The 10 Most Efficient Portable Generator, Tested And Researched
By, Hailey AbbottUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
This heavy-duty generator is powered by a 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine, featuring a long-lasting cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown. With an easy-to-read digital hour meter, this generator is perfect for any outdoor adventure or emergency situation. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Champion Power Equipment Generator
Featuring advanced design, this generator offers Economy Mode to save fuel and extend engine life, and Intelligauge monitors voltage, frequency and operating hours. Plus, its clean electricity is perfect for sensitive electronics so you can power your home without worry. Read Review
3. Best Reliable: Generac Portable Generator
This advanced generator is equipped with inverter technology and a durable steel enclosure, making it ideal for any situation. With three operation settings integrated into one simple-to-use dial, you can enjoy clean inverter power and easy portability. Read Review
4. Best Smart: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
With its 155 Watt-Hours of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity, you can charge up to 9 devices at the same time, offering long-lasting power for your outdoor adventures! The built-in Device & Battery Guard ensures safe use for all your sensitive electronics, making it the perfect companion for any outdoor activity. Read Review
5. Best Design: WEN Portable Generator
This generator produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics. Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor. The OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours. Read Review
For those who find themselves in need of reliable and efficient portable power, the most efficient portable generator is an invaluable asset. Whether you need to power a camping trip, a tailgate party, or a job site, a portable generator is a convenient and dependable way to stay powered up. Not all portable generators are created equal, however, and choosing the most efficient model can make a big difference in how much power you get.
With the right unit, you can enjoy a reliable source of power wherever you go and get maximum efficiency out of your generator. The best portable generators offer powerful and efficient performance, along with a range of features to make your life easier. Read on to learn more about the most efficient portable generator and what you should look for when choosing one.
You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 17 hours conducting results through 7,615 real customer reviews. Because of this, We came to the conclusion that the most efficient portable generator is Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator. The long-lasting cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown provide superior durability while the digital hour meter keeps track of maintenance intervals.
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Our Top Picks
Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
QUIET TECHNOLOGY AND EXTENDED RUN TIME: 64 dBA is great for RVs, tailgating, your next project or home backup, with 4250 starting watts and 3500 running watts for up to 22 hours run time on gasoline
CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
ADVANCED DESIGN: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 4250-watt generator, plus Economy Mode saves fuel and extends engine life, and Intelligauge monitors voltage, frequency and operating hours
Gasoline Starting Amps at 120V:35.4A.Gasoline Running Amps at 120V:29.2A
Engine type: 4 Stroke
PARALLEL READY: Increase your power output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverter or digital hybrid with the optional Parallel Kit (sold separately)
CLEAN ELECTRICITY FOR SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD) plus two convenient USB ports
USB ports - charge mobile devices including smartphones and tablets
Ideal for work or play - durable steel enclosure, clean inverter power and easy portability make this the ideal generator for jobsites or recreational activities
ULTRA-QUIET – 40% Quieter than Honda* Advanced inverter technology and enclosure design provide optimal quiet performance (* Over 5 dB(A) quieter than the EU3000is, based on independent third-party testing)
16% more power than Honda, Featuring power rush advanced technology.Rated AC Frequency:60 Hz
Electric start with power dial start/run/stop - three operation settings integrated into one simple-to-use dial (battery included)
Digital smart lcd - digital wattage meter, run time remaining display, generator status, hour meter and fuel level
WHAT'S INCLUDED: AC Adapter, DC Adapter, Cigarette Lighter Plug, Manual - Backed by 2-Year Coverage With Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage With Nationwide Customer Service Network
ECO-FRIENDLY POWER GENERATOR: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint for More Sustainable Lifestyle - No Obnoxious Fumes, No Messy Maintenance, No Noise Pollution - Whisper Quiet Indoor and Outdoor Generator
WORRY-FREE POWER SAFE FOR ALL: Safe for Sensitive Electronics with Built-In Device & Battery Guard - Short Circuit, Overload, and Temperature Protections Prolongs Battery Lifespan & Safeguards Against Damage
