Power outages due to bad weather happen, and with the Atlantic hurricane season — which runs from July to November — in full swing, there is a good chance of your electricity being knocked out during these months. In fact, in a mid-August storm like Hurricane Ernesto, which happens to be swirling in the Atlantic right now, a portable generator can be a lifesaver. But with so many options on the market, finding the right one can feel more confusing than comforting.
Before you start browsing, here are a few key things to consider:
- Power Needs: Think about the appliances and devices you absolutely need to keep running. Add up their wattages — this will help you determine the generator size you need.
- Fuel Type: Gasoline generators are the most common, while dual-fuel models offer more flexibility when one fuel type is hard to find.
- Noise Level: Generators can be loud. Look for decibel (dB) ratings when comparing models, especially if you’re concerned about noisy neighbors.
- Portability: Some generators have wheels for easier transport, while smaller models are designed to be carried for camping and other uses.
It’s important to remember that generators can be dangerous. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk, so always use your generator outdoors with the exhaust pointed away from windows and doors. Never refuel a hot generator, and remember that no portable generator is meant to power an entire home for extended periods.
Ready to find your perfect power solution? Below are our top picks for the best portable generators on the market in 2024, with detailed reviews.
Portable Generators for Sale
Best For Homeowners and Those Needing Extended Backup Power During Outages Or Emergencies: Westinghouse 12500W Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
Key Specs
12,500 peak watts, 9,500 running watts, dual fuel (gasoline/propane), 12-hour runtime, electric start, auto volt regulation
The first best generator on our list is the powerhouse Westinghouse 12500W. It packs reliable power and adaptability into a single unit. Plus, it can comfortably run your essentials for hours during a blackout, and the dual-fuel option lets you seamlessly switch to propane if your gas tank runs low.
Pros
This generator got our top pick thanks to its unmatched flexibility, especially in emergency situations where one type of fuel source might be easier to access than another. The potent output lets you run not just lights or a fridge but also power-hungry appliances like an air conditioner, providing a higher degree of comfort during power outages.
Plus, the electric start option means you don’t need to wrestle with a pull cord in stressful moments, making it easier to get your backup power going quickly.
Cons
All this power and capability comes with significant bulk, making this entry less suitable for smaller homes or if you need something easily portable for camping trips. Also, be aware that generators, even powerful ones like this, cannot power an entire modern home indefinitely.
Best For Adventurers, Campers and Anyone Seeking Power Without the Noise and Fumes: Jackery Explore 1000W with Solar Panel
Key Specs
1000 watts, solar and AC charging options, pure sine wave inverter, multiple outlets
Ditch the noisy, bulky generators and embrace the freedom of solar power. The Jackery Explorer 1000W is like a super-sized power bank with the added benefit of recharging using the sun. It’s ideal for powering up your campsite, running sensitive electronics off-grid, or even providing a bit of backup during a power cut.
Pros
You get a solar generator combo that shines for its silent operation and lightweight design. It’s perfect if peace and portability are your goals. You won’t be irritating fellow campers, and you can recharge for free using the included solar panels. Plus, the array of ports means it can handle everything from your phone to a mini-fridge.
Cons
Keep in mind that solar charging is slower than standard AC, so it’s not the best choice if you need a quick surge of high-demand power. Also, while it can handle some appliances, it’s not built for running your whole house during a long blackout.
Best For Keeping Essentials Powered On Short Trips, Tech Lovers, or as an Emergency Backup: Marbero 88W Portable Power Station
Key Specs
88Wh capacity, solar and AC charging, compact size, multiple device ports
Next on our best generator lineup comes Marbero’s tech-centric masterpiece. It won’t run a whole campsite, but it’s a champ at keeping phones, tablets, and even small appliances powered for a weekend getaway or during an unexpected blackout. It’s small enough to toss in a backpack and even comes with a handy solar panel for recharging on the go.
Pros
This little powerhouse packs in multiple charging ports despite its tiny size, letting you keep several devices topped up at once. It’s ideal for campers who want to stay connected or anyone needing a small, emergency backup power source that won’t take up much space.
