Best Portable Generators

The Gentron GG3500 (starting at $415) portable generator is typical for this price range. Buyers from Sam's Club who posted Gentron GG3500 reviews say they like this model because it's relatively cheap for a generator in the 3,000-watt range and is easy to start thanks to the electric starter. After enjoying the benefits of an 18-hour run on one tank of gas when connected to an air conditioner, a TV, and a couple of fans, one reviewer says he was duly impressed with this budget generator. Reviews also report that this model is fairly quiet. A few users note, however, that installing the wheel kit is tricky and a couple of reviews at both Sam's Club and Sears grumble about units that arrived at the doorstep in damaged condition.

A couple key features found on the GG3500 will appeal to most users, especially the electric start and the wheel kit. The generator also includes a back-up recoil start should the electric start fail. The Gentron features two 110v outlets and one 220v twist lock outlet and runs on unleaded gas; the four-gallon tank should last for about 11 hours at half load. This 3,000/3,500-watt model (3,000 running watts and 3,500 starting watts) is not quite as powerful as some of the other models we looked at, but acquits itself nicely nonetheless. It's rated at 67 decibels, not too loud at all for a gas engine.

The Gentron GG3500 is a good choice for homeowners and campers whose power needs max out at about 3,000 watts. It's certainly powerful enough to run critical appliances such as a fridge and a freezer or boiler, as well as a TV and some lights. The electric start is an appealing addition, as is the wheel kit. Given that a few users report receiving units in sorry shape with an online purchase, you might try to arrange for in-store pick up or buy one at a brick-and-mortar outlet.

Briggs & Stratton's 30466 (starting at $400) generator isn't for wimpy households. It's one brawny generator and should provide enough juice to run nearly everything in your home at once, unless perhaps you're trying to run a carnival in the backyard. At Home Depot, Briggs & Stratton 30466 reviews laud this model's power. One user writes it was simply to assemble and "performed flawlessly," and others supply long lists of all the appliances and electronics they were able to run simultaneously from this machine. Buyers who posted reviews at Tractor Supply Co. say it's very reliable and consistently starts with one or two pulls of the recoil starter. Briggs & Stratton 30466 reviews note, however, that the 30466 is louder than cheaper generators, which isn't really surprising given its larger engine.

This model has a hefty 5500 running watts and 8250 starting watts and a seven-gallon fuel tank for unleaded gas; it's rated for a 13-hour run at half load. With a generator of this size a wheel kit is nearly mandatory, and the Briggs & Stratton 30430 includes one. There's no electric start, however, so you'll rely on the recoil starter. The 30466 is more generous with outlets than cheaper generators: it offers four 120v outlets and one 120v/240v locking outlet.

The 30466 delivers more power than most people need in a typical emergency. But if you want to run everything in your house at once from one machine (including energy-hungry 1,000-watt microwaves, space heaters, and the like), then you'll need a generator, like this one, that can dish out a lot of starting and running watts. Just remember that you'll pay more for the privilege and with a decibel rating of 76, the 30466 runs louder than smaller, less powerful generators -- probably won't keep you up at night, though.

The All Power APGG4000 (starting at $399) generator is a solid and affordable choice for people who need a reliable backup power supply or a power source for an RV. According to All Power APGG4000 reviews at Home Depot, this model consistently starts with one pull and runs quietly. Additionally, users say they appreciate its running chops and the clear, straightforward instructions. One review says the generator powered a sump pump, fridge, several TVs, and other electronics for one week nonstop. At users' All Power APGG4000 Northern Tool reviews likewise offer up praise, saying it's a cinch to set up, it starts easily, and it can run a host of appliances and electronics at once without faltering. And, they add, the included wheel kit makes the generator extremely portable.

This model features 3300 running watts and 4000 starting watts. It's gas-powered but in an unusual twist, it requires 90 octane or higher unleaded gas; most gas generators use 87 octane fuel. The All Power APGG4000 can run about eight hours on one four-gallon tank at 50 percent load, which is a shorter run time than the gas-powered models that made our list of top picks. It features one 120v outlet, one 120v/240v outlet, and one 12v twist lock outlet. With a decibel rating of 72, the APGG4000 is noisier than most of the budget models we researched.

The All Power APGG4000 has an attractive price and plenty of power, but it's a bit louder than competing generators and its eight-hour run time is a bit miserly. Those caveats aside, the APGG4000 is a good, reliable performer.

With a 212cc engine, the Ryobi RY903600 packs a lot of power for the price, and with multiple outlets and RV receptacle, it can keep a lot of appliances running. Its voltage regulator helps protect sensitive electronics when running heavy loads. Wheels and a quick-release handle are welcome additions. But while reviews posted on Home Depot's and the manufacturer's websites are overwhelmingly positive, some recent complaints keep us from recommending this generator wholeheartedly.

Inverter generators are more expensive than conventional generators, and at the lower end of the spectrum, you don't get a lot of power for the price. That said, buyers looking for a generator primarily for camping trips praise the Generac GP2200i for its light weight, portability, and low noise level -- some say it's almost inaudible in econo mode. This inverter generator can also keep a few home essentials running in an emergency. While it's a bit pricier than our value pick, the Westinghouse iGen2200, some would say the Generac name alone is worth the added cost. The brand has a long-standing reputation for high-quality, American-made generators, and many experts consider it a worthy, more affordable rival to top-of-the-line Honda.

With a 111cc engine, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 PowerSmart packs plenty of power. Buyers like to use this inverter generator for RVing, camping, and tailgating, and they report that it's also strong enough to run a home refrigerator, TV, and some small electronics at the same time. Keep in mind that, with a bit of brawn under its belt, this generator is not exactly a peaceful power source for the great outdoors.

The Ryobi RYI2300BTA is an affordable inverter generator packed with perks. The accompanying app, with its remote shut-off capability, is a standout feature that consumers really like. Its compact size, wheels, and handle make it ideal for RVing and camping. On the other hand, some users say it's very easy to overload this generator — many have had trouble running an air conditioner or powering more than one major household appliance at once. For lighter loads and recreational use, however, most buyers seem very satisfied.