Best Portable Generators for home in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Portable Generators for home 2021

While buying a generator for your home there might be a lot of questions that can come in your mind. With so many options available in the market it can be quite confusing to choose the best portable generators which will serve your purpose the finest. Here is our Best Portable Generators for home in 2023.

So to solve your problem we have prepared a Buyers Guide for you guys to understand what are the things you need to keep in mind before purchasing a generator, along with a list of 10 Best Portable Generators for home in 2023 that have received the best reviews by the costumers and comes with some amazing features.

10 Best Portable generators for home in 2023 :

1. Honda EU2200i – Super Quiet Operation

With 48 to 57 dBA of volume level, Honda EU200i offers you a quiet operation, which is less noise even than a normal conversation. Amazing, right? Furthermore, its exclusive Eco-Throttle System offers you great fuel efficiency.

Honda GXR120 Engine is a complete power pack with commercial-grade reliability and can operate several numbers of appliances with ease, making it portable for home, camping, job sites, and many other purposes.

The automatic mechanical decompressor system reduces the amount of force needed to start the engine of your generator, thus, giving you an easy starting every time. Apart from this, the operational contacts are being color-coded in grey, quickly guiding the user to easily start the operation.

Weighing less than 47 pounds, Honda EU2200i is quite lightweight and portable, so you don’t have to worry about moving around a heavy bulky machine.

Other incredible features of this portable generator are its Parallel Capability that allows you to connect two generators to get almost double power output.

Its large spout and oil drain cleaner allows easy oil changes and the fuel shut-off valve prevents problems related to stale fuel.

Key Features

• Parallel Capability
• Eco-throttle system
• Electronic circuit breaker
• Fuel shut-off
• Protected by Oil Alert

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle fuel
Running Wattage1600 W
Starting Wattage2000 W
EngineHonda GXR120
Starting TypeRecoil
Engine Size121 cc
Fuel tank capacity0.95 Gallon
Fuel typeGasoline
Noise Level48-57 dBA
Run Time3.2 hrs at rated load & 9.1 hrs at 1/4 load
Dimensions20 × 26.2 × 26.2 in.
Weight192 lbs

What’s included?

• 12V Battery Charger
• Oil
• Remote Start Key Fob
• Oil funnel
• Tool Kit
• User’s Manual
• 3-years Warranty

Pros
  • Easy transport
  • Long Run Time
  • Easy Maintenance
  • Remote Start
  • Convenient hookup
  • Long-lasting durability
Cons
  • Heavy( but not a problem with wheels )

2. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

Best Portable Generators 2021

With 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts, Westinghouse WGen7500 is one of the top-rated generators in the market. Its one-touch push-button electric start allows you an easy start along with a remote start key fob for convenient setup.

This portable generator gives you an amazing Run time of up to 16 hours on a 6.6 Gallons Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge.

It comes with four 120/240V standard household outlets, making WGen7500DF an excellent choice for emergency home backup use, DIY projects, to power your travel trailer and other things.

Overall the generator is packed with many great features which makes it worth your value for money. The low oil shut-off technology helps to prevent overloads keeping in mind your safety.

Moreover, it is transfer switch ready and has an intuitive control panel, featuring water-resistant GFCI outlets.

Key Features

• Remote Electric Start
• Transfer switch Ready
• Push-Button Start
• Digital Hour Meter
• Long Run Time of up to 16 hrs
• Low oil shut-off
• Circuit protected
• 420cc OHV Engine with Cast Iron Sleeve

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle fuel
Running Wattage7500 W
Peak Wattage9500 W
Engine420 cc Westinghouse OHV Engine
Starting TypeElectric with Remote Key Fob
Engine Size420 cc
Fuel tank capacity3.4 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time16 hrs at 25% load & 11 hrs at 50% load
Dimensions27.3 × 26.2 × 26.2 in.
Weight192 pounds

What’s included?

• 12V Battery Charger
• Oil
• Remote Start Key Fob
• Oil funnel
• Tool Kit
• User’s Manual
• 3-years Warranty

Pros
  • Easy transport
  • Long Run Time
  • Easy Maintenance
  • Remote Start
  • Convenient hookup
  • Long-lasting durability
Cons
  • Heavy( but not a problem with wheels )

3. Champion 3800-Watt Portable Generator- Dual fuel with Electric Start

Best Portable Generators 2021

This generator features dual-fuel technology allowing you to switch between the fuels and can be operated right out of the box either on gasoline or propane.

