The Best Portable Generator
Welcome! Our site is dedicated to providing reviews, guides, tips, and tricks to help anyone get the most out of their portable generators. If you need a generator for camping or as a backup power source for your home, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. It is not possible for us to go through every single generator available in the market, but we try to find those most popular among consumers, review them, and give our own unique take. It is our constant endeavor to add new models to our best portable generator reviews, beef up our how to & articles section, provide unmatched information on anything ‘portable generators’. We hope that we will become a hub for campers, homeowners, RV enthusiasts and contractors to discuss everything related with generators. All our generators have been stringently tested, put through the loops over a period of few months checking out various criteria like noise, power output, reliability, durability, cost to return ratio and more so that you, our readers can make an informed and reliable decision.
You will find low-end compact to large powerful inverter generators in our mix, with many more on the way. Besides, our comprehensive buying guide with power selection tool will let you decide on a perfectly sized, powerful generator. So, do visit our buying guide too! Stay a while, browse around and take a look, we are sure you will find a lot of interesting stuff!
Our 5 Best Portable Generators of 2023

Westinghouse
WGen7500

DuroStar
DS4000S
Let us help you find a portable generator with our reviews
Last updated June, 2023
Our dependence on electricity or power is such that life comes to a standstill in case of power cuts or shortage of electricity. At such times, portables generators come handy as a convenient source and power back-up solution. Portable generators depend on fuel, diesel mostly, to produce power for domestic use. In fact, I have used a portable generator for my campsite, house and even while traveling in my RV. So, understanding what goes on behind the scenes, how a portable generator works, or alternatively fails, can definitely help in purchasing a dependable and truly portable unit.

Did you know...
If you add all the peak wattage together for every device you plan to backup and also the rated wattage, if will give you the peak and rated wattage to look for before you purchase a portable generator.
We Review a few of the Best Portable Generators of 2023
Our Top Pick
Why You Should Buy This Generator: Our favorite generator, this unit really has it all. A perfect blend of price, power, and portability, you really can’t go wrong with this Westinghouse unit.
Who’s This Generator Perfect For? ANYONE can make the most of this Westinghouse generator. As comfortable on the construction site as it is tied directly into the circuitry of your home – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg – it doesn’t get better than this.
How much will it cost: Check Current Price
Why We Picked The Westinghouse WGen 7500: The price is right, the portability is high, and the reliability of this unit is top notch across the board.
You’ll find out just how easy this Westinghouse portable generator is to you the moment that you go to fire it up for the first time. With both a push button electric start mechanism and a remote start wireless key fob, turning on your portable generator in an emergency is going to be effortless.
Fuel economy with this unit is outstanding, and for the most part this portable generator is going to be relatively maintenance-free. The ability to utilize the “transfer switch” capabilities of this generator – tying it directly into your already existing electrical circuits at home or the office – is outstanding. This feature lets you use your appliances, your lights, and your power outlets at home or at work the same way you would if the power was actively on traditionally.
Combine all of that with a full three year warranty from Westinghouse and you’ll soon see why we believe the Westinghouse WGen 7500 is the best portable generator on the market!
Best Portable Inverter Generator
2. Honda EU2200i
9.3
Editor's
Score

