10 Best Portable Generators For Emergency Situations (Review) in 2020

Whether you are running DIY projects out of your workshop, require an emergency home backup energy supply or have a trailer or RV you want to power, the WGen7500 portable generator from Westinghouse is an excellent choice. It couldn’t be easier to operate thanks to a simple electric push-button stop-start feature which will have you back up and running in seconds. It even comes with a remote start key fob which can be operated from up to 109 yards away. It’s easy to maintain and comes fitted with a powerful 4-stroke air cooled engine that can run for up to 16 hours on a large 6.6-gallon fuel tank.

Besides all that, the WGen7500 conveniently operates on both 120/240 volts and is fitted with four standard household outlets meaning you can quickly get all your major domestic appliances back up and running in case of an emergency. If you are looking to invest in a premium portable generator that’s reliable, efficient, and packed with innovative features, then the WGen7500 is ideal. With it’s easy to transport roll bar and wheels it can be securely moved from one location to the next.

We’ve picked out the Jackery as it presents an eco-friendly clean powered solution and is ideal for family’s who love to camp or spend quality time outdoors. It’s small, discreet and compact and perfect for charging a variety of popular low powered devices such as cameras, tablets, and phones. Featuring an AC output port along with one USB-C port and two convenient USB-A ports as well as a standard DC 12V port it’s highly practical and supremely portable. It’s perfect for short blackouts or trips off-grid.

The Jackery Explorer 160 is equipped with a lithium battery pack, so there’s no fuel, fumes or mess to clean up. The unit itself can be charged either by plugging into a wall socket, via your car or even with a solar panel which is sold separately. When utilizing a wall socket, it takes up to 5 hours for a full charge which is enough to power your camping lights for up to 26 hours or recharge a camera 20 times. Other cool features that you might appreciate include an LCD screen indicating the battery life status as well as a very cool and convenient built-in flashlight with an SOS mode.

If you are looking for a workhorse of an engine that will keep you in power in case of an emergency at home, work or off-site at an outdoor event, then the Duro Star DS4000S is an excellent recommendation. It’s a portable generator featuring an EZ-Pull starting mechanism and will ensure that you never need be without the use of all your favorite appliances. It’s powerful enough to run multiple heavy-duty tools simultaneously thanks to that superb 208 cc OHV engine. From lights to your refrigerator, air conditioning units to those tools, it can handle the lot.

This portable generator features a 4-gallon tank with an easy to read gauge. The unit is surprisingly quiet to operate thanks to a muffler that reduces unnecessary engine noise. There’s also an automatic low oil shut-off mode plus it can run for up to eight hours at half load. Designed for light-duty emergency backup applications, this unit is reasonably priced and features a power panel that includes a selection of different outlets. This enables the user to power varied devices, and it’s fitted with two 120 volt outlets and 120 volt 30 amp outlet. The all-metal construction is robust, durable, and hard-wearing.

Built for construction workers and long camping trips for RV drivers, Champion’s portable generator model comes with four outlets and a 12 hour runtime. Two tanks of gas will give you 24-hour, around the clock relief. This heavy model rolls in on all-terrain wheels, runs at 3500 watts, and comes with a remote start controller. There are three ways to start this model. 

Included is a three-year limited warranty, and built to accommodate your RV trips. Comes with Volt Guard technology to protect your devices and generator from power surges (which are unlikely to happen anyway), and utilizes “Cold Start” technology for better usage in the winter, which is especially useful if your power goes out in the middle of a blizzard.

Never worry about running out of power ever again thanks to this quiet running Briggs and Stratton PowerSmart series inverter generator. With 3000 watts of starting power and 2600 watts of running power, it’s a lightweight and efficient solution to all your backup and portable power needs. It’s been intuitively designed with a telescopic luggage-style handle and large 6-inch wheels for convenient maneuverability. Whether you’re heading off camping or tailgating, it makes the ideal portable generator.

This Briggs and Stratton unit is operated via inverter quiet power technology, which means that it’s safe and clean. It features a parallel port, USB port as well as DC outlet plus the option to charge four household appliances via 120v outlets. There’s a clear and easy to read LCD display that indicates power being used, hours remaining and useful maintenance reminders for changing oil, air filter and spark plugs. It also comes with parallel capabilities meaning that you can conveniently connect two Smart Power generators to pull even more power if necessary.

Portable with power, this slightly-larger model gives you all the conveniences you need, and a bit more. If you’re going to camp out under the stars with your devices, WEN is able to charge them; this unit is also excellent for heavy duty purposes, such as power tools that are too far from outlets and small appliances. 

