October 2021
Portable Generators: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Portable Generator rankings posted by key online experts, as of October 2021.
At a glance - October 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Portable Generator |
Power Up
|
The Strategist
|
Bob Vila
|
CNET
|
This Old House
|
Best Generator
|
Wirecutter
|
Lifewire
|
Best of Machinery
|
Popular Mechanics
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $899 |
Westinghouse WGen7500
|
6
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $2500 |
Honda EU2200i
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
8
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $431 |
WEN 56200i
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
11
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $375 |
DuroStar DS4000S
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
12
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $1399 |
DuroMax XP12000EH
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
6
|
+1 | $419 |
Sportsman GEN4000DF
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
7
|
+1 | $794 |
Wen 56380i
|
1
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-3 | $837 |
Champion Power Equipment 76533
|
12
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
+1 | Check price |
Briggs & Stratton P2200
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
+2 | $599 |
Duromax XP4850EH
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 #1 in October 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 as #1.
Power Up
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Its weight makes it difficult to transport
Alternator cover dents easily
|
This Old House
Best Overall
|
Pros
Powerful 9,500-watt capacity
Large 6.6-gallon fuel capacity compared to other products reviewed
Convenient remote start allows you to operate from inside your home
3-year warranty and lifetime support
|
Cons
Heavy, at almost 200 pounds
Some customers complained that it was hard to contact customer service
|
Lifewire
Best for Long Run Times
|
Pros
Remote start
Easy setup
Can run up to 16 hours
|
Cons
Heavy
|
Best of Machinery
The Largest Gas Tank Generator
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Another heavy piece of kit that can be difficult to move around
|
We ranked Honda EU2200i #2 in October 2021 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Honda EU2200i as #1.
Power Up
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Does not come with an automatic starter and emits a strong gas smell while running
Limited fuel tank capacity
|
Lifewire
Best Splurge
|
Pros
Lightweight
Can run overnight
Lots of features
|
Cons
No fuel gauge
Expensive
|
Best of Machinery
The Best for Lightweight Mobility
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Small generator, will not be able to power an entire home in a blackout
|
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 October 2021 ranking
Power Up
The Strategist
Bob Vila
CNET
This Old House
Best Generator
Wirecutter
Lifewire
Best of Machinery
Popular Mechanics
We ranked WEN 56200i #3 in October 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
Power Up
|
Pros
Extremely quiet operation
Lightweight design at only 48 pounds for easy transport
Minimal harmonic distortion making it safe to use with sensitive electronics
|
Cons
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
|
Lifewire
Best Value
|
Pros
Quiet 53dB operation
Lightweight and portable at 48 pounds
Two 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port
|
Cons
Won't last as long as bigger models
Some issues with warranty service
|
Best of Machinery
Best for Power on the Go
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Designed for small electronics whilst travelling rather than home power outages
|
We ranked DuroStar DS4000S #4 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked DuroStar DS4000S as #1.
This Old House
Best Value
|
Pros
Best price for the power
Lightweight, at only 94 pounds
Camping and RV-ready: approved for use in all 50 states
|
Cons
Wheels aren’t included; optional wheel kit can be purchased
Shortest run time per tank than other products reviewed
|
Lifewire
Best Overall
|
Pros
High-quality product at an affordable price
4,000-watt capacity
Reliable brand
|
Cons
Heavy
Maintenance requires regular oil changes
|
Best of Machinery
Best Balance of Power and Portability
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Industrial design that can clash with RV interiors
|
We ranked DuroMax XP12000EH #5 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
Power Up
|
Pros
It is a hybrid model, meaning 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.
|
Cons
It might be hard to find a service that can fix any issues that might arise.
|
Best Generator
The Biggest Beast
|
Pros
Dual fuel capabilities
Very heavy-duty materials and design
Surprisingly quiet given the power
Very powerful with long runtime
|
Cons
Heavy even with wheels
Still loud compared to the rest on the list
|
Best of Machinery
The Best for Power-Outages at Home
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Heavy generator, best to keep in one secure location
|
We ranked Sportsman GEN4000DF #6 in October 2021 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
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not designed to be used constantly for several days in a row
|
We ranked Wen 56380i #7 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Wen 56380i as #1.
Power Up
Our Top Picks
|
Pros
Super Quiet
CARB Compliant
Can be run in parallel for even more power
Low oil and low fuel automatic shutdown
Fully RV ready
|
Cons
A little heavy
|
We ranked Champion Power Equipment 76533 #8 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Champion Power Equipment 76533 as #1.
Power Up
|
Pros
It has a dual-fuel engine, which means it runs on both gasoline and propane, so it is highly flexible.
It comes with excellent technical support that lasts a lifetime.
It is highly reliable due to its’ 224cc Champion engine.
|
Cons
Some users might be deterred by its’ relatively high level of noise
|
We ranked Briggs & Stratton P2200 #9 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
Best Generator
Runner Up
|
Pros
Parallel capable
Low THD
Multiple customer service locations around the US, which makes getting service easier
|
Cons
No USB port
Can't be shipped to California
|
Lifewire
Best Design
|
Pros
Smart, clean design
Built-in cigarette lighter outlet for versatile accessory connections
Relatively quiet at 64 decibels
Easy to carry with H-style handle
On/off switch also activates fuel shutoff
|
Cons
No built-in USB port
Not quite as powerful as some competitors
Louder than advertised
|
We ranked Duromax XP4850EH #10 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
Power Up
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
It can get quite noisy, primarily when used at full capacity.
|