May 2024
Portable Generators: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of portable generators rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 11 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 78 portable generator endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
58 portable generators were endorsed in total, only 10 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 11 May 2024, Honda EU2200i takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed portable generator with 7 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 portable generator' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Champion Power Equipment: 12 portable generators
(#1 is Champion Power Equipment 100891)
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WEN: 6 portable generators
(#1 is WEN 56225i)
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Generac: 6 portable generators
(#1 is Generac Guardian 7209)
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DuroMax: 5 portable generators
(#1 is DuroMax XP12000EH)
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Westinghouse: 5 portable generators
(#1 is Westinghouse WGen7500)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Portable Generator |
This Old House
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Best of Machinery
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Best Generator
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Wirecutter
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Bob Vila
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The Strategist
|
CNET
|
The Spruce
|
Forbes
|
Power Up
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $1041 |
Honda EU2200i
The Honda EU2200i portable generator is praised for its power output, fuel efficiency, low noise level, portability, and ease of use, making it a versatile and reliable choice for various power needs.
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4
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8
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-
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1
|
7
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3
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-
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-
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8
|
2
|
|
2
|
+1 | $1099 |
DuroMax XP12000EH
The DuroMax XP12000EH portable generator is highly regarded for its powerful output, dual fuel technology, multiple power outlets, fuel efficiency, portability, and user-friendly features, making it a reliable and versatile choice for various applications.
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-
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2
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7
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
|
|
3
|
-1 | $780 |
Westinghouse WGen7500
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a highly recommended and versatile generator that offers a range of features to meet various power needs, including exceptional fuel efficiency, a wide range of power outlets, and ease of use.
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1
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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|
4
|
- | Check price |
Sportsman GEN4000DF
The Sportsman GEN4000DF Portable Generator is a versatile and reliable dual-fuel generator that offers a range of power options and outlets, making it suitable for various use cases such as backup power, outdoor events, and camping trips.
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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|
5
|
- | Check price |
DuroStar DS4000S
The DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator is a reliable and versatile generator that offers a maximum power output of 4,000 watts and is suitable for powering a wide range of appliances and devices in various settings.
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2
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12
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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|
6
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+1 | $399 |
Duromax XP4850EH
The Duromax XP4850EH is a powerful and versatile portable generator that is well-suited for residential use, RVs, camping trips, and job sites, offering a maximum wattage output of 4850 watts, dual fuel capability, and a range of features for ease of use and convenience.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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2
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-
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-
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10
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|
14
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+1 | $1199 |
DuroMax XP13000EH
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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3
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-
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-
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|
15
|
New * | Check price |
Ryobi RY906500VNM
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-
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10
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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|
16
|
- | $999 |
Champion Power Equipment 200988
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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-
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|
17
|
- | $400 |
WEN 56200i
The WEN 56200i portable generator is a highly praised and versatile option for powering smaller appliances and electronic devices, with its power output, fuel efficiency, noise level, portability, and ease of use making it ideal for recreational use and emergency backup power.
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-
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11
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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We ranked Honda EU2200i #1 in May 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Honda EU2200i as #1.
This Old House
Most Compact Gas Generator
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Runs quietly between 48 and 57 decibels
Can connect it to a second generator for double the power
Runs for up to 10 hours despite its small fuel tank
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Powers a limited number of devices and appliances
Requires special cables to use the parallel operation outlets
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Best of Machinery
The Best for Lightweight Mobility
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Provides 2,200 watts of powers
Can run up to 8 hours on a gallon of fuel
Only 47 lbs, which means you can take it with you anywhere
The inverter power is reliable and safe to run laptops and computers on
Has a CO minder sensor that protects you from carbon monoxide poisoning
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Small generator, will not be able to power an entire home in a blackout
|
Bob Vila
Best for Camping
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Portable inverter generator provides cleaner electricity with lower noise and fuel consumption
Eco throttle system boosts fuel efficiency and reduces equipment wear and tear
Up to 8.1-hour runtime per tank of gas; suitable for providing long-term power
Built-in fuel shutoff, circuit protector switch, CO-MINDER, and oil alert
Bluetooth connectivity enables monitoring via the Honda My Generator mobile app
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Does not come with USB outlets; requires a hub or power strip to power small electronics
Limited fuel capacity; will require more frequent refueling for extended use
|
Power Up
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Fuel injection technology for better fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions
Low operating noise for comfort and convenience
Lightweight design with ergonomic carrying handles makes it easily portable
Produces true sine wave power for your electronic devices
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Does not come with an automatic starter and emits a strong gas smell while running
Limited fuel tank capacity
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We ranked DuroMax XP12000EH #2 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
Best of Machinery
The Best for Power-Outages at Home
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Dual fuel so you can use either gasoline or propane gas
Can be operated at both 120v and 240v simultaneously
The control panel includes 5 outlets, 3 for 120v and 2 for both 120v and 240v
It has an 8.3-gallon fuel capacity tank with a running time of 9 hours at 50% load and 5 hours at full load
Provides ample power with 12,000 starting watts (peak watts) and 9,500 running watts
|
Heavy generator, best to keep in one secure location
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Best Generator
The Biggest Beast
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Dual fuel capabilities
Very heavy-duty materials and design
Surprisingly quiet given the power
Very powerful with long runtime
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Heavy even with wheels
Still loud compared to the rest on the list
|
Bob Vila
Best for Home Use
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Runs on gasoline or propane, offering users convenient flexibility
Keyed electric start that is easier on the back and shoulders than pull starts
More affordable than most other 12,000-watt generators
Built-in carbon monoxide detector protects users from dangerous conditions
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Does not have an hour meter or any way to track runtime, requiring users to keep track
Does not come with dust covers to protect the multiple outlets when they’re not in use
Only 2 standard 120V-20A outlets for regular power cords
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Power Up
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Like other dual-fuel generators, it can run on both propane and gasoline
It automatically shuts off with low oil
It is highly portable, as it comes with a set of wheels and handles
Includes an electric start feature
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It might be hard to find a service that can fix any issues that might arise.
