved generator are easy starting, good quality, relatively silent, and portable. The disadvantage is that the packaging isn’t very nice.
- Plenty of Power – With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
- Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- 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. Ideal for usage with RVs
- Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household GFCI outlets and 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries
Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. A-ipower, Gasoline Powered Electric Start Generator
This 12,000-watt generator from AiPower will make life convenient during a power blackout or a remote location. It has a peak rating of 12, 000 watts while the continuous power is 9,000 watts. The unit features a rigid tubular construction for support and mobility and a 7-gallon gasoline tank that can last for as many as 9 hours.
It features GFCI protected outlets for better safety and comes with a built-in DC adapter plug for charging a battery. It is one of the best portable generators in 2024 because of its good design, easy to carry, great price, and clean power.
- The A-iPower SUA12000 produces 12,000 starting watts with 9,000 running watts to power your tools at the construction site, camping ground, or home appliances.Grounding system (AC) : Neutral bonded to frame
- Powerful 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year
- Large 7 gallon gasoline fuel tank provides average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load
- Complete with Electric Start capability allowing you to quickly, easily, and conveniently start up your generator whenever you need it
- Outlets include: 2x5-20R Duplex GFCI (20A, 120V), 1xL14-30R (30A, 120/240V), 1x14-50R (50A, 120/240V), 1xMultifunction Port USB Ready Automotive Style Outlet (8.3A, 12V). All outlets include rubber covers for an additional layer of safety.
Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Briggs & Stratton, P3000 Power Smart Inverter Generator
Briggs & Stratton is a force to reckon with when it comes to generators. This specific version is one of the best portable generators on offer. It delivers a peak power of 3000 watts and can run most of the day-to-day accessories and devices. The unit comes with four 120V AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet.
Compared to most gasoline-powered generators, it’s relatively silent and more portable. The included tank can accommodate 1.5 gallons of fuel and will deliver about 10 hours of power. Its advantages are the quiet operation, easy starting, and good quality.
5. ACOPOWER, 150Wh/40,800mAh Portable Generator
This power generator from ACOPOWER is suitable for laptops, television, smartphones, lamps, tablet, mini-refrigerator and more. It generates up to 150Wh/ 40, 800mAh and features 2 AC outlets, 3 DC ports, 2 USB ports, and 1 cigarette lighter socket. The unit is charged via solar panels and will be fully charged after 8hours of full sunshine.
It’s one of the lightest on the market and features an ultra-bright LED panel for displaying the vital information. Consumers praise its nice design, good portability, lightweight, quietness, and safety. The only concern is the DC out that lacks an off switch.
- Multipurpose: This power generator with 2 AC outlet, 2 USB port, 3 DC port and an extra cigarette lighter socket, is capable of meeting different kinds of electricity demands and can be used almost everywhere, eg. outdoor usage for picnics, camping and car travel.
- HIGH CAPACITY: With 40,800 mAh high battery capacity. This power generator is powerful enough to charge smartphones, lamp, laptops, tablet, TVs, mini-refrigerator or other.
- ULTRA BRIGHT LED LIGHT PANEL: The advance LED display that shows insightful information about the control of the unit, power consumption status, etc. Built in an ultra-bright LED light panel. It's designed for room, camp, outdoor illumination and warning light as well.
- Easy to RECHARGE & USE: 3 ways to recharge your power station by your home AC, car cigarette socket and solar panels, and only 7~8 hours to full charge it. It can charge USB/5V, DC/9~12.6V and AC appliance anywhere.
- SAFETY: Use the Battery Management System (BMS) to improve battery utilization, prevent over-current, over-voltage and over-temperature. When the operation is not done, the battery will be locked, then you can try to use the wall adapter to charge the battery to activate.
Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Honda, EU2000I Super Quiet Portable Generator with Inverter
The super quiet portable generator from Honda is suited for many applications including the home, office, emergencies, tailgating and more. It delivers up to 2000 watts, 120volts and will safely run the coffee pot, TV, DVD player, fridge, satellite among other items.
The super silent unit is rated 59 dB(A) and features inverter technology that makes it safe for sensitive devices like laptops, phones, cameras, and tablets. With a weight of about 6 pounds, carrying it is easy and convenient. Its main strengths are super silent, very portable, clean power, and easy to operate.
3. Yamaha, Gas Powered Portable Inverter
Coming with a maximum power of 2000 watts, this Yamaha generator ranks among the best portable generators. It has an AC output of 120V, 13.3/16.7 amps and can safely run TVs, DVD player, lights, small fridges, and many other appliances.
Thanks to the inverter technology, it can be used with sensitive devices such as laptops, notebooks, tablets, cameras, and phones. The super-silent unit has a decibel rating of 51.5 dBA at 1/4 load and won’t inconvenience or disrupt you or other people around you. Consumers love its fuel efficiency, low noise level, compact design, and portability.
2. WEN, Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Capable of generating 2000 watts of peak power and 1600 watts of continuous power, the WEN 56200i generator is ideal for home or small office. The CARB-Compliant set comes with an air-cooled 79.7CC, four-stroke OHV motor and runs on gasoline.
It generates clean power thanks to the inverter technology and can run sensitive devices including television, laptops, notebooks, tablets, and phones. The EPA III portable inverter generator supports 120 VAC, 12V DC, and has two 3-prong 120V receptacles. The Generator’s positives are fuel efficiency, lightweight, silent operation, and clean energy.
- Dimensions: 18" x 11" x 18" | Weight: 48 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
Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Goplus, Gasoline Portable Generator
The Goplus 2400-watt generator is suited for many applications including home, tailgating, camping, and emergencies. It features a fairly silent 113cc, 4-stroke gasoline engine. The air-cooled unit is EPA approved and produces low noise level of around 93 db. It’s known for its decent power and low fuel consumption.
For protection against circuit overload, it features a circuit breaker. On a full tank, the generator will run for as many as 4 hours under load. The key advantages include good power, easy starting, silent operation, and smooth running.
Power interruptions or blackouts shouldn’t confine you in the dark. What you deserve is the best portable generator that money can buy. After comparing different products, we were able to pick out the 10 best. We focused on reliability, portability, fuel-efficiency, power, noise level, safety features, easy starting, power outlets and affordability.
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