Portable generators are synonymous with emergency and disaster alertness. It is a valuable solution to restore power in case of an unexpected or unforeseen power outage. It is a valid alternative to regular electric power. It can even be used in areas where there is no access to electricity.
Portable fuel generators might rank among the smallest generators, but it is an efficient source of power if there is no electricity. Portable generators work by running a fuel-powered engine that turns on the alternator to generate electrical power. These generators usually have power outlets that allow you to connect extension sockets and other supported appliances.
Various fuels can power the best portable generators. They can be powered by natural gas, propane, diesel, or solar energy. Some of the best portable generators will allow you to switch between fuel types. These types of generators are called bi-fuel generators.
Some of the key uses of portable fuel generators include a power source in various power emergencies at home, camping, mining, ranching, agriculture, construction, night working, and standby power for businesses and various activities.
However, it is essential to get the best product for secured power generation. Getting the best portable power generators might prove a hassle in the much-saturated market of limitless products. This review aims to provide insight into some of the best portable fuel generators that can serve various purposes.
Dual Fuel Generator: Westinghouse WGen9500DF
Generator Westinghouse is one of the best portable home generators. It is also one of the few portable generators that run on dual fuel options. It uses both gasoline and propane. While running on gasoline fuel, the engine has 9500 running watts and 12,500 peak watts. The propane fuel, on the other hand, uses 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts.
This portable generator is also notable for its fuel management. Its 6.6 gallons fuel tank supports a run time of up to 12 hours; hence, you don’t have to spend too much on refueling. Likewise, the generator Westinghouse comes with a fuel gauge that allows you to know your fuel level. It also includes special features like low oil shutdown, digital hour meter, and long-lasting cast iron sleeve for the engine’s smooth running and effective maintenance.
The engine starts effortlessly with the inclusion of an electric start push button and remote start key fob that is active even at 260ft away. You can easily switch within your fuel option without compromising the functionality of the engine or fuel management.
Heavy Duty Portable Generator: Pulsar G12KBN-SG
Pulsar G12KBN-SG is another dual fuel portable generator with a lot of impressive features. The dual-fuel capacity of this model allows you to choose between gasoline and LPG. The gasoline fuel runs at 12,000 peak watts and 9500 rated watts. The LPG fuel runs at 8550 rated watts and 10,800 peak watts.
This portable fuel generator comes with a large 8-gallon tank that can keep the engine running for about 12 hours. The engine of Pulsar G12KBN-SG is protected with a durable powder-coated frame to increase your engine’s lifespan.
Pulsar G12KBN-SG includes a drop-down handle and 10″ never-flat wheels for easy mobility of the generator on various surfaces. This feature also enhances its maneuverability and storage. This generator also includes an easy push start button for convenience and easy operation.
High Power Portable Generator: DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator is one of the most powerful portable home generators you can come across. This generator uses a dual fuel option of propane and gasoline. It has a power of 12,000 starting watts and 9500 running watts regardless of the fuel you are using. It has a large 8.3-gallon tank that ensures the smooth and extensive running of the engine. It has a 5.0-amp outlet that allows optimal power output. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator comes with an oil funnel, toolset, wheel kit, and other essential materials for the generator’s easy maintenance.
It is a quiet generator because it includes an oversized noise reducing muffler. The integration of a built-in spark arrestor ensures both smooth and quiet operations. This generator unit is built with all copper windings for improved durability.
10000 Watts Portable Generator: All Power America APGG10000
All Power America APGG10000 is a 10000-watt generator with a lot of impressive features. It operates with 10000-watt peak power and 8000 watts rated power. It also uses a 15HP, 420cc engine to ensure powerful delivery. It has a large tank capacity of 8 gallons that run for about 11 hours at half load.
Another impressive feature of All Power America APGG10000 is that it is a quiet portable generator. It only gives off noise of 76 dB, which is relatively low compared to other similar models.
It is easy to start, and it comes with a maintenance-free battery. It also comes with flat-free wheels for increased portability and easy storage. It has an anti-corrosive coating for increased durability.
Fuel Hybrid Generator: DuroMax XP5500EH
DuroMax XP5500EH is another quiet generator with dual fuel capacity. It only emits a noise of 68 dB, which is relatively lower than most other similar models. Likewise, this portable generator uses a dual fuel option of gasoline and propane. The gasoline tank can take 3.96 gallons, while the suggested tank size of propane is 20 gallons.
DuroMax XP5500EH delivers a starting power of 5,500 watts and a running power of 4,500 watts. It can also operate on both 120V and 240V simultaneously. Similarly, the unit is entirely constructed with metal for increased durability. It uses both electric and recoils pull start for easy start-up.
