Want to hear the truth? We are “powerless” without our appliances.

It’s almost impossible to imagine a day without switching on the light or opening the refrigerator to check on our food stock. The continuous use of various devices requires an uninterrupted supply of power. Our dependence on electricity today is no more limited to the indoors, and here comes the role of Portable power generators.

These portable power units become our life saviors, as they can be set up anywhere, anytime.

As portable generators work to solve your power backup needs, we work to help you purchase the perfect unit in the first place, given the plethora of options up for grabs.

Like always, we have a comprehensive and easy to understand list of the top 13 portable generators that are worth your consideration. The carefully crafted listicle has every little detail essential for easy decision making.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

Top Portable Generator

1. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator

Number uno on today’s list is the Westinghouse WGen 7500 portable generator. Despite having a compact and easy to set up design, the high power output of this portable generator punches above its weight to simultaneously run most of your heavy-weight appliances.

Why Did We Like It?

Seeing the high customer ratings for this portable generator, we were compelled to test it ourselves, and we’re glad we did. Featuring a 420cc 4-stroke engine, the WGen 7500 is equipped with a robust steel frame and roll bars on the top for better stability. Additionally, the cast iron sleeves provide an extra layer of protection to the gas tank.

With all that external protection, it only makes sense that the in-built air cooling mechanism works to cut down the engine temperature, thereby reinforcing its lifespan for prolonged use.

Not only is the fuel tank placed at a convenient position for easy access, but the fuel gauge also allowed us to seamlessly monitor the fuel level throughout.

The WGen 7500 employs three start-up mechanisms – a pull cord, an electric push button and a remote key. This makes sure that you never fail to switch on the generator, no matter what the situation is.

Perhaps its most likable feature is the couple of GFCIs (Ground-Fault Circuit Interpreters) that break the supply of power at the slightest level of a ground-fault. This is a great tool to ensure optimum device protection.

What Could’ve Been Better?

When we say it’s a ‘portable’ generator, we mean that you can move it in and out, but probably cannot carry it by yourself. Weighing at almost 200 pound, a wheel kit becomes absolutely necessary for maneuvering this powerful beast. Also, it’s not the quietest generator available.

2. DuroStar DS4000S Gas Portable Generator

For the second spot, we have the DuroStar DS4000S portable generator. An affordable and fuel-efficient power source, the DS4000S is a one-stop solution for all your indoor and outdoor power needs. For its compact size, this portable generator packs a punch!

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, the number of positive customer feedback drew our attention to this portable generator. The DS4000S has a DuroStar 7.0 horsepower air-cooled OHV engine that starts with 4,000 watts and delivers 3,300 running watts. Furthermore, to take care of overheating issues, the DS4000S has a forced air-cooling mechanism that reduces the internal temperature for long hours of functioning.

We absolutely loved the convenient positioning of its fuel gauge. While most portable generators make it difficult to read the gas measurements, the DS4000S provides for hassle-free monitoring of its 4-gallon gas tank.

DuroStar has included a lot many features to make this generator a noiseless and user-friendly portable option. Firstly, the power panel on its side is complete with a switch, voltmeter and circuit breaker for full user control. Secondly, the sturdy steel frame is equipped with four individual motor mounts to reduce vibrations effectively.

Additionally, its 3 power outlets – two 120V-20 amp and one 120V-30 amp – help you to draw power for multiple electronic devices simultaneously. Considering its modest price tag, we just can’t ask for more!

What Could’ve Been Better?

For an otherwise stable design, the lack of an angled funnel for fuel intake was a bummer. This resulted in substantial spillage while changing the oil. Also, the oil needs to be replaced every 20 hours, which can be a bit of a hassle.

3. WEN 56180 1800-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator

The WEN 56180 gas powered portable generator is one of the most lightweight models out there. With a decent running capacity of 1500 watt, this power source is a cost-effective and compact option for anytime power backup, be it indoor or outdoor.

Why Did We Like It?

The WEN 56180 does not claim to be the most powerful portable generator, but in no way is it not worth your consideration. For starters, its 4-cycle OHV single-cylinder engine is extremely fuel-efficient. Similar to the DuroStart 4000S, it is also equipped with a forced air-cooling mechanism to protect the engine from overheating.

