Sometimes, sudden power outages bring a kind of serenade atmosphere that imposes some sort of inner peace. A few minutes into the moment you begin to soak in the silence while you envision what the old-fashioned life feels like, your brain jolts back to irritation at the power outage.
Moments like this require you to take charge of the situation by using a portable generator. The best portable generators will enable you to power your appliances and charge your devices in situations where your main power grid goes down.
However, finding a suitable one can pose a serious challenge. We have taken it upon ourselves to help you in your search by providing you with a comprehensive guide to the best portable generators in 2023.
We have chosen only the top-rated portable generators based on strict criteria. With our comprehensive comparison chart and unbiased reviews, you’ll discover how portable generators work and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Product Table
| SUMMARY | PORTABLE GENERATOR NAME |
| Overall Best Portable Generator | Westinghouse WGen7500 |
| Most Power Efficient Generator For Home | DuroMax XP4850EH |
| Excellent For RV | Champion Power Equipment 76533 |
| Best Value For Money | WEN 56200i |
| Quietest 3000W Generator In The List | Honda Power Equipment EU3000IS |
| Lightest In the List | Generac 6866 iQ2000 |
Buying Guide For Choosing The Best Portable Generators That Suits Your Needs
Since there are so many portable generators nowadays, picking the right one for your specific needs could be a difficult challenge. Hence, we have outlined some categories as well as key distinctions between the many types of portable generators.
Take note of the points below to help you make the best decision when you are in the market for a portable generator.
Wattage
The very first thing you should consider is the amount of power you need. Basically, the number of backup power supply you’ll need is mostly determined by the objects you’ll be powering.
The wattage of an appliance is measured both when it is turned on and when it is turned off. Furthermore, the power required to start up an appliance is known as starting watts. Meanwhile, the running watts are the amount of energy required to keep the appliance running.
Generators are classified by the number of watts they can produce. To narrow the field, first, figure out how many watts you’ll require.
Click here to access a wattage calculator.
Noise Level
Check the generator’s noise level before making a purchase. Some new generators feature built-in mufflers and other design elements to help reduce noise levels.
Portable generator noise levels vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and power. Inverter generators are the quietest generators on the market, with a decibel range of 60 to 90.
Fuel Type
You should consider if you’d prefer a laptop that runs on batteries, gas, propane, or diesel.
Runtime
The runtime is the amount of time the portable generator will run at a certain percentage of total power on a full fuel tank.
If you plan to make use of the generator in an emergency or during a power outage for which you have no way of knowing how long the main power will be off. Then you should purchase a generator with a large fuel tank that will allow you to run for several hours.
Starting Method
You should consider the different ways to start the generator.
- Electric Start: It allows you to run your generator by flipping a switch, pushing a button, or turning a key.
- Remote Start: It allows you to power the generator remotely. Note that for the generator to start remotely, it will have to be in the ‘Ready to Start’ state.
- Recoil Start: You start generators with this starting method by pulling the cord to activate the internal mechanism which starts the engine.
Specs And Comparisons of The Best Portable Generators
Generator | Wattage | Type | Runtime | Noise Level | Weight |
Starting 9000W Running 7500W | Heavy Duty Portable | Runtime at 25% Load:16 hrs | Load: 64 dB | 192 lbs | |
Starting 12000 W Running 9500 W | Heavy Duty Dual Fuel | Run Time at 25% Load: Gas - 10.42 hrs Propane - 8.92 hrs | Load: 74 dB | 227 lbs | |
Starting 3500 W Running 3000 W | Portable Dual Fuel | Runtime at 25% Load: 13.5 hrs | Load: 68 dB | 119 lbs | |
Starting 4750 W Running 3800 W | Inverter | Runtime at 25% Load: 9.4 hrs | Load: 51 dB | 48 lbs | |
Starting 2000 W Running 1600 W | Large Inverter | Runtime at 25% Load: 7 hrs. | Load: 49 dB | 130 lbs | |
Starting 2000 W Running 1800 W | Portable Dual Fuel | Runtime at 25% Load:7.7 hrs | Load: 68 dB | 46.2 lbs |
Review Of The Best Portable Generators Of 2023
Westinghouse WGen7500
The Westinghouse WGen7500 tops our list as the best portable generator. This Generator is built with a robust hardened steel frame that has roll bars on the top for increased fuel tank protection.
