With current situations like the California wildfire blackouts taking place and cold temperatures ahead, searches for portable generators are up.
One of these handy machines can help you through temporary power outages, keeping home necessities like your fridge, Wi-Fi router and phone running. Depending on where you live, going without power can mean going without heat or air conditioning, so a generator can be essential.
If you do get a portable generator, make sure it is installed correctly and kept outside. This is to protect from fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
And if you’re not sure which portable generator to go with, our expert product reviews team at Don’t Waste Your Money has ranked the top five portable generators for you. Here’s a bit about each, ranked from highest to lowest.
1. Best Overall: Briggs & Stratton Powersmart Series Portable Generator
Don’t Waste Your Money’s top pick for portable generators is the Briggs & Stratton Powersmart Series Portable Generator ($897.20). It has built-in voltage regulation and the 1.5-gallon fuel tank can go for up to 10 hours without a refill. Extra pluses are the USB port (so you can charge your devices directly from the generator) and four 120-volt AC outlets, more than many generators. The 3000-watt version is on the heavier side at 85 pounds but does come with wheels and a handle to pull it like luggage if you need to move it around.
2. Easy To Transport: Honda EU2200i Portable Generator
A big plus of the Honda EU2200i Portable Generator ($1049) is that it’s lightweight and easy to move at 47 pounds. It’s also the quietest generator out of this bunch at 48 to 57 decibels. The Honda generator can also run larger appliances like refrigerators with its 2,200-watt power.
3. Best Value: Champion Power Equipment
The Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator ($209.99) has “Cold Start” technology for those who live in states with frigid winters. With 1500 watts and a 12-hour run time, it’s best for powering smaller appliances and electronics. But it can also be connected to another generator for additional power. Biggest bonus: the price tag is significantly less than the other generators on this list.
4. Power For Hours: Yamaha Portable Generator
Like the Briggs and Stratton generator, the 2000-watt Yamaha Portable Generator ($949.99) has a good-sized tank (1.1 gallons). It’s also lightweight, weighing in at 44 pounds, and easier on the ears with a 51.5- to 61-decibel noise level.
5. Fuel-Efficient: Toucan City Ryobi Portable Generator
The 7000-watt Toucan City Ryobi Portable Generator has an automatic voltage regulator. It also uses Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), which cuts down on fuel use and makes it easier to start up. It isn’t currently available at Amazon but is available elsewhere online for $999.
Now that you know the details about the best portable generators, you can keep your family powered up no matter what nature throws at you!
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
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