One of the most frustrating things that could happen to you is power outage in your home. Portable generators are therefore essential and come in handy during such times. Be it a backyard party, an outdoor wedding, or even camping, having a portable generator with you prepares you for any situation…
There are several manufacturers and brands available in the market. Deciding on the best portable generator and what criteria to use in your selection might be quite challenging. Therefore, in this article, we look at the ten best portable generators in 2020 together with a complete guide on some of the factors to consider when shopping.
1. DuroStar DS4000S
Durostar is a pretty big name and, therefore, if you are in need of a portable generator that can serve a range of purposes, this is the best option. It can be used for camping, backyard parties, and even outdoor weddings. It is of excellent quality and very reliable. It has a 4000 starting watts output and 3300 running watts.
This portable generator enables you to operate several electronics at the same time thanks to the many outlets, two for 120V household electronics and one for 120V 30A twist locks. It is gas-powered, and thereby requires regular maintenance such as changing of oil. It has a run-time of 8 hours, at 50% output.
Pros
• It is very affordable
• It is reliable
Cons
• It is quite heavy
2. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator
Our second portable generator is pretty light, weighing 55 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around. It has an H-shaped handle which allows easier pick up be it alone or with the help of another person.This portable generator is powered by a 111c motor and has 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts. It can, therefore, run for 8 hours, at a 25 percent load on the 1-gallon tank of gas.
You can use it on most 120V house appliance. It can also charge portable electronics such as smartphones, thanks to the reliable inverter technology.Briggs & Stratton generator also comes with a control panel that has three outlets, one DC and two households, as well as a USB adapter. It allows you to plug it into a separate second unit to create a stronger source of power.
Pros
• It is easy to carry
• It produces little noise/quiet
Cons
• It doesn’t meet specific emission laws thus doesn’t ship to California
3. Champion Power Equipment 46539
Whether you are always outdoors and in need of a constant power supply or living in a place with terrible weather that results in power outages, you need to get yourself this generator. It has 4000 starting watts output and 3500 running watts. It is a 3.8-gallon generator that has a wireless remote that works from up to 80 feet away.
With a 50% output, this generator can run up to 12 hours. It also comes with an RV receptacle that offers you a direct connection to a motorhome AC and two extra 120V outlets. It also features a low-oil sensor and Intelli-gauge that enables you to check the voltage, hertz, and operating hours.
Pros
• It has a wireless start remote.
• It runs for many hours
Cons
• It is large thus bulky
4. Westinghouse iGen2500
If you hate noise and are looking for a generator that will guarantee you peace, then this is the right generator for you. The Westinghouse iGen2500 is tranquil and efficient. It has 2200 output watts and 2500 peak watts.This portable generator is excellent for sensitive electronics such as smartphones, microwaves and televisions.
It features five DC USB ports and two 120V AC ports, giving you enough space to use several electronics at the same time.This portable generator is also lightweight, weighing an amazing 48 pounds and can run for 10 hours at 25% load. The customer service is incredible, and you also get a three- year warranty.
Pros
• It is extremely quiet
• It is lightweight
Cons
• It doesn’t work well with certain heavy-duty tools
5. Westinghouse WGen7500
This is yet another great product from Westinghouse. Just like its predecessor, it is an easy to use and convenient generator. It features an electric push-button start and a remote start, with an output of 7500 watts and 9500 peak watts. It has an excellent run time, and at a 25% load, you get a run time of sixteen hours on this 6.6-gallon generator.
It is equipped with automatic low-oil shutdown and digital hour meter. With it comes a 2V battery charger, oil, oil funnel, and a toolkit.
Pros
• It has a remote start
• It runs for a long time (up to 16 hours)
Cons
• It is heavy
6. Honda EU2000i
The Honda EU2000i generator produces very little to no noise, making it user-friendly. It is also lightweight, weighing a remarkable 46 pounds. On top of that, it is highly durable. This generator has a 1.1-gallon tank that enables it to run for 4 hours at 100% load and about 10 hours at 25% load. It has 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts.
This Honda generator also comes with two AC outlets and one DC outlet and features Eco-throttle and clean output. It also comes complete with circuit protection to prevent you from overloading the generator.
Pros
• It can run overnight
• Quiet generator
• It is light
Cons
• It doesn’t come with a fuel gauge
7. Generac 5735 GP17500E
The Generac 5735 is handy when it comes to running all your home essentials during a power outage or when waiting out a bad storm. It is a 16-circuit generator that powers several 120V electronics at once. This 16-gallon generator has a 17500 Watts output. It can run for up to 10 hours at a 50% load. It comes with a 12VDC 365-CCA battery and your first oil supply.
It also features a wheel kit for more comfortable moving around, complete with a maintenance kit.
Pros
• It comes with oil supply and a maintenance kit
• It is very durable
Cons
• It is bulky
8. WEN 56180
This is the ideal portable generator to use for emergencies and fun outdoor activities. It has a 1.45-gallon tank that powers it for 7.5 hours at a 50% load. It records 1800 starting watts output and 1500 running watts. You also get three outlets, that is, two three-pronged 120V options and one 12V which cigarette lighter-styled. It also has a spark arrestor that ensures it’s safe for use even in the woods and an oil shutdown feature.
Pros
• It is safe for the environment
• It is compact.
Cons
• May be challenging to start
9. Briggs & Stratton 30663
This is a potent generator with a 7000-starting-watt engine. It comes with more than 25 percent surge wattage allowing you to operate multiple electronics at the same time. It has four 120V outlets and one 120/2140V 30-amp outlet and can, therefore, run for more than 9 hours at a 50 % load on the 7.5-gallon tank.
This generator is quite heavy, weighing 221 pounds, but can easily be moved around thanks to the 12-inch wheels. It is easy to maintain thanks to the circuit breaker protection rubber covers.
Pros
• It is very powerful
• It comes with rugged wheels for easier movement
Cons
• It is loud
10. Pulsar 1200W Portable Gas-Powered Generator
This is a low power, highly portable generator that is ideal for camping trips and other fun outdoor activities that require electricity. It records 1200 starting watts and 900 running watts. It comes with two 120V outlets and one 12V DC output. This generator can run for 8.5 hours at half load on the 1.1-gallon tank.
It also comes with a power panel that features an AC reset button; DC reset button as well as a circuit breaker. It is very durable and easy to move around.
Pros
• The price is pocket-friendly/ affordable
• It is fuel-efficient
Cons
• May be challenging to start
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Portable Generator
Some of the factors to take into consideration are:
Weight
You should ensure that the generator you settle on is lightweight. This will come in handy when carrying and moving it from one place to another. A heavy generator might be challenging to carry during outdoor activities such as camping.
Noise
If you live in a neighborhood that has noise pollution policies, you need to check on the noise emission of the generator that you settle on. If you want to enjoy your peace, it is best that you go for silent generators.
Ease of movement
If you want to have an easy time moving your generator, I suggest that you settle on one with wheels. All you need to do is you push.
Run time
To ensure that you have a constant power supply, you should ensure that the generator you settle on can run for long hours to help you avoid any inconvenience.
Price
With very many options available in the market, you should not break a bank to own a portable generator. I suggest that you settle on one that is pocket-friendly to you.
Conclusion
Getting the best portable generator in 2020 should not be a hard task once you know what to look out for.