Contents (Jump to a Section)<\/summary>\n\n- Best Portable Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Budget Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Whole-Home Portable Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comparison Table<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Generators We Compared<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What to Look For<\/a>\n
\n- Value: Cost vs. Benefit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Power<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Durability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Use a Generator for Survival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who Needs a Portable Generator?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sources & References<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Our latest update of the best portable generators<\/strong> includes pricing adjustments and new picks. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.\u00a0Disclosure\u00bb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Champion](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/champion-2500-inverter-generator.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"Champion")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Portable Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\nChampion Dual Fuel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nVersatile, Lightweight, and Quiet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Versatile fuel choices pair with smart controls to provide a small, lightweight generator as the optimal portable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$590* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nChampion has really knocked it out of the park, and we think that this model hits the absolute sweet spot of versatility, value, and power. Not only can you fuel this with gasoline or propane, but you can link multiple together without any significant power loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because this is an inverter generator. While that’s not necessarily new technology, it is more expensive. The power provided is more consistent, has less harmonic distortion, and can power equipment using less fuel. It also allows for the linking we mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 1,850 Watts running (2,500W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 12V DC output, USB adapter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 79cc engine w\/ 1.1 gal gas tank (11.5-hour runtime, 34-hour w\/ LP 20lb tank)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 18″ L x 12″ W x 18″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 39 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- We could power multiple critical appliances with the running watts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This model can expand by daisy chaining several together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The lengthy runtime with multiple fuel types, plus the CO2 shutoff, gives peace of mind when running overnight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the hands-down best portable generator, grab a Champion Dual Fuel 2500W Generator<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"PowerSmart](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/PowerSmart-1200W-Portable-generator-Ultralight-for-Outdoor-Camping-Distasters-Emergencies-and-Survival.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"PowerSmart")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBudget Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPowerSmart Ultralight<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nInexpensive, Small, and Powerful<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This little guy packs a punch way over its cost and size, with over 1,000 running watts on a small 71cc engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$149* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAlso available to buy at Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have a generator or much room to store one, this could still fit the bill. It’s surprisingly affordable for 1,000 watts of power. The main drawback is that PowerSmart uses a 2-stroke engine to keep the weight and cost down, so you’ll need to mix some oil to make a 50:1 gas mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 1,000 Watts running (1,200W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 12V DC output<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 71cc engine w\/ 1.1 gal gas tank (5-hour runtime)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 16″ L x 14″ W x 14″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 37.8 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Powerful enough to run a fridge, but really, this one is all about the budget price.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The two-stroke engine can be a pain, but that can be overlooked for price and portability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This generator is tiny, lightweight, and it won’t be a budget-breaking investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for an inexpensive option to do project work and light-duty projects, the\u00a0PowerSmart Ultralight Generator<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Westinghouse](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/westinghouse-wgen9500df-generator.jpg?resize=800%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1\" "\\"DuroStar")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhole-Home Portable Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWestinghouse WGen9500DF<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHigh Wattage, Efficient, and Durable<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power your equipment anywhere with this smaller but powerful generator at a great value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$999* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWestinghouse makes a lot of models of portable generators, but this one hits the sweet spot of power and runtime while still being manageable enough to move around. You can power plenty of appliances and lights through an outage, or take it to your bug out location to get some projects done. It’ll keep up with its massive 9,500 running watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- 9,500 Watts running (12,500W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1x 120\/240V 50A<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 457cc engine w\/ 6.6 gal gas tank<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 27″ L x 26″ W x 27″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 210 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Enough running Watts to run multiple appliances during a disaster.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The runtime is long enough for overnight emergency lighting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The high weight is mitigated with wheels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With good reliability, high wattage, and a great price, it’s easy to see why the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator<\/a><\/strong> is the best for prepping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nComparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\nPortable Generator<\/th> Recommendation<\/th> Price*<\/th> Engine Type<\/th> Running Watts<\/th> Weight<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Champion Dual Fuel<\/strong><\/td>Best Overall<\/td> $590<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Dual-Fuel Inverter<\/td> 1,850W<\/td> 38.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr> PowerSmart UltraLight<\/strong><\/td>Best for Beginners and Budgets<\/td> $150<\/a><\/strong><\/td>2-Stroke Gas<\/td> 1,000W<\/td> 37.8 lbs<\/td><\/tr> Westinghouse Dual Fuel<\/strong><\/td>Best for Portable Home Backup<\/td> $999<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Dual-Fuel Inverter<\/td> 9,500W<\/td> 210 lbs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>*Price at the time of the latest update.