Best Generators Of Reviewed
1. Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator
The Westinghouse 7500 Portable Generator has a great deal of power, which means you shouldnt have a problem running everything you need to in your home. It can also run at a maximum of 9500 watts, so it’s capable of getting everything up and running quickly. There are two Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, 5 20R 120V household receptacles, and 1 L14-30R 120/240V twist lock receptacle.
Rubber covers are also included on these outlets, making them safe for children younger than 5 years old. You can plug it in to whatever you need, and then press the button on your remote key fob to get started. This unit is plug-and-play.
It comes with a 12V battery charger as well as oil and an oil funnel and even a tool kit so you can make sure you know what youre doing and how to make it work. Its powered by a 420 cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine and has a cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown, so it turns itself off if theres not enough oil.
Things we like:
- 7500 running watts
- Fuel tank 30 Liters with fuel gauge
- Run time of 10 hours at 50%
- 3-year warranty
- Digital hour meter
- CSA, CARB & EPA compliant
Things we don’t like:
- Does not use natural gas
- It can be quite loud
- Handles are not ideal for some movement
2. WEN 56180 1800 Watt Portable Power Generator
If youre looking for a generator that will power just a few things in your house but keeps the cost down at the same time then this is a great option for you. Its EPA III and CARB compliant, which means that it can be used in any of the 50 states. Rated for 12.5 amps and 1800 watts at surge, it can actually run at 1500 watts, which makes it great for running a moderate number of tools and other items.
It is lightweight and compact in size so it can fit anywhere you need it. The generator runs at half load for approximately 7 hours. It also includes 2 AC120V 3-prong wall outlets and a 12V DC outlet.
It has a low oil shutdown to make sure it turns itself off if the power gets too low and theres a 4-stroke OHV engine and spark arrestor to make it useable even in parts and forests. It holds 5 Liters of unleaded gasoline and runs at 98 cc. All you have to do is pull to start and youll be off and running in no time at all.
Things we like:
- 1500 running watts
- 5 Liters fuel tank
- 7.5 hour run time at 50%
- 2 year warranty
- EPA & CARB compliant
Things we don’t like:
- Can you be loud
- It is not ideal to exhaust the hose
- Not many plugs for attachment
3. DuroStar DS4000S 3300 Watt Generator
If youre looking for the biggest and baddest options this is one of your top contenders because it offers a running wattage of 3300 with a 4000 watt startup. The gas-powered generator is powered by an OHV engine with a low oil shutoff for low fuel. The generator also features a steel frame and four motor mounts. This isolation reduces noise during operation.
The full power panel has an oil warning light, a volt meter, a circuit breaker and all of the power outlets that you could possibly need. The 18 Liter gas tank can provide up to 8 hours of run time. It also has an EZ pull recoil starter.
This unit has been approved by the EPA. It is large, but can still power a variety of appliances and tools in case of a blackout. It even has a forced air cooling system to keep it from overheating but still keep everything you need running as long as you need.
Things We Like:
- 3300 running watts
- 18 Liters fuel tank
- Running time of 8 hours at 50%
- 1-year warranty
- EPA compliant
- Quiet exhaust system
4. WEN 56200i 2000 Watt Generator
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the WEN 56200i offers quiet operation similar to normal conversation. It is compliant with the EPA, the CARB and has a 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV motor that produces 1600 running watts as well as 2000 surge watts. This unit is completely enclosed and can power all types of devices, including smartphones and tablets as well as larger appliances and tools.
It has 2 3-prong 120V receptacles and 1 12V DC receptacle as well as 1 5V USB port. It is easy to transport, with the handle at the top and all plugs and gauges on the one side. With this generator you get clean energy that doesnt have spikes or drops in the voltage, keeping your devices safer.
You also get an eco-mode, overload protection, low oil shutdown and more. The 2 year warranty means that its going to last and the pull cord start is simple to get up and running. The device is even parallel connection capable, meaning you can attach two generators together to run even more of the gadgets and devices around your home.
Things we like:
- 1600 running watts
- 5 Liters fuel tank
- 6 hours running time at 50%
- 2-year warranty
- EPA & CARB compliant
- Parallel connection capable
Things We Dont Like:
- Physical size can be quite large
- Can be difficult to fuel up
- Requires frequent oil changes
5. Champion 3500 Watt Portable Generator
The Champion Portable Generator is the most powerful option we offer, with 3500 watts of running power. The generator can also start at 4000 watts and last for up to 12 hours. Though its a little larger and more expensive than our other options, it makes up for that by offering excellent variety to the plugs it can accommodate the volt guard that keeps it from overloading and the support system.
It has a 3 year limited warranty as well as lifetime tech support thats included at no cost. This unit has enough power to run just about anything including lights, air conditioner, refrigerator, sump pump and a whole lot more. Its quiet to run and uses a 196 cc single cylinder OHV engine that has a 17 Liters fuel tank.
It is EPA compliant. If the oil level drops, it will shut off automatically. Great for loading up in your RV and taking with you on your next trip it even has cold start so you dont need to worry about how to get it going during the winter season. The unit can be a bit heavy to move around frequently and takes up some space, but with the amount of power its providing youre getting a good balance for that.
Things We Like:
- 3500 running watts
- 17 Liters fuel tank
- Running time of 12 hours at 50%
- 3-year warranty
- EPA compliant
- Cold start technology
Things We Dont Like:
- It can be a bit loud
- Somewhat large to transport
- Inclement weather is not ideal
Features To Consider When Buying A Generator
It doesn’t matter what generator you choose, you want the best. That means looking at different features to find the one that works best for you. We have compiled a list of features you will want to look at to ensure that you get the best unit.
Size Of The Unit
The size of the unit that youre getting is going to be one of the most important features. We are not referring to the unit’s physical dimensions, but the wattage it can produce, as that will affect how much power the system can actually generate.
You can run more things if it has more watts. It should be large enough to power your RV or home, but not too large to waste power.
Power Source
What type of power does the system run off of? Many systems use a battery, which means that you need to keep that battery charged at all times in case you need it. It can be hard to remember this if you only use the generator occasionally, but it is essential when it does.
Generators that use diesel or gas can be messy, so you need to be able store it when not in use. Its up to your personal preference which type of generator you prefer and how youre going to power it. This will depend on how often you use the generator, what you have available, and how frequently.
Run Time
How long is the generator itself going to run without you needing to refill the tank? The longer the run time the more time you have to power your devices without having to worry about anything.
While smaller generators might only provide a few hours of power, larger generators can last for up to 5-10 hours. Many generators advertise run times based on 50% of the total power capacity. Make sure you keep that in mind as you compare your options.
Outlets
Finally, look at the different type of outlets that the system provides you with. Having a variety of different outlets is important because it means you can power different types of devices without a problem. This will allow you to power your furnace, water heater, and even appliances such as a refrigerator or stove.
The number of outlets that are provided is important as well, especially if youre looking to power a larger number of devices rather than just something small to power one or two different devices. Consider the specific devices youll want to power and then look for a unit that has the right type of outlets.
Take A Bow
It doesn’t matter what you do, you want the best option. We believe the Champion 3500W Portable Generator is the best. This generator offers the best power, longest run time, and longest warranty. It also has a large tank with cold start capability.
You want something thats going to power everything you need, and thats definitely the way youre going to get it done. Of course, if youre looking for something thats a little less expensive and maybe a little lower powered you can always opt for the WEN 56200i 2000 Watt Generator. Its a good unit that offers a good amount of power for smaller purposes, but still saves you some money in the long run.
