Overall Rating: 4.9/5
The Westinghouse Wgen7500 Portable Generator has a push-button electric start and remote start key that you can operate even from a distance of 260 ft.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
It releases sufficient power to charge your phone, laptop, and other electronics. Besides, the 1600 watts can last up to 6 hours of non-stop running.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Whether you are using propane or gas, the Champion Dual-Fuel Portable Generator will run for long hours of 11 hours and 9 hours, respectively.
A power outage can be a significant disruption to our lives giving us the need for the best portable generator. Foods in the fridge don’t stand a high chance of staying fresh if the power goes out for an extended time. Not to mention the level of inconvenience power outage can create if you are someone who works from home.
With all these things and the fact that electricity plays a significant role in our lives, it is advisable to own a portable backup generator to help you navigate your life in the middle of a powerless day.
There are many types of portable generators available in the market. Hence, making the right choice concerning your personal needs can be overwhelming. Not every portable generator will work for you. There are those for commercial use (construction projects) and others that are ideal as backup units for running your home errands.
With this, we have put together the five best portable generators presently in the market with your best interest at heart.
1. Westinghouse Wgen7500 Portable Generator
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Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Dimensions |
27.2 x 26.1 x 26 inches |
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Weight |
192 pounds |
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Wattage |
7500-9500 watts |
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Engine Type |
4 strokes |
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Fuel Type |
Gasoline |
With 7500 Rated Watts and 9500 Peak Watts, this portable generator is powerful enough as a home power backup, run your DIY errands, and even power your travel trailer. The Westinghouse Wgen7500 is a sure steal for anyone.
The Westinghouse Wgen7500 Portable Generator has a push-button electric start and remote start key that you can operate even from a distance of 260 ft. Also, the on-board battery charger port allows you to be on toes in retaining the power to use it anytime.
You can tie and power your home appliances with the twist-lock outlet when you are in dire need through the transfer switch. It has a steel frame that protects the 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine.
You don’t have to break the bank to maintain the Westinghouse Wgen7500 because it can run for over 11 hours with just 25l. This low gas consumption is easy to maintain which saves you a considerable amount of money. Lastly, it is capable of an automatic low oil shut down which adds to its impressive image.
2. Wen 56200i Portable Generator
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Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Dimensions |
18 x 11 x 18 inches |
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Weight |
48 pounds |
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Wattage |
1600 watts |
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Engine Type |
4 strokes |
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Voltage |
120 volts |
If you are looking for noiseless but powerful performance, then this is it. The WEN 56200i allows you to live a stress-free life without any worries for power. It has a brilliant eco-mode feature that automatically adjusts its fuel consumption to avoid wastage.
The quiet operation of 53db, on the other hand, lets you enjoy your peace while it’s operational. Also, if you feel like changing location, its compact design with a top carrying handle is lightweight to carry it around wherever you want to place it.
With the WEN 56200i, you don’t have to worry about beating deadlines when there’s a power outage. It releases safe and enough power to charge your phone, laptop, and other electronics. Besides, the 1600 watts can last up to 6 hours of non-stop running.
Also, there’s a separate Wen Parallel Kit that connects several generators of the same model. This kit offers more wattage for energy.
3. Champion Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
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Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Dimensions |
26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches |
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Weight |
122 pounds |
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Wattage |
3800 watts |
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Voltage |
120 volts |
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Fuel Type |
Dual Fuel |
For an affordable backup generator that has your back and runs on propane and gas, the Champion is your best pick.
When rain’s heavily pouring outside and there’s a power outage, the Champion portable generator will help you survive the storm. Whether you are using propane or gas, the duel-fuel Champion will run for long hours of 11 hours and 9 hours, respectively.
With just the push of a button, you can power up this champ with the electric start. Conversely, if the power is out, its cold-start ability feature comes in handy.
This portable generator has plenty of user-friendly features that enhance sturdiness and safety measures for an affordable cost. It has an iron steel for engine protection, built-in surge protection for electrical instability, several outlets to power up a variety of gadgets, oil sensors, and folding handle for easy storage.
4. Honda Eu2200itag Portable Generator
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Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Dimensions |
20 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches |
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Weight |
46.5 pounds |
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Wattage |
2200 Watts |
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Engine Type |
Honda GXR120 |
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Voltage |
120 volts |
The Honda EU2200i is a game-changer for the world of portable generators. It comes with My Honda Generator App+ and Bluetooth capability to make your camping experience extraordinary. You get to work and enjoy music playing on your phone simultaneously.
This small, compact, and lightweight generator gives you enough power 2200 Watts to accomplish all you need wherever you are. The whole operation is almost soundless for a peaceful ambiance.
Moreover, it is easy and smooth to start. The Eco-throttle feature allows automatic speed adjustment using an accurate and clean output.
5. Durostar DS4000s Portable Generator
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Specifications |
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|---|---|
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Dimensions |
24 x 17 x 17 inches |
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Weight |
94 pounds |
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Wattage |
3300 watts |
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Engine Type |
4 strokes |
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Voltage |
120 volts |
The Durostar DS4000S kills two birds with one stone. It is powerful yet economical. It is gas-powered, delivering an efficient output of 4000 watts and 3,300 running watts with an automatic low-oil auto-shutoff. This workhorse is strong enough to power your home appliances that are using high voltage or heavy-duty equipment.
It has an 8-hour run time at half-load and its EZ-Pull Starting Mechanism makes starting it relatively easy and smooth.
This affordable and reliable option consists of several powering outlets for easy compatibility with your appliances. Also, it has a voltmeter to measure volt output. Besides, you don’t want to be caught off-guard by any mishap.
Lastly, the Durostar DS4000S comes ready with a toolset, oil funnel, spark plug wrench, and a product manual.
Portable Generator Buying Guide
Due to unexpected possible yet natural disasters that can lead to a power outage, you need an alternate power source. An alternate option means it should replace the performance of almost everything, if not all, what electricity would do.
Therefore, while shopping for the best portable generator, you should consider the things below. This buyer’s guide will help you make the right choice.
Your budget will determine the type of portable generator for you. As much as there’s no need to strike it rich, some features are worth an extra penny. Quality is always expensive, hence be ready with an adjustable budget. The bottom line is to get a portable generator that will serve all your needs. Do not compromise on quality because of the budget.
Portable generators mean you can store them just anywhere because you move them a lot. But a more significant size may deem challenging when it lacks proper storage facilities. However, the bigger the size equals a bigger engine. A bigger engine means a more powerful performance. So, make sure you have enough space to store whatever size of a portable generator, even if it means carrying it in your RV for camping.
Check if it is dual-fuel or single fuel. As always, two are better than one, hence dual-fuel is better. Dual-fuel means it can run on both gas and propane. If it is dual-fuel, then most likely, it performs better and longer. Besides, you will always have a backup fueling if the gas station is miles away and you are out.
Conversely, as much as propane is an additional advantage, it is less efficient than gas. Since it produces minimum BTU’s (British Thermal Unit) per gallon of fuel, it is slower. Propane is environmentally friendly hence safe to use.
Check how each portable generator starts. Is it manual or electric? As electricity is a better and more comfortable option, does it have a backup plan when lights are out? Again, check if the manual start is easy to pull off, or you will have to wake the neighbors for help.
Talking of waking the neighbors, how loud is the portable generator? Choose one that has a silent operation for peace of mind. Initially, all generators were noisy, but thanks to the innovations, there are quiet operations.
Make a list of all the items you will need power when there is no electricity. When looking for a portable generator, make sure to check the outlets for powering your appliances at a go. However, some devices don’t need immediate power to be on hold as the most crucial ones power up. Also, be sure to check the type of outlets you will need.
Conclusion
A portable generator is a good power remedy if you don’t want to spend in a standby generator or need electricity for tasks away from home.
Our best overall, the Westinghouse WGEN7500 portable generator, blew our minds because of its powerful and more extended performance. Whether you are at home or away on a camping trip, this model will give you the desired effect without worrying about running out any sooner.
However, others are also among the best in the market. Feel safe for any of the options above.
FAQs
Safety first. Grounding a portable generator minimizes the risks of electrocutions. Make sure you read and learn more about grounding protection before use.
Check your manufacturer’s manual for the proposed maintenance plan as there they vary per model.
You can use a generator in different weather and temperatures conditions. However, protect it when it’s not in operation to avoid shorting and corroding. Never use a generator indoors.
Aluminum enclosed generators are the best if you wish to maintain your generator in good shape for a long time. However, aluminum enclosures are ideal for those buyers who reside coastal regions or those overwhelmed with extreme humidity since it is naturally resilient to rust.