Portable Generators: Reviews

If you just need a small, inexpensive generator to keep an essential appliance running during a power outage, we found good user reviews for the All Power America APG3014. This compact generator won't deliver a… expandtop-quality current, and it's a poor choice for running sensitive electronics, but for powering a couple of work lights or keeping a freezer running, owners find it to be a reliable pick in its price range. It surges to 2,000 watts for the extra power some appliances need to start up. The All Power America APG3014 generator (which is made in China) has two 120-volt AC outlets and one 12-volt DC outlet, and it comes with battery charging cables. A low-oil shutdown feature is a plus. You have to take it to an All Power America service center for repairs, so you may want to make sure there's one near you before you buy this model. Owners posting reviews online give it above-average ratings overall, but there are some complaints, and several people say customer service isn't great. collapse

The Generac GP3250 portable generator doesn't have inverter technology, so you may not want to use it to run sensitive electronics, but it provides more than enough power to run your refrigerator, some lights and a couple… expandof other appliances (depending on wattage) simultaneously during a power outage. It surges to 3,750 watts for the extra starting power some motors require. It includes four AC outlets and has a two-year warranty. In addition, it has earned a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, which means Good Housekeeping will replace it or refund the full purchase price for two years from the date of purchase. That makes it a better bet than similar generators in this price and size range. collapse

The Yamaha EF2000iS (1,600 running watts, 2,000 surge watts) uses inverter technology, which keeps voltage consistent and reduces the risk of damage to electronics such as computers and TVs. It's great for camping or… expandtailgating, because it's compact and lightweight (44 pounds). You can daisy chain two of these generators if you need more power. All Yamaha inverter generators meet California's stricter emissions standards and come with three-year warranties. If you don't need to power electronics, you can get much more power for the same price with a standard (noninverter) generator. collapse

A portable generator in this size range can run most appliances and lights for a medium-size home. Automatic voltage regulation on the Generac GP5500 improves power quality for electronic devices, but there's no inverter… expandtechnology, so it's not the safest choice for laptops and TVs. It can surge to 6,875 watts to start heavy-duty motors. It has covered outlets, including four standard AC outlets and one 30-amp 120/240 volt AC locking outlet. It also features a fuel gauge and has an hour meter to help you keep up with when it's due for an oil change. Generac GP generators carry the Good Housekeeping Seal with its two-year refund-or-replace warranty, as well as Generac's two-year warranty. This bigger generator weighs 180 pounds. It's mounted on a steel tube cradle with rubber wheels and a fold-down handle. collapse