Best Cheap Portable Generators

Looking for a backup power source during storm season, or maybe a generator for camping that can do double duty at home? A good generator is handy for a variety of purposes, from emergency home use to powering up a backyard tool shed, backing up a basement sump pump, or running RV appliances or tailgating essentials. For those who want some extra power on hand but are mindful of their budgets, we've read expert and user reviews and found plenty of compact portable generators for less than $550 that will keep important appliances and electronics running in a pinch. Our recommendations are dependable top performers from well-respected brands that should be able to weather a storm and stand the test of time.

For emergency home use, experts recommend a generator with a minimum of 3,000 watts of running power (not to be confused with surge power, which is explained below). That should be enough for most critical needs (lights, refrigerator/freezer) plus a few extras, such as a radio, TV, and mobile-phone charger. Portable generators in the 3,000-to-4,000-watt range are fairly compact, but a standard model typically weighs between 100 and 125 pounds. While many come with wheel kits and some have RV-ready outlets, they're not incredibly easy to move around. Then again, many buyers will keep them parked near their houses most of the time anyway.

Inverter Generators.

For those who need easily portable power, perhaps for camping, tailgating, or using power tools at a job site, an inverter generator may make more sense. These devices are much smaller and lighter -- they often weigh 50 pounds or less -- and, thanks to advanced technology, they provide greater fuel efficiency and clean power for sensitive electronics like cellphones, computers, and tablets. Inverter models are pricier than conventional portable generators, but there are still affordable options to be found at lesser wattages that can help around the house and keep one or two essentials running alongside a smartphone during a power outage. Many inverter generators also have parallel kits available that allow two generators to be connected at once, doubling the power at your disposal.

Portable Generator Cost.

Generally, the more powerful a generator is, the more it costs. The cheapest conventional portable generators we researched range from 3,250 to 3,600 running watts. Beefier models in the 7,000-to-10,000-watt territory cost well over $1,000. Extra features, such as an electric starter or a wheel kit, may also boost the price. Inverter generators are hard to find under the $300 mark, and those at the bottom end of the price range typically don't have enough wattage to serve any but the most basic power needs. The inverter generators we recommend pack a bit more punch, averaging between 1,700 and 1,800 running watts, and generally carry price tags from $450 to $650. Consumers can easily find units with the same wattage that sell for closer to $900.

Portable Generator Brands.

A number of brands make portable generators, with Honda and Yamaha standing as two of the top names in the market. While these two brands sit on the high end, there are several well-known companies that produce inexpensive portable generators. These include Champion Power Equipment, Briggs & Stratton, Westinghouse, Generac, and Ryobi. WEN and Buffalo Tools, manufacturer of the Sportsman line of generators, are lesser known to some, but they also make top sellers. Generators from all these manufacturers can be bought at retailers such as Home Depot, Sears, Tractor Supply Co., and Lowe's, as well as online and at smaller shops that specialize in power tools and equipment.

Best Portable Generators.

Any generator you buy should meet three important criteria: sufficient power to run desired appliances and electronics, easy starting, and reliability. Obviously, a generator that doesn't start or breaks down during a hurricane is no help at all. Apart from a few dissenting reports here and there, portable generator reviews indicate that our picks handily meet these standards.

Our favorite portable generator is the tried and true Champion Power Equipment 46539 (starting around $459). This generator has an electric start and can be turned on and off with a wireless remote. It packs a ton of power, and an included wheel kit makes it much easier to move around than other big generators. Another top pick is the Westinghouse WGen3600v (starting around $299). At less than $300, it's shockingly cheap, but it doesn't skimp on power and buyers are very impressed with its performance.

Among our second-tier choices is another model from top name Champion Power Equipment. The Champion Power Equipment 46533 (starting around $329) is the no-frills cousin of the 46539. It's equally powerful but lacks some conveniences found on the more expensive make. Two other runners-up are the Generac GP3250 (starting around $439) which is a little lower in wattage than our other picks but has a sturdy build and the benefit of wheels, and the Buffalo Tools Sportsman GEN4000LP (starting around $366), which appeals for its price and use of propane as fuel.

Another cheap portable generator that we initially liked, the Ryobi RY903600 (starting around $399), presents a lot positives: It's got wheels, an RV receptacle, lots of power, a seemingly sturdy build, and a nice price. But while many owners sing this model's praises, more than a few (several of them recent customers) complain that they received units that were defective or had broken parts. Some are also dismayed by how loud this generator runs.

For recreational users who've decided that a conventional portable generator isn't quite right for their needs, the Westinghouse iGen2200 (starting around $479) is our top pick for an inverter generator that won't break the bank. This model starts easily and runs quietly. Owners like to use it for tailgating and camping, and it has enough power to run a refrigerator and some home electronics in an emergency.

Although they breach our price ceiling, three other inverter models to consider for buyers with a little extra room in their budgets are the Generac GP2200i (starting around $599), the Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart, (starting around $624), and the Ryobi RYI2300BTA (starting around $599). While the latter model is said to struggle a bit when it comes to powering up some appliances, added features like an integrated Bluetooth app, wheels, and a luggage-like, telescoping handle make it a favorite among bargain shoppers seeking to stay wired up in the great outdoors.

