You’ll find small portable generators with just a few hundred watts of power up to large high-power models with 12,000 or more max watts. Many are somewhere in between, with popular portable generators for home use offering 3,000 to 5,000 watts of power. To tap into this power, consider the type and number of outlets the generator is equipped with. You should look for a mix of 120V household outlets and heavy-duty 120/240V outlets if you plan to operate both large and small appliances. Portable generators usually operate on gas, but some dual fuel models give you the option to utilize propane. Regardless of which type of generator you choose, be sure to check the decibel level to determine how noisy or quiet the generator will be. Don’t get left in the dark during the next power outage or off-grid occasion. Check out these top portable generators on the market now. Customers find the noise to be as expected, with a manufacturer’s rating of 65 dBA from 23 feet. This generator’s compact size means that it’s easy to take camping or out to a job site. At about 60 pounds, it’s possible for one person to carry—though it’s even easier for two people to pick up using the built-in handles. To run large household appliances, you’ll want a generator with 3,000 to 6,500 watts of power, depending on the size and number of appliances you’re planning to operate. This best-selling model from Ryobi cranks out up to 8,125 starting watts and 6,500 running watts for operating everything from fridges and freezers to sump pumps and hot water heaters. You can also rely it on for powering smaller appliances like televisions and supplying power to your recharge your electronics. The unit has two 120V 20A outlets plus a single 120/240V 30A outlet. With a full tank, this unit will operate for up to ten hours (depending on wattage use). It includes an EasyStart system to make a cold start a snap and also features sturdy wheels with a handle frame that make maneuvering this generator into place much easier. This model of Sportsman generator is equipped with 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts. Tap into the power using the four 120V outlets, the single 120V 30A RV-ready outlet, or the 12V DC outlet. RV enthusiasts and campers appreciate that this portable generator can run on propane and find it to be suitable for many applications. However, a few people noted that it is noisier than some other more expensive portable generators, so this model might be better for solo wilderness adventures than in an RV park. This model has a Bluetooth feature that enables you to monitor the status of the generator right from your smartphone. You can even shut the generator off remotely using the app. In addition, this small portable generator includes safety features like a low oil shutoff and carbon monoxide shutdown. While this portable inverter generator offers more limited power compared to larger models, you can power a single major appliance (like your fridge or microwave) or use it to operate several smaller devices simultaneously (phone charger, lamp, fan, etc.). One of the most common gripes with this generator is that filling it with oil is tricky due to the way the unit is designed. However, with a little patience and the right funnel, the job can be done. The included batteries charge using a wall adaptor, and more batteries are available to purchase as a backup—but they’re pricey. However, shoppers find this battery generator to be very handy during short-term power outages. Instead of having to store fuel, just keep the batteries charged up and ready for instant power. Keep in mind that this isn’t a high-power generator; it’s better suited for small appliances and charging electronics than keeping your fridge chilled. It’s also been used by camping enthusiasts looking for a quiet portable generator that lets them appreciate the silence of the great outdoors. Customers say they’ve used the Beast to power central air conditioning units, full-size refrigerators, televisions, and coffee makers—all at once. In fact, some people have even installed this portable generator to a fixed location outside the house and installed a transfer switch for instant power in the event of an outage. It can run on gasoline or propane, whichever you prefer. The lithium-ion battery can be charged on the go using the car adaptor. It’s also well-suited for solar charging, though you’ll need to purchase a solar panel to make the most of this off-grid portable generator functionality. This portable generator has pure sine wave power, which means it’s safer for small electronics. Buyers consistently praise this small generator and are often surprised by how much power it can supply. One person reports that this unit has enough to power a 10,000 BTU A/C unit. It also can handle many small tasks, like a power strip loaded up with a shop light, stereo, string lights, and a fan. Plus with the addition of a solar panel, you can charge this portable generator anytime, anywhere, and also have power! There are two important metrics to know when evaluating a generator’s power: running watts and starting watts. Running watts indicate how much power the generator can continuously produce. Starting watts are also known as surge watts or peak watts, since these are a measure of how much power a generator can produce in short bursts—such as when turning on a major appliance connected to the generator, like a refrigerator.
Outlets
The type and number of outlets on a portable generator will vary, but typically include a combination of 120V 20 amp household outlets, 120/240V 50 amp receptacles, and 120/240V 30 amp twist-lock receptacles. Some may have GFCI-protected outlets.
Fuel Type
Portable generators rely on fuel to produce power (with the exception of battery-powered options). Gasoline is the most common fuel type for portable generators, though some models offer dual fuel flexibility and can run using gas or propane. Diesel portable generators are also available on the market and offer greater fuel efficiency but these models tend to be more expensive. An alternative to diesel, gas, or propane portable generators is a battery-powered generator. This is the only type of generator that can be used indoors but it’s also popular for camping or off-grid use. Instead of filling it with fuel, a battery portable generator must be charged up using electricity or solar energy.
Operating Noise
Portable generators have a reputation for being noisy. For the sake of your own sanity (and that of your neighbors), check the operational volume (measured in decibels) for any portable generator you consider purchasing. A quiet portable generator may register at about 60 decibels, but many models are between 70 and 80 decibels.
