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The 10 Best Small Portable Generator in 2024 You Should Know About

Elizabeth MILLER
  May 7, 2024 1:09 AM

We all know that feeling. You're out on a camping trip, and the sun goes down. Suddenly, you realize you forgot to bring a flashlight – and your phone is dead.

A portable generator can be a lifesaver in situations like this, and in today's blog post, we'll be taking a look at the 10 best small portable generators for 2024.

Whether you're looking for something to take with you on your next camping trip or just need a little backup power for emergencies, we've got you covered! So without further ado, let's get started!


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Last update on 2024-05-07 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Our top picks

Best portable: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600v

The Westinghouse WGen3600v offers 4650 peak watts and 3600 rated watts, making it perfect for camping trips, tailgating parties, or even as a backup power source for your home. It's RV-ready with a 30A outlet and features two other household outlets as well.

The 4-gallon fuel tank gives you up to 14 hours of run time, and the 212cc Westinghouse engine is built to last with a cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right out of the box.

Best for camping trips: WEN 56203i

The WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator produces 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of clean power, so you can feel confident that your devices will be safe from any harmful voltage spikes. And with its ultra-lightweight body, you'll have no problem transporting and storing this generator when you're not using it.

Plus, the included fuel shutoff maximizes the generator's lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down. And if you ever have any problems with the generator, just take advantage of the two-year warranty.

WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight

Best quiet and lightweightChampion Power Equipment 200951

The Champion Power Equipment 200951 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator weighs in at only 39 pounds, making it one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters on the market. But don't let its small size fool you - this powerful little generator can produce up to 2500 starting watts and 1850 running watts, enough to keep a few essentials powered up during a power outage.

It's also super quiet, with a noise level of only 53 dBA from 23 feet, so you won't have to worry about disturbing your neighbors while you're enjoying the great outdoors. The optional clip-on parallel kit also allows you to connect this inverter to another 2500-watt Champion inverter, giving you double the power output when you need it.

And because we want you to enjoy clean electricity, this inverter features two 120V 20A household outlets with less than 3% THD. Champion Power Equipment backs this unit with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts, so you can rest assured that we've got your back.

Best durable: DuroMax XP13000HX

The DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator is equipped with a 500cc OHV DuroMax engine and features all copper windings for durability and longevity. The digital control center makes it easy to keep an eye on voltage, frequency, total hours run, and maintenance schedule, while the front-facing fuel interface lets you switch between fuel types in seconds.

And with DuroMax's CO Alert Technology, you can rest assured that your generator will shut down automatically if unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are detected.

Best for outdoor adventuresJackery ‎Explorer 300

The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is the perfect power solution for your outdoor adventures. Equipped with a powerful 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, this generator delivers stable and safe 300W of power through its two Pure Sine Wave AC outlets.

With its lightweight and compact design, the Explorer 300 is easy to carry with you wherever you go, making it ideal for camping, travel, hunting, or any other off-grid activities. Additionally, the unit can be recharged in as little as 2 hours via the included wall outlet or 60W PD USB-C port, so you can always be sure you have power when you need it.

More recommendations:


Things to consider

Things to consider before purchasing the small portable generator

1. What is your power need?

How much power do you need to generate? This is the most important question to answer before purchasing a generator. You'll want to make sure that the generator can handle the amount of power you need.

2. What will you be using it for?

Are you going to be using the generator for emergency power or for recreation? If you're going to be using it for recreation, then you'll want to make sure that it's durable and can handle being moved around.

3. What is your budget?

How much are you willing to spend on a generator? There are a variety of generators available at different price points. You'll want to take sure that you're getting a quality generator for the price you're paying.

4. What are the features you're looking for?

There are a variety of features available on generators. Some generators have more features than others. You'll want to decide which features are important to you and make sure that the generator you're considering has those features.

5. What are the reviews saying?

When you're looking at generators, be sure to read the reviews. This will give you an idea of what others have thought about the generator you're considering. This can help you make a more informed decision.

Westinghouse WGen3600v Portable Generator, 4650 Peak Watts & 3600 Rated Watts, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CARB Compliant

Small portable generator FAQs

1. What are small portable generators used for?

Small portable generators can be used for a variety of purposes, including power tools and equipment on construction sites or providing backup power during blackouts or other emergency situations.

2. How do small portable generators work?

Small portable generators typically use gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel to power an internal combustion engine, which in turn drives an electrical generator.

3. What are the benefits of using a small portable generator?

Small portable generators offer a number of advantages, including being relatively inexpensive to purchase and operate, and being able to be used in a variety of locations.

4. What are the drawbacks of using a small portable generator?

Small portable generators can be noisy and produce harmful emissions, and require regular maintenance.

5. How do I choose the right small portable generator for my needs?

When choosing a small portable generator, you will need to consider factors such as your power requirements, the frequency of use, and where you will be using the generator. You should also consider the features offered by different models, such as noise level and emissions output.


Last words

A portable generator can be a lifesaver in an emergency, or just when you need some extra power for your RV, home workshop, or construction site.

If you’re in the market for one of these helpful machines, we hope our list of the 10 best small portable generators will help you choose the perfect model for your needs. And don’t forget to contact us if you have any questions – we’re always happy to help!