Cons
The small capacity means it’s not best for running bigger appliances or for powering things over an extended time. Also, solar charging is slow, so it’s important to have access to AC charging for faster top-ups.
Best For Outdoorsy Types Who Want a Powerful Generator Without the Racket or Anyone Needing Clean Power: WEN Super Quiet 2350W Portable Inverter Generator
Key Specs
2350 peak watts, 1900 running watts, gasoline only, super lightweight, inverter technology, 51 decibels max
Want Honda power without the Honda price? The WEN 2350W is an affordable alternative that delivers power and portability. It also boasts “inverter technology,” which means clean, safe electricity for even your most delicate gadgets. It’s a great choice for camping trips, powering sensitive electronics, or as a basic backup during a power outage.
Pros
The main draw here is a combination of quiet operation and lightweight design, making it much easier to take along for adventures. The inverter technology means you won’t have to worry about frying your phone charger or laptop. It also includes a handy fuel shut-off feature to make maintenance and storage a breeze.
Cons
It is powerful for its size, but it’s not built to run your whole house for an extended period. It’s also gasoline-only, so you won’t get the fuel flexibility of a dual-fuel model.
Best For Small homeowners, DIYers, or Anyone Needing Flexible Power: DuroMax 4400W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Key Specs
4400 peak watts, 3500 running watts, dual fuel (gas or propane), electric start
If you need more power than a smaller generator but don’t want to break the bank, the DuroMax 4400W is just the ticket. This mid-sized generator can handle running the essentials in your home during a blackout or powering a range of tools at a worksite. Plus, the dual-fuel operation means you can pick the most convenient fuel source at the moment.
Pros
DuroMax’s generator offers the best of both worlds: decent power for a reasonable price, plus the added convenience of running on either gasoline or propane. It’s a good compromise if you want extra power without committing to a huge, expensive model. The electric start is also a big plus.
Cons
It’s not the most portable generator on the market, so it’s best for home backup or powering local jobsites rather than camping trips. It also won’t run a whole house indefinitely — think of it as a temporary lifeline rather than a full replacement.
Best For Campers, Tailgaters, and Anyone Who Wants a No-Fuss Power Source On The Go: A-iPower 2000W Portable Inverter Generator
Key Specs
2000 peak watts, 1600 running watts, gasoline only, super quiet, lightweight
If you want a generator that’s easy to live with, the A-iPower 2000W delivers. This compact unit is made for taking along on adventures. It’s great for powering basic camp appliances or keeping the tailgate party going, and it won’t annoy anyone with its quiet operation.
Pros
This generator shines for its beginner-friendliness. It starts up easily, runs smoothly, and is lightweight enough to tote around without too much hassle. Plus, that inverter technology means you can safely charge those fancy phones without worry.
Cons
Naturally, a smaller size means less power. This is another generator that won’t be running your entire home, and it might chug a bit with power-hungry appliances. It’s also gasoline-only, so you don’t have that fuel flexibility found in other models.
Best For Homeowners Needing Emergency Backup Without the Bulk, Campers, or Tailgaters Seeking Quiet Power: Westinghouse 2550W Lightweight Portable Inverter Generator
Key Specs
2550 peak watts, 1800 running watts, dual fuel (gas or propane), super quiet, digital display
Want a generator that’s powerful yet surprisingly gentle? The Westinghouse 2550W strikes a great balance. It’s got enough oomph to keep lights and appliances running during a power cut, ideal for home backup. Plus, its quiet operation and small footprint make it suitable for campsites and tailgates where noise level is a concern.
Pros
Westinghouse gives you the convenience of dual-fuel options, letting you choose between gas or propane. Its super-quiet operation is a major perk, and it’s lightweight for its power. All these perks come together to make it a manageable option for those who need a portable power source.
Cons
While powerful for its size, it still can’t run everything in your house at once. This is best for backup power for essentials, not a whole-house solution.
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