Best Small Generators: 10 Items Review and Comparison

Comparsion Table

#1. Honda EU2200i Gasoline Generator - Customer Choice

The Honda EU2200i inverter generator has a Honda GXR120 gasoline engine (3.1 HP, 121 cc) that uses a pull coil for starting. It provides 2200 watts of pulse power, 1800 watts of operating power. At 47.4 pounds, this super quiet generator operates with a noise level of only 57 decibels at full speed and 48 decibels at quarter speed.

The generator also offers an ECO Throttle switch that allows the generator to run slower and save gas when it's not pulling a substantial load. The oil reservoir allows for approximately 0.42 quarts or 14 ounces, and it's easy to change as required.

Two 125-volt 20-amp receptacles (NEMA 5-20R) are also available with a handy rubber magnetic cover to help keep them dry.

The generator will automatically shut off if it's not in a well-ventilated area, and the CO2 concentration may be dangerous. An advanced carbon monoxide detection system, CO-MINDER, is responsible for this.

We found the Honda EU 2200i generator to be very reliable and extremely useful. Providing the necessary maintenance, I know will be a valuable tool for you for many years to come.

View on Amazon

#2. Westinghouse iGen2200 Gasoline Generator with CARB

Westinghouse generators are a reliable brand renowned for their contribution towards the improvement of people’s lives with efficient power supply and Westinghouse iGen 2200 is not an exception. This thing has 1800 running watts, 2200 peak. It runs very quietly. They advertise 52 decibels. 60 decibels is a conversation at three feet. You should be able to talk to somebody else, standing a few feet from this thing, and not have to raise your voice.

It's lightweight. It only weighs about 46 pounds, so I can throw it on a shelf or even drag it up into the attic if I want to get it out of the way.

Now, this generator doesn't have any of the fancy features. You'll find generators in this segment that have app control, that has remote start, that has fuel gauges, that kind of thing. It is somewhat of a bare-bones model. But at that price, it's hard to beat. Most generators in this segment are in like the $450 to $500 range, sometimes stretching up to $600, $700. Finding this guy for $380 is kind of a steal.

The generator is a bold blue color with a removable panel on the right side for maintenance access. There's a small exhaust hole on the back and a pull starter on the left side. On the top, you'll find the fuel fill nozzle and cap that is surrounded by a rubberized drip catcher. Further back, there's an access panel for maintaining the spark plug. The control panel has three status LEDs in the top left for oil level, overload, and ready light.

Near the bottom, you have a switch for efficiency mode, which will use less fuel and create less noise when power requirements are low. There's a breaker switch to protect against faults in the line, as well as a reset button to re-enable power output after an overload. Finally, there's the ground lug to provide a path to ground for three-prong plugs.

This portable device delivers outstanding performances in emergencies like harsh weather, power outage, etc., and you can reliably operate it overnight without any fear of a power surge.

View on Amazon

#3. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2,000 Watt Review

Are you looking for clean power generating inverter? A Champion 2000-watt is all you need for all your sensitive gadgets, such as laptops and smartphones, while on camping or tailgating. Its peak power is 2000 watts while running watts is 1700 this simply means this generator can run most home gadgets during power outrage.

Why prefer Champion 100692

Easy portability: due to its lightweight design, it makes the best power solution for camping, outdoor, and tailgating. It is about 39.5lb. Also comes with a handle for easy transportation.

Parallel compatibility: to double the watt produced Champion 2000-watt has been designed to allow a parallel connection of two generators.

Economical to use: this unit is designed with smart Economy Mode, which ensures reduced electrical load hence noise when in operation.

Clean Power: this unit includes two 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets, with less than 3% THD its most ideal for our sensitive electronics. There is a second 12V outlet for charging at 8.3 amps.

View on Amazon

#4. Generac GP2500i - Portable Inverter Generator 2,200 Rated Watts

Why prefer Generac GP2500i

Easy portability: due to its lightweight design, it makes the best power solution for camping, outdoor, and tailgating.

Parallel compatibility: to double the watt produced, GP2500i has been designed to allow a parallel connection of two generators.

Clean power: for our home electronic safety, this generator produces clean power with less than 3% THD this means all our sensitive electronics are safe when using its power.

California residents only buy GP2500i inverter generator that is CARB-compliant. More so, this device can be easily maintained, and it has a real gas-containing additive to ensure it is always kept fresh.

This inverter generator is equipped with ECONOMY MODE to regulate noise, save fuel and ensure that sensitive electronics save power.

The oil shutdown protection is very low. This protects the engine from any chemical and physical damage.

It is equipped with LED indicator lights along with the control panel, which helps to show the system's status.

