Electricity is not something you can have anytime and everywhere. Despite the advancement in technology, there are times when you need a generator for that undisrupted power supply.
Now can you have a huge generator occupying a major part of your back yard? Is it possible to have a generator at your cabin that you visit just once a year? No! It is just not practical.
So? What is your option? Portable generators are a blessing in situations like this.
There are a number of generator brands available today. Here is a detailed review of the 5 best portable generators that can save your day.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Briggs & Stratton 30663, 7000 Running Watts/8750 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator | 16 Reviews | $1,099.99 $939.51 | Buy on Amazon |
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Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start - 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak... | 1,109 Reviews | $73.45 from $26.50 | Buy on Amazon |
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Yamaha EF2000iSv2, 1600 Running Watts/2000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter | 444 Reviews | $899.00 $839.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start | 383 Reviews | $699.00 $453.38 | Buy on Amazon |
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DuroStar DS4000S, 3300 Running Watts/4000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Generator | 689 Reviews | $277.07 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
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Brief Review of Top 5 Best Portable Generators
Best High Power: Briggs & Stratton 30663 - Under $1000
This 420cc engine generator is a true saviour when you have that unexpected power outage. Not only can it supply more than sufficient power, it can last long too with a huge tank capacity. Now you don’t have to worry about running out in the cold to refill the fuel tank very frequently.
- Clean and instant power to keep appliances and other important electronics running during a power outage
- Produces 25-percent more surge wattage so you can run large appliances and tools at the same time
- 2100 series OHV 420cc engine
- 7.5-Gallon Metal fuel tank for an impressive 9-hours of continuous operation at 50-percent load on a full tank
- 3-Year limited warranty
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
The best is, if you have a requirement to use more appliances at home, you don’t have to switch off everything else; this generator comes with a power surge alternator that provides power to multiple appliances at a time, even if they are large.
PROS
When we used this generator during a power outage, these are the advantages noticed and enjoyed by us:
CONS
While this generator had many advantages, there were a couple of things that had us concerned.
The Verdict
If your requirement is good power supply with flexibility, based on your needs, this generator can be a good choice. The only issue will be the noise generated. Once you have this generator up and running, you can go back into the house, forget the noise and enjoy uninterrupted power supply.
Briggs and Stratton Portable Generator Reviews (Source: Youtube.com)
Best Diesel Generator: Westinghouse WGen7500
This 4 stroke portable gas generator comes with a 420cc overhead valve engine that can be started both manually and electrically. When you start the generator, it runs at 9000 watts and continues to run at 7500 watts.
- 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 16 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 420 cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
- EPA, CARB, and CSA Compliant; Backed By a 3-Year Warranty; Nationwide Customer Service and Support Network at 1-855-944-3571
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
Even when you have trouble understanding the simple operating mechanisms of this generator, you can always reach the customer support, who are more than willing to help you as they are well educated about their product.
PROS
Now when we used this portable generator, the following features are what impressed us the most.
CONS
Though the generator itself had nothing major to find fault with, we did face issues.
The Verdict
If you want a durable gas generator that is portable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, this is your best option. Not only will you have uninterrupted power supply, but the noise is also so low, that your guests and neighbour my not even notice your generator is running.
Westinghouse Generator Review (Source: Youtube.com)
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Best Portable Generators To Buy
This portable gas powered inverter can produce 1600 watts and has a maximum AC output of 2000 watts. It is equipped with a smart throttle that can vary the engine speed according to the load.
- 1600 watt rated AC output, 2000 watt maximum AC output, 13.3/16.7 amps @ 120V
- Super-quiet muffler with USFS-approved spark arrestor - 51.5 dBA at 1/4 load
- Smart Throttle varies engine speed based on load - improves fuel economy and reduces noise
- Inverter system with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
- CARB Compliant
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
The high fuel efficiency enables us to use this inverter for hours on end and enjoy uninterrupted power supply. The easy to carry designing of this inverter makes it very convenient to be carried around anywhere you go.
PROS
Some of the features that attracted us are:
CONS
The drawbacks we found were:
The Verdict
This emergency generator sizing is so optimal, that it can provide you power to charge your small appliances on your trips. As long as your consumption is low and only to power phones, batteries, etc, this device can be a good investment for you.