9.8
Portability
8.9
Power
9.4
Noise
8.9
Efficiency
Why You Should Buy This Generator: Legendary Honda dependability is exactly what you’re looking for when the power goes down in an emergency. Quiet, capable, and fuel-efficient this unit is relatively inexpensive and operate.
Who’s This Generator Perfect For? Homeowners looking for a “pocket-sized” backup generator in an emergency, camping and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, folks with boats, RVs, and farm equipment that needs to be powered on when traditional power isn’t available all the time.
How much will it cost: Check Current Price
Why We Picked The Honda EU2200i: Combine the reputation Honda has for making some of the best generators on the planet with an almost unbelievably small footprint and you are looking at something really special here.
The only thing that really stopped us from putting this on the generator at the top of our favorite portable generator list is the fact that it’s is small and compact, and not always ideally suited for EVERY generator application. Even still, this generator is something fantastic. On the engineers have rebuilt some of their best generators into this ridiculously small footprint, producing a piece of technology that can provide constant and surge power in a backpack style form factor – all while cutting down on the noise emitted from this generator while in use.
Best of all, it’s possible to run this generator for anywhere between four hours and almost 10 hours on a single tank of fuel (depending upon your usage), making it one of the most fuel friendly portable generators on the market today. You’re going to fall in love with everything that this Honda generator has to offer in the odds are pretty good that this will be one of the last generators you ever have to buy. That’s how dependable over the long haul they really are!
Best Budget Portable Generator
Why You Should Buy This Generator: Offering a similar level of performance as some of the most expensive portable generators on the market, all while being available at a fraction of the price, it’s easy to see why so many people are investing in DuroStar generators.
Who’s This Generator Perfect For? Homeowners, property owners, construction professionals, and anyone else looking to get their hands on a top-quality generator without breaking their bank account along the way.
How much will it cost: Check Current Price
Why We Picked The DuroStar DS4000S: This generator might have a budget focused price point attached, but it isn’t short on specialty features or premium capabilities. You’ll be very impressed by what this generator can handle right out of the box, saving you money right from day one.
It would be a mistake to think that we put this generator this high on our rankings just because of its amazingly low price tag, though the budget price certainly played a factor in our decisions.
Featuring a 7 hp and air cooled OVP engine that can produce between 3300 W and 4000 W depending upon whether or not it’s offering constant or surge power, this generator is plenty capable enough to handle anything at home, at the office, on the farm, or on a job site – in the middle of a natural disaster or a bright, sunny summer day.
There have been a couple of quality control issues with some of the generators produced by this company, and some of the units that they make available have oil leaking problems that need to be addressed. But for the most part, this generator is worth absolutely every penny of its inexpensive price tag and then some!
Best Small Portable Generator
4. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
9.2
Editor's
Score

9.6
Portability
9.0
Noise
9.5
Power
8.5
Efficiency
Why You Should Buy This Generator: A tiny little generator, there may not be a more portable option on the market than this unit from Yamaha. Impressively, it can offer 10.5 hours of continuous usage on a single tank of fuel – all while remaining just slightly larger than your traditional lunchbox.
Who’s This Generator Perfect For? Anyone on the go, anyone that needs a “backpack” style generator, people that spend plenty of time camping, in their RV, on a boat, or someone that could use on demand power that doesn’t involve running and entire household work tools and appliances.
How much will it cost: Check Current Price
Why We Picked The Yamaha EF2000iSv2: The portability of this Yamaha unit is second to none, and the capabilities it brings to the table are nothing short of incredible, either. Efficient, effortless to use, and dependable, you’ll really like this portable system.
Certainly not the least expensive of all the portable generator options out there – or even on this list – you’ll inevitably spend full-size generator money for this compact Yamaha unit, but most that have had a chance to try out this unit in real life are happy to make that trade.
Pumping out 1600 W of AC output when set to a continuous stream of energy, but capable of throttling up to 2000 W during surge power, this unit remains quiet and fuel-efficient thanks to its Smart Throttle technology.
The engineering that went into this unit “under the hood” allows it to very the engine speed depending upon the load being placed upon it. There might not be a more responsive unit available right now, though we wouldn’t be surprised if other manufacturers start to copy this kind of technology and weave it into their top-tier generators sooner rather than later.
Best Portable Generator for an RV
5. Briggs & Stratton 30663
2000 Rated Watts & 2500 Peak
8.8
Editor's
Score

8.4
Portability
9.6
Noise
8.4
Power
8.9
Efficiency
Why You Should Buy This Generator: When this generator is working the way it should be, you are going to be able to enjoy some of the best continuous on a single tank of fuel compared to many of the other portable generator options available on the market today.
Who’s This Generator Perfect For? Contractors, homeowners that want to be prepared for power outages, and preppers looking to make sure they have juice should the grid go down.
How much will it cost: Check Current Price
Why We Picked The Briggs & Stratton 30663: For more than 108 years now, the folks at Briggs and Stratton have been producing quality pieces of equipment Americans can trust. As one of the largest suppliers of portable generators in all of North America, this is a company you know you can rely on.
As we touched on earlier, when this Briggs and Stratton generator is working the way it should be you aren’t going to have anything to worry about.
It’s continuous power system works wonderfully to make sure that your appliances and electrical items have a steady supply of juice to keep them up and running. The surge power system provides 25% more power when you have multiple appliances tools hooked up to the generator, giving you the extra electricity you need on demand.
An easy to use control panel, keyed electric start, and 12 inch “never go flat” wheels make this ideal for less than civilized setups – in the middle of the woods, camping, or on a construction site. The only real “wrinkle” with this Briggs and Stratton generator is when the power surge system doesn’t behave the way it should. When that happens, fuel can be consumed a lot faster than you expected – and is an issue that needs to be remedied ASAP.
Here are a few of the best brands for look for...
Like we mentioned before, our reviews are classified based on the brand. Instead of grouping them based on capacity, size or some other criteria we chose the brand because brand based performance is what makes the biggest difference. Each brand has a specific price range, pros, and cons with varying levels of dependability. Some are designed to last really long but aren’t that efficient while others are super efficient but break down in a couple of years. Likewise, a few cost a lot, others are usually affordable as makeshift solutions. Check out our selection of brands below.
DuroMax

