10 Best Portable Generators Reviews 2021 – Top Picks & Guide

The Generac GP3000i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator has the advanced PowerRush Technology that increases starting capacity by up to 50%, allowing you to power up larger appliances with this light and portable unit.

It is parallel ready and works by simply connecting the two units together to achieve twice the power quickly and easily. The GP3000i portable inverter generator is also incredibly fuel-efficient and easy to start up for quick emergency power outage. 

With 10 hours or more of run-time, the General GP3000i is Ideal for off-grid adventures, emergency power, or powering tools on remote job sites. Its compact and lightweight design makes it the ideal traveling companion.

The Champion 4,000-watt portable generator packs a serious punch. It’ll power your refrigerator, TV, router, and various other devices for up to 17 hours on a 25% load. It’s extremely energy-efficient. It’ll run for over seventeen hours on 2.9 gallons of gas.

The 17-hour run time at 25% load means that there’s no getting up in the middle of the night to top up the gas. The automatic low oil shut off feature protects the motor from being damaged.

Starting this model up is simple. It has remote and manual starting options. It also includes a volt guard to smooth out power surges.

The three-year limited warranty is relatively generous in this industry. Champion reminds us of its outstanding service again by providing full lifetime free technical assistance. Give them a call if you're having problems. They'll help you troubleshoot it over the phone.

If peace and quiet are high on your list of camping trip priorities, then you won’t go wrong with the WEN 56200i. The 79.7 cc 4-stroke engine runs at a whisper of 51 decibels. After the initial rev, you’ll barely know it’s humming away in the background.

This portable inverter generator avoids spikes, surges, and power drops, limiting total harmonic distortion to less than 0.3%. What does this mean? It means it’s safe to use with delicate power-sensitive electronics such as laptops and cellphones.

Suitable for use with home electronics and camping equipment, you’ll also find this inverter generator holds its own as emergency power or in heavier-duty environments. It is less fit for prolonged daily use, however, and more designed for occasional use.

Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, check out our buyer’s guide for what you “need-to-know” on the best portable generator.

Power Output

First things first, the primary purpose of a portable generator is to provide power. The amount of power you need from your generator will be determined by the number and wattage of the appliances you intend to have running off of it.

The two standard ratings for appliances are starting watts and continuous watts. These are pretty self-explanatory. It’s worth noting that the starting wattage is generally an average of three times the continuous wattage.

When you’re calculating how much power you need from your generator, don’t forget to include the starting watts. There’s no point having enough power to run an appliance if you can’t get it started in the first place.

Fuel Source

The majority of portable generators run off gasoline. Gasoline is a convenient and easy fuel source. However, fumes can be overpowering. For this reason, gas-powered generator is limited to outdoor use, and only in an area with adequate ventilation, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Some generators are powered by diesel. While this may not be the most environmentally friendly option, it is easy to acquire and generally cheaper than gasoline.

It is possible to get battery-powered or solar-powered generators. Maintenance is low and, with zero emissions, these are the most environmentally friendly option. You are, of course, at the mercy of solar power, and will run the risk running out of battery power.

Propane is another common fuel source for portable generators, offering lower emissions and quieter operation. Dual fuel combines propane and gasoline, which can be a convenient way to ensure you never run out of fuel.

Fuel Tank Size

Obviously, the bigger the fuel tank, the more run-time you get between fills. Bigger is not always best, and a larger tank will increase the weight of what is meant to be a portable item.

Most generators give 7 to 10 hours of run-time. For emergency power outage or domestic purposes, this is generally fine, and a bigger tank might be overkill. If your generator is for use in remote areas—or if you’ll be running it continuously most days—then a larger tank capacity will be required.

Noise Level

The noise level will generally be determined by the size and fuel source, with anything over 4,000W generally producing higher levels of noise. Where old-style gas or diesel motors tended to be loud and aggressive, quieter-running motors are becoming popular.

Understandably, if you’re using it on campsites or trailer parks, or even in your own home, you don’t want a continuous loud power hum intruding on yours or your neighbor’s peace and quiet.

Anything around 51 decibels is considered on a par with normal background noise or conversation. There are several generators available with a reduced noise level, and we have included a few in our portable generator reviews.

Start-Up

The majority of portable generators come with a recoil start or pull cord. While most models start easily in this way, it can still be troublesome. Pull wires can be particularly off-putting for the novice user.

The best portable generators these days come with a handy electric start system. The electronic start system allows you to power up with the simple press of a button or by turning a key. Some models now include remote start features with a fob key, which can be particularly handy when you’re out on the road.

Mobility

Portable doesn’t always mean light, and the bigger the motor, the heavier the machine. Before you pick the biggest, you need to decide whether you need the extra power. If portability and convenience are your priority, there are heaps of models on the market offering excellent function in lightweight units. 

Heavier models sometimes come with a wheel kit and built-in handles to assist with mobility. Again, choose wisely and decide whether power or portability is your top priority.

Budget

If you’re shopping around for the best portable generator, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary hugely between models. The primary feature affecting the cost of the unit is the power output, with bigger motors pushing up the price tag.

Other factors that can impact the price are the noise rating, additional features, fuel source, number of charging ports, and, of course, the manufacturer’s brand. Better known brands such as Honda or WEN generally command a higher price than lesser-known manufacturers. Don’t discount the more obscure brands immediately, though. Many lower-priced models offer similar features and excellent performance.

Other Features To Look Out For

If you’re shopping around for the best portable generator, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary hugely between models. The primary feature affecting the cost of the unit is the power output, with bigger motors pushing up the price tag.

• Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI): EFI eliminates the need for a carburetor and reduces the need for maintenance. It also helps your generator start easier in cold environments and is something to look for if you’re regularly exposed to low temperatures.
• Lift Hook Bar: This is a handy feature if you’ll be using your generator in an industrial environment where it may need to be elevated to a height. It’s generally not necessary for standard, household generators, though.
• After Sales Service: A portable generator can be a significant investment, and you should expect to get many years out of it. Before you buy, check out what kind of product support and customer service are offered after the sale.