Digital Portable Generators: WEN 56475 4750-Watt
WEN 56475 4750-Watt is one of the lightest weight portable generators with digital features. It includes a digital readout feature that helps to know the time for oil changes and other maintenance. It also includes other easy-to-use features like electric start, low oil shutdown, overload protection, and automatic voltage regulator.
WEN 56475 4750-Watt ensures powerful output with its 223cc engine, 3750 watts rated power, and 4750 watts peak power. The portability of WEN 56475 4750-Watt is improved with the inclusion of foldable handles and wheel kit.
RV-ready Portable Generator: Champion 76533 Portable Generator
The Champion 76533 portable generator is a powerful generator that operates on a dual fuel system to ensure about 3800 watts of power production. You can fuel the generator with either gasoline or propane, as the generator is highly versatile and functional.
The generator has a low oil shut-off sensor that enhances its efficiency and performance. It has an Intelligauge feature that allows you to keep track of the hertz, voltage, and runtime hours. The Intelligauge feature allows you to easily monitor the generator’s power output and track its maintenance intervals.
The champion 76533 portable generators provide about 9 hours of runtime on gasoline and about 10.5 hours of runtime on propane. It has a noise level of 68dB from 23 feet. It has a touch start feature that uses a battery for a push-button electric start that ensures a quick and easy start.
Lightweight Portable Generator: Durostar DS4000S Portable Generator
The DS4000S portable generator is a 3300 watts lightweight generator. The generator provides a peak power of 4000 watts and running power of 3300 watts that allows it to handle several jobs ranging from powering low and high voltage appliances to heavy-duty power and hand tools. The generator also ensures a low noise level of about 69dB allowing little or no noise pollution.
The generator has a fuel capacity of 3.96 gallons allowing it to work for a long period with a full tank. It has an engine with an automatic low shut-off feature that enables enhanced performance and efficiency. It is suitable for varieties of users and several electrical powering applications.
The generator has a low fuel consumption feature that allows it to work for about 8 hours on a full fuel tank. It has a surge-arrest feature that protects the generator from power surges. The DS4000S is also highly durable and reliably designed for the toughest jobs on site.
Quietest Portable Generator: Honda EU2200i
The EU2200i has the lowest decibel level of all generators on the current market at 48. Perfect for a campground to not disturb your neighbors. Speaking of 48, that’s also how much it weighs to make it very portable. With 2200 watts of power it can power a refrigerator or freezer, phone charger and fan or small heater depending on the weather in a power outage scenario.
It’s incredibly fuel efficient running 8 hours on 1 gallon gas with it’s eco-throttle system. If you’re leery of running a gas generator, it has a carbon monoxide monitor that will automatically shut down the generator if it detects high levels of carbon monoxide gas. While you should ALWAYS use your generator outdoors, this will give you an extra piece of mind.
One more great reason to own this generator is being able to monitor it through a smartphone app. You can wirelessly turn it on or off and monitor it’s performance via the app. The last feature of this generator is it’s ability to pair it with another generator for twice the power, up to 4400 watts.
As someone who lives in Florida and worries about hurricanes and power outages every year as well as camping in a travel trailer, this is the generator that we have and love it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a portable generator?
The lifespan of a portable generator varies with different factors, particularly the quality of the engine. On average, the lifespan of a portable generator is between 1000-2000 hours. If you only run a portable generator for 100 hours a year, it will last between 10-20 years.
Do you need to cover a generator in the rain?
Most portable fuel generators are not protected against water and moisture. Therefore, you need to cover your generator in the rain to prevent damage.
Is it okay to leave a generator running all night?
Portable generators are only designed as a backup power supply, and it is not made to run endlessly. Therefore, you might be overworking your generation by leaving it to run all night. It might even lead to a more complicated problem if you leave it running in a closed space, which you should never do.
How big of a generator do I need to run my whole house?
The generator you need to run a whole house is dependent on the size of the house and the appliances you intend to use with it. On average, you can power a whole house using generators with wattage ratings between 5,000-7,000 watts.
Can you refill a generator while it’s running?
It is a bad idea to refill your portable fuel generator while running regardless of the fuel it uses. It is best to shut off the engine before refueling it to prevent damage or accident.
Where do you place a portable generator?
It would be best if you placed your generator on a flat and level surface. Likewise, it is best to place it in areas with proper gas exchange to prevent the toxic buildup of carbon monoxide produced by the generator engine.
Conclusion
Portable fuel generators might be a lifesaver in times of emergency and power outage. It is also useful in situations where normal electricity cannot be accessed.
However, it is essential to get the best portable generator that suits your need to harness this machine’s full benefits. The list above is some of the best portable generators with impressive features and versatility to meet varieties of power needs.
If you do have access to electricity but need a portable power station, we have some recommendations for that as well.
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