Makers of their own engines, a wide selection of power, output and design, greater fuel efficiency, lower cost of operation and longer lifespan make DuroMax an excellent choice for those strapped for cash and hunting for a reliable portable generator.
DuroPower, the parent company of DuroMax now provides power tools, larger stationary generators, and engines to various industries and factories around the world. Their commercial line though is geared towards reduced costs and greater returns.
Generac

Great on fuel efficiency, eco-friendly by design and superior performance, Generac is probably the oldest portable generator maker in the world. Their designs form the basis for many other brands and the innovations they introduced into the market continue to rule the industry.
From the use of OHVI engines to pressurized oil circulation systems, technology to ergonomics and cost to performance, Generac is one brand name that you can never go wrong with.
Champion

Europe’s largest manufacturer of kitchen faucets and other plumbing fixtures, this is one of the biggest companies found anywhere in the world producing high-end solutions for the homeowner, contractor, and tradesmen alike.
Started only in 2003, Champion Power Equipment produces some of the most affordable portable generators today. But affordability has got nothing to do with performance. They ensure that every single generator is hand tested, approved and compliant with US standards before they are shipped from their off-shore production plants. Champion portable generators are usually seen in their bright yellow design
PowerMate

Powerful, sleek and sexy looking, A PowerMate portable generator is probably the wisest investment you can make. Engines from Yamaha, Honda, and others, components built by Subaru and leading designers of the world, everything sourced and developed by leaders in their own industries give PowerMate (Pramac’s power product line) a distinct edge over other manufacturers.
Their portable generators may not have a distinct identity of their own but they are definitely a long haul investment with easy to find parts and replacement components.
Briggs & Stratton

Europe’s largest manufacturer of kitchen faucets and other plumbing fixtures, this is one of the biggest companies found anywhere in the world producing high-end solutions for the homeowner, contractor, and tradesmen alike.
Started only in 2003, Champion Power Equipment produces some of the most affordable and best portable generators today. But affordability has got nothing to do with performance. They ensure that every single generator is hand tested, approved and compliant with US standards before they are shipped from their off-shore production plants. Champion portable generators are usually seen in their bright yellow design.
Westinghouse

The parent company, Westinghouse Electric Company started involving themselves in power related products late in the 20th century but their history predates the 1900s. This brand manufactures excellent power generator products for all levels of society – from countries to individual households.
A Westinghouse generator bears the W mark with a cool blue hue that is reminiscent of its decorated past.

Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are a whole new breed of generators that are twice as efficient, have a higher shelf life and are capable of working in tandem with each other to increase power output. These super silent generators are also ultra-portable by design making them great to have around the house for the storm season or if you are in a frequent power failure zone. The only con though is that they cost a lot but in return, you get a decent return on investment for a longer period of time.
Buying Guide: Things you MUST think about before buying a Portable Generator
Why are you buying a Portable Generator?
Generators are usually installed in places where power failure is a normal part of life, or where there is no direct access to power. For example, as a home backup power system, at campsites, RVs and so on. Now a portable generator is one that can be moved around and hence is a great convenience for most. At the same time, it is a necessity for people who live in an RV or those who camp out in the woods a lot. There are gasoline operated generators as well as natural gas operated ones but gasoline power is the most commonly available portable generator.
Even if you don’t face constant power failures, don’t go camping or have an RV, there are plenty of benefits to having a portable generator. For starters, hurricanes, storms, torrential rainfall and other natural phenomena disrupt usual power supply and it is in such situations that a portable generator proves its worth ten times over. Basically, you may not use the generator for most of the year but the 1 month you go through a horrible storm, you will be glad that you invested in a portable generator. Moreover, these generators are portable and they are designed for intermittent use. Unlike stationary generators that cost a lot and require expensive installation, planning, and rewiring, portable generators are easy to operate, selectively power a few appliances and have a long shelf life.
5 Best Portable Generators on Amazon
What to shop for when buying a Portable Generator
Just like no two individuals are ever alike, no two generators will ever be the same. Even if it uses the same engine, similar construction, performance will always differ. We have seen that performance difference usually arises out of a variety of factors. Here is a short summary of a few important points you may consider before looking for the best portable generator.
Did you know...
Without power you can’t do anything. Batteries can keep your appliances running for a few additional hours but without a power source, you will eventually lose out to darkness. Invest into a portable generator or a solar powered generator today and stay secured at times of power failure!
Here are a few pointers to get you started. Remember by no means, am I suggesting that this is a complete buying guide but it should serve as a good starting point.
Wattage

I remember from my school days, wattage being defined as voltage multiplied by amperage (current). It is a simple term to understand and correlate for any physics major but with a little practice, you too can learn how to use this rating to your advantage. Most home appliances today have a clear description of the wattage, which is generally of two kinds.
Noise Level

