A portable generator is a good investment for anyone – individuals or families, which can be helpful during emergencies, trips, and even during typical household activities that need a portable power source.
Though there are now more portable battery or power sources available for our gadgets, as well as rechargeable lights, fans, etc., a portable generator is more helpful during extended power outages or during emergencies during trips where you need a steadier and more powerful power source.
Versions like a camping generator are essential since some camping trips may last for a few days or longer, and you may go to remote camping areas. A power bank may not suffice to juice up your gadgets or equipment.
However, a portable generator requires a hefty investment. If you need something more reliable, you have to choose a high wattage capacity that allows you to power up more gadgets, as well as longer. And the higher the wattage capacity, the more expensive it becomes.
Another consideration is the charging source or fuel source. It’s either your portable generator is powered by gas or battery. The latter can provide more power, hence, are more expensive and rugged. It can power up your home appliances like television, radio, fans, etc. Meanwhile, the former can juice up smaller gadgets, or LED lights.
Some models need to be recharged from a DC source, or a more energy-efficient version comes in the form of a solar generator, which recharges using sunlight. However, most solar powered generators cannot deliver as much power as gas-powered ones. But then, the best portable solar generator can still work on powering up your small but also essential appliance like lights, as well as charge your gadgets.
Since a portable generator is one expensive investment, we all want to get one that has the mileage and functions based on our specific needs. Thus, we checked the more popular and positively-rated ones in Amazon and narrowed down your options to the best three.
| Name | Key Feature | |
|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator– Editor’s Choice | Fuel-efficient, which can run up to 12 hours with a full tank at 1.2 gallons of fuel | Check Price |
| Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator | Works on PowerRush technology that delivers 50% more starting capacity | Check Price |
| WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator | With Fuel Shut-off that uses the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting off | Check Price |
Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator – Editor’s Choice
This portable generator is a favorite among households because of its capacity to power up your essential items at home during a power outage. It can run for about 12 hours in a 1.2-gallon fuel. That is about three times more efficient than traditional generators in the market, which makes it the best portable generator for home use.
This portable diesel generator is rated at 1,800 watts but can still accommodate 2,200 watts peak. The iGen2200 also produces a stable, sine wave output that is not destructive of sensitive electronics like your television and computer.
It is a small portable generator, weighing a measly 46 pounds, and housed in what looks like a suitcase that comes with a handle. This also makes this portable generator useful for recreation trips like camping or vacationing in remote places. It also makes a great companion whenever you are on the road so you’ll be prepared for anything like spontaneous trips or emergencies.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator highlights its quiet operation. Noise is what most people are bugged about getting gas-powered generators, so knowing that it only emits 52 dBA, which is lower than the human threshold of 60 dBA, makes it a top-of-mind choice.
If you happen to own other Westinghouse generators, which can be either the WH2200iXLT, iGen1200, iGen250 or another iGen2200, you can connect them in parallel to increase its power output. You just have to buy the parallel cord separately for this setup.
Westinghouse also provides excellent after-sales service, with a 3-year limited warranty for labor, parts, and services. This portable inverter generator, for your peace of mind, is also EPA and CARB compliant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fuel-efficient, which can run up to 12 hours with a full tank at 1.2 gallons of fuel | Some users still find it noisy especially when used in enclosed spaces |
| EPA and CARB compliant | |
| Can be connected in parallel with select Westinghouse generator models to increase power output | |
| Produces stable and clean power that is good with sensitive electronics | |
| Quiet operation at 52 dBA | |
| Comes with a 3-year limited warranty for labor, parts, and services |
Conclusion
The Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a portable generator that delivers the right amount of power to run your essential appliances at home during a power outage for up to 12 hours with a full 1.2-gallon tank capacity. It is fuel-efficient and portable, making it a great companion for trips and other on-the-go activities.
Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator
This portable generator boasts of its PowerRush technology, which promises up to 50% more starting capacity. This means it can increase its electrical capacity steadily on-demand as long as it is within its power limits. It can provide up to 3,000 watts at startup, and sustain 2,300 watts of running power throughout. Simply plug it in your power outlet to provide a continuous power source for your basic appliances at home.
