The Best Small Generators

Power outages are inevitable at times. These situations are frustrating especially if you have to wait several hours or days for these outages to be resolved. And even if you and 1,000s of other people around you constantly contact the electric company, it may take a long time possibly hearing a repeated recording that they are aware of the issue and is resolving the outage as quickly as possible.

Due to these issues and more, getting a small generator is the way to go. Superior small generators will help you stay warm and have great lighting without using a lot of wattages. These generators are also excellent for camping.

There are plenty of these products in the market, but all of them have not proven to be made of top-notch quality. Nevertheless, some small generators in the market have been tested and thus proven to be the best in the market. These small generators are exceptional, and of course, there are a few minor disadvantages just like any product out there. So, without further ado, the following are 10 of the best small generators out there:

The Best Small Generators

1. WEN 56125i

With this generator, you'll have a top-quality, portable generator that is affordable. It runs flawlessly and similarly as top-notch generators. It is CARB and EPA compliant. Also, it comes with a 60cc OHV engine that offers 1000 running energy watts and 1250 starting watts. However, it can't run on multiple large appliances.

2. Westinghouse iGen1200

With Westinghouse being in business for over 100s of years, it has a splendid reputation, and this model of this generator represents this brand quite well. The

IGen1200 is the smallest portable generator from Westinghouse. It weighs 35 lbs, so it is perfect for moving it around frequently from place to place, like for camping.

With this generator, you can power portable electronics due to its well-designed compact inverter. It comes with a 54cc engine that delivers 1200 launching watts and 1000 running watts. This generator also has two USB ports and two 120V outlets. It charges phones, laptops, and other electronic equipment.

And if you like, you can run the IGen1200 along with another small inverter generator, especially y the same model. In doing this, you will have twice the power that will be running at 2000 watts. And it runs quietly.

3. Honda EU1000i

Just hearing the brand, Honda, can make a person feel assured that they are getting great quality. Their generators are also becoming very popular.

The Honda EU1000i is a smaller version of the well popular Honda EU2000i inverter generator. It weighs only 29 lbs, so it is very easy to tote. It is also reasonably quiet.

4. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 160

This generator is the right fit for those needing the smallest portable generator for camping. This generator is ideal for recharging small electronics. In fact, it is spectacular for those desiring to spend time in the woods and needing a very compact power source to take with them. This device is truly a compacted portable power bank that can be recharged by using a car outlet, a wall socket, or preferably, solar panels.

In addition to it being small, it is light with a weight of only 3.84 lbs. So, there is no problem carrying it in one hand.

You can also use it as an indoor generator for apartments. It only takes approximately five hours to change it in a car outlet or in a regular wall socket. On the other hand, this generator is not able to powerful, large appliances due to the total power output being only 100 watts.

5. Yamaha EF1000iS

This generator is the smallest one in the Yamaha family. It comes with the original Yamaha engine, superb fuel efficiency convenient control panel, and quiet operation. The EF100018 only weights 28 lbs which makes it perfect for tailgating, boats, or camping. The running watts for this generator consist of 900 watts, and there are 1,000 watts for the starting watts.

6. DuroStar DS4000S

The DuroStar DS4000S is a fantastic choice for a general purpose generator, whether it’s for camping, emergency preparedness, or for working outdoors. It’s one of the most affordable products reviewed here, but the DuroStar brand is known for its reliability and quality, making the DS4000S one of the best value products on the market.

With 4,000 starting watts and 3,300 running watts, the DuroStar has the power to run multiple electronics at one and has multiple outlets — two for 120V household appliances and one for 120V 30A twist lock outlets. This gas-powered generator is approved for use in all states and has a run time of approximately eight hours, at 50% output.

Being gas-powered, it does require regular maintenance, which includes oil changes. It’s also heavier at 94 lbs, so consider purchasing the optional wheel kit for maneuverability. As long as you’re willing to look after it, it’s a top choice that will last for years to come.

Maintenance requires regular oil changes

The DuroStar DS4000S is a fantastic choice for a general purpose generator, whether it’s for camping, emergency preparedness, or for working outdoors. It’s one of the most affordable products reviewed here, but the DuroStar brand is known for its reliability and quality, making the DS4000S one of the best value products on the market.

With 4,000 starting watts and 3,300 running watts, the DuroStar has the power to run multiple electronics at one and has multiple outlets — two for 120V household appliances and one for 120V 30A twist lock outlets. This gas-powered generator is approved for use in all states and has a run time of approximately eight hours, at 50% output.

Being gas-powered, it does require regular maintenance, which includes oil changes. It’s also heavier at 94 lbs, so consider purchasing the optional wheel kit for maneuverability. As long as you’re willing to look after it, it’s a top choice that will last for years to come.

7. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator

Powerful and versatile, this 55-pound Briggs & Stratton generator is a clear winner for portability. The H-shaped handle makes it easy to be picked up by one or two people. Powered by a 111cc motor, the 2,200 starting watts and 1,700 running watts of power are good for up to eight hours of operation on the 1-gallon tank of gas at a 25 percent load. Capable of running most 120V household appliances, the Briggs & Stratton includes inverter technology to help power portable electronics like smartphones and laptops.

8. Champion 5000-Watt Portable Generator

The Champion Power Equipment 5000 is ideal for the outdoorsman or for use when a storm strikes and lights go out. Featuring 6250 starting watts and 5,000 running watts, the 3.8-gallon generator includes a wireless remote start that works from up to 80 feet away, in addition to a backup pull-start lever. It can run up to 9 hours at 50 percent output. There's an RV receptacle for a direct connection to a motorhome AC and two additional 120V outlets, including a 120-volt duplex outlet and a 120-volt twist-lock

Its output is just 68 dB, but some customers note this is a bit louder than some of the competition. Features like the low-oil sensor and Intelli-gauge for quickly glancing at voltage, hertz, and operating hours make this an all-around top choice. Online reviewers rave about the customer service and the free lifetime technical support you'll receive in addition to the three-year limited warranty.

9. Westinghouse WGen7500

With an electric push-button start and a remote start feature, the 7500-watt (9,500 peak watt) Westinghouse unit is convenient and easy to use, but its major selling point is the run time. At a 25 percent load, the 6.6-gallon unit can run for 16 continuous hours (or 14 hours at 50 percent), powering all your home's essentials. The generator is EPA-, CARB-, and CSA-compliant and runs a 420cc OHV engine that is equipped with the automatic low-oil shutdown and digital hour meter.

Reviewers say it's powerful, fuel-efficient, and a great value for the price. It comes with a 2V battery charger, oil, an oil funnel, and a toolkit. At 200 pounds, it's definitely a heavier generator, but you can still move it thanks to wheels and a convenient foam grip handle.

10. Generac 5735 GP17500E

If you're looking for a powerful, reliable machine capable of running all your home's essentials as you wait out a storm, the Generac 5735 GP17500E is the model for you. This job site-proficient, 16-circuit generator can power multiple 120V appliances at once. With 17,500 running watts and a 16-gallon fuel tank, it can run for up to ten hours straight at 50 percent load, or less if you opt to run it at its full 26250-watt capacity. However, while the generator is technically portable, it's a beast, weighing 390 pounds.

It comes with a 12VDC 365-CCA battery and your first oil supply, as well as a wheel kit and maintenance kit so you can keep it in tip-top shape should you need to move it.