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The Best Portable Home Generators Of 2023: Top Choices & Buying Guide

Home generators can help you keep the bulbs on, the air conditioner or heater functioning, and your appliances operating whenever a power outage happens.

On the other hand, buying a portable generator comes at a high cost, and it can be challenging to determine which ones are truly worth the money.

We recommend the best portable home generators right here. You can also learn some buying tips to get the most suitable item for your needs. 


Comparison Table

Showing  1 - 10  in  34 results
TOP Choice
1
  • SCORE
    9.8
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    DuroMax
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Jackery
3
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment
4
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Champion Power Equipment
5
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    WEN
6
  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Jackery
7
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Generac
8
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    Briggs & Stratton
9
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    WEN
10
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Reviews are based on big data aggregated from sales pages and product buyer reviews. All ranking arrangements are automatically AI-driven according to product buyer reviews.

  • Brand
    DuroStar

Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

4.7
3 ratings

Buying Guide

It's crucial to think about how the specifications and style of a portable generator will affect your experience.

Before purchasing any product, consider the following aspects. 

Wattage

A transportable generator's wattage differs from model to model and relates to the amount of power it generates.

In a small model, the operating watts, or the power available to keep machines and electronics running, may run between 200 and 7,500.

DuroMax XP12000EH, with a high wattage output of roughly 9,000 watts, can operate some of your house's most essential appliances.

Smaller engines have roughly 200 watts of electricity, which is sufficient to power small electronics like laptops and phones.

Noise

Different factors, such as power source and wattage, determine the portable engine's noise level.

Some models inform their operating decibels to assist customers in better comprehending a unit's loudness.

The Westinghouse WGEN7500, for example, produces 72 dBA, which is comparable to the noise of a vacuum cleaner working.

Smaller versions have a sound level of approximately 57 dBA, like this Champion 100519, which is equal to background music.

Price

If you are on a limited budget, consider carefully what you want to keep operating in terms of a power outage.

  • Small (2,000 - 5,000 watts): $400 - $700
  • Mid-sized (5,000 - 7,000 watts): $800 - $1,000
  • Large (more than 7,000 watts): $1,000 - $1,200

If price is your top concern, go for the cheap models, such as this WEN GN6000. The good news is that a low price doesn't mean poor quality. It can run well and save your budget at the same time. 

Fuel type

Most home generators are battery- or gas-powered. High-powered Generac 7680 GP6500 can operate big appliances in your house.

On the other hand, gas-powered generators are often more costly and noisier than battery-powered ones due to their capacity.

Low-power engines with adequate energy to fuel tiny gadgets are battery-powered machines.

Battery-powered generators, despite their limited power, produce less noise and are often less expensive than gas-powered versions.

Convenience

Generators may include various features to make operations as convenient and straightforward as feasible.

Instead of physically starting a machine with a pull cord, many modern models have an easy electronic start that allows you to control the unit from a distance.

A fuel gauge is available on specific models, enabling you to keep a careful eye on the unit's fuel level. Consider Briggs & Stratton S3500 if you like this feature. 

Safety

Along with the elements that help convenience, many generators also include a few critical safety features.

Some models, such as this WEN 56203i, come with an integrated CO sensor that automatically switches off the generator once CO levels hit a particular level, reducing the danger of CO poisoning.


How We Test

Our testing process ensures that the generator can function as expected when you need it.

To accomplish so, our highly-qualified engineers test each generator by plugging in a range of items such as a space heater, fridge, or air conditioner.

We ensure the machine can carry the load it claims and figure out what occurs if the voltage suddenly spikes.

We also consider how simple it is to transport and operate a generator and how fuel-efficient it is and how long it can work on one tank.

You can learn more about how the machine works from this video. 

 

Source: RepairClinic.com


FAQs

Here are some questions people often wonder when buying portable generators. Let's check as you may have the same questions.

1. How does a portable home generator work?

Portable generators function as a backup power supply for your home in the case of a power outage. You can use them to power household gadgets and appliances.

These generators, unlike standby versions, can move. They provide less electricity than their standby equivalents, but they are usually less expensive.

2. How many watts does the generator need to power my house? 

The overall number of watts required to operate your house fluctuates depending on the number of household appliances.

You need to determine the starting watts, or the power required to run a motor-driven device, for each item and light you want to power. 

3. Do I need to get a permit for my generator? 

Before installing this machine, most governments and towns demand that you get a permit.

However, this rule is not a requirement in every region. Check your town's regulations to be sure you have such a permit if necessary.

4. What engine size do I need for my home?

To figure out the necessary power level to work with during the electrical outage, you can add up the total amount of wattage required for all your appliances. 

In general, a home generator should offer about 4,000 to 5,000 watts, like this DuroStar DS4000S, to power all essential appliances in your home. 

5. Do all home generators need oil to run?

Oil is important for these machines to function correctly without tearing out the mechanical components. You should lubricate your device every two years or when it has worked for 200 hours.


Conclusion

We have shared with you the best portable home generators. You can narrow your selection by considering different factors, such as price, noise, wattage, and fuel type.

Here are some best deals to sum up:

Hopefully, the list we have shared can help you determine what can run your house efficiently and fit your target budget. For any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading! 


Lumia Shaffer
Lumia Shaffer

I'm Lumia Shaffer! I'm a Kirby Research author, with a passion for writing, I've researched and published many in-depth product research articles!
My Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyLumias