A portable gas generator can come in handy. Whether your electricity goes out at home or you need it for camping, having it on the fly is useful.
Keep reading to learn more about gas generators and their advantages. We also share the best portable options on the market.
Let’s get started!
What Is a Portable Gas Generator?
A portable gas generator is a source of electricity powered by gasoline and an onboard alternator. It has electrical outlets and sometimes comes with USB ports.
Generators come in a variety of wattages, from 800 watts to 17,500 watts. For example, Generac has one of the largest portable gas generators at 17,500 watts.
How Long Can You Run a Portable Gas Generator Continuously?
Portable gas generators should be run for short periods. In general, a generator can run continuously for up to 18 hours. While they can power appliances, RVs, and tools, they’re not a permanent power source.
Furthermore, being cautious about running it unsupervised or all night while you’re sleeping is important. You may risk carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s best to run a generator when you’re available to check on it and ensure it’s properly ventilated.
Benefits of Portable Gas Generator
A portable gas generator has several benefits. Let’s look at the top three.
Emergency Power
A generator is an emergency power source. When your electricity goes out, it’s a way to provide power to your refrigerator to keep your food fresh and run other appliances. It’s also a way to generate light when you’re without electricity at night.
Recreational Uses
A portable gas generator is perfect for camping. Whether you’re boondocking in an RV or tent camping, a generator provides a source of power. You can run your entire RV with a high-wattage generator. And you can use it for light, plugging in appliances, and powering your computer.
Mobility
A portable generator gives you the option of electricity almost anywhere. The mobility allows you to transport it to different locations. You can have electricity in the most remote places with a gas-powered generator.
Pro Tip: Unsure if you can Run an RV Generator While You’re Sleeping? We uncovered the rules of generator use.
The Best Portable Gas Generators for 2023
There are a lot of portable gas generators on the market, but some are better than others. We’ve identified the top seven to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money. Let’s take a look.
Honda EU2200i
Weight: 46.5 pounds
Dimension: 20 inches by 11.4 inches by 16.7 inches
About: The Honda EU2200i portable gas generator is 2,200 watts and powered by a Honda GXR120 commercial series engine. It has an advanced carbon monoxide detection system that automatically shuts down the generator if carbon monoxide levels are high. The unit is also Bluetooth capable and has a smartphone app for operating the generator remotely.
Pro Tip: Unsure if a Honda generator is worth the investment? Check out these 5 Reasons Not To Overlook The Honda EU2200i Generator.
Champion Power Equipment 200988
Weight: 97 pounds
Dimension: 23.2 inches by 17.7 inches by 20.1 inches
About: The Champion Power Equipment 200988 is 4,500 watts. It runs up to 14 hours on gasoline or propane and takes 0.6 quarts of 10W-30 oil. It also has a low oil shut off sensor. The electric start on the generator has a touch panel with all of the controls in one spot.
It’s RV-ready with a 120-volt 30A outlet, two 120-volt 20A household outlets, and a 12-volt DC outlet with dual USB adapters. In addition, it includes a three-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support.
Generac 7683 GP6500
Weight: 172 pounds
Dimension: 27.2 inches by 27 inches by 26.5 inches
About: The Generac 7683 GP6500 is a large portable gas generator. This heavy unit will likely require two people to carry it. It’s 6,500 watts and has co-sense technology with stops and alerts to protect you from carbon monoxide. And it has a low-oil level shutdown. The Generac OHV engine has splash lubrication to prolong its life.
Predator 3500
Weight: 102 pounds
Dimension: 22.75 inches by 17.3 inches
About: The Predator 3500 is a 3,000 maximum running watt inverter generator. It uses the Predator 212cc engine and is clean and designed for efficiency. The generator has a 2.3-gallon fuel tank with a running time of up to 11 hours. It has an automatic shut-off if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous and an electronic speed control mode to enhance the engine’s performance. The unit has three 120-volt outlets and one 12-volt DC.
Westinghouse 9500
Weight: 196 pounds
Dimension: 27.2 inches by 26.1 inches by 26 inches
About: The Westinghouse 9500 has 7,500 running watts and 9,500 peak watts. It has a remote start, a key fob, and an electric and recoil start. It can run up to 11 hours with the 6.6-gallon fuel tank. The generator has two GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) 5-20R 120-volt outlets and an L14-30R 120/240-volt twist-lock outlet. In addition, it has a three-year limited service and part coverage warranty.
WEN 56200i
Weight: 48 pounds
Dimension: 11 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches
About: The WEN 56200i is a lighter-weight option among our list of portable gas generators. It runs 2,000 watts and has a noise level of 53 dB, making it the perfect option for camping. The unit has two three-prong 120-volt outlets, one 12-volt DC outlet, and one 5-volt USB port.
Briggs & Stratton S3500
Weight: 114 pounds
Dimension: 25.53 inches by 21.12 inches by 21.43 inches
About: The Briggs and Stratton S3500 is 3,500 watts. It has an RV outlet and includes two GFCI 120-volt household outlets. With a 4-gallon fuel tank, the run time is about 10 hours at 50 percent load. It’s easy to start and has overhead valve technology to run cool and last longer. The generator also has wheels to make it easy to move and a fold-up handle.
Always Have Power with a Portable Gas Generator
Having a portable gas generator along will ensure you always have power. You can put one in your vehicle, RV, or backyard. Only gas is needed to run appliances, lights, tools, and more.
Which one of the generators on our list will work best for you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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