HOURS & HOURS OF POWER ON A SINGLE CHARGE: 155 Watt-Hours of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity - Provides Long-Lasting Power That Charges Smartphones Up To 17 Times, Tablets Up to 9 Times, DSLR Cameras Up To 16 times, Drones Up To 23 Times - Delivers Hours of Power for a Nintendo Switch, Bluetooth Speakers, and GPS Systems
SMALLEST, LIGHTEST PORTABLE POWER STATION IN ITS CLASS: At 3.75 lb. the iGen160s Is Lighter Than a Full 36 oz. Yeti Rambler and Smaller Than a Lunchbox - Backpack Ready Mini Generator With a Convenient Carrying Handle and Built-in Flashlight and Reading Lights - Perfect Compact Charging Station for Camping and Other Outdoor Activities
CHARGES AT HOME, ON THE GO, OR IN THE FIELD: Charges to 80% in Less Than 6 Hours Using a Household Outlet or in Less Than 7 Hours in the Car or With a Solar Panel (Panel Not Included)
VERSATILE OUTLETS CHARGE UP TO 9 DEVICES AT THE SAME TIME: Pushing 100 Rated Watts and 150 Peak Watts Through (2) 120V Household Outlets, (2) USB Ports, (1) Quick Charge USB Port, (1) USB-C Port, (3) 6mm 9-12V DC Outlets - Strong Enough to Easily Power a 36" LED TV, Box Fans, or Heated Blankets.Low voltage protection, short circuit protection, and overload protection protects the battery and connected devices to ensure peace of mind and reliability
Low voltage protection, short circuit protection, and overload protection protects the battery and connected devices to ensure peace of mind and reliability
Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops
Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb.Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb
Extremely quiet operation minimizes noise;, EPA III and CARB Compliant
212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours
Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, a digital load and fuel display, and a two-year warranty
QUIET OPERATION: 61 dBA is perfect for RVs, tailgating, your next project or backup power for your home, featuring 4500 starting watts and 3500 running watts with up to 14 hours run time on gasoline
ELECTRIC START: Battery included, plus Quick Touch Panel allows you to access all your controls in one spot
CLEAN POWER: RV Ready with a 120V 30A RV, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD) and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter
DUAL FUEL: Operate your 4500-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (10W-30 oil included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
【Strong Power】GM3200i uses newest high speed 5.2 HP 145cc gas engine, output 3200 surging watts and 2800 running watts , this powerful inverter generator is the dream ideal product for emergency home backup power, jobsite use, tailgate or camping with your RV.
【Super Quiet, Fuel Saving】Fully enclosed design dramatically reduces noise levels. At 23 feet distance, 57 DBA with no-load, 62 DBA with 25% load, 68DBA with full load. inverter technology provides clean, stable power for sensitive electronics, tools and appliances,Capable of running for a long time for 8 hours in the case of 1 gallon of fuel, with "economy mode" for maximum fuel efficiency.
【GENMAX Support】Includes 1-year warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from experts.
【Ultra-Lightweight, Extensive use】At only 47.3 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 3000-watt inverters in the industry and has the best power-to-weight ratio. It can operate a wide variety of appliances,Compact and lightweight makes transportation easy with built-in handle.
【Strong panel with Parallel function】 LED indicators alert you when unit is low on oil, overloaded or ready-to-use. USB ports to charge mobile devices. 120v 20A duplex and 120v 30A Covered outlets provide added protection from the environment. Parallel ready to connect two GM3200i inverter generator for twice the power. (parallel kit sold separately).
Start and stop with ease from up to 80 feet away with the included wireless remote key fob – push-button power and convenience like never before
At 4375 starting watts and 3500 running watts, enjoy up to 12 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline with a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet
Trust the reliable 208cc Champion engine with its battery-included electric start featuring a 3-way ignition switch, plus built-in Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather
120V 30A locking, 120V 30A RV and two 120V 20A outlets and Volt Guard built-in surge protector prevents overloads and keeps your appliances and equipment safe
Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
dual fuel technology – this generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice
Engine type: 4-CYCLE AIR-COOLED SPARK-IGNITION
idle control – lowers the rpms of the generator when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise. ideal on job sites where power is used intermittently
powerful engine – the durostar 500cc ohv engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
plenty of power – with 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
fully featured power panel – the power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120v household gfci outlets, (1) 120v 30a twist lock outlet, (1) 240v 30a outlet, and (1) 240v 50a outlet, and a 12v automotive outlet. the panel also includes a digital voltmeter
CO Alert: Protect your family from dangerous engine fumes. DuroMax offers the safest generators on the market with our CO Alert technology, which turns off the generator automatically when an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected.
