The Best Portable Gas Generators For 2024

Scott Nelson By, Scott Nelson
Updated
Best Portable Gas Generators
Best Portable Gas Generators

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator

Elevate your power game with the Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator. Packed with features like a TT-30R RV Ready Outlet, Push-Button Electric Start, and a lightweight design, it's a versatile solution for both recreation and emergencies. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: DuroStar DS4000S Generator

The DuroStar DS4000S Generator delivers 4,000 peak watts and a robust 208cc OHV engine. From household appliances to power tools, its low oil shutoff and versatile power panel make it a reliable and efficient choice. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: PowerSmart Generator

Compact yet powerful, the PowerSmart Generator brings 1200 starting and 900 running watts to the table. Weighing a mere 37.8 lbs and featuring a 2-stroke engine, it's the ideal companion for camping, emergencies, and outdoor activities. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: WEN 56475 Generator

With a legacy dating back to 1951, this compact powerhouse is designed for versatility, boasting a keyless electric start and a robust 223cc OHV engine. From job sites to campgrounds, WEN ensures your essential appliances stay powered up during outages with ease. Read Review

5. Best Versatile: TogoPower Generator

With a starting power of 1000W and a running power of 800W, this gasoline-powered generator is designed for versatility. Whether camping, powering household appliances, or handling emergencies, the TogoPower GG1000 ensures you stay connected. Read Review

In an emergency situation, having a reliable source of power can be the difference between life and death. Portable gas generators are a perfect solution for providing power when traditional sources are unavailable. They are designed to be portable and easy to use, and are an essential piece of emergency equipment for any home or business.

In this article, we'll take a look at the best portable gas generators on the market, and discuss the features and benefits of each. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right generator for your needs. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one will work best for you. But with the right information and a little research, you can find the perfect portable gas generator to keep your family safe in an emergency.

After extensive study and analysis over a 17, we think the best portable gas generators is Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator. Equipped with a TT-30R RV Ready Outlet, two 20A household outlets, and USB ports, it adapts seamlessly to various power needs. You can consider DuroStar DS4000S Generator as an alternative if you're still undecided. Other suggestions on this list are worth considering, and we've put up a helpful shopping guide to help you decide!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator
Our Score:
9.7
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Generator is a marvel of versatility and efficiency. Equipped with a TT-30R RV Ready Outlet, two 20A household outlets, and USB ports, it adapts seamlessly to various power needs. The variable engine speed, optimizing fuel usage, ensures a remarkable runtime of up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon tank. The convenience of Push-Button Electric Start and wireless remote start also makes ignition effortless.

Besides, it boasts less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and is tailor-made for sensitive electronics like LCD/plasma TVs and laptops. The LED Data Center, featuring an automatic rotating digital display, informs you about real-time maintenance needs. Its compact design, complete with wheels and an extendable suitcase-style handle, adds a new dimension to portability, surpassing traditional generators. Plus, the iGen4500 comes with a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support through a nationwide service network. However, the oil fill process is a bit cumbersome.

TOP Choice #2 DuroStar DS4000S Generator
Our Score:
9.5
DuroStar

This powerhouse is a reliable companion for various applications. The 208cc OHV engine embedded within is a true workhorse, generating ample power to handle anything from household appliances to heavy-duty power tools. The low oil shutoff mechanism serves as a guardian, automatically shutting down the generator when it senses low oil levels, thus protecting your investment and prolonging the generator's life.

This product has a power panel with 2 120V household outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and a voltmeter for precise voltage measurement. Environmental responsibility is another feather in DuroStar's cap, as all their generators, including the DS4000S, comply with both EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards. This commitment ensures that the generator operates in an environmentally friendly way, minimizing its carbon footprint.

Nevertheless, the setup guide for unpacking and attaching the feet is quite hard to follow. A clearer, more user-friendly guide could significantly improve the initial user experience.

TOP Choice #3 PowerSmart Generator
Our Score:
9.4
PowerSmart

The PowerSmart Generator introduces a new era of lightweight, portable power, providing 1200 starting and 900 running watts. The 71cc 2-stroke engine not only ensures efficient performance but also simplifies the recoil start process. Operating on a 50:1 2-cycle mixture eliminates the need for oil changes, reducing maintenance hassles. This generator comes equipped with a single 120V 20A 5-20R household outlet, a 12V DC plug, and readiness for 12V battery charging, catering to various power needs.

With a 1.1-gallon fuel tank, it offers up to 5 hours on a 50% load, making it a reliable companion for camping and emergency scenarios. The unit's weight of 37.8 lbs and carrying handle enhance its portability. The only downside is that it may not perform well with a power strip or charging. But it is not a big deal and doesn't affect the overall quality much, so you don't need to worry about that.

4 WEN 56475 Generator
Our Score:
9.3
WEN

WEN's 56475 Generator is a stalwart in providing reliable power, boasting a CARB & EPAIII compliant 4750 Watts. The keyless electric start transforms powering up into a seamless button press, while the 223cc OHV engine ensures a peak power of 4750 watts and 3750 watts of rated power. This product also includes two 120V receptacles, a 30-amp 3-prong receptacle, and a 120V RV receptacle that caters to diverse power needs, making it ideal for various settings.

