The Best Portable Generators for Go-Anywhere Power, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Portable Generators for Go-Anywhere Power, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

We tested today’s top-selling models to find out how they fared in real-life situations and whether they are worth lugging around.

Portable generators can supply power to homes, appliances, electronics, or RVs during a power outage or on a camping trip. Depending on the model, they will produce electricity using gasoline, propane, solar, or some combination. They come with multiple outlet configurations and are easy to transport. 

We wanted to know just how good today’s portable generators are, so the Bob Vila test team put them through their paces in our homes, at jobsites, and on the road. 

Read on to discover vital shopping considerations and to find out how our top picks fared in hands-on testing. See why these seven options earned a spot on our lineup of the best portable generators.

1. BEST OVERALL: Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator with CO Shield
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ryobi 6500-Watt Generator with CO Detect
3. BEST FOR HOME USE: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator
4. BEST MIDSIZE: Craftsman 6000-Watt CARB-Compliant Portable Generator
5. BEST DUAL-FUEL: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator
6. BEST ELECTRIC START: DeWalt 8000-Watt Electric Start Gas Generator
7. BEST FOR CAMPING: Honda 2200-Watt Inverter Generator with CO-MINDER

How We Tested the Best Portable Generators

We carefully researched more than 35 portable generators before choosing seven highly rated models for hands-on testing. We looked at consumer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, value, and versatility. We also considered brand to an extent—Champion Power Equipment, Honda, and Westinghouse are all respected in the generator industry. However, we didn’t automatically eliminate smaller brands if their generators were quality built and highly rated. Our goal was to test models that would suit diverse user needs, so you’ll find powerful gas-fueled generators as well as dual-fuel and inverter models on our list. 

To test the generators, we assembled and fueled them according to each manufacturer’s instructions. We plugged in tools, appliances, and electronic devices according to an online wattage calculator to see if the generators would produce their advertised power. 

We tested the decibel level the generators produced when operating and noted how easy or challenging they were to move. Then we awarded points based on a rubric for how well each generator performed on specific tests and gave ratings for ease of use, noise, portability, power, and value. 

Testing Stats

• Products tested: 7
• Hours spent testing: 53
• Tests performed: 5
• Average price: $1,048

Our Top Picks

According to our team test results, the following products represent some of the best portable generators on the market. Whatever your needs may be, there’s likely to be a generator on this list that’ll hit the mark. 

Best Overall

Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator with CO Shield

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: Gasoline: 10,625 peak watts and 8,500 running watts; propane: 9,565 peak watts and 7,650 running watts
• Fuel: Gasoline or propane
• Outlets/ports: One 120V-30A locking outlet; one 120/240V-30A locking outlet; four 120V-20A GFCI outlets
• Weight: 209 pounds

Pros

• Runs on both gasoline and propane, making it versatile for different users
• Suits a range of power needs with 6 outlets: two 30A and four 20A
• Built-in carbon monoxide shutoff is an added safety feature

Cons

• Relatively heavy at 209 pounds—too heavy for 1 person to lift into a truck bed

The Champion 8,500-watt generator is a portable yet powerful emergency backup generator and off-grid power source. We tested it using gasoline and propane, and it easily powered a fridge, space heater, and lights. We also connected it to our travel trailer’s 30-amp cord, and it generated enough power to run all our major appliances. 

This generator offers six outlets: one 120V-30A locking, one 120/240V-30A locking, and four 120V-20A GFCIs. It has a digital display for monitoring runtime and power output and a built-in detector that shuts down the generator in case of elevated levels of carbon monoxide gas.

This unit is heavy at 209 pounds, making it challenging for a single person to lift alone. It does come mostly assembled, aside from the user needing to install the wheel kit, which takes just a few minutes to attach. 

If you’re looking for a serious generator with enough power to run several tools or appliances simultaneously, you won’t be disappointed with this Champion model.

Read our full review: Champion 8500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator with CO Shield

Get the Champion portable generator at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Ryobi 6500-Watt Generator with CO Detect

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 3/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 8,125 peak watts and 6,500 running watts
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Outlets/ports: One 120/240V-30A outlet; four 120V-20A GFCI outlets 
• Weight: 195 pounds

Pros

• Powered by a dependable and easy-to-start Ryobi 420cc OHV gas engine
• Wraparound hand truck–style frame and large wheels enhance portability
• Two 120-volt 20-amp duplex outlets and a 120/240-volt 30-amp twist locking outlet can handle a wide range of portable power needs
• Automatic voltage regulator ensures reliable and consistent power supply 
• Modest price point for a high-quality portable generator

Cons

• Handle design requires a steep tilt for transport, which can be tough to balance
• Recoil start only; not equipped with an electric starter

For inexpensive off-grid electricity or an affordable home backup generator, the Ryobi offers one of the best watts-per-dollar values in our guide. Plus it comes equipped with numerous desirable features such as a dependable Ryobi engine, a rugged hand truck frame with 10-inch wheels and a fold-down handle, and a carbon monoxide sensor with automatic safety shutoff. The gas tank holds 6 gallons of fuel to keep the motor running for up to 10 hours on a 50 percent load. 

The Ryobi generator came mostly assembled, other than the wheels and handle. After adding oil and gas, we were pleasantly surprised when the engine started on the first pull, particularly since it doesn’t have an electric start option.

When it came to power production, the Ryobi let us easily run a couple of portable saws, a router, and work lights—plugged into the 120-volt 20-amp duplex outlets—for several hours without interruption. We also tried the 30-amp twist lock outlet with a three-way service cord to power the tools, and everything worked perfectly. 