These roll bars do not only protect the gas tank but also provide extra grip while moving the generator. The Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator also has a permanent extendable grip and heavy-duty never-flat wheels that make it truly portable.
For simple operation, the Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator has a built-in control panel with conveniently placed controls. It also includes a digital hour meter that alerts you when routine maintenance is needed, thereby enhancing increased longevity.
If the onboard battery fails, the engine includes an electric push-button starter and a recoil starting as a backup. It also includes a remote control and an automated choke.
You can start the generator with a fob from a long distance (109-yards). This is not a wireless remote; instead, it uses a cable to ensure that the distance is accurate.
If there is a power outage during a storm, the remote control is ideal because it helps you avoid the need to go outdoors to start the generator.
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is the ideal power backup alternative for your home, especially if you don’t want to install a large generator in your garden. With 9500 peak watts and 7500W running power, it is the perfect generator for your home.
Moreover, the Westinghouse WGen7500 is one of the most modern portable generators on the market that offers a number of useful features at an affordable price. It is capable of supplying electricity to almost all of the devices we use today.
It also includes a battery charger, so you won’t have to go out and buy one individually.
One thing that you may find displeasing, however, is the generator’s big size. At 192-pounds, the word “portable generator” may not seem appropriate to be used to qualify this generator.
The Westinghouse WGEN7500 has a large metal gas tank that holds 6.6 gallons. At 25% load, this delivers about 16 hours of runtime.
Another noteworthy characteristic of the WGen7500 is its silent operation when compared to several other portable generators of similar capacity. Thanks to its pulse-flo muffler, this
Westinghouse model has a rated noise level of only 64 decibels, when many other portable generators have a noise level of 70 decibels or more.
On Amazon, the generator has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
PROS
1. This machine is easy to assemble and use
2. It has a good fuel efficiency
3. The WGEN7500 is sturdy and easy to maintain
CONS
1. This generator is quite heavy
DuroMax XP4850EH
The DuroMax XP4850EH is difficult to surpass in terms of value and overall quality. DuroMax generators are, in reality, great generators – especially when compared to the price.
The XP4850EH, like all DuroMax products, is engineered to be rugged and dependable. Anyone will quickly notice this in the sturdy steel frame and big solid rubber wheels with steel rims.
I might be perceived as an old-fashioned person, but when it comes to quality, steel-rimmed wheels on a generator make me feel at rest. Most manufacturers tend to make use of plastic wheels since they are lighter and less expensive.
The use of sturdy materials in every part of this generator demonstrates DuroMax’s commitment to excellence. Even down to its engine, the DuroMax XP4850EH sticks to its rugged design and build pattern.
To be precise, the DuroMax XP4850EH uses a 210cc 7HP 4-stroke OHV engine with cast iron sleeves. This is a hybrid engine (dual fuel). What this means is that the generator can run on regular gas or natural gas (propane).
The generator’s extremely huge muffler (complete with spark arrestor) is impressive. This means that, despite not having additional sound insulation like the more expensive generators, the DuroMAx 4850EH is still unusually quiet for a normal generator design – 74dB.
You’ll have to raise your voice a little to be heard if you’re standing right next to the generator when it’s running at full power. If it’s only a short distance away, though, you can carry on a discussion without speaking any louder than usual.
The DuroMax 4850EH is a simple and straightforward device to use. It starts up quickly and effortlessly in any weather.
The electric starter motor makes this a breeze. If the onboard battery dies, there’s no need to fret because a recoil starter is incorporated for emergency starting. The control panel is simple to operate and has all of the features you’d expect from a generator of this size.
For a generator of its size, the DuroMax 4850EH offers a really good runtime. Its runtime is even more impressive when it is running on propane.
On a standard 20 LBS propane tank, the generator can last for as long as 20 hours on 50% load. Meanwhile, 4 gallons of gasoline will offer about 8 hours runtime under the same load.
In conclusion, the DuroMax 4850EH has a 4.5 rating out of 5 on Amazon.
