Small 1,400-watt budget generator All Power America APG3014 *Est. $225
Basic portable generator, 3,250 watts Generac GP3250 *Est. $420
Inverter generator that's safe for electronics Yamaha EF2000iS *Est. $1000
Larger portable generator, 5,500 watts Generac GP5500 *Est. $720

See All Portable Generators

ETQ TG1200

*Est. $150

Reviewed

December 2011

Pros

Very inexpensive
Compact, with built-in handle
DC outlet

Cons

Two-cycle engine -- must mix oil with gas
Just one AC outlet
One-year warranty

Where to Buy

for $139.99

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The 1,000-watt ETQ TG1200 surges to 1,200 watts, providing enough power for camping trips or running a few household appliances. It does not use inverter technology so may not be safe for running electronics like computers and TVs. It does provide both AC and DC outlets; you can use the DC outlet to charge batteries. If you're willing to pay a little more for more power, the 1,400-watt All Power America APG3014 surges to 2,000 watts, and it gets good reviews from owners.

We found no expert reviews of the ETQ TG1200, but owners give it rave reviews at Amazon.com, and a few ham radio users post reviews at eHam.net.

Where To Buy

ETQ TG12L31 1800-Watt 2-1/2-HP 98cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator

(152 reviews)
Buy new: $219.00 1 New from $219.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Amazon.com

More than 140 owners rate and review the ETQ TG1200 at Amazon.com, giving it an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reviewers like the TG1200's portability and find it easy to carry around and to use. Several comment that it is quieter than they expected it to be. A few say they found it hard to start, and some had to perform minor repairs to keep it working well.

Review: ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. EHam.net

EHam.net is a site for ham radio enthusiasts, and it offers reviews of portable generators, among other types of equipment. A half dozen people post reviews of the ETQ TG1200 here (they label it the ETK instead of ETQ). All are positive, and the average rating is 4.5 out of 5.

Review: Reviews of ETK TG1200 Generator from Northern Tool, Contributors to eHam.net

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