Intelligauge is also one of the other cool features about Champion 3800 which helps you to keep track of voltage, frequency and run-time hours so that you can easily monitor and track power output and maintenance intervals.

Furthermore, its 224cc Champion engine produces 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts, offering a Run time of up to 9 hours at 50% load when the 3.4-gallon fuel tank is full.

Using a 20-pound propane tank it produces 4275 starting watts and 3240 running watts, running for 10.5 hours at 50% load.

The unit comes with plenty of power to a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, and also power the other necessary appliances you need in a power outage.

Its built-in Volt Guard surge protector prevents overloads. Also, this generator is EPA certified and CARB compliant, so you can buy it with confidence.

Key Features

• Dual Fuel Capability
• Built-in Volt Guard surge protector
• Intelligauge
• Electric Start
• Low oil shut-off sensor
• Plenty of Outlets

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologyDual fuel
Gasoline Running Wattage3800 W
Gasoline Starting Wattage4750 W
Propane Running Wattage3420 W
Propane Starting Wattage4275 W
Starting TypeElectric
Engine Size224 cc
Noise Level68 dBA
Fuel tank capacity3.4 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline OR Propane
Run Time9 hrs at 50% load(gasoline) & 10.5 hrs at 50% load(propane)
Dimensions26.3 × 24.8 × 22.9 in.
Weight119 lbs

What’s included?

• Toggle switch
• Engine Oil
• Wheel Kit
• Propane Hose
• Battery

Pros
  • Dual Fuel Capability
  • Easy to start and operate
  • Good power output
  • Dependable
  • 3-year Warranty, EPA certified and CARB compliant
Cons
  • Vibrates
  • A bit loud
  • Fuel Guzzler

4. WEN 56180 Portable Generator – CARB Compliant

Best Portable Generators 2021

WEN 56180 one of the best portable generators which is compact and lightweight portable with various amazing features. You can easily run your microwave, television, computer, refrigerator, slow cooker and many other things with its reliable 1800 surge watts and 1500 running watts. Henceforth, it is an ideal generator in situations of recreation or emergency.

Its compact and lightweight design along with a casing making it easy to carry around from one place to another. Hence, it is an ideal generator in situations of recreation or emergency.

The low oil-shut off sensor prevents the unit from any kind of damage and 1-gallon tank provides 7.5 hours of run time at half load.

Talking of its noise level we can’t say that it is the quietest unit out there but it isn’t that noisy either. Having a volume level of around 63 decibels makes it a relatively quiet option as compared to those noisy and boisterous machines.

Moreover, the generator comes with a spark arrestor which makes it safe and legal to use when you go camping in national parks or forests.

On 1.1 gallons of gasoline, it can run for almost 8 hours at half load. Apart from that it also includes two AC 120V three-prong wall outlets along with one cigarette-lighter-style 12V DC outlet.

So, all in all, WEN 56180 is a fuel-efficient generator, which is durable, easy to operate and doesn’t need much maintenance. If you are looking for a portable and efficient generator that comes at a decent price, then you should definitely check out this one.

Key Features

• Internal Air-Cooling System
• Spark Arrestor
• Low-Oil Shutdown
• 1.1 Gallon Gas Tank
• Lightweight Design
• EPA III and CARB-Compliant

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle fuel
Running Wattage1500 W
Peak Wattage1800 W
Engine98cc OHV Engine
Noise Level63 dBA
Engine Size980 cc
Fuel tank capacity1.1 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time7.5 hrs at 50% load
Dimensions 19.9 x 15.9 x 17.1 in.
Weight50 lbs.

What’s included?

• Two three-prong 120V receptacles
• One 12V DC Receptacle
• One cigarette-lighter-style 12V DC outlet

Pros
  • Portable and Lightweight
  • Relatively quiet
  • Versatile and fuel-efficient
  • Compact yet powerful
Cons
  • Not best for heavy-duty purposes
  • Weird location of the oil cap

5. DuroStar DS4000 Portable Generator

Best Portable Generators 2021

DuroStar DS4000S comes with a 208cc OHV Engine which is a complete workhorse that provides plenty of power for your appliances and your entire house during the outages.

It delivers you a maximum 4000 Watt output with a run time of 8 hours at half load. EZ Pull Starting Mechanism allows an easy start without much trouble.

If the oil is running low, the generator will automatically shut off protecting your investment. This unit is both powerful and economic and incudes two 120 V outlets and one120 V 30 amp outlet.