Noise or audible voice is measured in decibels or better referred to with the acronym dBA. When it comes to portable generators it is measured in terms of dBA at an industry-specific distance of about 21 feet or 7 meters. This is the standard measurement. The noise level for generators usually ranges from 55dBA to about 85dBA.
You may be aware of silent generators – these usually have a dBA of 75 or less. Anything above this limit is quite loud in comparison. Just to put things into perspective imagine the ruckus at a subway station as a train enters it. This is about 85 to 90dBA. So a silent portable generator isn’t actually very silent, it is just less noisy than an otherwise naked generator.
So, why is the noise level important? If you are going to use the generator in a domestic setting, it might actually be a big concern. For example, you are organizing a function, gathering or going to a campsite, the noise of the generator can have a dampening effect on the occasion and overall mood of the location or set up. You do not want people exercising their vocal cords, ears in a function or scare away the wilderness when you are out at a camp. Hence, when making a purchase decision know the kind of acceptable noise level and how much you can deviate on either side of the graph. Personally, for me, anything below 80dBA is fine.
Spark Arrestor Mechanism:
Generators today come with a spark arrestor mechanism that prevents any sparks from escaping through the exhaust. This is essential if you plan on using the genset out in nature, or in your lawn, backyard since it can help reduce chances of potential fire or damage to the nearby floors and walls.
Size and Portability
Depending on your usage pattern and expected movement of the generator, you will have to make a choice between portability, size and obviously the wattage. The heavier the generator, the more troublesome it will be to move. So, ensure that you assess well in advance how often you would need to move it around and remember that too small the size and you lose out on wattage.
For a typical home, a heavy generator will not be an issue, since you won’t move it around much from its designated area. However, if you are thinking of a campsite, you will need to be able to take it to load/unload from the trailer or RV, haul it to the campsite, fit it into an RV and more. Generators today tend to offer smaller wheels than before. While this reduces the weight, it can make things harder for you out camping. So basically, for homesteaders large sized, smaller wheels are better but for campers, smaller size with pneumatic large wheels are perfect.
Starting Options
Generators are now available with a button start option or you could stick with a traditional recoil starter. The latter requires much more effort and can sometimes lead to injury. Whereas, a button start or electric start obviously offers ease of use with easy and quick operating mechanism. Yes, it makes things simpler and safer but a dead battery isn’t going to help you out. My advice – even if you get a Start button type portable generator, it should have a recoil cord too.
Top Rated Portable Generator Features:
Generators are now available with a button start option or you could stick with a traditional recoil starter. The latter requires much more effort and can sometimes lead to injury. Whereas, a button start or electric start obviously offers ease of use with easy and quick operating mechanism. Yes, it makes things simpler and safer but a dead battery isn’t going to help you out. My advice – even if you get a Start button type portable generator, it should have a recoil cord too.
If you are planning to buy or own a generator it is important to understand that a lot of factors play a crucial role in the buying decision. However, the most important and critical factor is to exactly know your total power requirements. Overusing the generator or exceeding it’s suggested limits has adverse effects on fuel efficient and causes irreparable damage to the generator. In certain cases, it also damages equipment feeding directly off the generator.
My advice is to first tabulate the total power consumption that you will require and then add about 15 percent extra just to be safe and factor in peak wattage.
A good way to start and know the exact requirements for any generator is to find the user or owner manual of all appliances add the suggested wattage for each unit to reach a conclusive, yet not exclusive number. If you can’t find the manual or are short of time, refer to the table given below and identify an average wattage for any appliance. This is more of a broad outline rather than an accurate calculation. I have tabulated the wattage based on my home appliance’s user manuals.
Average Wattage Guide
Appliance | Wattage | Appliance | Wattage |
---|---|---|---|
Personal Computer | 500-2,000 | Broiler | 1,400 |
Planer | 300-900 | Central Air Conditioning | 2,000-4,000 |
Refrigerator/Freezer | 600-800 | Chain Saw | 1,000-1,800 |
Router | 100-1,300 | Circular Saw | 1,200-1,600 |
Sanders (belt, disc, orbital) | 250-1,500 | Coffeemaker | 400-800 |
Shop Vacuum | 700-1,400 | Drills (depends on size) | 250-1,200 |
Space Heater | 1,250 | Electric Furnace | 5,000-25,000 |
String Trimmer | 600-1,100 | Electric Range (oven only) | 5,000 |
Sump Pump | 1,500 | Electric Range (one element) | 2,500 |
Table Lamp (tri-lite) | 150 | Hair Dryer | 1,200-1,500 |
Television | 100-350 | Heater (radiant) | 1,300 |
3/4 HP Paint Sprayer | 1,800 | Hedge Clippers | 300-1,000 |
Toaster | 1,100-1,700 | Hot Plate | 1,250 |
Water Heater | 3,000-4,500 | Leaf Blower | 1,000-1,400 |
Water Pump | 1,000-2,000 | Microwave | 1,200 |
Window Air Conditioner | 600-1,500 | Miter Saw | 500-1,000 |
Once you have the approximate wattage value, multiple the resultant number with two and then decide on a generator wattage. Once you know the wattage, it fairly narrows down your search criteria and will let you easily compare and buy a portable generator.
Now that you have concluded the total power your home requires, it’s time to select the right class of portable generator. Based on the total wattage, I have classified all portable generators into three categories.
Compact Portable Generators
Power – 3,000 to 4,000 Watts
Price – $400 to $800
What It Powers – This sized portable generator powers just the basics such as a refrigerator (600 watts), TV (200 watts), Sump Pump (600 watts), Microwave (1,500 watts) and several lights limited to a total of 400 watts.
Compact generators with inverter capability is a good standby emergency generator. It even works well as a campsite generator. Small in size, lightweight, ultra-portable nature are its biggest advantage. But, don’t get your hopes up of having this unit power everything and be a whole house generator. You will have to be picky about the most important appliances.
Midsize Portable Generators
Power – 5,000 to 8,000 Watts
Price – $550 to $1200
What It Powers – Can run a portable heater (1,300 watts), computer (400 watts), heating system (500 watts), secondary pump(600 watts), more lights along with a microwave, refrigerator, and television.
Mid-sized generators are an excellent backup generator. Usually no larger than a pressure washer, these generators can be kept in the storage shed and used immediately during emergency situations. They function well as hurricane or storm generators and are portable enough to power RVs and campsites too.
Large Portable Generators
Power – 10,000 Watts or more
Price – $2,000 to $3,000
What It Powers – Along with everything that a midsize portable unit can power, Large generators can also power central air conditioners, large electric ranges, small water heats and more.
Large portables are actually harder to move around. So, while you get the ability to power pumps, air conditioners, and large electric ranges, you may just find yourself stuck with a heavy and bulky generator in the shed, unable to take it anywhere. They make a lot of ruckuses and definitely will get you kicked out of any campsite. Don’t buy if you plan on going camping with it.
It is important to understand that there are other aspects of power requirements to be kept in mind. If you are looking forward to increasing the appliances in your house, reserve a bit extra for the changes you can foresee.
Last update on 2021-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API