PROS
1. The generator has a wheel kit and folding handles
2. It comes with a quiet muffler
3. The DuroMax 4850EH is equipped with an electric start
CONS
1. Oil tank filling can be challenging
Champion Power Equipment 76533
The Champion 76533 is a dual-fuel generator that can run on both propane and gasoline. It can provide a continuous wattage of 3800W or 3420W depending on which fuel is used.
The surge wattage varies as well, with 4750W and 4275W for each fuel. It can also easily power an RV or a trailer, including air conditioners, refrigerators, modems, televisions, and even a few power tools.
Apart from that, it can be used by individuals looking for a generator to run important electrical devices during a blackout because of its high wattage, particularly the surge power.
Like most non-inverter generators made by Champion, the Champion 76533 does not have its parts housed in a hard plastic container. Instead, the components are contained within a tough steel frame.
This improves its durability and extends its useful life.
With an empty tank, it weighs 119 lbs, making it a heavy piece of equipment. The tank has a capacity of 3.4 gallons (13 liters), which means the generator can last for 13.5 hours at 25% load.
At 50% rated load, this generator can last for as long as 9 hours when running on gasoline.
This engine can produce 4750W of surge power and 3800W of continuous power while running on gasoline, and 4275W of surge power and 3420W of continuous power when running on propane.
In relation to the 3000-4000W range that most inverters usually offer, the Champion 76533’s Watt power is excellent.
Unfortunately, the Champion 76533 is noisy. In fact, it is one of the noisiest models on the market.
To give more detail, this generator produces a noise level of 68 dB at a distance of 23 feet. The Champion 76533 is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars.
PROS
1. It has a built-in Volt Guard surge protector that prevents overload.
2. Push-button electric start.
3. Durable cast iron sleeve
CONS
1. It is slightly heavy
WEN 56200i
The WEN 56200i is on the list of our best Portable generators in 2023 because it provides clean and quiet power without voltage spikes or decreases. It produces 1,600 watts of running power and 2000 watts of starting power.
Ideally, the generator is safe to power laptops, displays, cell phones, tablets, and other sensitive gadgets. This is because it is designed with innovative electronic circuitry that mirrors a pure sine wave at the needed voltage and frequency.
This Portable Inverter Generator is lightweight. It weighs only 48 pounds and comes with a built-in handle for easy transport.
The portable generator is small enough to fit in the back seat of the family automobile. It can also be carried like a stylish suitcase.
The eco-mode option on this Portable Inverter Generator allows it to automatically manage fuel consumption by adjusting engine speed as you plug and remove appliances from the panel.
This improves the fuel economy, allowing it to run for an amazing 9.4 hours at 25% load with its tiny 1-gallon fuel capacity.
At quarter load, the small 7cc 4-stroke OHV engine emits 51 decibels, which is quieter than a regular conversation. Due to its silent operation, the generator is perfect for camping, hunting, tailgating, and home backup power.
The WEN 56200i accumulated a total of 4.6 ratings out of 5.
PROS
1. Portable form factor
2. Super quiet operation
3. Excellent fuel efficiency
CONS
1. Engine oil is difficult to refill
Honda Power Equipment EU3000IS
The Honda EU3000iS is one of the best 3,000-watt generators available. It is capable of offering not only 3,000 watts of surge power but 2,800 watts of continuous power as well.
This versatility allows you to use the engine to power all of your home’s vital appliances, such as an air conditioner, lights, and more. For instance you can comfortably run an RV 15,000 BTU air conditioner with this generator.
The generator is also fuel-efficient, with one of the best run times per gallon of gas on the market. This is possible due to Honda’s proprietary Eco-Throttle system, which automatically adapts fuel usage to current energy demands.
With only 25% of load, the Honda EU3000iS can last for almost 13 hours. If you only use it to power one moderate-sized appliance such as a refrigerator, this generator can last you through an entire night.
To be more precise, this generator’s large fuel tank and high fuel efficiency makes it capable of running for up to 20 hours at quarter load and 7.1 hours at full load. This makes the EU300 a good option for an overnight generator because of its long run time.
Honda suggests that you can use this generator to power appliances such as an RV air conditioner of up to 13500 BTU, a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, electric cookers and stoves – as long as you aren’t powering up everything at the same time.
