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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.
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PROS
SPECS
Honda EU2200i Super Quiet
PROS
Ultra-quiet
Excellent fuel efficiency
Eco-Throttle System
SPECS
Operates 48-57 dba
Runs 3-8 hours
Surge Wattage: 2200 W
Gas Capacity:0.95 gal
DuroStar DS4000S 4000 Watt
PROS
Easily readable fuel gauge
Can handle heavy loads
All copper windings
SPECS
Noise Level: 69dB
Running Watts: 3300
Air-cooled OHV engine
Capacity: 3.96 Gal
Generac 6866 iQ2000 Super Quiet
PROS
Overheating alerts
Powerbar feature shows current wattage output
Parallel-ready
SPECS
Run Time: 5.7 hrs
Running Watts: 1600
Oil Type: SAE 10W-30
Fuel Capacity: 1.06 Gal
WEN 56155 4-Stroke 1550-Watt
PROS
Internal air-cooling system
Great run-time capacity
1.1gal tank
SPECS
Running Watts: 1350
Weight: 55.8 lbs
Surge Wattage: 1550
Fuel type: Oil
Westinghouse WGen5500 6,850/5,500 Watt
PROS
Up to 20-hour run time
Low oil shutdown
Hardened steel frame
SPECS
Running Watts: 5500
Weight: 172 lbs
Noise level: 72 dBA
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.
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.
Noise output is between 48-57 dba
Runs between 3-8 hours depending on the load
3-year residential and commercial warranty
10% more powerful than the EU2000i
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.
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.
Running wattage of 3300 watts
Air-cooled OHV engine
Selection of outlets for maximum compatibility
EU2000 EPA and CARB approved in every US state
All metal construction for durability
Surge arrest technology for engine protection
Easily readable fuel gauge
All copper windings for robustness
Very powerful for handling heavy loads
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.
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.
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
Claims to be quieter than Honda
Powerbar feature shows current wattage output
Three distinct modes of operation
Parallel-ready
Overheating alerts
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.
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.
Powerful 4-stroke 98cc engine
Automatic voltage regulator for engine protection
Lightweight at 55.8 pounds
Fuel type: Oil
Includes a DC 12v car adapter outlet
Internal air-cooling system for temperature control
Compact 1.1-gallon tank
Great run-time capacity
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.
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.
420cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine
72 dBA operating volume
CARB-compliant
Weighs 172 pounds
Up to 20-hour run time
VFT display for up-to-date information displays
Low oil shutdown and overload protection
Hardened steel frame
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
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.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control
2000-watt maximum AC output
Dimensions are 19.3 x 11 x 17.9 inches
Noise output 51.5 dBA at ¼ load
Compact design for ease of maneuverability
Weighs less than 45 pounds
Environmentally friendly
Inverter generator for power stability
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
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.
1000-watt 2-stroke generator
EPA III and CARB compliant 63cc engine
1-gallon fuel tank
Works with 5-20R standard outlets
Circuit breaker for overload protection
Strong brand name supplier
Internal air-cooling system for temperature regulation
Does not require oil changes
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.
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.
Produces less than 3% harmonic distortion
59 dba operating volume
Comes with parallel port connector
111 cc OHV engine
Weighs 54.6 pounds
H-handle design for easy carrying
Comes with parallel capabilities
Computer-controlled energy output
Efficient 8-hour run-time
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.
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.
5V USB port for increased connectivity
Oil, overload and output indication lights
79.7cc 4-stroke OV engine
Quarter-load run-time of 9.4 hours
3-in-1 switch for ease of use
Eco-mode to save energy
Easy to operate Noise output of 51 dba at quater-load
Lightweight design for transportation
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
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.