Yamaha EF2000iS Inverter Generator (Source: Youtube.com)
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
DuroStar DS4000S - An Affordable Option
With a power plug configuration of two 120 volts of 20 Amp each and a single 120 volts outlet of 30 Amp, this OHV engine can supply power for 8 whole hours.
It has an EZ pull recoil start and a 7.0 Hp engine.
- Durable DuroStar 7.0 Hp, air cooled OHV engine w/low oil shutoff , Torque - 9.7 feet
- Heavy duty steel frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. Runtime (Gasoline) at 1/2 Load- 12.3 Hours. Volume Level- 69dB
- Full power panel with oil warning light, volt meter, circuit breaker and power outlets
- Power Plug Configuration:(2)-120 Volt, 20 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA 5-20R Outlets, (1)-120 Volt, 30 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA L5-30 Outlet
- 8 Hour run time
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
This emergency generator design guide is such that, there are four separate motor mounts, in order to generate power without much noise.
PROS
Some of the advantages of this generator are:
CONS
The Verdict
If you are looking for emergency generator that is not too bulky or noisy, this will suit you perfectly. The noise produced is so low that none of your neighbours will even realise you have a generator running. Also, if you don’t have a problem refilling fuel every few hours, you can definitely go in for this generator.
Duro Star DS 4000S Generator (Source: Youtube.com)
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
Champion RV Ready : Most Versatile Power Sources
The Champion RV Ready Portable Generator features 4750 starting watts and 3800 running watts.
While marketed towards RV owners for camping and glamping, it would also work perfectly during a storm, a power outage, or tailgating.
- Dual Fuel - Runs on GAS or PROPANE straight out of the box. Engine type: 4-stroke, wheel diameter: 8.0 inches
- 4750 starting watts, 3800 running watts with up to 9 hours run time on a full tank of gas and up to 10.5 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Powered by a reliable 224cc Champion engine with Touch Start, push-button electric start (battery included).Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V - 39.6A.Gasoline Running Amps at 120V - 31.7A.Propane Starting Amps at 120V - 35.6A.Propane Running Amps at 120V - 28.5A
- Frequency: 60 Hz. Outlets - 120V 30A RV, 120V 30A locking, two 120V 20A household outlets all secured by Volt Guard, protects your appliances from power surges
- Champion Support - 3 year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support. Refer instruction manual before use.
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
With enough power to run for 9 hours on gas or 10.5 hours on propane, you’ll be able to use and enjoy your appliances quickly and easily.
The Champion Portable Generator is extremely easy to use, which our testing team loved. It can run on gasoline or propane straight from the box and also comes with a battery with an easy touch start. The battery can be plugged in and will charge simultaneously while running which is terrific for camping or cooking.
PROS
CONS
Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start (Overview 76533) (Source: Youtube.com)
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
Let’s Compare
Last update on 2019-04-22 PST - Details
Of all the 5 best portable generators reviewed, the Yamaha EF2000iS and Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV are the best. If you want a quiet and comfortable generator which can be turned on by pressing a button on the remote in your hand, you should buy the Champion Power Equipment. It will not let you down even in the cold weather.
However, if portability is your main criteria, the Yamaha EF2000iS is your best choice. It is designed to be carried along easily and also produces very little noise. It is both economical and effective. It also consumes very oil, thereby improving the efficiency.
Your choice of a portable generator totally depends on you. If you plan to use it in a cold weather, the Champion Power will be your best option. If you want more convenience, the Yamaha EF2000iS is your best option.
Best Portable Generators – Buyer’s Guide
When you decide to buy a portable gas generator, there are a few factors to be kept in mind. They are:
Conclusion
When it comes to standby generator vs. emergency generator, it is your convenience and usage that determines your choice. If you want uninterrupted power supply, you should opt for a standby generator. This generator will automatically generate power during a power failure.
So, how does an emergency generator work? You will have to go and manually switch it on in case of a power failure. Though you can even use a remote control and switch it on from your seat, it requires manual handling.
Hence, if you are okay with manually turning on the generator, you should choose from one of the 5 portable generators that have been reviewed in this article. These generators have been reviewed after personally using them, to understand their features and experience both their positives and negatives.