Investing in mobile backup generators is a wise decision, providing electricity and assurance during emergencies or instances where access to power is restricted. These generators are not only compact and easily carried, but also sturdy, proving their reliability in different circumstances. Nonetheless, the wealth of choices available today can make it difficult to identify the most suitable one for your requirements.
The most effective portable backup generators should be reliable, efficient, and user-friendly. They should also offer multiple outlets, including those for USB charging, and run on a fuel source that is widely accessible. The wrong choice could lead to under-performance, inefficiency, and potential damage to your electrical devices.
When choosing a portable backup generator, it’s crucial to pay attention to its technical specifications. Consider its starting and running watts, fuel type and capacity, noise level, and run time. Our extensive testing and research have equipped us to guide you through this selection process, ensuring you land a choice tailored to your specific needs.
In this article, we will present a comprehensive guide for choosing the best portable backup generator. Our in-depth research and hands-on experience with various models will help you gain a clear understanding of what constitutes an effective portable generator. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary knowledge to make an informed, efficient purchase.
Best Portable Backup Generator
Selecting the most suitable portable backup generator is pivotal to ensuring a reliable and efficient power source during emergencies or when off-grid. It should be easy to carry, yet heavyweight in performance, and fuel should widely be available for it. Understanding the various options available on today’s market to make the right choice can seem quite overwhelming. Therefore, we’ve consolidated a comprehensive list of the best portable backup generators based on our rigorous testing and research, aiming to assist your decision-making process.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile generator for your home, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter is a great option.
Pros
- The dual fuel capability allows you to switch between gas and propane, giving you added convenience and flexibility.
- The remote electric start is a convenient feature that allows you to start the generator from up to 200 feet away.
- The 3000W pure sine wave inverter produces clean power suitable for sensitive electronics.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 93 pounds.
- The noise level is relatively high, with a rating of 72dB(A).
- The fuel tank capacity is relatively small, with a gas capacity of 4 gallons and a propane capacity of 26.5 pounds.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The dual fuel capability is a standout feature, as it allows you to switch between gas and propane depending on your needs and availability. The remote electric start is also a convenient feature that makes it easy to start the generator from a distance.
One thing to keep in mind is that the generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 93 pounds. This can make it difficult to move around and position as needed. Additionally, the noise level is relatively high, with a rating of 72dB(A). While this is to be expected with a generator of this size, it’s still something to consider if you plan on using it in a residential area.
Overall, we would recommend the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter to anyone in the market for a reliable and versatile generator for their home. Its dual fuel capability, remote electric start, and clean power output make it a great choice for a variety of applications.
200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator With 110V AC Outlet/2 DC Ports/3 USB Ports, Backup Battery Pack Power Supply for CPAP Outdoor Advture Load Trip Camping Emergency
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient portable power station, the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a total capacity of 40800mAh/111.1Wh, this power station can charge most small devices 3-5 times.
- It has an AC outlet, 2 DC ports, and 3 USB ports, making it highly versatile.
- The flashlight mode and SOS emergency light design add convenience and safety.
Cons
- The charging time of 10-12 hours is relatively long.
- Some users have reported issues with the LCD display.
- The handle could be more durable.
This power station is perfect for outdoor adventures, camping trips, and emergency situations. It’s easy to carry and has a built-in handle, making it portable and convenient to use. The LED display is clear and easy to read, and the power station is equipped with multiple protection systems to ensure safety during use.
The FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station is also compatible with solar panels, allowing for solar recharging. However, it’s important to note that solar panels are sold separately.
Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable and versatile portable power station, the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station is definitely worth considering.
Fast Charging Portable Power Station – DaranEner Mini Generator for Camping, 179.2Wh LiFePO4 Solar Generator for Home Use w/2 300W (Surge 600W) AC Outlets for Outdoors Travel Hunting(Solar Optional)
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station, the DaranEner Mini Generator is a great option.
Pros
- The DaranEner Mini Generator has two 300W AC outlets, making it ideal for powering small appliances and tools.
- It features a 179.2Wh LiFePO4 battery pack that supports up to 300W solar input, allowing for faster charging and extended power supply.
- The DaranEner Mini Generator has a built-in MPPT controller that ensures the best conversion efficiency, allowing for faster charging.
Cons
- The DaranEner Mini Generator is relatively heavy, weighing in at 13.2 pounds.
