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9 Best Portable Generators of 2022 - Buying Guide (UPDATED)
Portable generators are an essential item when you experience a loss of power to your home. Instead of sitting in the dark while your refrigerated or frozen foods spoil, you can power up your reserve generator and enjoy all the comforts that your main power supply typically provides.
Using the latest in inverter technology, this portable generator can keep your home running for many hours. Quiet, fuel-efficient, and stable, you can be confident that in the event of a power outage, you can keep your appliances running.
Take advantage of the slimline and lightweight design to easily move it to any area of your house. The automatic mechanical decompression system means you can start the engine easily, even when you may be working in the dark.
Table of Contents
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PROS
SPECS
Best Choice
Honda EU2200i Super Quiet
PROS
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Ultra-quiet
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Excellent fuel efficiency
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Eco-Throttle System
SPECS
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Operates 48-57 dba
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Runs 3-8 hours
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Surge Wattage: 2200 W
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Gas Capacity:0.95 gal
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DuroStar DS4000S 4000 Watt
PROS
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Easily readable fuel gauge
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Can handle heavy loads
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All copper windings
SPECS
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Noise Level: 69dB
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Running Watts: 3300
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Air-cooled OHV engine
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Capacity: 3.96 Gal
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Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet
PROS
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Overheating alerts
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Powerbar feature shows current wattage output
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Parallel-ready
SPECS
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Run Time: 5.7 hrs
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Running Watts: 1600
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Oil Type: SAE 10W-30
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Fuel Capacity: 1.06 Gal
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WEN 56155 4-Stroke 1550-Watt
PROS
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Internal air-cooling system
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Great run-time capacity
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1.1gal tank
SPECS
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Running Watts: 1350
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Weight: 55.8 lbs
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Surge Wattage: 1550
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Fuel type: Oil
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Westinghouse WGen5500 6,850/5,500 Watt
PROS
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Up to 20-hour run time
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Low oil shutdown
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Hardened steel frame
SPECS
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Running Watts: 5500
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Weight: 172 lbs
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Noise level: 72 dBA
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Recoil start
Advances in technology have enabled manufacturers to create portable generators that are power and fuel-efficient, yet also quiet when in use.
Although it may seem expensive to buy a portable generator when your power supply is working well, you’ll be grateful you made the investment when the main power supply goes out. Reliable and durable, these generators are a great addition to any home.
9 Best Portable Generator Reviews
1. Honda EU2200i Portable Generator – Best Overall
Honda is world-renowned for producing reliable generators, and with a 3-year warranty, you can be assured this portable version performs for a long time. The inverter technology continuously manages the power output to improve efficiency, produces fewer emissions than a standard generator, and reduces the noise output so you and your neighbors can sleep at night.
Should you need a steady source of power during a power outage, the eco-throttle system can provide energy for many hours, depending on the load.
Weighing less than 47 pounds, you’ll have no trouble moving this generator from one location to the next, reducing the need for untidy cabling running through your home. If required, purchase a parallel cable kit and run two generators side-by-side for double the power.
Specs:
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Noise output is between 48-57 dba
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Runs between 3-8 hours depending on the load
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3-year residential and commercial warranty
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10% more powerful than the EU2000i
Pros
- Works with numerous household appliances
- Ultra-quiet for you and your neighbors
- Excellent fuel efficiency for longer run times
- Inverter technology provides power stability
- Easy to clean for efficient maintenance
Cons
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Quite expensive compared to many rivals
Who Should Get This? Anyone who wants to be prepared in the event of a power outage should get the Honda EU2200i. This portable generator keeps your home appliances running for many hours.
2. DuroStar DS4000S 4000 Watt Portable Generator – Best for the Money
A budget-friendly choice doesn’t have to mean accepting a drop in quality. This Durostar portable generator can provide a strong source of power, while still being kind to your wallet. The sturdy design protects the industrial-strength 208cc engine, while the 3.9-gallon fuel tank holds plenty of gas for when you need an extended run time.
Although its enormous power can be great in a commercial or industrial environment, the selection of outlets makes this an excellent generator for integrating with various appliances in your home. The sound muffler ensures you can keep the noise to a minimum.
The surge arrest and fuel shut-off features provide an added layer of protection for the engine.
