Extreme weather events like hurricanes, winter storms and wildfires are becoming more common, and each disaster is another reminder that you need to be prepared for anything. But if the last time you prepared for a disaster was during school fire drills, you may not know where to start. For starters, a disaster survival kit and emergency food items will help you meet your basic needs at home for 72 hours, and a backpack or duffel bag with emergency supplies can be a valuable addition in case of an evacuation order. But if you’re going to be holed up in one place for an extended period, you may need a portable generator.
The best portable generators can help you power essential appliances in the event of long-term power outages, like those caused by hurricanes. There are more reasons to buy a generator than just natural disasters. Whether you’re a regular camper, a tailgater or a van enthusiast, a reliable generator can help you meet your basic power needs. The first thing to do is to determine how much electricity you will need. Then, there are several types of generators that offer unique features. Here are some options to consider:
Standby generators, or whole-house generators, come on as soon as you lose power. Hospitals use backup generators (powerful, of course) that kick in within seconds. Backup or home generators are expensive and require professional installation. (Thanks to the recent freeze that paralyzed much of Texas and the Great Plains, they are also in short supply right now.) That’s why we focused on the best portable generators, which best meet most needs. We often find portable generators on construction sites and, as the name implies, can be taken anywhere. Inverter generators are the quieter, more energy-efficient counterpart to noisier portable generators. Inverters produce AC power, then convert it to DC power and back to AC power. This is a more complex process, which is why they are more expensive than most portable generators. Battery or electric generators may be suitable for basic needs, but they are not likely to power large appliances.
For back up power, there are two numbers to consider. The first is peak watts, often referred to as “starting watts” or “peak watts.” This is the maximum power output. Some devices need more power at startup but operate at a lower level. Then there are the operating watts or rated watts, which represent the power the generator can deliver at all times once it is running. The number that accompanies the generator model number is the maximum wattage, so it is important to always check the operating watts.
It is important to note that you should never use gas, natural gas, diesel fuel, propane or any other type of fuel in an enclosed space. They can produce toxic fumes, so we should always use any portable fuel generator outdoors. Solar or other battery-powered generators do not produce emissions, so they are safe to use indoors (although solar generators do not always work well indoors for reasons that should be obvious).
We’ve focused on compact generators, including electric, portable, and inverter generators, but we’ve also included some backup options.
Below are our seven recommendations for the best portable generators. Read on for our full selection, which includes fuel-powered generators, inverter generators, all-electric and solar generators, as well as larger models designed to provide backup power to homes.
Keep in mind that with winter storms in the Midwest, these generators are in high demand. Some products listed below may be out of stock or on back order.
Honda Portable Inverter Generator
THE BEST INVERTER
Honda is known for the reliability of its cars, so it’s no surprise that its electrical equipment is also reliable. This inverter generator has a power output of 2,200 watts, and because it’s an inverter, it runs quietly and efficiently. It also has an Eco-throttle mode for even better energy efficiency. It weighs less than 50 pounds, which, while not insignificant, is manageable for one person, especially with the convenient carrying handle.
Buy: Honda EU2200i Portable Generator $1,336.45
Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
THE BEST PORTABLE GENERATOR
Westinghouse was a major company in the early days of electricity, and today the company produces technology, lighting and generators, like this gas-powered electric generator. It is CARB compliant, which means it meets California’s stringent air quality standards. It has 7,500 operating watts and 9,500 peak watts of power. The push-button electric starter makes it easy to start, and you can even start it remotely with the included key fob. Plus, the WGen6000 is one of the best portable generators for sale in 2021.
Inverter Generators
The best inverter generators are known to be more fuel efficient and quieter. These generators run the engine according to demand rather than constantly, which is why they are more efficient than others. In an emergency, when you need your fuel supply to last as long as possible, this can be a major advantage. In general, small inverter generators can’t provide electricity to the entire house, but they can keep the heat and lights on while the rest of the neighborhood goes dark.
Craftsman Inverter Generator
This option from Craftsman is an inverter generator, so it’s quieter, more fuel-efficient and more portable. And, because it’s an inverter, this Craftsman generator also provides “clean” electricity, which means it’s safer to use with sensitive electronics. It has a starting power of 2,200 watts and an operating power of 1,700 watts. The tank holds 1.2 gallons of fuel, and the automatic low-fuel shutoff helps protect the unit. The Craftsman Inverter Generator is also CARB compliant, which means it meets California fuel standards.
Buy: Craftsman Inverter Generator $571.09
Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
FUEL EFFICIENT
Besides the portable generator shown above, Westinghouse also makes a portable inverter generator. The iGen2200 is fuel efficient, quiet and can run up to 12 hours continuously.
It has an operating power of 1,800 watts and a peak power of 2,200 watts.
It is also EPA and CARB compliant, which means it meets air and efficiency standards.
We can also pair it with another Westinghouse portable inverter if you need more power.
It weighs less than 50 pounds, so hand can carry it.
Buy: Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator $429.98
WEN Portable Inverter Generator
EFFICIENT AND QUIET
Wen makes a wide variety of affordable electrical equipment, like this 2,000 watt (1,600 watt operating) generator. It’s an inverter generator, which means it runs more efficiently and quietly than standard portable generators. It has two AC ports, one DC port and one USB port, so you can charge your phone and tablets. Weighing in at just under 50 pounds, we can take it on the go with relative ease.
Buy: Wen Portable Generator 431,30
Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station
THE BEST FOR PERSONAL DEVICES
This all-electric power station weighs less than 3 kg and can easily be placed on a table, making it a good option for indoor use. It provides 200 watts, making it a good option if you need a boost to charge phones, power space heaters and keep the lights on in an emergency, or for longer camping trips where a portable charger isn’t enough. You can also connect it to Jackery’s solar panels (not included) for an eco-friendly and reliable way to keep the power station charged.
Buy: Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Generator $199.99 Buy: Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Generator $299.99
Jackery Explorer 500
THE BEST FOR FAMILIES
The popular Jackery Explorer Power Station model comes in a few different sizes depending on the maximum power output. Many of these models are available through Amazon Prime. The higher the model number, the higher the power output. For example, the Power Station Explorer 1000 model generates 1,000 watts and has plenty of power outlets and additional USB ports. With their ease of use, solar charging option and convenient digital display, these are the best portable generators for most homeowners.
Buy: Jackery Explorer 500 $499.99
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