This unit includes two 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets, one 12 VDC outlet, and two 5V 2.1A USB outlets.

View on Amazon

#5. WEN 56200i - Portable Inverter Generator with CARB

Are you looking for silent generator for your camping and hunting? Look no more WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator is available for your needs; this unit is equipped with a 4-stroke 79.7 cc engine that is extremely quiet when in operation. It has 2000 Watt peak power and continues 1600 Watt Rated Power. The good thing with this generator is that it produces clean power which we can use while powering our sensitive electronics.

Why WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator

Less fuel more power: at only 1 gallon this inverter generator ensures 4 hours power supply at full capacity while 6 hours at 50% load.

Easy portability: due to its lightweight design it makes the best power solution for camping, outdoor and tailgating.

Parallel compatibility: to allow maximum power production WEN 56200i is designed to allow a parallel connection of two generators.

Environmental friendly: it is designed with reduced emissions engine, approved by EPA and CARB, therefore, can be used legally in many parts of the world.

Durable: it designed to automatically shut down when the level of oil is too low this prevents the engine from damage.

Conclusion

If your budget is very tight WEN 56200i is the best option to opt to furthermore it produces clean power for your sensitive gadget with minimal noise production.

Warranty

Wen 56200i Portable Inverter Generator has a 2-year limited warranty.

View on Amazon

#6. A-iPower SUA2000i - 1600 Rated Watts Inverter Generator for RV & Camping

The A-iPower SUA2000i is one of its kind generators; it has been designed to allow ultra-quiet operation, therefore, ideal for light residential, camping, and tailgating needs. The latest technology has been employed to ensure that it produces clean, stable, and safe power; this simply means we can use our delicate electronics, such as computers and smarts phones, microwaves among others, on this generator.

When running continues, it can produce 1600 watts while the starting wattage is at 2000 watts. At this rate, most home and office light equipment can be used.

Why A-iPower SUA2000i Inverter Generator

Parallel compatibility: to allow maximum usage, A-iPower has been designed to allow a parallel combination of two generators. This combination produces 3200 watts, is this not cool!

Easy portability: due to its lightweight design (48lbs), it makes the best power solution for camping, outdoor, and tailgating. It has a built-in carry handle for easy carrying.

Durable engine: it designed to shut down when the level of oil is too low, and when there is overload, this prevents the generator from damage which eventually increases longevity.

Starting up this generator, in general, should be easy for most people. It should only take a single easy pull to get it going.

Even at 80cc, A-iPower has fitted it with a high-tech muffler that decreases the dBA to 58 for a ¼ rated load. The Smart Throttle adjusts engine speed to maintain fuel efficacy and noise reduction for up to 10 hours.

Economical fuel consumption: at only 1.1 gallon (fuel tank capacity) this inverter generator ensures at least 10 hours power supply.

Lots of outlets: the model comes with one 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlet, two USB 1.5A ports, and 120V 30A (NEMA L5-30R) RV-ready outlet. This gives users plenty of options.

View on Amazon

#7. PowerSmart PS50 900 Rated Watts - The Cheapest Gasoline Generator

Due to different power requirements, a huge and powerful generator may not be of use or need always, therefore, PowerSmart designed PS50 to help those who need a specific and small amount of power may be for tailgating or camping, it's very ideal for such task due to its lightweight. It has the capability of producing 1000 peak watts and 900 running watts. This unit can handle most common equipment such as phones, laptop among others.

The PowerSmart PS50 is ultralight and comes with a built-in handle for easy carrying. Four stands on the bottom of the generator help keep it steady as it runs. It has a single 5-20R 120V outlet providing a continuous output of 7.5 amps and a surge of 8.3 amps.

There is a second 12V outlet for charging at 8.3 amps at about 100-watts of charging capacity (charging cables included).

It is an average product that is sold at a reasonable price. It is ideal for camping and recreational activities. It is a crucial back up in case of a blackout.

View on Amazon

#8. Briggs & Stratton P2400 Gasoline Inverter Generator

One of the first things to look for with any portable generator is reliability. Briggs & Stratton is rightly regarded as one of the best manufacturers going, and their latest P2400 has plenty of points to recommend.

Durable engine: it designed to shut down when the level of oil is too low this prevents the engine from damage.

Less fuel more power: at only 1 gallon this inverter generator ensures 8 hours power supply. With a special USB port, charging portable electronics is made possible.

Easy to Refill & Clean: the oil is very easy to fill up and the unit comes complete with a built-in funnel to minimize spillage. There's also a drain tray provided to assist users with both cleaning and changing over types of oil.

Outlets: the model comes with two 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) household outlets and two USB ports.