Specs:
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Running wattage of 3300 watts
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Air-cooled OHV engine
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Selection of outlets for maximum compatibility
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EU2000 EPA and CARB approved in every US state
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All metal construction for durability
Pros
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Surge arrest technology for engine protection
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Easily readable fuel gauge
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All copper windings for robustness
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Very powerful for handling heavy loads
Cons
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Quite heavy at 94 pounds
Who Should Get This? Strong, safe, and with a smaller up-front investment than some of its competitors, the Durostar DS4000S is an excellent buy for those on a budget.
3. Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet Portable Generator
Generac has brought a modern-looking offering to the portable generator market. Their Powerbar feature gives a continuous up-to-date display of how much output is currently in use, which helps you to use the generator more efficiently. With Economy, Standard, and Turbo modes at your disposal, you can increase and reduce the power output modes, depending on your current needs.
You can also control the start, stop, and run modes all from one dial. The generator has a comprehensive alert system that lets you know if the engine is overheating or overloaded, allowing you to take action before it cuts off or damages any components. Coming parallel-ready, connect it to another generator to achieve nearly double the wattage output.
Specs:
7.7 hours run time at quarter-load
1 dial for all functions
Fuel capacity of 1.6 gallon
Oil Requirement: SAE 10W-30
Generac OHV engine
Read More: Best Quiet Generators
Pros
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Claims to be quieter than Honda
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Powerbar feature shows current wattage output
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Three distinct modes of operation
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Parallel-ready
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Overheating alerts
Cons
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Extra technology may be prone to more issues than standard displays
Who Should Get This? For those seeking a high-quality portable generator that prioritizes ease of use, this product delivers. Using clear displays and a one-dial control system, it brings superior convenience to the market.
4. WEN 56155 4-Stroke 1550 Watt Portable Generator
Complete with 2 AC 120V 3-prong wall outlets and a single DC 12v car adapter, this portable generator connects to a variety of power outlets. Although it has a relatively small fuel tank, it still boasts an impressive run-time of 7.5 hours, even when at half-load.
For those who prefer working with oil to gas, this generator uses a 4-stroke engine that can generate as much as 1350 running watts and 1550 surge watts. EPAIII- and CARB-compliant, the automatic voltage regulator produces efficient and reliable power, while still protecting both the generator and your household appliances from any spikes or significant drops in power.
WEN prides itself on customer service and has a network of qualified engineers who can come to your home should you have issues with your product.
Specs:
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Powerful 4-stroke 98cc engine
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Automatic voltage regulator for engine protection
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Lightweight at 55.8 pounds
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Fuel type: Oil
Pros
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Includes a DC 12v car adapter outlet
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Internal air-cooling system for temperature control
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Compact 1.1-gallon tank
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Great run-time capacity
Cons
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2-year warranty is a year less than many rivals offer
Who Should Get This? If you need a portable generator that is lightweight and compact, this offering from WEN is a solid choice. Their customer service is a good back-up despite the slightly reduced warranty.
5. Westinghouse WGen5500 6,850/5,500 Watt Portable Generator
With an outstanding run time of up to 20 hours, this portable generator is ideal for when there is an extended loss of power in the home. As it comes transfer switch-ready, you can attach it to your breaker box for fast connectivity. The potent oil-powered engine delivers 5500 running watts, and also comes with safety protection features to avoid damage if fuel runs low, or if there is an unexpected surge in power.
Designed for use in the roughest terrain, it can withstand any accidental damage that may occur in your home. The steel frame and exterior roll bars provide great protection to the internal engine, while the tough rubber outlet covers ensure the connection points are safe from the elements. Although this is a heavy-duty option, the muffler makes it quiet for use in a residential setting.
Specs:
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420cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine
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72 dBA operating volume
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CARB-compliant
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Weighs 172 pounds
Pros
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Up to 20-hour run time
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VFT display for up-to-date information displays
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Low oil shutdown and overload protection
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Hardened steel frame
Cons
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Much heavier than other generators
Who Should Get This? If you suffer from regular power outages or need the generator to power garages or other exposed buildings, this rugged product can suit your needs.
Read More: Must Have Portable Generator Accessories
6. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator
It can be challenging to get some portable generators into the right position in your home when you are trying to power various appliances. The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is incredibly compact and light, allowing you to access difficult-to-reach areas, and reducing the need for excessive cabling.
