Portable generators
are intended to provide temporary power when utility is not available.
They are usually connected to the loads via extension cords, although a
connection via a transfer switch is more safe. Portables 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 your time and help you choose the best device for the job, we provided the chart below with the ratings and prices on some of the top rated brands followed by selection recommendations.
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,
Blue Max 8000 with about the same power level costs about 30% less then Briggs & Stratton Elite model 30242. If you need to supply
power to just a few small appliances or tools, consider contractor's
GEN4000B
that costs probably half of many comparable models on the US market.
Among midsized units, the consumer magazine recommended Coleman PM0545005. Coleman 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, the product manuals available at powermate.com still show 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 at prices
generally higher than you can get for comparable units online.
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 decided to keep a genset for a possible major emergency, 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
Blue
Max 6000. Diesel generators cost more, but they have 2-3 times longer life then
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, also 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. Among multi-fuel
portables, the tri-fuel Northstar
8000
TFG was featured in a Consumer Reports and has good users
reviews. You may just want to get an optional wheel kit. There are also
Winco Tri Fuel models. 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 then 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 Consumer Reports introductory
video on selecting the best emergency backup system.
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). Of course, prices and specs are subject to change without notice. For the current deals 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 BlueMax GEN4000B,
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 "not available" (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. Also see
this website's general
Disclaimer and Terms of Use linked below.