This portable battery generator by Generac can run up to about 12 hours in a full tank, providing clean and stable power output, which is ideal for gadgets utilizing sensitive electronic parts. Aside from your small or sensitive electronic gadgets via their USB ports, they can also power your bigger motor-driven appliances as long as they meet the power limits.
This one is also one mobile generator. It makes the best generator for camping, which you can choose to power up your entire tent set up during an overnight, or use it for emergency during long hikes if you do not intend to bring additional fuel with you. Nonetheless, you can bring backup fuel tanks to your car and have them ready for a long-haul road trip wherever it is.
The Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator is also compact, measuring (L) 22.2 inches by (W) 13.3 inches by (H) 18.4 inches. It comes with a built-in handle for portability. It weighs 59.5 pounds, which you can also place at the back of your car.
This portable generator operates quieter than traditional generators, making it preferred by most users. With its reduced sound emission, you can still sleep more soundly during a camping trip. That said, it does not reduce performance at all.
Do you need more power output? You can parallel connect two Generac 7129 to increase the power it delivers. You just need to purchase a separate parallel connection kit for this.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with 3,000 watts starting and 2,300 watts of running power | Portable but quite heavy for some |
| Quiet operation | |
| Compact and portable | |
| Comes with USB ports to charge your gadgets | |
| Works on PowerRush technology that delivers 50% more starting capacity | |
| Works on TruePower technology that provides stable power to sensitive gadgets like phones and computers | |
| Fuel efficient |
Conclusion
The Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator is a great power backup for emergencies like outages or spontaneous long trips. This portable generator is also user-friendly, with dedicated ports for small electronic gadgets and outlet plugs to power up your home.
WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This portable generator is the lightest on this list, weighing only 39 pounds. Though this comes with a small trade-off when it comes to tank capacity and power output delivered, it still does not diminish its functionality and performance.
Portable home generators, like the WEN 56235i, must be able to power up your essential motor-driven appliances, as well as your electronics like mobile phones, tablets, or computers. And this is the case with this portable generator. You can rely on it during power outages or to power up your equipment when a direct power source is out of reach like when you working on your fence, lawn, car, etc.
The WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator produces an initial, surge power at 2,350 watts and 1,900 rated watts. It can last up to 10.5 hours running at a quarter of its maximum load capacity at a 1-gallon full tank.
This portable generator is relatively safe to charge your smartphones, tablets, and other electronic-sensitive gadgets. This is because it produces clean and stable power having only under 1.2% total harmonic distortion (THD), which are tolerable limits and will not harm your gadgets.
It also comes with an eco-mode feature. This enables the WEN 56235i to monitor your load usage and automatically adjust its fuel consumption based on it. It makes it more fuel-efficient than those without this technology, which in turn, increases its running hours, making it the best generator for home.
The WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator also features Fuel Shut-off, which allows the generator to use up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before completely shutting down. This lessens maintenance and prevents blockage as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides 2,350 surge watts and 1,900 rated watts | Does not last that long compared with other generators on this list |
| Provides clean power with less than 1.2% THD | |
| Comes with an eco-mode feature that adjusts fuel consumption based on load | |
| With Fuel Shut-off that uses the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting off | |
| Compact and lightweight at 39 pounds and 1-gallon tank |
Conclusion
The WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is best for smaller homes or households with smaller budgets because of its reduced power output. Despite that, this portable generator is not short of performance and is also reliable based on user feedback.
Final Verdict
Nonetheless, with the best portable generator, you should not get compromises when it comes to power capacity and reliability. Though your budget may have the biggest influence on your decision, I hope you also think of it as an investment, hence, it should first meet your needs.
With these in mind, the best inverter generator on this list is no other than the Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator.
The Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator provides a good balance between performance, portability, and functionality. Fuel efficiency also increases your savings in the long run, making this portable generator not just a great power backup but also a reliable companion during trips or in your home projects.