Portable generators
are intended to provide temporary power when utility is not available.
These devices are usually connected to the loads via extension cords, although a
connection via a transfer switch is more safe. They are often used
in homes, small offices, on construction sites, farms, motor homes, recreation vehicles, and in camping trips. Most of the
models are fueled from the on-board tank and therefore have short run
time between refueling. More expensive multi-fuel devices can be hooked
up to an external fuel source (such as natural gas or propane) for
extended runtime. For more details, see
portable
generator guide.
To save you hours of research and help you choose the best device for
the job, I put up the chart below with the ratings and typical prices on some
of the top rated brands followed by selection considerations.
SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS.
So, what portable generator is the best? Gasoline models are the most popular backup
power devices, and many of them are relatively cheap. Several years ago Consumer
Reports magazine in its reviews rated Generac model Wheelhouse™ 5500
1646 and Briggs & Stratton Elite series 30242 "best buys". Note however
that their rating covered only a few brands, mainly those that are sold at hardware stores. Of course, if you need an emergency power
immediately, a local store is your only option. Otherwise, buying online have a number of potential advantages: broader selection, lower
prices, no sales tax in many cases, and often even a free delivery. For example,
DuroMax XP8500E with higher power level costs about 30% less than Briggs & Stratton Elite model 30242. If you need to supply
power to just a few small appliances or tools, consider DuroStar DS4000S that runs for probably half of the cost of most comparable
models on the US market. Among midsized units, a leading consumer magazine once recommended Coleman
PM0545005. Coleman has sold its Powermate division to PRAMAC. This and some similar part numbers are no longer manufactured, but may still be available for sale quite cheap. By the way, last I checked, the product
manuals at powermate.com still had an old non-functional Coleman's
web address. Likewise, Troy-Bilt 30248 and 30245 are discontinued.
Troy-Bilt is now a Briggs & Stratton brand sold at Lowe's. Their
prices seems to me higher than you can get online for comparable units.
Note that with any gasoline-fueled portable model you will need to
refill the fuel tank several times a day if you run it continuously at
rated load. Unfortunately, unleaded gasoline has short shelf life and
during a blackout gas pumps may not work. Therefore, a gasoline
generator may be a good solution against short-term rolling blackouts
or for camping trips. However, if you want to keep a genset as an
emergency backup system, you should store a large amount of stabilized
gasoline (say, 100-200 gallons for a week supply) and replace it at
least every other year.
Also note that most gasoline gensets use 3600-RPM air cooled engines
with relatively short product lives: about 500-1500 hours of use. When
used occasionally for emergency backup purposes, they may remain operational
for about 5 to 7 years. But if you need a power source for frequent use
(for example for job sites), consider a model with a
diesel engine such
as
ETQ DG4LE. Diesel generators cost more, but they have 2-3 times longer life than gas models. Diesel, like gasoline may not be available during a wide spread blackout, but it is more safe to store. If you are concerned about major blackouts, consider
propane models, such as
APG3560. Propane can be stored practically indefinitely and it is the only type of fuel that is normally obtainable during power outages. When powered from a single BBQ tank, APG3560 will provide about the same run time as most comparable gas or diesel gensets per tankful.
Finally, if you prefer the convenience of portability and continuous power at extra cost, consider a multi-fuel device that can be hooked up
to a natural gas line or a large propane tank. The tri-fuel Northstar
8000 TFG was once featured in a Consumer Reports and had good users reviews. Unfortunately, Northern Tool + Equipment who used to make this device has discontinued all its tri fuel generators. Off-the-shelf multi fuel portables generally are too expensive- for the
same money you may probably buy two regular devices. However, many gasoline models can be converted to multi-fuel generators with a third party conversion kit that enables them to run on propane and diesel. This would be less expensive than to buy a tri-fuel model, but you would still have to deal with a light-duty gasoline engine.
For more information see our
review to portable generators and my
best portable generator picks.
NOTES:
The characteristics in the chart are based on manufacturer's or seller's specifications available at the time we compiled this review.
The prices are given for the same period of time. We included the best advertised prices we found online at authorized dealers or other
retailers (taxes and shipping are not included, but may be free from some retailers). Of course, prices and specs are subject to change without notice. For the current prices on some of the top rated models as well as on permanent "whole house" backup power devices and transfer switches see our
discount generators page.
All listed models provide standard outlets 120VAC 60 Hz (15 or 20 A) and a twist-lock 120/240VAC 30 A outlet (except for DuroStar DS4000S, which has only 120VAC) . Other higher current twist-lock outlets if offered are listed in the "Features" column.
Weight is given without packaging (shipping weight will be higher).
N/a means data "not available" (i.e. we could not find this information).
All data here are provided
As Is- no responsibility for any errors. The devices compared
above represent only a fraction of all available models. For official datasheets you may contact the respective manufacturers.
Product reviews and the analysis are provided for information purposes and reflects only the opinion of the author. The sole responsibility
when selecting a product rests with the buyer- read important Terms of Use (Disclaimer) linked below.
This page contains affiliate links- see Material
Connections Disclosure.