The Best Portable Generator That Won't Cost You A Fortune?
Portable Generator Reviews - Less Expensive Category
When selecting the best portable generator, you will need to take the following into consideration.
Portable generators are ideal for providing power when grid power is unavailable.
Unlike the standby generators, portable generator units can easily be moved from place to place, as their installation is not permanent.
Portable generators are ideal for providing back up power in the event of a power outage and range anywhere between 500W and 17.5kW in wattage.
The generators listed below are amongst the best portable generator ratings. They are general believed to be a great bargain for those who only need a portable generator truly for emergency and limited use.
In the end one gets what they pay for.
Consider...
- Output Power - Your choice of portable generator depends on the amount of output power that you'll need. Know the difference between the advertised starting watts and the running watts of your generator to determine whether the unit can continuously produce enough power for your use.
- Fuel - When selecting the best portable generator, you may choose between various fuels to power its engine. These include diesel, gasoline, natural gas, commercial propane and bio-diesel.
Portable Generators With High Customer Marks
Below are reviews of some of the best portable generators available on the market today, in so far as cheaper generators go.
There are better ones that are more expensive, such as Honda and Yamaha brands. Another lesser-expensive set of generators that deserves to be in this category of best portable generators is the Champion generator line.
ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt Generator
(Note: Multiple user comments mentioned how easy this generator was to start. Typically on the first or second pull)
Its overhead valve 4-stroke engine also has low oil shut down feature which automatically turns it off when the oil is low. This way, your engine is protected at all times.
This unit has a 6.42 gallon fuel tank which provides your generator with up to 10.5 hours of run time at 50% load. With this portable generator you can power
your refrigerator, TV, water heater, air conditioner and any other household appliance. The engine in this unit is automatically sped up by the auto throttle control technology to provide
you with power when you need it.
Customers Like...
Of 38 Amazon reviewers, this generator gets an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Read all reviews
- Oversized muffler reduces the sound of the generator while running.
- The Price - Currently $735 at Amazon (June 2010)
- The Wheel Kit was included
- Hourly Meter to measure usage time
- Low oil shutoff feature
- 8250 surge Watts, 7250 continuous Watts
Dislikes
- Kind of loud at about 70 dB at 23 feet away (7.01 meters)
- Battery was NOT included for the remote start.
- Some reported screws and bolts working themselves loose
- Mixed reviews, so far, on support from a relatively unknown company
ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt Generator
This unit comes with ETQ Clean Sine Alternator Technology which provides low total harmonic distortion or THD.
Low THD is necessary as it makes this unit ideal for use with sensitive equipment such as laptops, desktops and printers. This way, all your computer equipment remains protected during power surges and interruptions.
In addition to providing reliable power supply for your PC, this generator can power up your TV, lamps, fans, water heater and other low wattage electrical applications around the home.
This portable generator model is also easy
to move around and store due to its portability. At half load, consumers can enjoy up to 13-hour run time, 9 hours at 100% load and quiet operation.
Customers Like...
We found 100 individual reviews for this generator on Amazon. The average rating was 4 stars out of 5. This included 8 one star ratings. Read more reviews for this generator.
- This model is designed with ETQ Clean Sine Alternator Technology. Provides low Total Harmonic Distortion or THD.
- Comes with 2 GFCI outlets
- Easy to pull start
- Voltage is very stable
- Not excessively heavy at 113lbs (51.25kg), making it easier to put on blocks to change oil.
Customer Dislikes
- Many complaints about position of starter pull rope
- Oil fill hole hard to get to. Long narrow funnel necessary
- No hourly meter included with this generator. (One
can be cheaply purchased online. See available hour meters
)
- Some reported poor customer service
DuroMax XP4400E 4,400 Watt Generator
Consumers get to enjoy quiet operation due to the super quiet exhaust which comes with a built in spark arrestor. This model is great to supply power for demanding applications such as your RV appliances.
The flip-up stow away handles on the generator frame enable you to move the unit and store it when not in use. The low oil shut off feature of this unit ensures that it always remains protected by automatically shutting down whenever your oil is low.
It also provides quiet and smooth operation and its frame comes with 4 point fully isolated motor mounts.
Customer Likes
Of 31 Amazon reviewers, this generator received 4 out of 5 stars, 3 of those reviewers gave it only 1 star. Read more Duromax XP4400 & XP4400E Reviews- This portable generator comes with extra large all-terrain tires that never go flat
- Low price, about $480
- Wheel kit and handles makes easy maneuvering
- Electric key start
- CARB and EPA approved
- Four gallon tank runs about 8 hours
Customer Dislikes
- Several customers complained about condition of generator (package) upon arrival. Had to return for another unit.
- Does not come with recommended oil (or any other oil, for that matter)
More Portable Generator Information and Reviews
Portable Propane Generator
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