Moreover, it provides you durable, affordable power whenever you need it. You can also power your RV and keep your family supplied with the necessary power in case of outages, hence making things more convenient.

DuroStar generators are approved by both EPA and CARB, so you can trust the company’s product with confidence.

Key Features

• Powerful 7HP Engine
• Low oil shut off
• Power Panel
• Surge-Arrest

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Running Wattage3300 W
Peak Wattage4000 W
Engine Type4-Stroke
Noise Level69 dBA
Engine Size208cc
Fuel Tank Capacity3.96 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time12.3 hours
Dimensions24 x 17 x 17 in.
Weight105 lbs

What’s included?

• Spark Plug Wrench
• Tool Set
• Surge-Arrest
• User’s Manual

Pros
  • Easy start and run
  • Surge-Arrest
  • Affordable
  • All metal construction
  • Extended Run time
  • Great performance
Cons
  • A bit loud

6. Yamaha EF2600 Portable Generator- Gas Powered

Best Portable Generators 2020

Yamaha is a well-known brand when it comes to motor products as well as it has been one of the most competitive brands in providing and bringing new technology and features in the generator industry.

Having Air-cooled, 4-stroke OHV single-cylinder, Yamaha EF2600 with its Auto-decompression system reduces compression level to give you an easy starting.

One of the cool features about this generator is its Oil watch warning system that prevents engine damage, avoids costly repairs and also minimizes downtime.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) will automatically shut down the power whenever any kind of fault to the ground is detected, hence, enhancing the durability of the generator.

Furthermore, its Fuel gauge allows you to gauge fuel level without opening the cap. You can expect 11 hours of continuous operation from this unit at half load.

Also, its specially designed muffler helps reducing noise and Rubber vibration isolation mounts ensure smooth operation and reduce vibration.

Key Features

• AC Non-fuse thermal breaker
• AC Voltmeter
• Oil watch warning system
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
• Fuel gauge
• Mechanical governor
• 3.2-gallon fuel tank

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Running Wattage2300 W
Peak Wattage2600 W
Engine Type4-Stroke
Noise Level68 dBA
Engine Size171 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity3.2 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time8.5 hours
Dimensions20.6 x 17.5 x 17.3 in.
Weight95 pounds

What’s included?

• Fuel Gauge
• Accessory Cover
• Hour Meter/Tachometer
• Am/Watt Appliance Load Tester

Pros
  • Cast iron silver lining
  • Brushless Alternator
  • Increased efficiency and quiet operation
  • Easy start
  • Runs entire RV electrical
  • CARB Compliant
Cons
  • No Wheel kit

7. Anker Powerhouse 200 Rechargeable Portable Generator

Anker Powerhouse is the best option for people looking for the best portable generators which are lightweight, compact generator for light-duty. It weighs less than nine pounds and hence, is very easy to carry around.

Moreover, it can charge your laptop fully 5 times, a phone for around 8 times and can also run small appliances such as a mini-fridge for up to 4 hours.

If you are the type of person who loves to travel, camping and all, then this unit would be perfect for beach trips and while camping to play music.

All in all, this generator is best suited for camping, fishing, travel and powering small appliances.

Key features

• Compact & Lightweight
• Superior Safety with MultiProtect
• Plenty of ports
• Fast Charging

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Wattage100 W
Power SourceBattery-powered
Voltage110 V
Dimensions7.5 x 5.5 x 4.7 IN.
Weight6 pounds

What’s included?

• AC adapter
• Power cable
• User Guide
• 8-month Warranty & Customer Service

Pros
  • Can charge just about any portable device that you have
  • Accepts four different types of plug
  • Have a nice display
  • Portable for a power station
Cons
  • Not the most efficient one out there
  • A bit expensive
  • Large takes time to charge

8. Briggs & Stratton 30676 Gas Powered Portable Generator

The Briggs & Stratton is one of North America’s largest suppliers of portable generators and has experience of over 108 years. They have one of the largest Service Network in North America.

Briggs & Stratton 30676 comes with a multi-featured control panel which includes 2 household outlets and one RV outlet. Along with that, it offers you circuit breaker protection, rubber outlet covers, and hour meter.

The generator is designed by keeping in mind your convenience. Its Never-Go-Flat Wheels makes transportation effortless and ensures easy mobility.

The Power Surge Alternator can produce up to 25% more surge wattage to start large household appliances and tools concurrently.

