The Best Generators
Whether you're out on the road, embarking on a wilderness adventure, or simply looking for a dependable backup power source, a generator will have you covered when you need energy at short notice. Different fuel sources have all options covered, whether you're looking for a charging battery or a combustion generator. For this reason, we've been sure to include a wide range of fuel and output options in our rundown of the best generators on the market today. In order to find the best generators on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: How versatile are the output options for powering multiple devices? How does the generator rate for efficiency of fuel consumption or battery capacity? Is it dependable and easy to maintain? We love the Jackery Portable Power Station for its solid construction and intuitive design, giving a hassle-free charging experience. For larger appliances and a power source you can rely on, we recommend the high-performing Westinghouse WGen9500DF. And if you're looking for a low-maintenance introduction to gas generators, the option from A-iPower offers a range of smart features to help you keep this generator in top shape. Read on below for the rest of our top picks.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
Power on the move
For a reliable and versatile generator, check out this compact lithium battery from Jackery. Here portability is the priority. This compact design weighs in at a modest 6.6lbs, making it light enough to lift with a single finger. Despite its economic size, the battery boasts an impressive 240WH capacity and a range of outlets. An AC outlet of 110V/200W provides stable power for laptops and larger appliances, and two USB-A ports and a 12v car charging port will have smaller devices covered. The battery can be fully recharged from a wall outlet in a brisk 3.5 hours or a car outlet in 5, making it easy to power up overnight or while on the road. All in all, we think this is one of the best options for keeping your devices alive on the move.
Pros:
- We love the minimal digital display for input, output, and charge level. It helped us easily keep track of power usage without overwhelming us with unnecessary information.
- An automotive battery design gives this power station an impressive lifespan of over 1,000 power cycles, meaning it will last years of average use.
- We found that the grippy feet and well-balanced weight meant that the power station stood firmly in place. This avoided accidental unplugging or falls, even in unstable environments like moving cars and boats.
Cons:
- The AC outlet has a 3-hour cutoff time for power draw less than 10w, which might make this battery inappropriate for use in some situations which require continuous low power.
Champion 2,000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Dual fuel delight
If you need to consistently power larger appliances while out on the road, this option from Champion Power Equipment is a strong contender. The dual-fuel inverter offers a generous 2,000 starting watts with two 120v household outlets, making it ideal for powering hungrier devices like refrigerators or microwaves. Plus, the clean power output with less than 3% THD ensures this is a safe source for powering sensitive electronics. At 39lbs, this generator is one of the lightest available in this wattage range, meaning you don’t have to compromise on portability. With a run time of up to 34 hours, it’s sure to keep you fuelled on long nights away from home.
Pros:
- This generator is exceptionally quiet, running at 53dBA. With eco-mode enabled, the RPMs drop even further and we found we could easily have a quiet conversation standing right beside it.
- Coming fully assembled in the box with a starter quantity of oil included, we found it was easy to get this model up and running.
- Maintenance was easy and intuitive on this generator, we found the carb easy to drain and oil easy to change with the funnel provided.
Cons:
- We found there was quite a learning curve when attempting to get the generator started using propane.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Power for hours
For a comprehensive energy solution, look no further than this mammoth from Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment. 12,000 peak watts of output will cover all of your power needs and support multiple high-wattage devices. With so much electricity on hand, this generator is well suited as the primary power source for RVs, or as an emergency backup for small homes experiencing power outages. Operation is made easy with an electric remote start key, allowing you to start and stop the generator with the single push of a button from up to 260 feet away. A dual-fuel engine gives you flexibility in use, with propane offering a cleaner and cheaper power source with fewer maintenance demands.
Pros:
- Despite the electrical start, we appreciated that this generator also has a backup pull-start meaning we could still get it up and running in the event of a remote failure.
- The size of this generator engine inevitably makes it heavier than lower wattage options, but we found the sturdy design and wheels made it easy to transport.
- We found the documentation was clear and thorough, making it easy for anyone to quickly learn how to safely operate this piece of kit.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a quiet power source, this might not be your best option.
A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator
Safety first
This portable powerhouse is packed full of safety features to keep you up and running, making it a great choice for first-time generator owners. Low oil alerts and automatic low oil shutdown make maintenance a breeze and ensure the unit will operate at its best for years on end. With 2,000w of clean and safe power, larger appliances can be run with ease. A-iPower’s low idle technology assures optimal fuel performance, boasting an impressive run time of 4 hours at 100% load. A sleek, portable design and quiet running volume of 52dBA make it well-suited to tailgating or leisure trips. Equipped with standard and USB outlets, this generator has all power applications covered.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for a higher wattage solution in a smaller package, these generators can be hooked up in parallel.
- We found this generator was much quieter than other options at a similar wattage, and the eco mode allowed us to minimize RPMs even further and reduce noise.
- We love the price of this generator, we found it was very affordable when compared to others in the same power category.
Cons:
- We found it could require quite some effort to get this generator up and running using the pull-start.
FlashFish 300w Solar Generator
Photosynthesize
This lightweight power station is a perfect option for anyone looking for some extra charge on the move. The compact and ergonomic design, weighing in at only 5.6lbs, makes it easy to carry on foot or transport in a small backpack. The unit can be fully recharged in 6 to 7 hours when using an external solar panel, offering a clean and sustainable source of energy when out on the move. Over-temperature battery protection technology and a rugged metal and plastic exterior mean you’re ready for adventures in the outdoors under any conditions. With 222Wh of charge, this smaller battery doesn’t compromise on capacity. It’s a perfect addition to any trip outdoors.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for a silent power solution, this battery could be the one. With no moving parts other than a small cooling fan, it’s sure to charge your devices in peace.
- Additional charging options using a wall or car socket means you won’t be stuck when trying to refill this battery.
- We love that the 12v DC outlet lets us do away with an inefficient AC adapter when recharging some devices.
Cons:
- This unit doesn’t support pass-through charging, so it might leave you short if you’re hoping to power smaller devices at night whilst recharging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the working time for my devices from the capacity of my generator?
To calculate the working time of a device using a specific power source, you’ll need to know the working power of your devices in watts. Multiply the watt-hours capacity of the generator by 0.9, then divide the product by the working power of your device. The result will be an estimate of the duration, in hours, that you can run this device using your generator.
What fuel source should I choose for my generator?
Electrically charged batteries and solar recharging generators are a great option for clean and portable energy, but will often have a lower output than fuel-driven options. Gasoline is the most common generator fuel and can provide an efficient energy source using modern engine technology. The tradeoff is more noise and fumes, meaning these generators are best suited for outdoor use. For an alternative to gasoline, consider LPG generators. These can be more expensive at the point of purchase, but refueling is cheaper and the engines require less maintenance in the long run.
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