The Best Portable Generators to Power Every Outdoor Adventure
Whether you’re camping for a few weeks or spending a peaceful weekend in the wild, a reliable generator is priceless. It will help you power some devices, appliances, or even an entire RV tent. Finding a top-quality portable generator can be very difficult, however. Luckily, we’ve taken a look at dozens of products and evaluated the top portable generators in 2023, along with some essentials to look out for.
Our detailed guide will not only provide you with a list of top-quality devices to pick from, but it will also help you narrow down your choices and pick a power generator without pouring your money down the drain. So, without further ado, let’s get going!
Reviewing Our Favorite Portable Generators of 2023
Jackery Portable Generator
– Best OverallCapable of producing up to 200 watts of power, the Jackery Portable Generator is guaranteed to last for a very long time. So, you don’t need to worry about running out of power supply anytime you go outdoors.
An all-inclusive power station, this product’s AC outlet and two USB ports are sure to keep your devices powered. Plus, it comes with a DC carport to charge road trip essentials like your smartphone, laptop, fans, lights, camera, and so on. And, since it’s so compact and lightweight, transporting this portable generator is a cinch. When I see standout features like its high power output, versatility, and portability, it’s hard not to place this product as our top choice.
- Can be recharged while using the device
- Has multiple charging options
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Produces no emissions
- Not suitable for charging high-voltage devices
DuroMax Portable Generator
– Most EffectiveIf you’re looking for power, then the 12,000-watt DuroMax Portable Generator is the product for you. It is powered by a four-stroke, 457-cc OHV (overhead valve) engine that ensures that you never run out of power whenever you go on outdoor adventures. Even more, it offers you the luxury of choosing between running the generator at 120 and 240 volts simultaneously or only at 120 volts with maximum efficiency. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or going on a long bus trip, this generator will give you all of the power that you need.
- Runs on both gasoline and propane
- Can run for up to eight hours
- Operates smoothly and quietly
- Too heavy to carry around
EF ECOFLOW Portable Generator
– Fastest ChargingThe EF ECOFLOW Portable Generator is a perfect blend of power and portability for any on-the-go lifestyle. With its three pure sine wave AC outlets and 720-watt-hour capacity, it can provide simultaneous power to up to 10 devices, making it a must-have for camping, RVing, outdoor activities, and off-the-grid living.
This product features EcoFlow’s patented X-Stream technology, which allows it to charge from 0 to 80% in just one hour. Meanwhile, with a built-in 600-watt inverter, it can provide up to 1,800 watts of power to some devices with the X-Boost mode on. So, if you’re searching for an effective and convenient portable generator, look no further.
- Charges very quickly
- Three AC outlets for multiple devices
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes with a 24-month product guarantee
- App isn’t very good
Champion 2,000-Watt Portable Generator
– Most PortableIf you’re looking for a product that’s truly easy to transport, Champion 2,000-Watt Portable Generator is a great choice. A 2,000-watt device that weighs only 39.5 pounds, this pick offers a ton of power in a small, easy-to-carry package. Along with that, it’s designed with two covered 120-volt outlets that ensure a clean electricity supply with less than 3% THD (total harmonic distortion). As the cherry on top, this portable generator comes with a reliable recoil start and a cold start feature that ensure a rapid start, even in icy conditions.
- Runs for about 11.5 hours on a full tank
- Two 120-volt outlets power your devices
- Optional clip-on parallel kit for more power
- Comes with a three-year limited warranty
- Only uses gasoline
Westinghouse Portable Generator
– Easiest To UseThe 7,500-watt Westinghouse Portable Generator is easy to use, making for a frustration-free way to power your devices. Powered by a four-stroke OHV engine, it’s guaranteed to give you the maximum power supply you need on every outdoor adventure. Plus, it features a durable case iron sleeve with a digital hour meter and automatic shutdown for low-oil situations. Best of all, using this portable generator isn’t a hassle at all — its convenient plug-and-play design ensures you’ll be able to get going right away!
- Convenient push-button start
- Runs for 11 hours on one full tank
- Can be started about 260 feet away
- Rubber-covered outlets for safety
- Filling the tank requires lots of gas
Durostar Portable Generator
– Most ConvenientThis robust Durostar Portable Generator comes with a 208cc OHV engine that offers plenty of power, making it perfect for almost any outdoor activity. This high power output allows it to seamlessly handle power-consuming devices, such as lights, a refrigerator, or an air conditioner, without issue. And, because this portable generator is approved by both the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board), you can feel reassured about its safety.
- Comes with a set of tools
- Automatically turns off with low oil
- Can measure voltage output
- An EPA and CARB-approved generator
- Doesn’t have an automatic voltage regulator
Honda Portable Generator
– Quiet OptionThe Honda Portable Generator is extremely portable and versatile, making it perfect for home, camping, and work sites. It is guaranteed to supply stable and clean power that is as safe as the supply from your home outlets. Further, it comes with a close-off fuel valve, letting the engine continue running with the fuel supply off. As a result, it protects your device from potential issues related to stale fuel. On top of that, this portable generator also has a large spout and oil drain gutter that makes oil changes faster and cleaner.
- Extremely quiet operation
- Very full-efficient design
- Light, compact, and portable
- Supports a matching generator for additional power
- It is quite expensive
WEN Portable Generator
– Most VersatileThe WEN Portable Generator comes with a 224cc, four-stroke OHV engine that’ll supply you with all the power you need. Only weighing in at 105.8 pounds, this portable pick is a great way to power your RV and more while camping. Additionally, this portable generator quickly switches between the 120 and 240-volt outlets, making it perfect for emergency backups and transfer switches. And, if that wasn’t enough for you, the generator comes with a wheel and handle kit that makes it portable and easy to carry around.