100% Copper Windings: We utilize the highest quality materials to build our generators. Compared to aluminum windings that degrade quickly, copper is an excellent heat conductor and allows you to put out the same amount of power for longer, extending the life of your generator and ensuring it lasts you for years.
Powerful 500cc OHV Engine: At the heart of this generator resides a robust DuroMax engine designed to provide you with the most power.
Tri Fuel Technology: This generator runs on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Gasoline is a tried-and-true fuel option that’s readily available. Propane is a cleaner burning fuel that is cost effective, fuel efficient, and has a long shelf life. Natural gas has the benefit of providing you with unlimited fuel supply and hooks up directly to your home’s gas line, so you don’t have to worry about storing tanks and spills.
Complies with Emission Standards: All DuroMax generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible.
Front-Facing Fuel Interface: Switch between fuel types easily and effortlessly with our front facing fuel interface, now with quick connects. The flexible fuel line allows you to hook up your generator to propane tanks of all sizes, while the long, oversized 3/4 in. 5 meter hose will easily accommodate your generator and gas line setup.
Fully Loaded Power Panel: This generator comes equipped with a variety of outlets to suit your needs, including 4 120V 20A GFCI outlets, 1 120V 30A twist lock, 1 120 / 240V 30A twist lock, and 1 120 / 240V 50A HEAVY DUTY outlet.
Home Power Backup Ready: With 13,000 watts of POWER, the XP13000HXT will power your lights, appliances, AC system and other household essentials with ease during a storm or power outage. It comes equipped with a 50 amp plug that hooks up directly to your home via a transfer switch.
Push Button Start and Remote Start: Turn on your generator with a simple push of a button, or use the remote to conveniently start your generator from a distance.
Advanced Computer Interface: We’ve upgraded this generator with the latest computer system and a large LED display so you can view the gas gauge, load gauge, as well as the voltage, frequency, and time at a glance.
What to Look For in a most efficient portable generator?
Automatic Start
Wattage
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.
Fuel Source
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.
Type
Warranties
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.
Size
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.
FAQs
Can I Use The Generator During Inclement Weather?
Although you can use your generator in any weather or temperature, protect it from the elements whenever it is not being used to stop it from shorting out and rusting. It is not recommended to run the generator indoors.
Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?
No. The generator should not be used in enclosed areas or homes. The portable generators can only be run outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. As with all gasoline engines exhaust, generators contain poisonous carbon monoxide.
What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator?
You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines.
Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test
When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer.
Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.
How Do You Safely Run A Home Generator?
A whole-home generator or standby generator must be connected to a switch. This disconnects your circuit panel and the electrical grid, allowing power to flow through the circuits from the generator.
You must manually start the power transfer for portable generators. These products have different safety requirements.
Where Is The Best Place To Put Your Home Generator?
Natural gas generators do not produce as much fumes than natural gas ranges. Gasoline-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes, which is why it's important to select the ideal location. These are the reasons why utility companies and local codes often have specific requirements for placement.
A generator should generally be located at least 5ft from any windows or doors. While some generators are able to be mounted as close as 18inches from the house, it is still important that the generator is at least 5ft away from any air intake areas on the property.
It is not advisable to use portable generators in an indoor environment, such as a garage. This type of generator is best placed outdoors, away from windows and doors.
Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?
Yes. It is important that the generator be correctly grounded in order to protect your safety. The generator must be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. Grounding is a subject matter that must be adhered to by all authorities, federal and state.
It's time to start buying when you've determined the best types of most efficient portable generator and the characteristics you want. It's important to remember that you needn't rush out to a certain store or browse internet discounts just soon. You may quickly discover your pal thanks technological advancements, particularly the proliferation of selling sites.
Try to keep an eye on our site's regular to guarantee the latest deals most efficient portable generator passes our standards. As a result, you'll be able to close the gap with them. Could you kindly provide us with feedback so that we can satisfy you guys, our customers? Wish you a great shopping experience!
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About Hailey Abbott