Moreover, the generator's compact design ensures easy transportation, fitting seamlessly into any job site or outdoor adventure. Its 10-hour runtime at half load from the 4-gallon tank adds an extra layer of convenience. The minor drawback is that there is no install instruction. But you can get more information on YouTube or the website, so you don't need to worry about that.

5 TogoPower Generator
Our Score:
9.2
TogoPower

TogoPower GG1000 emerges as a versatile outdoor generator, excelling in both home and job site applications. Its starting power of 1000W and running power of 800W makes it a reliable source for small household appliances, ensuring that everything from blenders and coffee pots to fans and lamps operates seamlessly. The 120V AC output voltage accommodates a range of devices, making it adaptable to different power requirements.

The robust 63cc two-stroke OHV engine provides ample power and ensures durability and reliability. Weighing 35 lbs, this generator is a featherweight powerhouse that is effortlessly portable for various applications. Its 1.1-gallon tank, when full, guarantees a commendable 6-hour runtime at 50% load, ensuring a sustained power supply during your outdoor escapades or emergency situations. Although it may be a bit loud, the noise is a small trade-off for the generator's overall efficiency and effectiveness.

6 DuroMax XP13000HXT Generator
Our Score:
9.1
DuroMax

DuroMax's XP13000HXT Generator redefines the conventional notion of power generation by introducing the groundbreaking Tri Fuel Technology. This feature allows you to seamlessly transition between gasoline, propane, and natural gas, providing unparalleled flexibility and ensuring a continuous power supply. While the switches might not turn as easily as expected, you can get used to them after some use.

Its 500cc OHV engine is designed to deliver a whopping 13,000 watts of power. This capability ensures that your lights, appliances, and even your AC system operate effortlessly during storms or power outages. Plus, the incorporation of CO Alert technology automatically shuts off the generator upon detecting unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, prioritizing the well-being of your family. This generator's advanced computer interface, featuring a large LED display, provides at-a-glance monitoring of crucial parameters such as gas and load gauge, voltage, frequency, and time, enhancing user convenience.

7 Champion Power Equipment Generator
Our Score:
9.0
Champion Power Equipment

Champion Power Equipment boasts an impressive 8000-watt capacity and the rare ability to run on three distinct fuel types. Whether it's gasoline, propane, or natural gas, this generator seamlessly transitions between them, catering to various needs with unparalleled adaptability. The electric start, accompanied by a convenient battery, ensures hassle-free initiation. Its Cold Start Technology also guarantees swift starts even in the chilliest weather, eliminating the frustrations of a sluggish beginning.

Furthermore, the CO Shield technology elevates this generator to a new level of responsibility. In the unfortunate event of elevated CO levels, the engine shuts down automatically, mitigating potential risks. However, you should note that generators should always be used outdoors, following recommended safety measures.

The EPA certification and CARB compliance signify a commitment to environmental responsibility, assuring users of adherence to stringent emission standards. This generator also aligns with ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 requirements, reinforcing its credibility and reliability in the market.

What to Look For in a best portable gas generators?

The best portable gas generators is a product type that many customers feel hesitant to select because of the challenges in evaluating its features. It comes to trust! When studying a significant purchase, many factors must be considered. Our best portable gas generators knowledge will help you make an ideal decision.

Our article here will highlight some outstanding items and provide solutions to FAQs and guides to buying. You should keep in mind some main criteria of best portable gas generators below:

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

FAQs

What is a portable gas generator?

A portable gas generator is a small, lightweight generator that runs on gasoline and is used to provide electricity for a variety of purposes. Portable gas generators are ideal for camping, outdoor events, tailgating, and emergency power outages.

What size portable gas generator do I need?

The size of the portable gas generator you need depends on the type of application you are using it for. A generator with a higher wattage will be more suitable for running multiple appliances at once, while a generator with a lower wattage may be sufficient for smaller items such as a laptop or a laptop charger.

How do I install a portable gas generator?

Installing a portable gas generator is relatively easy and can usually be done with basic tools. Generally, you will need to install a fuel line, connect the generator to an outlet, and mount the generator in a secure place.

How do I maintain a portable gas generator?

Maintenance of a portable gas generator is relatively simple and should be done regularly. Make sure to check the oil level regularly, and change the oil and air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also important to keep the generator clean and free of debris and to store it in a dry place.

How long will a portable gas generator run?

The amount of time a portable gas generator will run depends on the size of the generator and the amount of fuel you have. Generally, a smaller generator can run for up to 8 hours on a full tank of fuel, while a larger generator can run for up to 12 hours.


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About Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson

Scott Nelson is a freelance writer who specializes in camping and wildlife topics for CampFireHQ. He has written for several outdoor magazines and websites, and he enjoys nothing more than spending a weekend in the woods with his family. Scott is an experienced camper and backpacker, and he has also spent considerable time studying the behavior of bears and other large mammals.

Read Scott's full bio