The pulse width modulation control provides excellent voltage control, while the pure sine wave produces energy that is at least as clean as that produced by electric companies.
The smart throttle ensures you only use as much wattage as you need, and the gasoline petcock allows you to turn off the gas supply to help reduce any problems with stale gas. The oil watch warning system gives you plenty of notice for when you need to refill the tank.
Specs:
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Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
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2000-watt maximum AC output
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Dimensions are 19.3 x 11 x 17.9 inches
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Noise output 51.5 dBA at ¼ load
Pros
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Compact design for ease of maneuverability
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Weighs less than 45 pounds
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Environmentally friendly
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Inverter generator for power stability
Cons
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Not as powerful as some rivals
Who Should Get This? If you need a portable generator, you can easily move around to your home, then Yamaha’s offering is light and compact for your convenience.
Read More: Outstanding Inverter Generator
7. WEN 56105 1000-Watt Portable Generator
Using a mix of 50-1 of gas and oil, WEN has eliminated the need for messy and time-consuming oil changes with this portable generator. Built with convenience in mind, the unit is lightweight at less than 37 pounds, while it’s also small enough for carrying around the house.
The internal air-cooling technology keeps the engine at a steady temperature, and the included circuit breaker provides peace of mind in the event of a power overload. Able to work with a multitude of household appliances, this generator is perfect if you suffer from frequent, but short, power issues.
As the run-time is a relatively short 5.5 hours on a half-load, it won’t get you through a whole night of a power outage. However, it’s still a strong product that is backed by the WEN name.
Specs:
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1000-watt 2-stroke generator
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EPA III and CARB compliant 63cc engine
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1-gallon fuel tank
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Works with 5-20R standard outlets
Pros
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Circuit breaker for overload protection
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Strong brand name supplier
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Internal air-cooling system for temperature regulation
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Does not require oil changes
Cons
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A very limited run time of 5.5 hours
Who Should Get This? Perfect for those who live in areas that have short or intermittent power outages. This generator is also ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance option.
8. Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart Portable Generator
With a harmonic distortion level of only 3%, this portable generator is ideal for use with items that are particularly sensitive to energy overloads or surges such as laptop computers. The P2200 uses a computer-operated temperature control system to monitor engine temperature continuously, while the efficient fuel system provides an impressive – hour run time from 1 gallon of fuel at a quarter-load.
Although it’s excellent for use with more sensitive electrical products, you can use the parallel connection capability to ramp up the energy output for powering more heavy-duty household appliances.
Specs:
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Produces less than 3% harmonic distortion
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59 dba operating volume
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Comes with parallel port connector
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111 cc OHV engine
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Weighs 54.6 pounds
Pros
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H-handle design for easy carrying
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Comes with parallel capabilities
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Computer-controlled energy output
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Efficient 8-hour run-time
Cons
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Cannot be shipped to California due to compliance issues with state laws
Who Should Get This? For those looking for a compact and intelligent portable generator that works well with most household appliances, this generator option can meet all of your power needs.
9. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator
When the lights go out, you don’t want to be in your garage or shed trying to work out how to start your portable back-up generator. WEN’s simple design allows you to find the right buttons quickly and get the power back on.
The eco-throttle ensures it is environmentally friendly by only allowing as much output as is necessary at any given time. Lightweight, portable, and versatile, you can take this generator to any corner of your house in the event of an emergency. You can also take it away on camping trips and RV use. With a low noise output and a range of excellent safety features to protect your engine and household appliances, this is another excellent unit from WEN.
Specs:
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5V USB port for increased connectivity
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Oil, overload and output indication lights
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79.7cc 4-stroke OV engine
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Quarter-load run-time of 9.4 hours
Pros
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3-in-1 switch for ease of use
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Eco-mode to save energy
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Easy to operate Noise output of 51 dba at quater-load
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Lightweight design for transportation
Cons
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Requires regular oil changes
Who Should Get This? For those who value a clean and simple design so they can easily operate their portable generator when the lights go out, the WEN 56200i offers a great alternative to more sophisticated units.
Read More: How to Silence a Generator
Final Verdict
The Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is the best portable generator on the market for quality and value for money. If you want a reliable, durable, and impressive source of power when there is a cut in your main supply, look no further than this fantastic portable generator.