5-Gallons metal tank increases durability and less refueling is required. You can expect a long Run-time of up to 14 hours at half load from this 208 cc OHV Engine generator. It is an ideal generator for emergency & RV Power.

Key Features

• Multi-featured Control Panel
• Never-Go-Flat Wheels
• 14 hours Run-Time
• Circuit breaker protection
• Angled Control Panel

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Rated Watts3500 W
Starting watts4375 W
Engine Type4-Stroke
Engine Size208 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity5 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time14 hours
Dimensions25.7 x 18.86 x 20.8 in.
Weight114.6 lbs

What’s included?

• Owner’s Manual
• Quick start guide

Pros
  • Long Run-time
  • Reliable
  • Convenient
  • Safe for electronics
Cons
  • A bit loud

9. Generac 7117 – Parallel Ready

Generac 7117 is one of the easiest units to use out there. People who are new into using portable generators and all the jazz will find the generator so convenient and operating it will just be a piece of cake.

Its compact size and built-in-handles make transportation easy and the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob allows simple startup.

1.2-Gallons fuel tank offers you a Run-time of up to 10.75 hours at 25% load. One of the other cool features about this generator is its Parallel Capability that allows you to connect two inverters to double the power.

Moreover, the Economy Mode yields excellent fuel economy and reduces noise.

So, are Generac portable generators any good?

In nutshell, this generator is best for open-air festivities, outdoor cookouts, camping, and get-togethers, providing you with stable power you need without disturbing neighbors or your surroundings with its quiet operation.

Many of its awesome features make it stand out from the other competitors and makes Generac portable generators one of the best value for money product.

Key Features

• Quiet and Neighbor-friendly
• Parallel-Ready
• Economy Mode
• Low oil shut-down
• USB Port
• LED indicators

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Rated Watts1700 W
Starting watts2200 W
Starting TypeRecoil start
Engine Type4-Stroke
Engine Size80 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity1.2 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time10.7 hours
Dimensions 19 x 11 x 17 in.
Weight46 lbs

What’s included?

• Oil
• Funnel

Pros
  • Easy to operate
  • Compact & Lightweight
  • Quiet Operation
  • Parallel Capability
  • Covered outlet keeps the dirt off
Cons
  • No proper volume level stats provided

10. Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable generator

Westinghouse WH2200iXLT is a fuel-efficient inverter generator which offers up to 13 hours of Run-time. It is a great model for recreational trips as well for your RV, camping, and tailgating purposes.

This generator produces 1800 Rated Watts and 2200 Peak Watts at less than 3% THD. Since it produces clear power, you can safely use sensitive electronics such as TVs, phones, tablets, computers, etc.

With 54 dBA volume level, it ensures pretty quiet operation. Furthermore, it has a 1.3-Gallons fuel tank and two 120V AC outlets. Overall WH2200iXLT is a great choice for emergency blackouts or glamping in an RV with your friends.

Key Features

• Parallel Capable
• Lightweight
• Fuel-Efficient
• EPA, CSA, CARB Compliant

Specifications

Portable Generator TechnologySingle Fuel
Rated Watts 1800 W
Starting watts 2200 W
Starting Type Recoil start
Engine Type4-Stroke
Engine Size70 cc
Fuel Tank Capacity1.3 Gallons
Fuel typeGasoline
Run Time13 hours
Dimensions20 x 12.5 x 17.5 in.
Weight43 lbs

What’s included?

• Owner’s Manual

Pros
  • Compact & Lightweight
  • Quiet operation
  • Long Run-time
  • Fuel-efficiency Mode
  • Parallel Capability
Cons
  • No wheel Kit( but lightweight )

Best Portable Generators for home – Buyer’s Guide

Before buying a generator a person must not forget to ask why do I need a generator? Even though it appears to be a basic inquiry that everybody wanting a compact generator ought to ask, yet you’d be astounded at what number of individuals never ask and answer this inquiry.

Ensure that you can obviously respond to that question before plumping your cash down to purchase any generator. For what reason is that question so significant? Since there are numerous sorts of generators. Here’s the most widely recognized rundown that practically 80% of clients will fall into:

  • Outdoors Generators
  • Crisis Power Generators
  • RV Generators
  • Place of work Generators
  • Standard Portable Generator
  • Marine Generators

We should quickly inspect every one of these classifications with the goal that you can locate the best generator for your needs.