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Value: Cost vs. Benefit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Power<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Versatility<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Size & Weight<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Durability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Use a Generator for Survival<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who Needs a Portable Generator?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sources & References<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nOur latest update of the best portable generators<\/strong> includes pricing adjustments and new picks. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.\u00a0Disclosure\u00bb<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBest Portable Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Champion Dual Fuel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Versatile, Lightweight, and Quiet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Versatile fuel choices pair with smart controls to provide a small, lightweight generator as the optimal portable solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$590* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nChampion has really knocked it out of the park, and we think that this model hits the absolute sweet spot of versatility, value, and power. Not only can you fuel this with gasoline or propane, but you can link multiple together without any significant power loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because this is an inverter generator. While that’s not necessarily new technology, it is more expensive. The power provided is more consistent, has less harmonic distortion, and can power equipment using less fuel. It also allows for the linking we mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 1,850 Watts running (2,500W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 12V DC output, USB adapter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 79cc engine w\/ 1.1 gal gas tank (11.5-hour runtime, 34-hour w\/ LP 20lb tank)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 18″ L x 12″ W x 18″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 39 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- We could power multiple critical appliances with the running watts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This model can expand by daisy chaining several together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The lengthy runtime with multiple fuel types, plus the CO2 shutoff, gives peace of mind when running overnight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for the hands-down best portable generator, grab a Champion Dual Fuel 2500W Generator<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBudget Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PowerSmart Ultralight<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inexpensive, Small, and Powerful<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This little guy packs a punch way over its cost and size, with over 1,000 running watts on a small 71cc engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$149* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAlso available to buy at Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t have a generator or much room to store one, this could still fit the bill. It’s surprisingly affordable for 1,000 watts of power. The main drawback is that PowerSmart uses a 2-stroke engine to keep the weight and cost down, so you’ll need to mix some oil to make a 50:1 gas mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 1,000 Watts running (1,200W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 1x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 12V DC output<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 71cc engine w\/ 1.1 gal gas tank (5-hour runtime)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 16″ L x 14″ W x 14″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 37.8 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Powerful enough to run a fridge, but really, this one is all about the budget price.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The two-stroke engine can be a pain, but that can be overlooked for price and portability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- This generator is tiny, lightweight, and it won’t be a budget-breaking investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
If you are looking for an inexpensive option to do project work and light-duty projects, the\u00a0PowerSmart Ultralight Generator<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nWhole-Home Portable Generator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Westinghouse WGen9500DF<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High Wattage, Efficient, and Durable<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power your equipment anywhere with this smaller but powerful generator at a great value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n$999* at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.<\/em> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWestinghouse makes a lot of models of portable generators, but this one hits the sweet spot of power and runtime while still being manageable enough to move around. You can power plenty of appliances and lights through an outage, or take it to your bug out location to get some projects done. It’ll keep up with its massive 9,500 running watts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nSpecifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 9,500 Watts running (12,500W peak)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2x 120V 20A outlets, 1x 120V 30A twist lock outlet, 1x 120\/240V 50A<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 457cc engine w\/ 6.6 gal gas tank<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- EPA and CARB-compliant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 27″ L x 26″ W x 27″ H<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 210 Pounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Why we like it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Enough running Watts to run multiple appliances during a disaster.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The runtime is long enough for overnight emergency lighting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The high weight is mitigated with wheels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With good reliability, high wattage, and a great price, it’s easy to see why the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Generator<\/a><\/strong> is the best for prepping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nComparison Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Portable Generator<\/th> Recommendation<\/th> Price*<\/th> Engine Type<\/th> Running Watts<\/th> Weight<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Champion Dual Fuel<\/strong><\/td> Best Overall<\/td> $590<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Dual-Fuel Inverter<\/td> 1,850W<\/td> 38.0 lbs<\/td><\/tr> PowerSmart UltraLight<\/strong><\/td> Best for Beginners and Budgets<\/td> $150<\/a><\/strong><\/td> 2-Stroke Gas<\/td> 1,000W<\/td> 37.8 lbs<\/td><\/tr> Westinghouse Dual Fuel<\/strong><\/td> Best for Portable Home Backup<\/td> $999<\/a><\/strong><\/td> Dual-Fuel Inverter<\/td> 9,500W<\/td> 210 lbs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> *Price at the time of the latest update.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- Power<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"10000](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/10000-EXL-Generac-Generator-with-Plugs-Powering-Ham-Radios.jpg?resize=800%2C450&quality=80&ssl=1\")
![\"How](\"https:\/\/trueprepper.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/wp-youtube-lyte\/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FH7CmTbBSi6k%2F0.jpg\")