In addition to the air-cooling, we also get a low-oil shut off feature for increased engine safety. In case the oil level reaches or falls below the danger mark, the engine will automatically cut-off power to avoid damage.

WEN has taken special care to ensure that this portable generator is safe for outdoor use by installing a spark arrestor. What this does is that it reduces the occurrence of sparks, thus minimizing the risk of fire accidents.

All in all, this product is good enough to solve your average power backup need. Moreover, its sturdy steel frame and side handles add to its maneuverability.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The WEN 56180 is similar to the DuroStar 4000S in more than one way. Oil spillage is still a problem as the generator lacks a long funnel. We also think that in the absence of an electric start feature, easy ignition may be a task, especially in colder temperatures.

4. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

The Yamaha EFV2000iSv2 occupies the fourth spot in our list. Its portable and lightweight design, combined with high power output makes this generator a popular choice in the category. Sure this isn’t a budget buy, but the hassle-free operation of the generator justifies its premium price.

Why Did We Like It?

Yamaha is quite well-known for its small engine manufacturing technology for everyday appliances, and the EFV2000iSv2 is no exception. Its compact design makes this ideal for traveling and camping needs, as well as for home use. Apart from a self-cooling mechanism for its engine, the 4-cycle single cylinder also comes with excellent heat-isolation for stabilizing temperature.

As compared to the previous models in the series, it is armed with a number of advanced mechanisms for enhanced productivity and power stability. The best of the lot was this generator’s Smart Throttle feature for optimum fuel-efficiency. This system automatically senses the acquired power load to  control the speed of the engine accordingly.

In simple words, the engine uses only the amount of fuel that is required for that particular operation.

This portable generator is also equipped with a pure sine wave inverter system that delivers clean and highly stabilized output, especially suitable for power-sensitive devices like a DSLR camera.

With a 1600 running watt, its parallel capability allows you to connect the generator to another unit for twin power output.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The Yamaha EFV2000iSv2 lacks an LCD monitor for power tracking, which brings down the score of its user-friendly design. Not many users would like to pay extra for an otherwise simple accessory.

5. Champion Power Equipment 46539 3500 Portable Generator

For the fifth item on today’s list, we have the Champion 46539 portable generator. Convenience and high power output make this portable generator a reliable power source for those unwelcomed power outages. Fall back on this one to run your heavy-weight appliances without breaking a sweat!

Why Did We Like It?

True to its name and on the top of its game is this Champion portable generator. Its 6.5 OHv horsepower engine delivers 3500 running watt for simultaneously powering hefty appliances like television, refrigerator and gas furnace blower. Moreover, a set of iron cast sleeves protect the engine for extended durability.

The most amazing feature of this portable generator is its 3-way start mechanism. Apart from the more commonly found electric start and recoil system, the Champion 4653 also operates on a wireless remote control that works from 80 feet away. We tried all three options, and each worked with absolute ease.

Unlike the Yamaha EFV2000iSv2, this unit has an IntelliGauge function that facilitates three tracking modes for monitoring consumption time (in hours), volts and hertz. 

We also liked a couple of added features that ensure maximum safety for the connected appliances. Its Volt Guard system is a notable mechanism that defends the devices against a sudden voltage spike. Similarly, each of the generator’s four outlets is armed with push-to-reset circuit breakers in case of an unexpected electric overload.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Perhaps the weight of this portable generator makes transportation a bit difficult. Nevertheless, a folding handle and 8-inch no flat tires solve this problem to some extent. However, it is not the most portable equipment.

6. Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 Portable Inverter Generator

The Briggs & Stratton 30651 portable generator is an affordable and easy to carry power unit. Its low noise and eco-friendly output make this portable power station a suitable emergency generator that powers all your necessary appliances without a glitch. With a reasonable run time, this model makes the cut.

Why Did We Like It?

Our search for a mid-level portable generator brought us to the Briggs and Stratton 30651, and we are pretty satisfied with its performance. Its 1700 running watt may not sound like a lot of power, but is considerably efficient for its moderate price.