Outdoors Generators

Numerous producers make generators extraordinarily intended for outdoors. They’re peaceful, little, lightweight, effectively refuelable and a may accompany a defensive external shell that is to some degree cool to the touch. These units are utilized for campgrounds, closely following and different uses that don’t require a great deal of wattage.

ALERT: these units are normally low wattage and are just intended to run one, possibly two little machines.

Crisis Power Generators

These generators are uncommonly intended to give back up power in case of intensity blackouts. They should give enough wattage to startup and keep up a mix of things, for example, fridges, sump siphons, heaters, warmers, climate control systems, lights, PCs, TVs, restorative hardware, and so on.

Place of work Generators

Contractors, manufacturers, circuit repairmen, roofers, painters, woodworkers and different sorts of development laborers need compact force at the place of work for apparatuses, gear, and lights. If that is the thing that you need a versatile generator for, don’t burn through your time with modest generators.

At the point when you’re on a place of work, the exact opposite thing you need is a generator that produces unpredictable force, is difficult to begin or that consumes more fuel than an eight chamber gas guzzler. Keep in mind; time is cash and the additional time you spend restarting and refueling your generator, the less cash you make. For places of work, we just suggest mechanical/contractual worker grade generators.

RV Generators

If you have an RV, at that point, you know how significant a compact generator is. What most RV’ers discover the most difficult way is that RV generators must follow code confinements for RV’s. Independent generators can’t be utilized in RV’s.

Standard Portable Generator

There are many sorts of generators. They come in all shapes, sizes, brands, and types. It is fundamentally significant that you pick the correct generator to abstain from harming your hardware, the generator and generally making a security risk. The critical thing to recollect is that makers architect and structure generators for specific situations and circumstances.

As you have learned, you can’t utilize a standard convenient generator instead of a marine generator and you can’t utilize an outdoors generator instead of an RV generator. Submit to those rules and your buy will bring you long stretches of fulfillment.

Marine Generators

There are some truly particular contrasts between a marine generator and all other compact generators. Marine generators are designed to be utilized in water situations, for example, on pontoons, marinas, and so on. They incorporate highlights, for example, class H protection, profoundly non-destructive material, and water-driven siphons.

Other convenient generators ought not to be utilized close to the water and can even turn out to be less proficient in moister situations when worked almost a sea or lake. Non-marine generators are just not made to supplant marine generators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Portable Generator do?

Portable generators are designed to provide AC power(temporarily) by burning the fuels. One of the main advantages of portable generators is that they are much cheaper than standby generators.

They serve a lot of purposes like home back up power, camping, construction, yard work, tailgate parties, job sites emergencies, etc. Furthermore, they are easy to move around and could be carried to various places.

How big of a Portable Generator do I need?

Which generator is best suited for you depends on for what purpose you need your portable generator for. To make things more simple let us categorize it into three parts:

For Home Use

Most of the homeowners can power their home appliances using 3000-6500 Watts generator

For Recreational Purposes

The most important thing you need to consider is the size of your AC units. Larger AC units may need to generators paralleled together.

For Campers, boaters, tailgaters

Usually, 2000-3000 Watts shall be able to fulfill your needs.

Features to Consider

• Voltage Regulator
• OHV Engine
• Twist-lock Receptacles
• Electric Start
• Oil gauge
• Built-in GFCI for safety
• Wheel Kit

What can you run on a 2000 Watt Generator?

You can easily run an average RV, cabin or home with a 2000 W generator. However, with a higher starting wattage capacity, you can run a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner during a summer blackout. One thing you need to keep in mind is that a 2000 W generator can not handle a load of a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner while starting up, but it can carry the load as soon as it starts running.

What is the best 5000-watt generator?

Best portable generators

Westinghouse WGen5500 is one of the best 5000-watt generators in the market right now. While purchasing anything you want something that can be an all-in-one solution for your needs. Also, you want something reliable, long-lasting, budget-friendly and durable.

This is where Westinghouse WGen5500 surpasses its competitors. It has some of the best features that you need in your ideal generator.

This generator produces 5500 running watts and 6875 starting watts with an awesome Run-time of up to 13 hours at 50% load. The lightweight design along with handles and wheels offers you convenient transport.

For those of you who want to connect the generator to the hard-wired appliances can do it easily as WGen5500 is transfer-switch ready.

So, in nutshell, this generator is one of the best options if you are looking for a 5000-watt generator.

To check our list of best generators for home click here

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *