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2024 Consumer Reports: Portable Generators to Buy

When shopping for expensive products such as generators, it is important to read what consumer reports has to say about the product to make sure you are getting a good, high quality product.

Click here to see the best rated portable generators

Finding consumer reports portable generators will help you find the most recommended products and help you choose the generator that fits your needs.

Contents

Top Rated Portable Generator for Home Use

Westinghouse WH7500 Portable Generator Review

The Westinghouse WH7500 Portable Generator is the top rated portable generator for home use. It contains a cast iron fan guard and includes a tool, handle and wheel kit for easy portability. This model uses an electrical and manual starting system. It has an LCD hour meter to help you monitor the voltage and prevent overloading.

It has a easy-to-read built-in control panel and a quiet pulse flo muffler. The full enclosure cage will help prevent damage from the elements. It has a variety of outlets including 4 120 volt and a 120/240 volt twist lock. It can operate for up to 13 hours on 1/2 load and it can hold 6.6 gallons of fuel.

It is powered by a 420cc 4 stroke OHV engine. It’s good rating makes it the one of the top consumer reports portable generators. The machine powers at 9000 watts surge and 7500 watts operating. It is not carb compliant and cannot be purchased in the state of California.

Best Large Portable Generator for the Money

Duro Max XP 10000E Generator Review

The Duro Max XP 10000E Generator is sold with a wheel kit and contains an electrical starting system. It is EPA approved and can hold eight gallons of fuel. It is powered by a 16 hp 4 stroke OHV engine. It has many outlets including a 120 volt DC output 30 amps twist lock outlet and a 120/240 volt 50 amp outlet.

A one year limited warranty is included at time of purchase. The fold up handle and never go flat tires allow you to easily move the unit to wherever you need it. It can operate for up to ten hours at half load. The overload protection and the automatic low oil shut down will help keep this generator running perfectly for many years. It is rated for 8000 watts with a 10000 watts surge.

Best Small Generator with Long Run Time

WEN 56200i Gas Powered Portable Generator Review

The WEN 56200i Gas Powered Portable Generator is very portable with the included wheel kit. The 4-stroke 79.7cc OHV can run for up to 9 hours at 1/4 load. It can store 1 gallon of gas. This model is designed to be compact and easy to move. It comes with two rubber motor mounts and two wheels with a 1-inch steel frame to help protect the engine. The carry handle can fold down to make storage easy. It has a low noise output of 53 dba and includes a two year limited warranty that starts at the time of purchase.

It operates on 2000 watts starting and 1800 watts running. It is non carb compliant and cannot be purchased in California. Other features include a power indicator light, a fuel gauge and a low oil shutoff.

Best Rated Gas Powered Portable Generator

Briggs & Stratton P4500 Inverter Generator Review

The Briggs & Stratton P4500 Inverter Generator is sold with a wheel kit that makes transporting this unit quick and easy. It is powered on 3700 watts starting and 3500 watts running. It is non carb compliant and is not for sale in California.

A variety of outlets are available including 4 120 volts of AC outlets, a 120 volt 30 amp locking outlet and 2 USBS ports. It is powered by a 4-stroke engine.

Best Portable Generator under $400

Champion Power Equipment 100573 DH Generator Review

The Champion Power Equipment 100573 DH Generator has a weight of 110 pounds and contains a cast iron roll cage to protect the unit.

A limited two year warranty is included. It can provide power for up to twelve hours at 1/2 load and it comes with many outlets including an outlet of 120 volts and a 120 volt twist lock outlet. It contains a 196cc 4 stroke engine for extra power. It is carb compliant and can be purchased in all 50 states. It is rated for 3500 watts with a 4000 watts start.

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The generators listed above are ranked as some of the top rated consumer reports portable generators. They provide all the features you need in a portable backup power source.