The 5 Best Portable Generators

Electrical power is not something we can live without. Our lights run on it, our refrigerators run on it, our computers run on it. The list goes on and on. While we may get our power from the local electrical utility under normal circumstances, what happens in the case of emergency when the power goes out? Being without power is at the least inconvenient and at the most dangerous. It's smart and prudent to have a backup plan in the form of a generator. A portable generator has the added convenience of being transportable, so you can take it on the road with you. If it's a gas-powered generator, you can get fuel for it at any gas station. We reviewed a number of portable generators to find the best ones out there. Read on for our reviews of the 5 Best Portable Generators.

Westinghouse Portable Generator

Portable Power

This portable generator starts easily and powers strongly.

Best Overall

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Our pick for best portable generator is this one from Westinghouse. Get the power flowing with the press of a single button. You can electric start this gas-powered generator simply by pressing the Power button. You can also start it remotely by pressing the Power button on the key fob, which allows you to start the generator from a distance of up to 109 yards away. This is very convenient. There is an onboard battery charger port that helps your battery last longer, so that you can count on the generator to always start up. This generator is transfer switch ready, so you can easily use it to power your home. It’s everything you need in a generator.

Pros

One button electric start
Remote key fob
Onboard battery charger port
Transfer switch ready

Cons

Battery must be charged for electric start to work

DuroMax Portable Generator

I've Got the Power

A super strong engine in this potable generator gives you all the power you need.

Best Engine

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This is terrific portable generator from DuroMax. It has a very powerful engine – a 440cc DuroMax OHV engine. The engine has 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts, so it can power big appliances like home lights and a full-size refrigerator, in addition to smaller things like an air conditioner. Surge Arrest technology keeps your appliances safe. This generator is completely made of metal, with all copper windings. The fuel tank is 8.3 gallons, which goes a long way. This generator has a gas-powered runtime of 10.4 hours at half load. It is also EPA and CARB approved for operation in all 50 states.

Pros

440cc engine
Surge Arrest technology
All copper windings

Cons

Plastic wheels

Westinghouse Portable Inverter Generator

Take It With You

This portable generator is lightweight and compact, so you can carry it anywhere.

Most Portable

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For a portable generator that is easy to transport, check out this one from Westinghouse. It is lighter and smaller than traditional generators, weighing only 43 pounds. It also has a built-in handle. This generator is easy to carry and won’t take up much space in your vehicle, so it is easier to take with you for camping, tailgating, or other trips. This generator is super quiet when it’s on, so you can use it at night or in places where you don’t want to make a lot of noise. This generator is gas-powered and has two 120V AC power outlets.

Pros

Weighs only 43 pounds
Built-in handle
Super quiet

Cons

Oil drain plug is hard to reach

DuroStar Portable Generator

Generate All Night

This portable generator will give you the power when you need it most.

Best Design

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This is a top-notch portable generator from DuroStar. It uses DuroStar MX2 technology to output maximum power from each of its 120 volt receptacles. You can choose between running this generator at 120 and 240 volts at the same time, or just 120 volts at full power. This generator is gas-powered with an 8.3 gallon gas tank. It has a powerful 457cc engine and a 50 amp outlet. This generator comes with everything you need to keep it functioning properly – oil funnel, spark plug wrench, tool set, wheel kit, and DC cables.

Pros

DuroStar MX2 technology
Two 120 volt receptacles
50 amp outlet

Cons

Heavy

Champion Portable Inverter Generator

Power Anywhere

Use this portable generator as a backup at your home, or take it with you on the road.

Most Versatile

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For another easy-to-carry portable generator, consider this one from Champion Power Equipment. It gives you two options for fuel; this generator can run on gasoline or propane, right out of the box. It’s very convenient for travel and can power RVs or even cabins. This generator weighs less than 99 pounds for easy transport. It’s quiet too; this generator operates at only 59 decibels, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing the peace. This generator is pretty efficient; it will run for 7.5 hours on a full tank of gas or 14.5 hours on a 20 pound propane tank.

Pros

Dual fuel options
Weighs 99 pounds
Operates at 59 decibels

Cons

No gas gauge

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the generator require ethanol free gasoline?

No, the generator will run fine on 87 octane gas, up to 10 percent ethanol.

What is the difference between starting watts and running watts?

The starting watts refers to the wattage required to start the engine, which is more than is required to run the engine after it is already started. The running watts refers to the wattage the engine uses while running normally after it has been started.

Does the generator come with a battery, or do I need to purchase one separately?

The battery is included with the generator. You do not have to purchase one separately.