Best Portable Generators to Power Every Outdoor Adventure
Whether you’re camping for a few weeks or spending a peaceful weekend in the wild, having a durable generator by your side is priceless. It will help you power some devices, appliances, or even an entire RV tent. However, finding a top-quality portable generator can be very difficult. Out there, you will find a plethora of devices that claim to be of great quality, making it even harder to know which one truly sticks to its claim. Luckily, we have examined dozens of products and evaluated the top portable generators in 2022.
In addition, we have put together a list of factors to consider before buying your backup generator. Reading this guide will not only provide you with a list of top-quality devices to pick from, but it will also help you to understand how you can narrow down your choices and pick the best power generator in the market without pouring your money down the drain.
What is the Best Portable Generator in 2022?
Jackery Portable Generator
– Top Pick
This super portable generator is featured with 200 watts of power output 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. It comes with a DC carport to charge your road trip essentials like your smartphones, laptops, fans, lights, camera, and so on. With this generator, you can never care less about space or weight as it is only 3.1 kg.
- It can be easily recharged while using the device at the same time.
- You can charge it with three different outlets; your car outlet, wall outlet, and the Solar Saga 60 outlet.
- When it operates below 10W for over 12 hours, it will activate the economy mode and shut down automatically.
- It is not suitable for charging high-voltage devices
DuroMax Portable Generator
– Runner Up
If you’re looking for power, this 12000 watts generator can not be pushed to a corner. It is backed by a 4-stroke 457cc OHV engine which ensures that you never run out of power whenever you go on outdoor adventures. Besides, it offers you the luxury of choosing between running the generator simultaneously on 240 V and 120 V supply or only at 120 V with maximum efficiency. Whether you’re staying for the weekend or going on a long bus trip, this generator will give you the full power that you need.
- It runs on both gasoline and propane, which makes it great for fuel conservation.
- It has a durable battery which allows it to run for up to 8 hours non stop
- It operates smoothly, quietly, and with zero frustration
- It weighs 240 pounds which makes it relatively heavier to carry around
Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator
– Honorable Mention
If you need a combination of power and portability, then this inverter generator is a great choice to consider. It is a 2000 watts device, which weighs only 39.5 pounds. Besides, it is featured with two covered 120V household outlets that ensure a clean electricity supply with less than 3% THD. That’s not all; it comes with a reliable recoil start and a cold start feature that ensure a rapid start even in icy conditions.
- With one full 1.05-gallon gasoline tank, this inverter will run for about 11.5 hours.
- Its clip-on parallel kit allows you to connect with an extra 2000-watt inverter, helping you double the output.
- It includes a 3-year warranty backed by lifetime support for all technical issues.
- It only uses gasoline
Westinghouse Portable Generator
– Also Consider
This 7500 watts generator is easy to use and ensures zero frustration. It is powered by a 4-Stroke OHV engine guaranteed to give you the maximum power supply you need on every outdoor adventure. Besides, it is featured with a durable Iron Sleeve with a digital hour meter and an automatic Shutdown feature for low-oil situations. It only weighs 192 pounds, making it moderately portable for an on-the-go power supply.
- It has a push-button electric starter, making it easier to start for emergency use.
- It runs for 11 hours non-stop with one full 6.6-gallon fuel tank.
- It can be turned on conveniently from a distance of about 260 ft away
- It requires a large quantity of gasoline to fill a tank
This 4000 watts generator comes with a DuroStar 208cc OHV engine that offers you plenty of power, making it highly suitable for every outdoor activity. The power output allows it to seamlessly handle power-consuming devices such as lights and a refrigerator without excluding your air conditioner and other devices with high amperage. It is ideal for powering your RV on your camping trip.
- It automatically turns off when the oil is low, making it perfect for fuel conservation.
- It gives you the comfort of selecting multiple power outlets for maximum compatibility.
- It can be used for quickly measuring the voltage output
- It does not have an automatic voltage regulator
This inverter generator is extremely portable and versatile, making it perfect for use at 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. Besides, it comes with a close-off fuel valve, allowing the engine to continue running with the fuel supply off. Thus, it protects your device against issues related to stale fuel. On top of that, it also has a large spout and oil drain gutter that makes oil changes faster and cleaner.
- It runs for about 9.6 hours on one full 0.95-gallon tank, depending on the load.
- It operates with the least possible noise.
- It supports a second EU2200i generator for additional power.