All these models are sold online, but buyers may be better off purchasing from a bricks-and-mortar store or arranging for store pickup instead of shipping. We read several generator reviews claiming that models arrived damaged (a complaint more prevalent with the Sportsman GEN4000LP and the Ryobi RY RY903600). Returning a damaged generator can be quite inconvenient, and sometimes costly.

While many generators come boxed with oil, and often a funnel or other required tools, make sure you have the necessary lubricant and fuel on hand, along with several heavy-duty extension cords and a power strip to connect essential appliances and electronic devices. (Note: Running a whole-house system, including overhead lights, off of a generator requires a manual transfer switch that's located near and connected to the house's main electrical panel.) And finally, always be sure to run the generator outdoors; the burning fuel releases harmful carbon monoxide.

To identify the best cheap portable generators, we consulted expert commentary from sources that conduct product testing, such as Consumer Reports and Wirecutter, as well as buying guides and reviews from online sites and retailers specializing in generators and other outdoor power equipment. We also waded through reviews and posts from hundreds of consumers on retail sites such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon, Walmart, and specialty vendors to get hands-on assessments of the inexpensive portable generators we landed on.

Generally speaking, and barring the occasional defective unit, buyers really like the generators on our list, with only a handful of nitpicks, such as a unit being louder than expected, or lacking built-in wheels. Shoppers are impressed with the ability of even small generators to keep essential electronics running for hours at a time with hardly a hiccup.

While all our choices pass the basic standards of dependability and ease of use, there are several specifications and features to take into account when determining the particular model that will best serve the needs of your individual household or lifestyle.

Power.

The most important criterion when choosing a portable generator is how much power it produces, measured in watts. Manufacturers specify starting watts and running watts. The starting wattage is always a higher number, because many appliances require more watts to initially power them up than to keep them running.

To keep your home functioning during a blackout, you want a generator with enough juice to run critical appliances as well as multiple must-have electronics -- otherwise you'll be forced to choose which items to shut off so the generator can power the rest. Maybe you can get by without a 1,000-watt microwave, or even an air conditioner, for a day or two, but you certainly don't want to have to decide between the refrigerator and the heater.

Generally, this means looking for a generator that provides at least 3,000 watts of running power. Fewer watts can keep some essentials running in an emergency, but the amount of power that a refrigerator, heating and cooling system, house lights, radio, TV, and laptop require adds up quickly. Factor in a space heater, and even a simple coffee maker or iron, and your total household wattage will likely sail well past 3,000. (An online wattage calculator, such as these from Honda and Northern Tool, can help determine how much power you need.)

According to reviews, most users have found that the conventional portable generators we chose are equal to the task. In fact, many reviewers crow about how much stuff they've been able to run off these units. The Champion Power Equipment 46533 is a particular stalwart, according to consumer reviews on Walmart's website.

Although the inverter generators we recommend aren't necessarily intended to serve as emergency power sources, many consumers who initially bought them for use on the go say they've proved handy at home, as well. All reportedly have served users well during storms. Multiple reviews on the Home Depot website laud the Briggs & Stratton P2200 SmartPower for being able to run a refrigerator, TV, and other electronics at the same time. Thanks to its inverter technology -- which, again, better regulates electrical currents and engine speed -- users don't have to fear that sensitive electronics like computers, cellphones, and tablets will get fried due to power bursts. All the inverter models we recommend can also be paired with another unit to increase their power output, if desired. (Parallel cable kits are sold separately.)

Fuel Source.

Most of the portable generators on our list use unleaded gasoline. You may occasionally see a portable generator that runs on diesel fuel, but these tend to be more expensive and none made our list of picks.

Gasoline is the fuel of choice for small engines and common due to its easy availability. However, there are some drawbacks to gas generators. A severe natural disaster can deplete or disrupt a region's gas supply. Moreover, storing large quantities of gasoline isn't exactly safe, and its shelf life is limited. (The fuel starts to break down after a few months, and if you use old fuel in a gas generator, you run the risk of gumming up the engine, which creates a real mess. Bottom line: It's best to purchase the gas shortly before you need it, if possible.)

One of the models we recommend, the Sportsman GEN4000LP, is a propane generator. Propane generators are a good alternative to gas models but are less common, and a good one may cost a bit more than a comparable gas generator. (The Sportsman GEN4000LP is a relative bargain for a propane generator.) One advantage of a propane generator is that propane can be stored almost indefinitely. Additionally, propane tanks are safer to store than full gas cans. The propane tanks used by generators also serve propane-powered outdoor grills, so they're not hard to find, and prices are pretty low. Propane generators use 20- or 30-pound tanks. Listed run times usually assume a 20-pound tank.

For consumers who want the flexibility to choose between fuel sources, dual-fuel portable generators can run on either gas or liquid propane. There are even tri-fuel generators that add natural gas to the mix of options.

