Portable Generators Reviews: Best Portable Generator

Basic portable generator, 3,000 watts

*Est. $280 Compare Prices

This Blue Max portable generator doesn't have inverter technology (so you shouldn't trust it for running sensitive electronics), but its 3,000 watts of continuous power should be enough to run your refrigerator, lights… and phone during a power outage. Reviews say that this Chinese-made generator has some problems with quality control, but it's a good value for those who mainly need to keep essential appliances running during an outage. It includes two AC outlets.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Amazon.com: More than 65 owners review and rate the Blue Max 4,000-watt portable generator here, giving it an above average rating. Owners ...

Review Product (blog): This review is enthusiastic about the Blue Max generator's features, but doesn't document any testing or even use. It reads more ...

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Best small generator for electronics & computers, 900 watts

Honda EU1000i

*Est. $790 Compare Prices

Although expensive, the 900-watt Honda EU1000i has several advantages. Because it uses inverter technology, its voltage is consistent in quality, reducing risk of damage to sensitive electronics like computers. Because it… is small and quiet, the Honda portable generator is also great for camping trips. The throttle adjusts engine speed to the electrical load for the best fuel economy. Two AC outlets and one DC outlet are included.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Camping Life Magazine: The Honda EU1000i is tested here in comparison with four other high-end portable generators that use inverter technology, ...

ConsumerReports.org: This review covers the larger Honda EU3000is, ranking and rating it in comparison with 10 other portable generators based on ...

Field & Stream:

PopularMechanics.com: This buyer's guide recommends the Honda EU1000i is recommended as the best small portable generator, but doesn't document any ...

Silver Orange Stuff: This detailed single-product review covers the electric-start Honda EU3000is portable generator, based on the owner's actual use ...

EHam.net: At this website for Ham radio enthusiasts, the Honda EU1000i gets mostly enthusiastic reviews, but one owner notes that parts can ...

Epinions.com: Over 30 owners review generators in the Honda EU series here. Most are very enthusiastic, but one complains that a unit is louder ...

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Whole-house portable generator, 6,200 watts

Briggs & Stratton 030242

*Est. $1,000 Compare Prices

A portable generator in this size range can run most appliances and lights for a 2,000-square-foot home. Automatic voltage regulation improves power quality for sensitive electronic devices, and power can surge from 6,200… to 8,750 watts to start heavy-duty motors. The seven-gallon fuel tank is bigger than most models with this much wattage and lasts about 13 hours. However, if you only need a generator occasionally to power a fridge or freezer, this is probably more than you need.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports compares the Briggs & Stratton Elite 30242 with five other midsized portable generators plus five smaller ...

Electric Generators Direct.com: This retailer site recommends the Briggs & Stratton 30242 portable generator as the best mid-sized generator they carry, praising ...

Amazon.com: A handful of owners praise the electric startup and overall convenience of the Briggs & Stratton 30342 portable generator, but ...

PopularMechanics.com: This is more a brief buyer's guide than a full review, and the larger Briggs & Stratton 30244 recommended here has been ...

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ElectricGen- eratorsDire- ct

for $999.99

15,000-watt portable generator for a large home

Generac Guardian 04582

*Est. $2,000 Compare Prices

This big electric-start generator uses a Generac V-twin OHV engine with cast-iron sleeves and full-pressure lubrication for long life. Reviews say this portable generator can easily provide backup electricity for an… all-electric house -- especially when equipped with a transfer switch. A 50-amp AC outlet is included for running an air conditioner. Auto-idle adjusts the engine to four speeds according to the load, but owners say this generator can really guzzle fuel.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Electric Generators Direct.com: Over a dozen owners give the Generac Guardian 4582 portable generator rave reviews at this retailer site. The professional staff ...

Northerntool.com: The Generac Guardian 4582 portable generator earns high ratings and enthusiastic praise from most of the dozen-plus owners ...

HomeDepot.com: Over a dozen owners give the Guardian 4582 portable generator mostly high ratings, with one complaint about poor quality control ...

Amazon.com: At the time of our report, a handful of owners give the Generac Guardian 4582 generator mixed reviews. Some owners are very ...

Epinions.com: Only one review of the Guardian 4582 generator appears here, but it's especially detailed about how well it performs during a ...

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Amazon

for $2,533.00


	Briggs & Stratton Elite Series 8,550 Watt 10 HP OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator #030241 from Amazon.com New: $749.99 In Stock. Average Customer Review:

Portable Generators: Reviews

Basic portable generator, 3,000 watts

Best small generator for electronics & computers, 900 watts

Whole-house portable generator, 6,200 watts

15,000-watt portable generator for a large home