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend portable generators.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of portable generators, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
This Old House
Best of Machinery
Best Generator
Wirecutter
Bob Vila
The Strategist
CNET
The Spruce
Forbes
Power Up
We ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 #3 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 as #1.
This Old House
Best Overall
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Shuts off automatically when the oil level is low
Has a convenient remote start function to turn it on from inside your home
Comes with several accessories, including an oil funnel and battery charger
|
Weighs nearly 200 pounds
Can arrive with residual oil or fuel odor because it's tested in a lab
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Best of Machinery
The Largest Gas Tank Generator
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9,500 starting watts and 7,500 running watts
Easy electric start
Built-in fuel gauge and automatic low oil shut off
Has its own wheels for better portability
Is both EPA and CARB compliant
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Another heavy piece of kit that can be difficult to move around
|
Power Up
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High power output is suitable for applications with varying power demands
Rugged steel frame and never-flat wheels for heavy-duty use
The large gas fuel tank allows for a longer operating time
Remote electric start included
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Its weight makes it difficult to transport
Alternator cover dents easily
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We ranked Sportsman GEN4000DF #4 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sportsman GEN4000DF as #1.
Best of Machinery
Short Vacations and Small Power Outages
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Has EPA approval
Runs quietly at only 69 dBA
Dual fuel, giving you complete flexibility
Small back-up generator for power outages and traveling
Includes an automatic voltage regulator, low oil shut-off, and a spark arrester
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Not designed to be used constantly for several days in a row
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We ranked DuroStar DS4000S #5 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
This Old House
Best Basic Generator
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Can handle powerful items, including a refrigerator and an air conditioner
Has a built-in voltmeter to measure the voltage output
Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board
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Requires separate purchase if you want wheels
Doesn't last too long with its small 3.9-gallon fuel tank
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Best of Machinery
Best Balance of Power and Portability
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Weighing only 94 pounds, it's portable enough to take on camping trips
The fuel tank has the capacity to hold 3.96 gallons, which will give you 8 hours of run time at a 50% load
Automatic low oil shut-off
Complete with surge arrest technology
Has both EPA and CARB approval
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Industrial design that can clash with RV interiors
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We ranked Duromax XP4850EH #6 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
Power Up
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It comes with its’ own set of wheels, making it very portable.
Even though it is powerful, the generator is relatively compact and easy to carry.
It runs on both propane and gasoline, which is quite convenient.
Electric start included.
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It can get quite noisy, primarily when used at full capacity.
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We ranked DuroMax XP13000EH #7 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Dual-Fuel
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Long runtime on propane
Powers AC, fridge, as well as lights
Wide outlet selection
EPA and CARB approved
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Doesn't ship with oil
Tech support could be better
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We ranked Ryobi RY906500VNM #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best Generator for CO Safety
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An inverter generator with a 420cc engine that supplies clean and reliable power
Comes with a wrap-around hand truck frame with 10-inch wheels for portability
Noise level output is 72.3 dBA
The 6-gallon fuel tank gives you up to 10 hours of continuous run time
Includes both 120 and 240-volt outlets
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Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
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Powered by a dependable and easy-to-start Ryobi 420cc OHV gas engine
Wraparound hand truck–style frame and large wheels enhance portability
Two 120-volt 20-amp duplex outlets and a 120/240-volt 30-amp twist locking outlet can handle a wide range of portable power needs
Automatic voltage regulator ensures reliable and consistent power supply
Modest price point for a high-quality portable generator
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Handle design requires a steep tilt for transport, which can be tough to balance
Recoil start only; not equipped with an electric starter
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We ranked Champion Power Equipment 200988 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best for your RV
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The 2.3-gallon fuel tank
14 hours on gasoline or up to 21 hours with a 20-lb propane tank
4500W starting watts (peak watts) and 3150W running watts
Easy to start with the battery-operated electric start switch
The air-cooled engine has a low oil shut off for safety
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Be careful not to overload this generator with too many power outlets
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We ranked WEN 56200i #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best portable generators” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best for Power on the Go
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Powered by a 79.7cc, 4-stroke overhead valve engine
Provides a starting power of 2,000 peak watts and operating watts of 1,600
Includes two 120 volt outlets, one 12 volt outlet, and one 5 volt USB outlet
Is both EPA III and CARB compliant
Handy carry handle so you can take it anywhere
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Designed for small electronics whilst travelling rather than home power outages
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Power Up
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Extremely quiet operation
Lightweight design at only 48 pounds for easy transport
Minimal harmonic distortion making it safe to use with sensitive electronics
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Low fuel tank capacity
Overloads when connected to large equipment or high-drainage electronic devices
The plastic shell makes it more vulnerable to cracks and damage
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