- It is quite expensive
This 4750-watt generator comes with a 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine that will supply you with all the power you need to rock every outdoor adventure. Only weighing 105.8 Pounds, it is great for powering your RV while camping. It has an automatic voltage that quickly switches between the 120V and 240V outlet, making it perfect for emergency backups and transfer switches. Besides, it comes with a wheel and handle kit that makes it portable and easy to carry around.
- You can efficiently run it on propane or gasoline.
- It runs for roughly 11 hours on a full 4-gallon tank and has 50% efficiency.
- You can easily power on your generator using the electric start system
- It sells out in no time
Buying Guide for the Best Portable Generators
If you’re someone who enjoys going out on outdoor adventures, from camping to road trips, you need an efficient and durable generator. However, when it comes to high-performing 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 the best portable generator without breaking my wallet?
Luckily, we have put together this buying guide to help you purchase one of the best generators in the market. This guide will help you understand some crucial factors to consider to buy a top-notch product within your budget.
What Major Factors Should You Consider Before Buying a Portable Generator?
Power
While buying a generator, this should be at the top of your list of factors. Generally, you should always go for a generator that is capable of supplying large amounts of power. Always remember, the greater the power it delivers, the more valuable you will find it. Besides, you should always opt for a device with multiple power outlets. Luckily, most of the products on this list are great sources of power. Ranging from 240 watts to 12000 watts, you can always rely on them to supply you with the right amount of energy that you need.
Cost
After considering the power of your generator, the next vital factor to consider is its price. The last thing you would want is spending way too much on a generator that isn’t worth the amount you paid for it. Generally, a top-quality portable generator falls under the price range of $120 to $1500. Given that, you should remember that the price of a generator depends greatly on the features, its efficiency, and some other factors. So, read on to discover other factors that will help you determine how much you’re willing to pay for a generator.
Warranty
Before you buy any generator, you need to be convinced that it will last long. You should always verify the warranty on the product before buying it. Generally, you should look for a generator with at least two years warranty as this will assure you that the purchase you’re about to make is a safe one. The products we reviewed above all have their warranties; some even apply for up to 3 years.
Which Other Features Can Help You Narrow Down Your Search for the Best Generator?
Portability
Before buying a generator, you should check its weight and size and make comparisons where necessary. Doing this will help you confirm that its weight and size are perfect for you. Though optional, you should also look for one with extra features that makes it more transportable, such as a wheel or handle. Depending on use, the ideal weight of a portable outdoor generator should be less than 230 pounds. Anything above that becomes harder to carry around. Luckily, all the products that we have reviewed on this list have sizes ranging from 6.6 pounds to 224 pounds, making them perfect for powering many outdoor activities.
Fuel consumption
The amount of fuel needed to run your generator will significantly affect how much you spend on maintenance. So, before making any purchase, you need to consider the fuel consumption rate of your desired generator. Besides, you should look for a dual fuel feature that allows your device to run on gasoline and propane (a very similar fuel), making it much more economical to use. Also, the fuel capacity is something you need to take into account. Based on our review, you can find devices that have moderate fuel capacities ranging from 0.95 gallons to 6.6 gallons.
Running time
Before making any purchase, you need to consider the running time of your generator. It 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 power device with a minimum runtime of 8 hours, depending on the load it powers. Generally, camping generators cannot power many devices, so you should ensure that you power only the ideal capacity of machines. Fortunately, the products that we’ve reviewed above have runtimes ranging from 9.6 hours to 12 hours, making them perfect for camping, road trips, and overnight power supply.
Noise level
While buying your generator, you shouldn’t ignore the noise level. If you want less noise from your generator, you should consider choosing a smaller generator because it is more effective for reducing noise. Besides, always remember that the higher the generator’s wattage, the louder it becomes. Luckily, from our reviews above, you can find portable generators that offer quiet and smooth operations.
How Can You Make Your 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. 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. Besides, make sure to clean the fuel tank regularly and change the gas after each use. You should also avoid using old fuels to run your generator as they may contain particles that can damage it. Lastly, always store your generator properly and avoid exposing it to extreme weather conditions.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Portable Generator?
Without any trace of doubt, a generator is an essential tool to acquire. Not only will it supply power to your devices outdoors, but it will also come in handy whenever you experience a power failure. Owning a portable generator will give you the confidence you need to leap on any outdoor adventure without the fear of going through a blackout.
Portable Generator FAQ
A: Yes, you can run it overnight. Most generators on this list can run for at least 9 hours on a full tank, making them perfect for overnight power and a long-time supply.
A: An automatic voltage regulator helps to balance the voltage output of a generator. It is used when power is needed for heavy and more sensitive types of equipment.
A: It can cause a lot of damage. 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.