- Includes a wheel and handle kit
- Runs on both propane and gasoline
- Convenient electric start system
- Design is CARB-compliant
- May have issues running on gasoline
- Too loud for some
BLUETTI Portable Generator
– Best Solar GeneratorThe BLUETTI Portable Generator is an exceptional portable power station with impressive features. With its 716-watt-hour battery capacity and built-in MPPT (maximum power point tracking) controller, it’s a reliable energy source no matter where you are. Even better, the included PV200 200-watt foldable solar panel lets you replenish the generator from 0 to 80% in just three to six hours. It can be recharged from a 12 or 24-volt carport as well, allowing for fast and convenient recharging.
Thanks to its ultra-safe LiFePO4 battery cells and premium BMS tech, this solar generator offers over 2,500 recharge cycles to 80%. This helps provide the peace of mind that your energy needs will be met when needed most. In addition to its impressive power capabilities, this portable generator also features a variety of ports, including four 120-volt AC outlets, USB-A and C ports, a DC port, and a carport. With all of these excellent features, what more could you want?
- Built-in MPPT controller
- Features many different ports
- Impressive power capabilities
- Quickly charges your phone
- A little bulky
Portable Generators: A Buying Guide
If, like me, you’re someone who enjoys going out on outdoor adventures, from camping to road trips, you’ll need a portable generator. But, when it comes to devices like electric generators, a small mistake can be very costly. Buying a low-quality generator without a guarantee is an expensive mistake that you need to avoid. So, you may ask, “How can I find a good portable generator without completely emptying my wallet?”
Luckily, I’ve put together a buying guide to help you purchase a generator that’ll suit your needs. Here, I’ll break down some crucial factors that you’ll need to consider in order to buy a top-notch product. Let’s get started!
Important Considerations Before Buying a Portable Generator
Power
Generally, you should always go for a generator that’s capable of supplying large amounts of power. Always remember, the greater the power it delivers, the more valuable you will find it. And, if you’re looking for the most efficiency, I’d recommend going for a device with multiple power outlets.
Cost
Generally, a top-quality portable generator falls under the price range of $120 to $1500. Given that, you should remember that a generator’s price depends greatly on its features, its efficiency, and some other factors. While a large price tag might seem intimidating and discouraging at first, I’d like to point out that more expensive generators are often worth the cost.
Warranty
Before you buy a generator, you should always look at its warranty. Generally, you should go for a generator with at least two years warranty — this will reassure you that the purchase you’re about to make is a safe one.
Essential Features for a Portable Generator
Portability
Before buying a generator, you should check its weight, size, and general portability, and then make comparisons where necessary. Though optional, you should also look for one with extra features that makes it more portable, such as wheels or a handle.
Depending on its intended use, a portable generator’s ideal weight should be less than 230 pounds. Anything above that becomes harder to carry around.
Fuel consumption
The amount of fuel needed to run your generator will significantly affect how much you spend on maintenance. So, before purchasing, consider your desired generator’s fuel consumption rate. Additionally, look for a dual-fuel feature that lets your device run on gasoline and propane (a very similar fuel), making it much more economical to use. Lastly, be sure to take the generator’s fuel capacity into account as well.
Running time
Be sure to factor in your generator of choice’s running time; this will prevent you from investing in a generator that barely lasts for a couple of hours before shutting off. You should always go for a device with a minimum runtime of eight hours, depending on the load it powers.
Noise level
While on the hunt for a portable generator, you shouldn’t ignore its noise level. If you want something quiet, you should consider choosing a smaller generator because it won’t make as much noise. Always remember that the higher the generator’s wattage, the louder it becomes.
How To Make a Generator Last Longer
While buying a backup generator is essential, maintaining it is also vital. The quality of maintenance your device gets will determine how long it serves you. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until it becomes faulty to do some menial maintenance on it.
One thing you can do is to check the oil and change it regularly frequently. Doing this will prevent your power device from knocking. Additionally, make sure to clean the fuel tank regularly and change the gas after each use. You should also avoid using old fuel to run your generator, as it may contain particles that can damage it. Lastly, always store your generator properly and avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions.
The Benefits of Owning a Portable Generator
Without a doubt, a generator is essential for any home. Not only will it supply power to your devices outdoors, but it’ll also come in handy during a power outage. Owning a portable generator will give you the confidence you need to go on any outdoor adventure without fearing a blackout.
People Also Ask
A: Yes, they can run overnight. Most of the generators on this list can run for at least nine hours on a full tank, making them perfect for supplying power overnight.
A: An automatic voltage regulator helps to balance the voltage output of a generator. It is used when power is needed for heavier, more sensitive types of equipment.
A: If this happens, it can cause a lot of damage to your generator. This is because, as a generator runs out of fuel, the engine is likely to surge. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) can be used to prevent this from affecting your electronic equipment.
A: Portable generators are a great way to power various devices, including phones, lamps, TVs, fridges, and more while on the go. They're also an excellent way to keep the lights (and more) on if a power outage occurs.
A: Portable generators are quite handy, but they do run the risk of being hazardous. In particular, they can produce carbon monoxide and could potentially burn or shock you — so, always pay attention and try to stay safe when using a generator. While this isn't as major as safety, another disadvantage is that portable generators can be pretty expensive. So, if you need a generator for whatever reason, you'll be looking at a pretty sizeable price tag.