While we appreciated that this heavy model has wheels, we still found maneuvering it awkward. We had to push the handle down to about a 45-degree angle and exert constant downward force while moving the 195-pound machine. But for its numerous features and ample power, the Ryobi is a great option.

Get the Ryobi portable generator at The Home Depot or Ryobi. 

Best for Home Use

DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 5/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: Gasoline: 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 running watts; propane: 11,400 peak watts and 9,025 running watts
• Fuel: Gasoline or propane
• Outlets/ports: One 120/240V-50A outlet; one 120/240V-30A locking outlet; one 120V-30A locking outlet; two 120V-20A GFCI outlets 
• Weight: 224 pounds

Pros

• Runs on gasoline or propane, offering users convenient flexibility
• Keyed electric start that is easier on the back and shoulders than pull starts
• More affordable than most other 12,000-watt generators 
• Built-in carbon monoxide detector protects users from dangerous conditions

Cons

• Does not have an hour meter or any way to track runtime, requiring users to keep track
• Does not come with dust covers to protect the multiple outlets when they’re not in use
• Only 2 standard 120V-20A outlets for regular power cords

When it comes to portable generators, 12,000 watts is near the top end, power-wise. The DuroMax XP12000EH is a dual-fuel monster that can power several tools and appliances simultaneously without throwing the breaker. 

We tested the DuroMax using gasoline and propane. It’s designed to run up to 8 hours on a full 8.3-gallon gas tank and up to 7 hours on propane at 50 percent capacity. It also has a couple of perks we really liked, including an electric starter—because who wants to hand-crank an engine when temps are bitter?—and a CO sensor that automatically shuts down the generator if it senses hazardous levels of carbon monoxide gas. 

The DuroMax has several plug-in ports, including a 120V-30A locking outlet, a 120/240V-30A locking outlet, two 120V-20A GFCI outlets (for standard power cords), and one 120/240V-50A outlet. We tested it by running our refrigerator, most of the entertainment devices in our home, and even a window AC that pulls a lot of juice. It didn’t lag at all.

Though we liked its power, the DuroMax missed the mark in a few areas. It doesn’t have drop-down covers to protect the outlets, and it only has two 120V standard outlets. Overall, though, we found this generator powerful and easy to use, particularly at this price point.

Read our full review: DuroMax 12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator

Get the DuroMax portable generator at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.

Best Midsize

Craftsman 6000-Watt CARB-Compliant Portable Generator

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 3/5; Power 3/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: 7,500 peak watts and 6,000 running watts
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Outlets/ports: Two 120V-30A outlets; four 120V-20A outlets
• Weight: 163 pounds 

Pros

• Well-designed control panel features dust covers and sealed switches
• Very easy to unpack and assemble; can begin using right away
• Delivers powerful wattage in a relatively compact size and has wheels for easy moving

Cons

•  Handle design is uncomfortable and awkward
• Wheels are plastic and might not hold up to long-term use on gravel surfaces

If you’re looking for a mid-range backup generator that won’t take up too much room in the garage, check out the Craftsman 6,000-watt portable generator. It features two 120V-30A and four 120V-20A outlets for plugging in various tools and appliances. 

This portable generator has an 8-gallon fuel tank and a recoil start. While many of today’s new generators come with electric starts, we found it easy to pull-start the Craftsman—and there’s less (electronically) to go wrong. This unit weighs 163 pounds, so you’ll need two or more strong people to lift it into and out of a truck or trailer. Its large wheels and handle make it easier to roll the generator once it’s on the ground, but the handle design is somewhat clunky and seems ill-suited for the generator. 

We tested the Craftsman by plugging in our refrigerator, an air compressor, a large space heater, a TV, and some corded power tools. The Craftsman surged and got a little louder when we ran the air compressor, but it still handled the load without flipping its breaker switch. 

While this 6,000-watt generator doesn’t run on propane, it’s a nice option for those who want reliable backup power or power on a remote jobsite.

Read our full review: Craftsman 6000-Watt CARB-Compliant Portable Generator

Get the Craftsman portable generator at Lowe’s.

Best Dual-Fuel

Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel Generator

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Wattage: Gasoline:12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts; propane: 11,200 peak watts and 8,500 running watts
• Fuel: Gasoline or propane
• Outlets/ports: One 120/240V-50A outlet; one 120/240V-30A locking outlet; four 120V-20A GFCI outlets
• Weight: 211 pounds

Pros

• Runs on either gasoline or propane, making it versatile in most situations
• Comes with 3 ways to start: electric, remote, and recoil
• Powerful 457cc 4-stroke engine for powerful electrical generation
• Features digital data display for real-time information about voltage, frequency, and runtime

Cons

• On the heavy side at 211 pounds, making it a challenge to lift onto a truck bed

The WGen9500DF is a portable dual-fuel generator that runs on gasoline and propane. It has a 457cc 4-stroke engine and features a 120/240V-50A outlet, a 120/240V-30A locking outlet, and four 120V-20A GFCI outlets. This is a heavy model, weighing in at 211 pounds, but it came mostly assembled—all we had to do was install the wheels and the handle.

We tested the generator using gasoline first, followed by propane, and got similar results for both. The generator features a 6.6-gallon gasoline tank that will keep it running for up to 12 hours at a 25 percent load. Actual tank runtime may vary depending on the quality of the gasoline and the electrical load you’re pulling. When connected to a 20-pound propane tank, the generator is designed to run up to 7 hours pulling a 50 percent load.

One of the nicest perks was the ability to start the generator from a