Noise level: at quarter load the noise rating is at 62 dB while at eco-mode it is at 60dB. At this level, you can hold your conversation while it's still running.

CO Guard technology: advanced carbon monoxide detection system. The generator will automatically shut off if it's not in a well-ventilated area, and the CO2 concentration may be dangerous.

Depending upon requirements the generator can be set to Powersmart mode which dramatically lowers fuel consumption while still providing enough power to run multiple devices.

While it is not powerful enough to power larger appliances but for sure Briggs & Stratton 30651 is pocket-friendly and is of high quality; get the value of your money while going tailgating and camping.

View on Amazon

#9. Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator

Are you and your family outdoors junkies on the lookout for an affordable portable inverter generator on the market? You might have to pay close attention to this Generac’s economical model that has an incredibly quiet functionality.

Whether you are tailgating for the upcoming big game or simply enhancing your camping experience – the Generac 7117 GP22200i will present you with stable power with no disturbances to the neighbors or surrounding wildlife.

At a glance, the GP2200i resembles a huge laundry detergent container instead of a portable generator. Nonetheless, it is this design-build that’s its prime selling point. Let’s have a look at why this model might be a good buy for you:

Operation & Ease of Use

You’ll use a standard recoil pull-starter cord to start the engine of this inverter generator. It has no electric start; there’s no space to strap an internal battery in its compact design. Instead, the manufacturer found it necessary to combine the choke, run, and stop switches into a single handy knob to make the starting process simple.

As for this generator’s outlets, they’re somewhat sparse. What you’ll get is a 120V, 20A duplex outlet, 12VDC outlet, and a 5VDC, 1.5A USB outlet. All of these outlets are covered for protection against dust. Sadly, there’s no interlocking outlet to power the more energy-intensive appliances.

The GP2200i has no fuel gauge on the front panel. All it has are indicator lights to let you know when you’re overloading it or when it’s running low on oil. It weighs in at 46.6lbs and has a convenient handle that makes it easier to carry around. Plus, its compact aspect makes it great for storage after use.

Noise Level & Power

The tradeoff for this invertible generator’s convenience is power; the GP2200i is fitted with an 80cc, gas-powered, 4-stroke engine and a 1.2-gallon fuel tank. It only presents you with about 1,700 running watts and about 2,200 surge watts; capable of powering small appliances but don’t expect it to be a sufficient backup power for your home or RV.

You can expect this Generac to run for about 5hrs when on full-tank. Even if this is quite impressive, you might want to carry sufficient refueling gas with you whenever you’re taking a weekend camping expedition. The upside to this model’s innovation is that it comes with a parallel kit – you can pair two of these models for twice the power yield.

Generac seemingly doesn’t publish the decibel levels for their generators. Why? They believe that there’s no industry standard for the portable generators. All the same, the noise level of the GP2200i has to be certainly lower in comparison to that of a, say, 2000W open-frame portable generator.

Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Is the Generac GP2200i the best portable inverter generator under $1000? All things considered, the answer is yes. Not only is it a reliable generator with a relative quiet functionality, it supersedes most of the other competitive brands in terms of affordability.

That said – if you have more than $1000 to spend on a portable inverter generator, you might wish to have look at the Honda EU2200i. But, if you have less than $1000 on hand, you might want to purchase the Generac GP2200i portable inverter generator.

Do you have experience with this generator? What are your thoughts or tips? Please take a moment to let us know in the comments!

View on Amazon

#10. Pulsar PG2200BiS - 2,200 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

The Pulsar PG2200BiS generator is a generator that has a reputation for being convenient and versatile. It is a fuel inverter generator that has a lightweight and compact design. This, therefore, makes it ideal for tailgating, camping, as well as other recreational activities that take place outdoors and require a generator to run smoothly.

This generator comes with a USB port which makes it easy to enjoy clean and safe electricity that is ideal for powering electronics that are known to be sensitive.

It also comes with the alternative of two different fuels. You can decide to fuel it with the use of gasoline or make use of liquid propane fuel.

That’s not all, the Pulsar PG2200BiS generator can be kept as close as 10 feet to the house because it makes use of Quiet Inverter technology.

As the owner of this generator, you can make use of it for a straight eight hours without having to turn it off for refueling.

The Pulsar PG2200BiS is a generator that is perfectly suitable for individuals that are making plans to go camping. The reason for this is while camping, you will be moving with quite a number of equipment which might make you a little heavy. This can be worsened by having to move from place to place with the extra load a generator will be.

However, if you are able to have access to light and effective source of energy such as Pulsar PG2200BiS, you won’t have to worry about moving about with so much extra weight.

View on Amazon