Are you looking for the best generator for your needs? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our top 10 generator picks provide you with a comprehensive list of the top generators on the market in 2021. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best generators out there so you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a generator. From portable generators to standby generators, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover which generator is best for you.
Types of Generators
1. Portable Generator
Portable generators are ideal for people who don’t need a lot of power and don’t want to spend a lot of money. They are designed to be easy to move and are typically used for camping, tailgating, and RVing. They are also a great way to keep your power on during an emergency.
2. Standby Generator
Standby generators are larger, more powerful generators that are permanently installed outdoors. They are connected to your home’s natural gas or propane supply and can provide power to your entire home in the event of a power outage.
3. Inverter Generator
Inverter generators are the latest type of generator on the market. They are smaller, more efficient, and quieter than traditional generators. They are designed to provide clean, stable power for sensitive electronics. They’re also ideal for those who need a lot of power but don’t want to sacrifice portability.
Power Output
When choosing a generator, it is important to consider the power output of the generator. Depending on your needs, you may need a generator with a high power output, or one with a low power output. The higher the power output, the more expensive the generator will be.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the generator is another important factor to consider. Portable generators are much smaller and lighter, but may not be able to produce as much power as a larger generator. On the other hand, larger generators can produce more power, but they are heavier and harder to move.
Fuel Source
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, and propane. Each fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline is the most common fuel, but it can be expensive and can produce pollutants. Diesel and propane are more efficient and cleaner, but they can be more expensive and harder to find.
Noise Level
The noise level of the generator is also important. Generators can be loud, and the noise can be disruptive. Look for a generator that is rated for low noise levels, so that it won’t disturb your neighbors or your family.
5. Maintenance and Service
Regular maintenance is essential for any generator to ensure it runs optimally and safely. Generally, generators need to be serviced every 500 hours or annually, whichever comes first. During a service, the generator’s oil, air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and cooling systems should be inspected and replaced as necessary. In addition, the engine and generator’s electrical systems should be checked for any signs of damage or corrosion, and any necessary repairs should be made. Regular maintenance will help ensure your generator’s longevity and performance.
6. Safety Features
Generators should be equipped with safety features such as low oil shutdown, automatic voltage regulation, overload protection, and spark arrestors. Low oil shutdown prevents the engine from running without enough oil, which can cause extensive damage to the motor. Automatic voltage regulation ensures the generator output is consistent and within the right voltage range. Overload protection allows the generator to shut down if it is overloaded. Spark arrestors prevent sparks from escaping the generator, which can be a fire hazard.
Top 10 Generators
- Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
- Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
- Champion Power Equipment 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
- DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator
- Briggs & Stratton P4500 Power Smart Series Portable Generator
- Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator
- WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- Rainier R2200i Portable Generator
Generators are essential for providing electricity in remote locations, and in case of power outages. The generators in this list are all reliable, durable, and provide maximum power for a variety of applications.
The Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator is a lightweight, fuel-efficient generator that offers plenty of power for a variety of needs. It’s ideal for camping, tailgating, and more. It’s quiet, easy to carry, and can run up to 8.1 hours on a single tank of gas.
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a powerful, easy-to-use and reliable portable generator. It has a 7,500-watt peak output and can provide up to 9,500 watts of continuous power. It features an electric start, a four-gallon fuel tank, and an easy-to-read fuel gauge.
The Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is a great choice for those who need reliable backup power in the event of a power outage. It has a 22 kilowatt output and can provide up to 200 amps of power. It’s easy to install, and has a five-year limited warranty.
The Champion Power Equipment 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a great choice for those who need a portable generator that can run on either gasoline or propane. It has a peak output of 3400 watts and can provide up to 2800 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an 8-hour run time.
The DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Generator is a powerful and reliable generator that can run on either gasoline or propane. It has a peak output of 12,000 watts and can provide up to 9500 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 10-hour run time.
The Briggs & Stratton P4500 Power Smart Series Portable Generator is a great choice for those who need a lightweight, portable generator. It has a peak output of 4500 watts and can provide up to 3600 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 8-hour run time.
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Generator is a great choice for those who need a reliable, lightweight generator. It has a peak output of 2000 watts and can provide up to 1600 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 10.5-hour run time.
The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a great choice for those who need a quiet, reliable generator. It has a peak output of 2000 watts and can provide up to 1600 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 8-hour run time.
The A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a great choice for those who need a lightweight, portable generator. It has a peak output of 2000 watts and can provide up to 1600 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 10-hour run time.
The Rainier R2200i Portable Generator is a great choice for those who need a powerful, portable generator. It has a peak output of 2200 watts and can provide up to 1800 watts of continuous power. It’s easy to start, and has an impressive 8-hour run time.
1. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
| Power | Noise Level | Fuel Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,500 starting watts / 6,000 running watts | 72 dBA | Gasoline | $899.00 |
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a powerful and reliable generator that offers 7,500 starting watts and 6,000 running watts. It is powered by gasoline and has a noise level of 72 dBA. This generator is equipped with a 4-stroke engine and features a convenient electric start with a remote key fob, making it easy to get it up and running. It also has a GFCI protected outlets and a USB port for charging phones and other devices. The WGen7500 has a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons and can run for up to 11 hours at 50% load. It also has a fuel gauge for easy monitoring. The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is priced at $899.00.
2. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
The Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a powerful and reliable generator that can run on either gasoline or propane. With a peak of 3400-watts and running at a steady 3100-watts, it has enough power to run most large household appliances and other electrical devices. It has an easy-pull recoil start and an electric start, making it easy to get started. Its Clean Power Technology ensures clean, safe power for sensitive electronics, and its Quiet Technology ensures quiet operation. Its cast iron sleeve ensures long-lasting durability, and its low-oil shut-off sensor helps protect the engine. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
3. Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
| Rating | Price | Starting Watts | Running Watts | Fuel Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5/5 | $2,700 | 22,000 | 18,000 | 220 Gallons |
The Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is a two-in-one unit that includes a 200 Amp transfer switch and a 10-Circuit Pre-Wired Load Center. It is powered by a reliable 457cc Generac OHVI engine that is easy to start, even in cold weather, and provides up to 22,000 starting watts and 18,000 running watts. This generator is incredibly fuel efficient, with a 220-gallon tank that provides 8-12 hours of runtime. It is also easy to maintain, with convenient features like an oil change indicator, an hour meter and a maintenance free, brushless alternator. The generator also offers a five-year limited warranty and an exclusive Mobile Link cellular remote monitoring system that allows you to monitor the generator’s performance from anywhere.
4. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56380i is a powerful portable inverter generator with a 3800-watt maximum output and a running wattage of 3400 watts. Its lightweight design and small size make it easy to transport, while the built-in handle and wheel kit make it even simpler. With a noise level of only 57 decibels at 25% load, this generator is one of the quietest on the market. The WEN 56380i is also fuel-efficient, with a run time of up to 8.5 hours on a single tank of gas. It is equipped with a variety of outlets, including two 120-volt AC outlets and one 12-volt DC outlet, as well as a USB port. Additionally, the WEN 56380i is CARB-compliant and EPA III-certified for safe operation.
5. Briggs & Stratton 30675 Q6500 QuietPower Series Portable Generator
The Briggs & Stratton 30675 Q6500 QuietPower Series Portable Generator is a reliable and powerful generator for both home and recreational use. It features a 6500 watt output and can run for up to 10 hours on a full tank of gas. The QuietPower technology ensures a quieter operation than most other generators, reducing noise levels to 57 decibels. It also features a patented Power Surge alternator, allowing up to 25% more starting power for all your power needs. This generator is easy to use, and comes with an intuitive control panel and four 120V outlets, allowing you to power multiple appliances at once. It also comes with an LCD hour meter and low oil shut-off protection. The heavy-duty frame and never-flat wheels make it easy to transport, and its lightweight design makes it perfect for camping and tailgating.
6. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
- Quiet operation: Yamaha’s advanced technology makes the EF2000iSv2 one of the quietest portable inverter generators in its class, producing just 51.5 to 61 dB(A).
- Fuel efficient: This Yamaha model features Smart Throttle technology, allowing it to adjust engine speed to match the load. This leads to increased fuel efficiency, with the EF2000iSv2 running for up to 10.5 hours on one tank of gas at a 25% load.
- Easy to operate: Starting the EF2000iSv2 is easy, thanks to its electric start, and its control panel is easy to use as well. It features an easy-to-read LCD display and a 12V DC outlet.
- High performance: The EF2000iSv2 produces 2000 watts of continuous power and a maximum of 2,800 watts. It also features Overload Protection, which shuts the generator down if it senses an overload.
- Lightweight: Weighing just 44 pounds, the EF2000iSv2 is one of the lightest portable inverter generators in its class. This makes it easy to transport, whether you’re using it for camping or tailgating.
7. Generac GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator
| Brand | Generac |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable Inverter Generator |
| Power Rating | 2,200 Watts |
| Starting Wattage | 2,800 Watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Capacity | 0.95 Gallons |
| Run Time | 10 Hours @ 25% Load |
The Generac GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator is designed to provide reliable, clean power for a variety of applications. With a 2,200 watt power rating and 2,800 watt starting wattage, this generator is capable of powering most small appliances and electronics. It runs on gasoline and has a 0.95 gallon fuel capacity, allowing it to run for up to 10 hours at 25% load. The Generac GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator also features low noise operation, making it ideal for camping trips and outdoor activities.
8. DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a heavy-duty generator with a 12,000-watt peak output and 9,500-watt continuous output. It is powered by a 18-horsepower air-cooled OHV engine and has a 7.9-gallon fuel tank capacity. It is equipped with an electric start, making it easy to start and shut down. It also features an overload protection system that automatically shuts down the engine if it is overloaded. The generator also includes two 120-volt outlets, one 120/240-volt outlet, and one 30-amp RV outlet. It is dual fuel capable, meaning it can run on either gasoline or propane, making it versatile and convenient. The generator also has a four-way splitter allowing it to power multiple appliances at once. This generator is ideal for powering large appliances and tools such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and power tools. It is also ideal for tailgating, camping, and other outdoor activities.
9. Champion Power Equipment 100402 4000-Watt Portable Generator
- Generator provides 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts
- 4 gallon fuel tank provides up to 11 hours of run time at 25% load
- Equipped with Intelligauge, Volt Guard and Cold Start Technology
- Outlets include two 120V 20A household outlets and 1 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
- Noise level: 68 dBA from 23 feet
- CARB Compliant
This Champion Power Equipment 100402 4000-Watt Portable Generator is a great choice for those who need reliable power in remote locations. It has 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts, making it a great choice for many applications. The 4 gallon fuel tank provides up to 11 hours of run time at 25% load, so you won’t need to worry about constant refueling. It is equipped with Intelligauge, Volt Guard and Cold Start Technology, allowing for easy and reliable start-up. Outlets include two 120V 20A household outlets and 1 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, giving you plenty of options for powering your devices. The noise level is 68 dBA from 23 feet, making it a quieter generator than some other models. Lastly, this generator is CARB Compliant and comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
10. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator
The DuroStar DS4000S is a 4,000 watt portable generator ideal for camping, tailgating, and emergency power. It has a 7.0 horsepower air-cooled OHV engine, a 4-gallon fuel tank capacity, and a runtime of 8 hours at 50 percent load. It features a low-oil shutoff, automatic voltage regulation, and a spark arrestor, making it a safe and reliable generator. The generator is lightweight, making it easy to move around, and has two 120-volt outlets and a 12-volt DC outlet. It also comes with a wheel kit and folding handle for easy portability. Overall, the DuroStar DS4000S is a great option for a reliable and affordable portable generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of portable generator?
Honda is widely considered the best brand of portable generator due to its high-quality construction and reliability. Honda generators are known for their low noise level, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability. Their models come in a variety of sizes and power levels, making them suitable for a range of applications. Other popular portable generator brands include Yamaha and Generac, both of which offer reliable products at competitive prices.
What is the best portable generator for the money?
The best portable generator for the money is the Honda EU2200i, which offers the best balance of price, performance, and noise levels. It is lightweight, fuel-efficient, and provides enough power to run small appliances, tools, and lights. It also produces less noise than other generators in its price range.
What is the Best Portable Generator on the Market?
The best portable generator on the market is the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start. It is powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV engine and produces up to 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts. It features a 6.6-gallon fuel tank and can run up to 16 hours at a 50% load. It also features a remote electric start, a digital LCD display, and two GFCI outlets for added safety. It is perfect for home backup power, camping, and tailgating.
What are the top rated portable generators?
Portable generators are a great way to keep your home or business powered during an outage. They can also be used for camping trips, tailgating, or other outdoor activities. The best portable generators are powerful, quiet, and fuel efficient. They should also be easy to transport and have a long runtime. Popular models include the Honda EU2200i, Westinghouse WGen3600, Generac GP2200i, and WEN 56200i.
What are the most efficient portable generators?
Portable generators are an ideal solution for a variety of power needs, from powering small equipment to providing backup power to an entire household. Efficiency is an important factor when choosing a generator, as more efficient models will cost less to operate. The most efficient portable generators are usually inverter generators, as they provide clean power and can be adjusted to match the load, resulting in less fuel consumption and improved efficiency. Some of the most efficient models use cutting-edge inverter technology and offer runtimes of up to 20 hours on a single tank of fuel.
Conclusion
Generators can be an invaluable tool for a variety of activities and occasions, from powering your home in an emergency to camping and tailgating with friends. Our top 10 generator picks have something for everyone, from budget-friendly options to those that offer a wealth of features. Weigh the pros and cons of each model and make the best decision for your needs.
