May 2023
Portable Generators: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Portable Generator rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 9 May 2023 and 9 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 90 Portable Generator endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
66 Portable Generators were endorsed in total, only 11 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 9 May 2023, 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. It is followed by Westinghouse WGen7500 and DuroMax XP12000EH , with 5 and 5 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Champion Power Equipment:
14 Portable Generators
(#1 is Champion Power Equipment 76533 )
-
DuroMax:
7 Portable Generators
(#1 is DuroMax XP13000EH )
-
WEN:
7 Portable Generators
(#1 is WEN DF475T )
-
Westinghouse:
6 Portable Generators
(#1 is Westinghouse WGen5500 )
-
Generac:
4 Portable Generators
(#1 is Generac GP2200i )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Portable Generator |
This Old House
|
Forbes
|
Power Up
|
The Spruce
|
Bob Vila
|
Wirecutter
|
Best Generator
|
CNET
|
Best of Machinery
|
The Strategist
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+1 | $1199 |
Honda EU2200i
|
4
|
8
|
2
|
7
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
2
|
-1 | $648 |
Westinghouse WGen7500
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
DuroMax XP12000EH
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
8
|
10
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Sportsman GEN4000DF
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $329 |
DuroStar DS4000S
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
|
6
|
+1 | $643 |
Wen 56380i
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
+1 | $429 |
WEN 56200i
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
4
|
|
8
|
+1 | $192 |
SereneLife SLSPGN20
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
9
|
New * | $890 |
Generac GP6500 COsense
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $1649 |
Jackery Explorer 1000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
-1 | $399 |
Duromax XP4850EH
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Portable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| #8 | $191.99 | SereneLife SLSPGN20 [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $329 | DuroStar DS4000S [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $399 | Duromax XP4850EH [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $429 | WEN 56200i [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $642.99 | Wen 56380i [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $648.26 | Westinghouse WGen7500 [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $890 | Generac GP6500 COsense [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $1199 | Honda EU2200i [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $1649 | Jackery Explorer 1000 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Honda EU2200i #1 in May 2023 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
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Powers a limited number of devices and appliances
Requires special cables to use the parallel operation outlets
|
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
|
The Spruce
Best Quiet
|
Pros
Operates between 48 and 57 decibels
Lightweight at only 47 pounds
Monitor and operate generator with smartphone app
|
Cons
Only one outlet
Small fuel tank
|
Bob Vila
Best Gas
|
Pros
Eco-Throttle system provides fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of damage and malfunction
8.1-hour runtime; suitable for providing long-term power per gas tank
Fuel shutoff, circuit protector switch, CO-Minder, and oil alert included with purchase
Bluetooth connectivity integrated for changing power levels or monitoring at any time
Electric start; no pulling or straining required for starting the unit
|
Cons
Does not come with USB outlets; may not be suitable for powering small devices
Limited fuel capacity compared to similar options; not suitable for large appliances or devices
For dual-fuel capability, a conversion kit must be purchased separately
|
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
|
We ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 #2 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Westinghouse WGen7500 as #1.
This Old House
Most Powerful Generator
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Weighs nearly 200 pounds
Can arrive with residual oil or fuel odor because it's tested in a lab
|
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
|
Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Pros
Ample 7,500 running watts of power; ideal for large and small appliances
Runs for 11 hours on a single tank of gas
Remote can be used 109 yards away; perfect for large campsites
Built-in muffler; helps dampen the 72-decibel noise output
|
Cons
Weighs 196 pounds; may not be ideal for maneuvering or transporting
|
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
|
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 2023 ranking
This Old House
Forbes
Power Up
The Spruce
Bob Vila
Wirecutter
Best Generator
CNET
Best of Machinery
The Strategist
We ranked DuroMax XP12000EH #3 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
Power Up
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
It might be hard to find a service that can fix any issues that might arise.
|
The Spruce
Best Dual Fuel
|
Pros
Connects to propane tank or draws from an 8.3 gallon gas tank
Voltage switch to maximize power to 120V outlets
Supplies up to 12,000 peak watts
|
Cons
No carbon monoxide sensor
Lacks digital display
|
Bob Vila
Best Dual-Fuel
|
Pros
Suitable for use with large appliances; heavy-duty power output
Can provide over 8 hours of power on 1 tank of gas
Automatic shutdown prevents malfunction when the fuel runs out
Sits on a steel frame and dual heavy-duty wheels for ample portability and maneuverability
|
Cons
Tires may flatten over time and with frequent usage; cannot be refilled
|
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 #4 in May 2023 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 DuroStar DS4000S #5 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
This Old House
Best Basic Generator
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Requires separate purchase if you want wheels
Doesn't last too long with its small 3.9-gallon fuel tank
|
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 Wen 56380i #6 in May 2023 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
|
Bob Vila
Best for Electronics
|
Pros
Smaller than other options; perfect for storing in garages, sheds, and trunks
Includes two 3-prong 120-volt receptacles to suit users’ needs
Weighs under 100 pounds for ample maneuverability as well as portability
Reliable construction; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency III and California Air Resources Board compliant for long-term usage
|
Cons
Does not work with propane; not as versatile as some other generator options
Does not connect to an electrical panel; may not be suitable for some users’ preferences
|
We ranked WEN 56200i #7 in May 2023 because:
- 3 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
|
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 SereneLife SLSPGN20 #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
This Old House
Most Portable Generator
|
Pros
Can charge it with a wall outlet, solar panel, or cigarette lighter
Has a built-in flashlight
Can fit in a backpack
|
Cons
Can't power large appliances
Takes eight hours to recharge
|
We ranked Generac GP6500 COsense #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
This Old House
Biggest Tank
|
Pros
Has a durable steel construction
Has wheels and handles foe transportation
Uses co-sense technology to protect against carbon monoxide
|
Cons
Operates at a loud volume because of its gas fuel source
Increases the electrical current when you first start it
|
Bob Vila
Best Heavy-Duty
|
Pros
CO-sense technology integrated; prevents carbon monoxide from being emitted into a space
PowerRush advanced technology delivers a 40 percent increase in starting capacity
Large-capacity steel fuel tank comes with a fuel gauge; durable and easy to use
Comes with two 120-volt GFCI duplex outlets, one 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet, and 3 circuit breakers
|
Cons
172-pound construction may make it difficult for some users to maneuver or transport
|
We ranked Jackery Explorer 1000 #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Portable Generators” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Solar
|
Pros
Lightweight at 22 pounds
Includes two 100W solar panels
Rated for 2,000 peak watts and 1,000 running watts
|
Cons
Some fan noise
|
Bob Vila
Best Small
|
Pros
Includes 2 foldable 100-watt solar panels for ample eco-friendliness
Built-in carrying handles help users maneuver the generator around a space or campsite
Comes with multiple outlets: USB, USB-C, standard household outlets, and a car outlet
Digital display alerts the user to battery life as well as input and output levels
|
Cons
Not made for heavy-duty power supply; suitable for small appliances, tools, and devices
|
We ranked Duromax XP4850EH #11 in May 2023 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.
|