- It does not come with a car charger, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The DaranEner Mini Generator’s display could be more user-friendly.
The DaranEner Mini Generator is a versatile power station that can be used for a variety of purposes, from camping and hunting to home backup and tailgate parties. Its two 300W AC outlets make it ideal for powering small appliances and tools, and its 179.2Wh LiFePO4 battery pack supports up to 300W solar input, allowing for faster charging and extended power supply.
One of the standout features of the DaranEner Mini Generator is its built-in MPPT controller, which ensures the best conversion efficiency and allows for faster charging. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to quickly recharge their power station.
However, the DaranEner Mini Generator is relatively heavy, weighing in at 13.2 pounds, which may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, it does not come with a car charger, which may be inconvenient for those who need to charge their power station on the go.
Overall, the DaranEner Mini Generator is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable and powerful portable power station.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency (Solar Panel Optional)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient portable power station, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is a great option.
Pros
- The 240W pure sine wave AC outlet provides stable power for a wide range of devices, including laptops, CPAP machines, and mini fridges.
- The portable power station can be fully charged in only 7.5 hours with a 100W solar panel (sold separately).
- The LED display provides real-time information on the power station’s battery level and charging status.
Cons
- The battery capacity of 240Wh may not be sufficient for extended power outages or extended camping trips.
- The power station is relatively heavy, weighing in at 6.61 pounds.
- The price point may be higher than some other portable power stations on the market.
We’ve used the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 for both camping and emergency power outage situations, and it has performed well in both scenarios. The 240W pure sine wave AC outlet provides stable power for a wide range of devices, and the power station can be fully charged in just 7.5 hours with a 100W solar panel (sold separately). The LED display provides real-time information on the power station’s battery level and charging status, which is helpful for monitoring power usage.
One potential downside to the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is the battery capacity of 240Wh. While it may be sufficient for short power outages or camping trips, it may not be enough for extended power outages or longer camping trips. Additionally, the power station is relatively heavy, weighing in at 6.61 pounds, which may make it less than ideal for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient portable power station. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options on the market, its stable power output and solar charging capabilities make it a great choice for those who need power on the go.
Portable Power Station 300W (Peak 600W), GRECELL 288Wh Solar Generator with 60W USB-C PD Output, 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet Backup Lithium Battery for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Home Blackout
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient portable power station, the GRECELL Portable Power Station is a great option.
Pros
- The power station has a 288Wh capacity and a peak power of 600W, making it capable of powering most of your essential devices during an outage or emergency.
- The pure sine wave output ensures safe power for sensitive devices, such as laptops and TVs.
- The power station has a total of 10 AC/DC/USB outlets, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.
Cons
- The power station is relatively heavy, weighing in at 7.05 pounds.
- The power station takes approximately 10 hours to fully charge using a 100V AC adapter.
- The power station’s LCD screen can be difficult to read in bright lighting conditions.
We’ve used the GRECELL Portable Power Station during a power outage and were impressed with its performance. The power station was able to power our fridge, lights, and TV, allowing us to stay comfortable during the outage. We also appreciated the variety of outlets available, allowing us to charge multiple devices at once.
The pure sine wave output was a particularly nice feature, as it ensured that our sensitive devices, such as our laptop and phone, remained safe and functional. The power station also recharged quickly, allowing us to use it multiple times during the outage.
Overall, we would highly recommend the GRECELL Portable Power Station to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient portable power source.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best portable backup generator, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and here are the key features to look for.
Power Capacity
The power capacity of a generator is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines how much power the generator can produce and how many appliances it can run at the same time. When choosing a portable backup generator, make sure to select one with a power capacity that meets your needs.
Portability
Portability is another important factor to consider when choosing a portable backup generator. Look for a generator that is lightweight and easy to transport. Some generators come with wheels and handles, making them even more convenient to move around.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider when choosing a portable backup generator. Look for a generator that is fuel-efficient and can run for a long time on a single tank of gas. This will help you save money on fuel and reduce your environmental impact.
Noise Level
Noise level is another important factor to consider when choosing a portable backup generator. Look for a generator that is quiet and can operate without disturbing your neighbors or other nearby residents.
Safety Features
Safety features are also important to consider when choosing a portable backup generator. Look for a generator that has safety features such as automatic shut-off when the generator is overheating or when the oil level is low. This will help prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best portable backup generator that meets your needs and provides you with reliable power when you need it most.
