The 10 Best Rated Portable Generators Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Rated Portable Generators
Best Rated Portable Generators

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator

Make power outages a thing of the past with the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator. This generator is easy to assemble and has convenient portability. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator

Take power with you wherever you go with the DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator. This powerful generator allows you to run on two different fuel sources, giving you the freedom and flexibility to switch up your energy source. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator

This powerful generator is designed to provide reliable, clean energy in any situation. With its dual fuel capabilities, you can switch between gas and propane depending on your needs. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Generac 7127 Portable Generator

Enjoy the convenience of a portable generator with Generac 7127. With advanced inverter technology and enclosure design, this ultra-quiet generator provides optimal quiet performance and long-lasting durability in a steel enclosure. Read Review

5. Best Powerful: Pulsar G12KBN Heavy Duty Portable Dual Fuel Generator

The Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Generator is a powerful and reliable solution for any power outage or emergency. It features an 8-gallon fuel tank that provides up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load when running on gasoline. Read Review

Are you looking for the best-rated portable generators to keep your power needs in check during emergencies? Portable generators are a reliable energy source when the power goes out and can even help you power your home during power outages. With so many different models and brands available, knowing which generator is best for your needs can be difficult. This guide looks at some of the best-rated portable generators available.

We’ll discuss the features of each generator and what makes them stand out from the competition. We’ll also discuss what you should consider when choosing a generator and how to maximize your investment. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect generator to fit your needs and budget. 

After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the best rated portable generators is Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator. The heavy-duty 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine has a long-lasting cast iron sleeve and can operate for up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon (25 L) gas tank, which keeps you powered throughout the day. Consider DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator as an alternative if you’re still undecided. This unit has a starting wattage of 5,500 and a running wattage of 4,500, which allows it to handle large loads such as lighting, a refrigerator, an air conditioner for the home, and high amperage power tools.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.9
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

This generator is equipped with a trustworthy push-button electric start system, which makes it simple to begin operating the generator and turn it off easily. When the electric goes out, the ST Switch will immediately activate the generator to supply critical devices with immediate backup power. In addition, with a remote start key fob, you can turn on and turn off your generator from a distance of up to 260 feet away. 

The heavy-duty 457cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine has a long-lasting cast iron sleeve and can operate for up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon (25 L) gas tank, which keeps you powered throughout the day. If the electricity is disrupted, its L14-30R 120/240V 30A outlet will make it possible for you to easily connect the generator to the power circuits in your home. Even though this product is a bit heavy, it is still an excellent choice for every family.

TOP Choice #2 DuroMax XP5500EH Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.8
DuroMax

This generator has a starting wattage of 5,500 and a running wattage of 4,500, which allows it to handle large loads such as lighting, a refrigerator, an air conditioner for the home, and high amperage power tools. It has a dual-fuel design, so you can choose gasoline or propane to power this generator, as it can run on either fuel. In addition, this product's engine will be protected for longer thanks to its automatic shutoff feature, which activates when the oil level drops too low. 

With the help of the DuroMax 224cc OHV engine, this generator can power high-voltage appliances and heavy-duty power tools. It provides a convenient handle, making it easier to take it anywhere you need to go. It is a pity the wheels are a bit wonky after a long time, but you don't need to be concerned because it doesn't affect its overall quality.

TOP Choice #3 WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.7
WEN

You'll be able to generate power from a pair of distinct resources when you use the WEN 4750-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator. This product has a dual-fuel design, which allows you to choose the fueling method that best suits your needs, either gasoline or LPG and then turn on the generator by utilizing the electric start. The generator can produce up to 4350 surge and 3500 running watts when fueled by propane, but it can produce up to 4750 surge and 3800 running watts when fueled by gasoline.

This potent 224cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine can reach speeds of up to 3600 revolutions per minute (RPM). Hence, it supplies dependable power for your lights, TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, or other necessities. The never-flat tires and the space-saving fold-down handles make it much easier to store and transport the product. In addition, this generator's LPG pipe is 47 inches, connecting it directly to propane tanks. However, it would be best if the wheel bolt was longer to help you easily remove it.

4 Generac 7127 Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.5
Generac

Because the power output of this portable generator is both clean and stable, it is well suited for a wide variety of activities, including camping, outdoor events, and providing backup power for your home. You can know the digital watts meter, run time remaining display, generator status, hour meter, and fuel level indicator on the digital smart LCD, which helps you easily maintain it. This product is a bit difficult to use initially, so you must use it frequently to get used to it.

