People often buy portable generators to create power backup for outages or natural disasters. Portable generators are also suited for a number of outdoor sports like camping, hiking, and mountain biking. In addition to these applications, these generators often find use at job locations. Here is a list of five popular portable generators for you to consider:
DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B004918MO2″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Hu5BGJlIL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator[/easyazon_image]The DS4000S is a portable generator powered by a 7 horsepower overhead valve engine. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 4 gallons. The generator can provide constant running power of 3300 watts and peak power of 4,000 watts. Users can plug in 1 high-power device of 120 V and 2 home appliances of 120 V each. When running at 50% load, a fully-charged unit lasts 8 hours. It operates almost noiselessly, thanks to its 69 dBA rating and automatically shuts down at low fuel, preventing engine damage.
DuroStar has designed the DS4000S to be easy to use; all user components of the generator are laid out neatly on its power panel. There is a start switch with EZ-recoil start, a voltmeter, and a circuit breaker. It is a great power backup solution for outdoor events and for disaster preparedness. California residents should avoid buying this model because it doesn’t meet California Air Resource Boar (CARB)’s air quality guidelines. The generator is shipped without a wheel kit but customers can buy one separately. DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B004918MO2″ cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”small-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”120″]PowerPro 56405 4050-Watt 212cc 7-HP Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit[/easyazon_cta]
PowerPro 56405 4050-Watt 212cc 7-HP Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B003MHSSF2″ cloaking=”default” height=”145″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FuSczZsyL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]PowerPro 56405 4050-Watt 212cc 7-HP Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit[/easyazon_image]Like the DuroStar DS4000S, PowerPro’s 56405 runs on a 7 HP gas-powered engine but has a smaller fuel tank with a capacity of just 3.1 gallons. Nevertheless, this generator manages to churn out 4050 watts of power, running for 10 hours at 50% load. It has 5 power outlets: 4 three-pronged 120 V ones for smaller appliances, and a 120 volt one for higher power appliances. Its rubber motor mounts and solid frame ensure that it doesn’t skid on the floor while operating. It is approved by the EPA but doesn’t comply with CARB’s guidelines. The price is an impressive $349.99 which includes a two-year limited warranty. This is undoubtedly, one of the best portable generators available in the market.PowerPro 56405 4050-Watt 212cc 7-HP Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B003MHSSF2″ cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”small-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”120″]PowerPro 56405 4050-Watt 212cc 7-HP Gas-Powered Portable Generator with Wheel Kit[/easyazon_cta]
Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B002RWK9LY” cloaking=”default” height=”127″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41a6%2B2%2BibrL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)[/easyazon_image]With a compact design and a steep price tag, Yamaha EF1000iS has its share of lovers as well as haters. To count it merits, this generator features a specially designed noise reduction system, weighs just 27.9 pounds, and can run for about 12 hours in one fuelling. It generates a pure AC power output and comes with a 2-year limited warranty. It has three power outlets: 2 for 110V AC devices, and 1 for 12V DC devices. Its total generated power maximum stands at 1000 watts and may not be enough for running several appliances at once. Also, the price of $879.99 can be a little hard to swallow. Lastly, it is CARB compliant. Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”none” asin=”B002RWK9LY” cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”small-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”120″]Yamaha EF1000iS 1,000 Watt 50cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant)[/easyazon_cta]
Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator CARB Compliant Blue
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B002RWK9N2″ cloaking=”default” height=”137″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RR92Yk2mL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator CARB Compliant Blue[/easyazon_image]Yamaha’s EF2000iS costs $220 more than the EF1000iS but packs in many extra features. It provides a 1600 watt AC output with a 2000 watt power maximum. The engine’s increased wattage means that you can plug in more devices at the same time. The EF2000iS has a run time of 10.5 hours per refueling. It mimics EF1000iS’s noise muffling feature that ensures a quiet operation, and “Smart Throttle Load” feature that allows the engine to regulate its speed and improve fuel efficiency. The compact unit comes in a blue color and weighs 44 ounces. Moving it around is easy and you won’t have to buy an extra wheel kit. It is CARB compliant and has a two-year limited warranty. The Yamaha EF2000iS is favored by many RV owners. Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator CARB Compliant Blue[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”none” asin=”B002RWK9N2″ cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”small-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”120″]Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator CARB Compliant Blue[/easyazon_cta]
Champion Power Equipment 46533 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant)
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B004054GN8″ cloaking=”default” height=”118″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518-HLsInEL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”160″]Champion Power Equipment 46533 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant)[/easyazon_image]Costing $399.00 and weighing 110 pounds, the Champion 46533 is a cheap, albeit bulky CARB-compliant portable generator. Its engine can churn out a whopping 3500 watts of rated power, and a 4000 watts maximum. High wattage means that you can run several appliances (including sump pumps, and refrigerators) at the same time. It has a 120 V outlet, a 120 V twist lock receptacle, and a RV receptacle. It runs for 12 hours on a full tank. It starts at just a few pulls and the noise produced is bearable. Like all Champion products, this one comes with free technical support for life and limited warranty for 2 years. If you mobility is not your prime concern the Champion 46533 is an economical and powerful option for you to consider.Champion Power Equipment 46533 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant)[easyazon_cta add_to_cart=”default” align=”none” asin=”B004054GN8″ cloaking=”default” height=”28″ key=”small-orange” localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” tag=”artitude-20″ width=”120″]Champion Power Equipment 46533 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator (CARB Compliant)[/easyazon_cta]
Yamaha’s portable generators are compact and produce clean power outputs. However, they provide lower rated and maximum power outputs than DuroStar’s DS4000S and PowerPro’s 56405 generators. If you are shopping by price the Champion 46533, and the PowerPro 56405 are your best bets.