Startup.

Portable generators have simple startup mechanisms -- usually a recoil starter: a simple pull-cord, like the type used on most gas lawn mowers. Some models, like the Champion Power Equipment 46539, feature an electric starter but also include a recoil starter as backup. Even better, that generator includes a remote starter, so users can fire it up from afar. (The app-enabled Ryobi RYI2300BTA can be shut off remotely, but it requires a recoil start and can't be turned on via Bluetooth.)

According to reviews posted by users, the models we researched pose few startup challenges. Most of them consistently start with just one or two pulls, but there are a couple of exceptions. The Sportsman GEN4000LP can take three or four pulls to get started, according to user reviews on the Home Depot website. Many buyers have run into the same problem with the Ryobi RY903600. In reviews of this model on the Home Depot site, a couple of users say the pull cord broke when they tried starting the generator.

Run Time.

The amount of time a generator can run on a single tank of gasoline or propane varies considerably. Generally, the more appliances and electronics connected to a generator, the more quickly it needs to be refueled. A generator's run time is measured in hours and assumes it is running at "half load," meaning it's using only 50 percent of the available running watts -- i.e., a half load for a 3,000-watt generator would be 1,500 watts. The 3- to 4-gallon tanks on the conventional gas generators we picked should keep them running for about 10 to 12 hours. The Sportsman GEN4000LP propane generator can run for 10 hours on a 20-gallon tank (at 50 percent load).

Inverter generators have much smaller tanks, usually only a gallon or two, so run times are generally shorter. That said, they're much more fuel efficient, particularly those with energy-saving modes that automatically adjust the engine speed to expend less power when running lighter loads. All our recommendations can run more than six hours on a full tank at 50 percent load. Our pick for best cheap inverter generator, the Westinghouse iGen2200, boasts as many as eight hours.

Outlets.

Portable generators typically have three or four outlets, but they're not all standard, household-type plugs. Aside from regular 120-volt outlets for lamps, refrigerators, heaters, and the like, generators often include a 120v outlet designed for RVs in addition to a twist-lock outlet that keeps a plug securely in place. A generator with more than one standard 120v outlet is the best option, because more than one extension cord can be attached to serve more household needs.

Inverter generators, which are designed to power sensitive electronics such as smartphones and tablets, typically include at least one USB port and sometimes two. Few cheap generators include a 120/240v outlet (good for appliances that need a more powerful connection, like certain power tools, furnaces, and pumps), but the Generac GP3250 has that base covered. A couple of the units we researched, the Sportsman GEN4000LP and the Generac GP2200i, have 12v DC outlets.

Wheels.

Generators are heavy, often weighing well over 100 pounds (and that's without fuel). Many portable generators include a wheel kit as part of the package, and kits can usually be bought separately for models that don't come with one. For example, there's a wheel kit available for the Champion Power Equipment 46533 for just under $50. The absence of a wheel kit may not be an issue for homeowners who plan to park the generator in one spot and leave it there, but it will take some heavy lifting to get the unit into position in the first place.

Smaller inverter generators are light enough that they don't really need wheels. The heaviest of the inverter models reviewed here, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart, weighs in at 54 pounds. Still, wheels can make a big difference in terms of convenience: The easy portability of the 53-pound Ryobi RYI2300BTA, with its wheels and extendable handle, earns as much praise in reviews as its Bluetooth technology.

Noise Level.

Portable generators can be fairly loud, even though many have mufflers. Most of our picks come in under 68 decibels -- which would be less strident than the sound of a home vacuum cleaner, according to experts at Purdue University -- but even that can seem a bit much for some ears, particularly for hours at a time.

Inverter generators generally produce less noise than conventional generators, which is another reason they are often preferred for camping trips or RV parks. Of the models we recommend here, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is rated the quietest, at just 53 decibels. When run in power-saving mode, an inverter generator can be even quieter; some say the Generac GP2200i can barely be heard with its econo feature switched on. For consumers willing to pay a premium for less noise, Honda is known for its line of whisper-quiet generators.

Warranty.

The warranty periods on most of the cheap portable generators we looked at tend to span two to three years, with the notable exception of the Sportsman GEN4000LP, which offers only a one-year limited warranty. Champion Power Equipment makes a point of offering lifetime technical support for its generators, which both carry three-year warranties. Experts list the average life expectancy of a portable generator at about 10,000 to 12,000 hours.

There's a lot that can, and should, be done to ensure that a generator continues to run as smoothly as possible during its lifespan, which can last decades. All the models listed here have low-oil auto-shutoff features to protect their engines from damage that could be caused by running without proper lubrication, but users should also make sure to change the oil at manufacturer-recommended intervals. Spark plugs and air filters should also be replaced regularly to keep the engine functioning properly, and the gas tank should be emptied completely when packing up the unit for extended storage -- although manufacturers recommend filling and starting the engine back up every 30 days as a best practice for maintenance. Also, make sure that batteries on units that require them, like the Champion 46539 with its electric starter, are fully charged before operation.