Flip on the Eco-Friendly switch and utilize every drop of power. This model also comes in a slightly less powerful version (1250 watts) and a more powerful version (3100 watts) depending on your needs. Gas-powered and extremely quiet, your WEN generator comes with an inverter, overload protection, and a two-year warranty.

When you purchase a portable generator, gas has to stretch for as long as possible. Generate 2000 watts with nine hours of runtime, supporting five different outlets that you can use to power small appliances and charge your mobile electronic devices: Laptops, phones, tablets, and you can even power coffee pots. 

This is thought to be one of the best generators for when the power goes out; it’s slightly heavy, giving it no chance of getting knocked around by adverse weather that may knock out your power. Be sure to read the startup/safety guide that comes inclusive with this model to get started properly.

One of Amazon’s top picks comes in with excellent efficiency and a reliable system and inverter. Briggs and Stratton Portable Generator comes with a 24-month warranty, 2 120v AC plugs, one DC plug, and an adapter for a USB port to directly charge devices. With this model, you can bulk-up and purchase a secondary unit, allowing you to parallel cable connect them and generate enough power to utse all your appliances. 

Easy to grasp handles make it simple and comfortable for a two-man to carry this into the room with no issues; can be carried by one person. This unit operates at the noise level of a three-way conversation, and is preferred for home backup solutions in case of a blackout. Also great for camping/RV use.

Amazon’s top choice is a quietly operating, high runtime model that comes with a killer warranty and support. Westinghouse makes their models compatible with another, so you can hook up an entire generator system made solely of Westinghouse models. You get two AC outlets and one DC, giving you the ability to plug in a power strip and hook up numerous devices. 

Their sales page contains a chart stating the difference between lower-running generators and higher (7500KWH and higher) ones, giving you insight into what you can expect to spend and how much electricity you can utilize. With a 1.3 gallon tank, EPA approved operations, and an “Efficiency Mode” for optimal use, you have everything you need.

Whether you’re going off the grid, or you just don’t want to waste a ton of fuel on your portable generator, you’ll find the Kalisaya to be a perfect solution. Euipped with a four-pane, flexible solar panel and monitoring system to ensure proper energy retention, car adapter, AC adapter and an integrated lithium-ion battery, you get a sophisticated system in an easy to carry bundle.

Popular user uses include: Leaving the panel on the roof of your car when you’re at the beach, feeding the wire through the window crack. Charging your devices from your bedroom windowsill. Powering small appliances, and more. System comes with a weatherproof raincoat, and additional mini storage bank.

Lightweight enough to fit in your backpack, and sturdy enough to endure anything you (or nature) throws at it; this mini Aeiusny Portable generator comes with seven outlets, giving you USB, AC and DC. Utilize multiple charging methods to fill the battery; this generator is commonly used by off the grid homesteaders for their lightweight needs (phone, laptop, etc.) and by construction workers to keep their power tools running in odd areas of a site. 

Grab the user manual to get started; charge through the wall, solar panel (not included) or through your car AC adapted. This model gives you flexibility and the independence to strike off on your own without needing to stay connected to a power grid. Runs without throwing heat, quiet as can be.

Designed for camping and equipped for everything you need to face out in the woods, Jackery 500Wh Portable Generator operates quietly, while providing an operable LED flashlight to see in the dark. Equipped with surge protection, this unit is waterproof and operable in the most inclement weather conditions. A bit of a cold snap isn’t going to affect your performance. 

You’re ready to go with solar panels (purchased separately); it comes with the full plug-in so you don’t have to install panels in an irritating way. The BMS in this model improves battery utilization, ensuring that every single second you’re using is 100% optimized. Multiple plugs for small appliances, USBs or cigarette lighter adapters for mid-sized devices. No fumes, barely any noise.

Outfitted with outlets and included adapters, your ACOPOWER generator is the perfect solution to your on-the-go power needs. Utilize the ultra bright LED control panel to operate your unit; harness solar energy, use a car adapter, or AC adapter into your wall. Three ways to charge, endless ways to use.

For one of the lowest prices on our list, you can begin your path to energy independence. This model is convenient and easy to pack up, coming in at just three pounds. Users often purchase multiple batteries and hook them up to a small solar farm before storing them in their battery room; are you ready to cut or eliminate your power bill?

Small and mighty, it lives up to the hype. Honda’s take on the portable generator landed them at the top of our list for a few awesome reasons. This model is easy to use, and extremely quiet, so you’ll be able to use it through the night without worry. It comes with two three-prong outlet jacks, works up to 8 hours on a single gallon of gas, and fits in the corner of your trunk with ease.

If you’re worried about getting a generator that’s too noisy or hard to move, a handheld, easy-to-carry model may be the best fit for you. Perfect for storage and function, this portable mini generator is the solution to your problems. Pack it up in the car and head over to family’s house so you can all benefit from it together.