The Best Portable Generators To Rely On In Extreme Weather

Wattage: 6,900 (starting, gas), 5,500 (running, gas) | Type: Standard | Fuel Source: Gasoline, propane | Dimensions: 27 x 27.7 x 24.4 inches | Weight: 162.5 pounds | Decibels: 74 dB

The Champion 5,500 Dual-Fuel Portable Generator is a versatile option that can run on gasoline or propane and includes a fuel selector switch to toggle between fuel sources. The 389cc engine produces 6,875 starting watts and 5,500 running watts when using gasoline, allowing you to connect everything from a portable heater to a refrigerator. The 6-gallon gas tank is enough to run for 10 hours at 50% load; a 20-pound propane tank can produce 6,250 starting watts and 5,000 running watts and run for 6.5 hours at 50% load.

In addition to the extensive runtime, there are some other features we like about this generator. It offers cold start technology, ensuring the generator starts in cold weather. It also includes a built-in surge protector to keep your devices safe from spikes in voltage and a feature that will shut off the generator if it detects an accumulation of carbon monoxide. The generator also comes with a wheel kit, a low oil shut-off sensor and a display to keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours. The biggest downside of the Champion 5,500 Dual-Fuel Portable Generator is the engine produces a noise level of 74 decibels from 23 feet, so it’s a bit loud if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from home.

Wattage: 4,000 (starting), 3,300 (running) | Type: Standard | Fuel Source: Gasoline | Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 17 inches | Weight: 102 pounds | Decibels: 69 dB

DuroMax’s DuroStar DS4000S provides good value for the features you get. The generator runs on gasoline and offers 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, giving you plenty of power to run appliances or tools at a job site. It comes enclosed in a metal cage with two handles on top so you can move it from place to place. While it doesn’t come with wheels, you can purchase an optional wheel kit for about $50; otherwise, at 102 pounds with gasoline, it may require two people to move and position it.

The DS4000S features a click start switch, and once it’s running, the volt meter will tell you the output voltage. There’s also a low oil light and an automatic low oil shutdown feature. The 4-gallon tank can provide up to 26 hours of runtime at 25% load or 12 hours at 50% load. For the price, the DuroStar DS4000S is an excellent portable generator that’s durable and dependable, whether you’re at home or on the job.

Wattage: 3,500 (starting), 2,000 (running) | Type: Power station | Fuel Source: Battery | Dimensions: 15 .25 x 10.23 x 13.6 inches | Weight: 70 pounds | Decibels: 0 dB

The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is a workhorse power station capable of keeping your lights on during an outage. The massive lithium-ion battery features a 2,000-watt AC inverter (with 3,500-watt surge capability), allowing it to power everything you need, from household appliances to a portable fridge. The power station doesn’t produce emissions and is virtually silent so you can safely use it indoors.

You can recharge the Yeti 300X in about 14 hours using a wall outlet or there are optional 200-watt solar panels that can recharge it in about a day. It also features a telescoping handle and wheels to roll it around your property, campground or job site. Meanwhile, Goal Zero rates the battery’s life at 500 cycles to 80% so it should last for a long time, depending on your usage. The one major downside is the Yeti 3000X isn’t cheap, but it’s a well-rounded alternative to gas-powered options.

Wattage: 4,500 (starting), 3,500 (running) | Type: Inverter | Fuel Source: Gasoline, propane | Dimensions: 23.2 x 17.7 x 20.1 inches | Weight: 103 pounds | Decibels: 61

Similar to our best overall pick, we like the Champion Power 4500 Dual-Fuel portable generator because it can run on gas or propane. Support for multiple fuels makes it an excellent choice for various occasions whether you’re tailgating, camping or providing power to essential appliances during a blackout. It offers 4,500 starting watts and 3,500 running watts with up to 14 hours of run time on gasoline at 25% load. You can get up to 21 hours of run time on propane at 25% load, but the running watts are slightly lower at 3,150.

Champion’s portable generator also includes a convenient electric start, a low oil shut-off sensor and relatively quiet operation at 61 dB. It’s also versatile; if you want to increase output, it supports an optional parallel kit that allows you to connect up to two 3,000-watt inverters. Further, it includes a 30A RV-ready outlet, making this an enticing choice for road warriors.

Wattage: 4,400 (starting), 2,200 (running) | Type: Power station | Fuel Source: Battery | Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 inches | Weight: 43 pounds | Decibels: 0 dB

If you have a flexible work arrangement, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro will provide you with all the power you need. The power station delivers a charging capacity of 2,160 watt-hours plus 2,200 watts of output, enough to keep your laptop charged and mini cooler running. Like other power stations, this one from Jackery is emission-free and is quiet compared to traditional portable generators. What elevates this particular model is it supports up to six of Jackery’s SolarSaga 200-watt solar panels, which can recharge the power station in 2.5 hours. Keep in mind, your mileage may vary depending on how much sunlight is available.

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro includes two chips for dual battery protection and four core detectors, providing safe and reliable charging. The built-in LCD screen displays input and output power and shows you how much battery you have remaining. At 43 pounds and 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 inches, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro is relatively easy to carry with its sturdy handle. Note that a single solar panel weighs 18.3 pounds and measures 21.3 x 91.3 x 1 inches unfolded, increasing the size and weight of the kit as a whole, but Jackery’s power station should meet your needs as long as there’s sunlight.

Wattage: 2,400 (starting), 1,200 (running) | Type: Power station | Fuel Source: Battery | Dimensions: 15.3 x 10.2 x 9.86 inches | Weight: 31.68 pounds | Decibels: 0 dB

Weighing 31 pounds and equipped with a battery that offers a 983-watt-hour capacity, the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core is tailor-made for camping. It boasts seven output port options including two 120-volt AC wall-style outlets, a 12-volt car plug-style outlet, two USB-A ports and two 60-watt fast-charging USB-C ports. It can output 1,200 watts and surge as high as 2,400 watts which should support any device you need. For some context, Goal Zero estimates you can recharge a smartphone (12-watt-hours) up to 82 times or run a mini fridge (35-watt-hours) for 28 hours.

The power station alone should provide enough juice for a weekend outdoors. But, should you need more, you can purchase additional solar panels, allowing you to recharge the Yeti 1000 Core on the go. When plugged into a wall, the power station takes about nine hours to charge, or nearly double that with a solar charging kit (depending on which one your purchase). For the record, solar panels may be unnecessary if your camping trips are generally short. Either way, the Yeti 1000 Core is an excellent outdoor companion that will keep your various devices juiced up, even if you left home with the intention of disconnecting from the world.

Wattage: 2,500 (starting), 1,850 (running, gas) | Type: Inverter | Fuel Source: Gasoline, propane | Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.7 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 39 pounds | Decibels: 53

We like Champion’s 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator if you only need to power on the go. The generator is about the size of carry-on luggage and weighs only 39 pounds. The small, sturdy design makes it an excellent choice for barbecues, overlanding or using at a job site, but it’s also powerful enough for home use. Wherever you decide to take it, a built-in handle makes it easy to pick up and carry.

In addition to its ultra-portable size, the Champion Power 2500 has plenty to offer, starting with the ability to run on gas or propane. The inverter technology also means you get clean electricity, which allows you to connect sensitive electronics. The generator operates at 53 decibels with 2,500 starting watts for both propane and gasoline, and has a runtime of 11.5 hours at 25% load. You can also purchase an optional parallel kit and connect another 2,500-watt Champion inverter to double your output.