How much does a portable generator cost?

A portable generator can provide immediate relief during a power outage yet only costs a few hundred dollars. This portable generator from Wen will only set you back around $400.

Do you need a portable generator?

To get things up and running again, you need a portable generator. We spent weeks researching generators over the 2020–21 fall and winter and tested four we considered ideal for grab-and-go power.

Are portable power stations better than gas-powered generators?

In an emergency, these power stations offer some major advantages over gas-powered portable generators, despite being less powerful. Portable power stations are silent and don’t produce additional emissions, so you can use them safely indoors and while you’re sleeping.

Is a portable generator a good investment?

A portable generator may be the least expensive investment, but if you have to run it multiple days, the cost of fuel will start to add up. For emergency backup over an extended period, you might be able to rely on a medium-to-large portable power station, with a small generator to recharge it.

Can a portable generator be used during a power outage?

Portable generators are easy to find in your local hardware store, run on gasoline, and have to be moved outside and manually started during a power outage. Portable generators can provide immediate relief during lengthy or frequent outages and can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. The second option is a standby generator.

What is a portable inverter generator?

For this guide, we focused on portable inverter generators in the 2,200-watt range. These models are small—about the size of a piece of luggage—and as long as you can lift about 50 pounds, they’re portable. Typically they have two outlets, and sometimes they have USB ports.