This generator features USB ports to charge your mobile devices, ensuring you will never be disconnected from the world. In addition, it has an electric start and a power dial, which enables the generator to be started, run, and stopped with the simple turn of a dial. The intuitive user interface displays information in real-time and can be navigated quickly. Besides, depending on your need, you can choose two different engine speeds to reduce noise and fuel consumption significantly.
 

This generator will be an outstanding choice for all home appliances because it can produce 12 000 peak watts/ 9 500 Rated watts (gasoline) and 10 800 peak watts/ 8 550 Rated watts (LPG). This unit can use either gasoline or LPG as a fuel source, which gives you more flexibility when selecting the right fuel for your needs. Nonetheless, it would be best if this product's plug had a cover to protect it from weather elements.

The 457cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, overhead-valve (OHV), 4-stroke engine has an electric starter protected by a powder-coated frame. When operating on gasoline, a tank holding 8 gallons of fuel allows up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load. In addition, this product features different outlets, allowing much space to power various gadgets, including appliances, tools, and other devices. The fold-down handles and 10-inch wheels will never go flat to increase mobility and make storage a breeze. 

6 GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator
Our Score:
9.1
GENMAX

With inverter technology, you can produce 2000 Starting Watts/ 1600 Running Watts of clean power (less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion), allowing you to securely connect your sensitive gadgets such as a TV, lights, fans, small power tools, and more when you go camping or do other outdoor activities. Because of the strong handle, it is simple to transport over considerable distances. Through the use of parallel connectors, it is possible to connect two different units for increased output. 

This generator includes covered outlets, which offer additional defense against the elements. Its low idle engines can conserve fuel and produce less harmful pollutants by automatically adjusting their speeds. Because it has a CO Alert, you don't need to worry about using this unit. If a dangerous level of carbon monoxide is detected, the generator will be turned off automatically. The 7cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts, which means it can power energy sufficient for your home appliances. The only drawback of this product is that it has no hour meter to help you easily maintain it, so you must buy an extra one.

7 Champion Power Equipment 100813 Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.9
Champion Power Equipment

This Volt GuardTM surge protector, incorporated into this generator, helps to prevent overloads and protects your electronic devices from dangerous spikes in power. The 420cc Champion engine, which features an electronic start, lets you start this generator quickly. Moreover, the single-cylinder, overhead camshaft (OHV) engine that comes standard on the 420cc Champion has what it takes to operate various powerful tools and substantial machinery. 

This unit's starting power of 9375 watts and its operating power of 7500 watts allows it to power everything you need in the event of a power failure, including the lights, refrigerator, modem/router, security system, window air conditioner, furnace blower, TV, computer, phone charger, and more. When its fuel tank of 5.7 gallons is refilled with gasoline, this product can produce up to 8 hours of electricity when operating at 50% load. Its covers on its outlets shield it from the effects of water and other environmental factors. Even though this generator's instructions are not very good, you can watch instructional videos on Youtube to learn how to use it.
 

More To Consider

What to Look For in a best rated portable generators?

Until now, numerous customers trust the information and advice we offer them, which means our offers to you are accurate and up to date all the time. This objective is being pursued with tremendous zeal and attention. 

It's necessary to keep in mind the following points for selecting best rated portable generators:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 types of rated portable generators are available?

Rated portable generators come in a variety of sizes and power outputs. The most common types of rated generators are those that are rated in watts, volts, and amps. The watt rating is the maximum output of the generator, the volts rating is the voltage output, and the amps rating is the amperage output.

What are the advantages of using a rated portable generator?

The main advantage of using a rated portable generator is that it provides a reliable source of power in situations where standard power sources are not available. Rated portable generators are also more efficient than unrated generators, and they are often less expensive as well.

What safety precautions should I take when using a rated portable generator?

When using a rated portable generator, it is important to take safety precautions to ensure that you do not overload the generator or cause any electrical hazards. Make sure that you are familiar with the manufacturer's instructions and that you are using the generator in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the generator is connected to a grounded outlet and that all electrical cords and appliances are in good condition.

What is a portable generator?

A portable generator is a device that uses an engine to generate electricity to power tools, appliances, and other electrical devices when you are away from a traditional power source. Portable generators are often used in camping, construction, and industrial applications.

What are the benefits of using a rated portable generator?

Rated portable generators offer a variety of benefits, such as convenience, portability, and affordability. Portable generators can be taken anywhere, making them ideal for outdoor activities such as camping or tailgating. Additionally, they are typically more affordable than other types of generators, making them a great choice for those on a budget. Last but not least, rated portable generators are usually quieter than other types of generators, which makes them suitable for use in residential and commercial settings.


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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