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10 Best Portable Generator - Top Rated And Buying Guide

Camilla J.
  Sep 16, 2024 7:40 PM

Do you need a portable generator? If so, which one is the best for you? Portable generators can be a great addition to your home in emergency situations or when the power goes out. They can also come in handy when you're camping or tailgating.

With so many different generators on the market, it can be tough to determine which one is right for you. That's why we've created this guide of the 10 best portable generators. We'll provide you with information on the top-rated generators and help you choose the right one for your needs. Let's get started!


Top picks

Best overall: DuroMax XP12000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This generator provides 12000 watts of power and can run on either gasoline or propane – giving you the freedom and flexibility to choose the fuel type that best suits your needs.

Additionally, the unit is equipped with “CO Alert Technology” that will automatically shut down the generator if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected. With a digital multimeter display, push-button start, and front-facing fuel interface, this generator is easy to use and perfect for any situation.

Best value: Duromax XP13000EH

Powered by a 500cc OHV DuroMax Engine, this generator can run on Propane or Gasoline, giving you maximum flexibility when it comes to fuel. With 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 watts of continuous power, the XP13000EH is perfect for powering your home during an outage or running high-amperage tools on the job site.

Plus, with a variety of outlets including two 120V 20A household plugs and one 240V 30A locking connector, this generator is compatible with virtually any appliance or tool. 

Best budget: ‎ALLWEI ‎SGR-PPS500-3

If you're looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station, the ALLWEI is a great choice. With a 560 watt-hour battery pack, this unit can charge a smartphone up to 90 times, laptops for 12 hours, and 32" TVs for 6.5+ hours.

CPAP users will appreciate being able to use this power station for 6+ nights without having to worry about running out of juice. And thanks to the pure sine wave AC outlet, you can even use this to power small appliances like a mini-fridge for 8+ hours. The LED light is also a nice touch, making it easy to see in the dark. 

Best durable: Champion Power Equipment 200951

This inverter is one of the lightest in its class, weighing in at only 39 pounds. But don't let its size fool you – it's still packing enough power to provide 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts.

Additionally, it features Parallel Ready technology that allows you to connect it with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power. And with a run time of up to 11.5 hours, this inverter is perfect for camping, tailgating, or backup power for your home essentials. 

Top sales: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF

The Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile addition to your home or work emergency power supply. With 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, or 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane, this generator can easily start and run most appliances and tools during a power outage.

The electric start with included key fob makes it easy to get up and running, while the recoil start has you covered in case of a dead battery. The 6.6 gallon fuel tank provides up to 12 hours of run time on a full tank, and the fuel gauge ensures you never run out of juice unexpectedly. 


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Last update on 2024-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Buying Guides

5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Portable Generator

If you are in the market for a portable generator, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First of all, what will you be using the generator for? If you need it for backup power during an outage, then you will need to make sure that the wattage is high enough to run your appliances.

If you will be using it while camping or tailgating, then you will want one that is lightweight and easy to transport. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 things that you should keep in mind when purchasing a portable generator!

1. The wattage

When selecting a portable generator, it's important to consider both the starting wattage and the running wattage. The starting wattage is the amount of power that is required to start up high-wattage appliances such as air conditioners.

The running wattage is the amount of power that is required to keep the appliance running once it's started.

2. Budget

Portable generators can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000. The price depends on the size and features of the generator. For example, a small portable generator that provides enough power for basic needs like lighting and charging devices may cost around $200.

A larger portable generator that can power appliances and electronic devices may cost $1,000 or more. Features like automatic shut-off, remote start, and portability can also affect the price.

3. Type of fuel

There are several types of fuel that can be used in a portable generator, including gasoline, diesel, and propane. Each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

Gasoline is the most common type of fuel used in portable generators. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to find, and it works well in most climates. However, gasoline can be difficult to store for long periods of time, and it can go bad if it's not used regularly.

Diesel is another option for portable generators. It's more expensive than gasoline, but it burns cleaner and is more efficient. Diesel is also easier to store than gasoline, making it a good choice for long-term use.

4. The warranty 

The warranty of portable generator is an important factor to consider when purchasing a portable generator.  Most manufacturers offer a warranty on their products, but the length and terms of the warranty can vary.  It's important to read the fine print and understand what is covered before making a purchase. 

Warranties typically cover defects in materials and workmanship, but not normal wear and tear.  They also may not cover damage caused by abuse or misuse of the product.  Be sure to read the warranty carefully and keep it in a safe place in case you need to use it in the future.

5. The size

Finally, You need to think about the size of the generator. If you will be using it for backup power, then you will want one that is large enough to run all of your appliances. However, if you are only using it for camping or tailgating, then you can get away with a smaller one.


Conclusion

Portable generators are a lifesaver, and with all the different brands and models on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That’s why we put together this comprehensive guide to the 10 best portable generators – so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Whether you need something small and lightweight for camping trips or a heavy-duty model that can handle powering your whole home during a power outage, we’ve got you covered. And if you still have questions after reading this article, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re always happy to help!