If you want to consider noise, the Honda EU3000iS makes less noise than any of its competitors. An electric start button is included on the Honda EU3000iS.
As a backup, a recoil start is included. Some customers also demand that a remote starter be included. However, this could void the warranty.
The Honda EU3000iS is quite quiet when compared to competing models. With a low operating noise of 49dB, you won’t even notice the inverter generator is on, making it ideal for camping.
While this may not sound amazing, remember that a typical household conversation is 50dB. As a result, it is significantly quieter than standard generators.
The Honda EU3000iS is rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.
PROS
1. The generator is very quiet
2. It has a powerful, and reliable build.
3. The Honda EU3000iS has a great fuel efficiency
CONS
1. It doesn’t come equipped with a remote starter
Generac 6866 iQ2000
The Generac 6866 iQ2000 belongs to the category of finest 2000 watt inverter generators. It has a surge power of 2000 watts and a continuous power of 1600 watts.
The generator is perfectly okay for charging sensitive electrical items such as laptops, cell phones, drones, and DSLR cameras. It will power most of the appliances that a 3000-watt inverter will power, except for a 13,500 BTU air conditioner.
Most importantly, this generator will be perfectly capable of powering all the necessary items such as lights, sump pumps (up to 1/3 hp), TV, phone charger, space heater, and many more.
In terms of size, the generator is light enough to be carried in one hand because it just weighs slightly over 46 pounds. It’s both comfy and portable thanks to its u-shaped handle in the middle.
Like most inverter generators of this size, this generator’s fuel tank is a little over a gallon. Hence, its predicted runtime at 50% load is 5.7 hours.
Meanwhile, it should last as long as 7.7 hours on 25% load.
The iQ2000 is easy to operate. A heavy-duty pull cord is used to turn it on. The generator may be started, run, and stopped using a simple power dial.
This generator used to be the quietest on the market, but that title now goes to many other generators. Although there are already a few quieter options, the Generac IQ2000 remains one of the quietest portable generators available.
From roughly 20 feet away, the generator’s noise is 68 dB with a 25% load. According to IAC Acoustics, the noise rating for “quiet suburb, talk at home” is 50 dB.
To put it another way, this generator is quiet.
All things considered, the Generac IQ2000 is a good value for money generator. When compared to comparable inverter generators with similar power ratings from competing manufactures, it is incredibly quiet, portable, and fuel-efficient.
It’s also half the price of a Honda EU2200i, with a 3-year residential AND commercial guarantee on the entire generator, including the engine.
The Generac IQ2000 is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars.
PROS
1. It offers triple performance mode. You can switch between Turbo mode, Standard mode and Economy mode gives you more control over the fuel consumption and noise. 2. It is easy to operate.
3. The Generac IQ2000 has a high-performance efficiency.
CONS
1. The generator will require maintenance at least every 50 hours of operation.
How The Review Process Was Done
To choose these generators, we looked into popular features, dug through Amazon, read consumer reviews, and spoke with professionals.
We carried out the tests based on what we experienced when we used the generators for backup power. During the test, we measured the sound levels of the generators at 2 feet when they were idling with no load and when they were running under load.
Some of the machines we used to enact large starting and running loads were a huge air conditioner and a portable table saw. In fact, most of these tests were carried out on construction sites to power heavy tools and equipment.
We also took records of how well the generators powered running sound systems and lighting at outdoor events. Since different users may have varying needs ranging from emergency use to recreational excursions, we evaluated each generator based on their capabilities.
Aside from usage tests, we also took note of more mechanical operation details.
We paid attention to charts to observe the level of harmonic distortion in the generators. To be precise, we took notes of the sine waves of the AC current the generators generated.
In case you are wondering, the sine waves of these generators were observed using an oscilloscope. Another thing we believed was worth noting is their voltage output.
We observed the level of voltage output the generators can produce.
Overall, we narrowed down the top products we chose into different fields. We classified them based on their wattage, fuel types, runtime, noise level, and weight.
To choose the best performers, we looked at the simplicity of starting, power response, sound levels, value, safety, and reliability of these generators.
