Having a good portable generator can make running your power tools more convenient. Discover the best models to get the most value.
Best generators for power tools top picks
- WEN 56225i 2250 – Best generator for small power tools
- WEN 56380i 3800 – Best generator for medium power tools
- Champion 100519 6250 – Best generator for big power tools or multiple smaller ones
- Duromax XP9000iH – Best dual fuel inverter generator for a lot of power tools
- Honda EU2200i – Most reliable generator for power tools and other uses like backup power
If you are not sure how big your model should be, you can check out the article on what size generator you need to run power tools.
Brand models lower on the list of top picks can definitely be the better choice for your personal power needs.
How we selected our top picks
Our experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of the best portable generators for power tools.
Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Run time, power capacity, outlets, portability, noise levels, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
- The performance categories below
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56225i 2250 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 9 | <1.2% | 9 | 7.5 | 7 | 9.5 | $ | Check Price |
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | $ | Check Price |
| Champion 100519 6250 | 8.5 | 8 | 5.5 | <3% | 9 | 7.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Duromax XP9000iH | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5.5 | <5% | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
| Honda EU2200i | 6.5 | 6.5 | 10 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 9 | 9.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best generators for power tools reviewed
People who already know their power needs could find the list of top picks enough to choose the best generator for their situation.
On the flip side, the more in-depth reviews of all the options can help you choose the right model for running your power tools and potentially other devices.
1. WEN 56225i 2250 – Best generator for small power tools
In top generator lists like this, the first spot is typically reserved for the best model in the category. However, when it comes to power tools, your energy needs matter a lot too.
This WEN 56225i 2250 is generally the best choice for people who want to run small power tools like a drill, small air compressor, or electric chainsaw separately.
If you want to run these power tools together, you will need to turn to some of the stronger models on this list.
More general specifications aside, the WEN 56225i 2250 is a great small portable generator with good reliability, solid features, and a budget-friendly price.
For example, the 6 hours run time at 50% load may not look that impressive compared to other generators for power tools.
Pros
- WEN 56225i offers 2250 starting watts, 1800 running watts, 15 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 53 dBA
- Nice run time of 6 hours at 50% load
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Light weight of 48.5 lb (22 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Relatively short commercial warranty
- Uses a lot of oil
However, for a small inverter like this, the run time is on the higher side.
This makes it so the WEN 56225i 2250 allows you to drill or run other power tools for longer before having to refuel.
The one thing contractors and other individuals on job sites want to keep in mind is the relatively short commercial warranty of 90 days.
With how positive customers are about the WEN 56225i 2250, this should not be too much of a problem.
At the same time, there is a certain small chance of unexpected costs you want to keep in mind.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56225i 2250 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 9 | <1.2% | 9 | 7.5 | 7 | 9.5 | $ | Check Price |
2. WEN 56380i 3800 – Best generator for medium power tools
For bigger DIY or construction tasks like using a circular saw or jackhammer, you will also need a more powerful generator.
It can be worth double-checking whether the 3800 starting watts and 3400 running watts of the WEN 56380i are enough for the tools you want to power.
However, the next few good generators for running power tools offer a good amount of energy.
The main thing to keep in mind with the WEN 56380i is that it has a short commercial warranty.
Pros
- WEN 56380i offers 3800 starting watts, 3400 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 57 dBA
- Good run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load
- Less than 1.2% THD
- Electric start
- Weight of 99.2 lb (45 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Relatively short commercial warranty
- Rolling over uneven terrain can be challenging
The somewhat suboptimal wheel system can be relevant if you want to use this generator for camping too.
However, for running power tools this likely does not matter. Or at least not enough to weigh up against the quality specifications of the WEN 56380i.
The nice run time again makes it convenient to use your power tools for longer amounts of time.
Additionally, you don’t even have to really start using your arms before you start sawing or operating your jackhammer thanks to the electric start.
It is also worth noting that the WEN 56380i 3800 offers all of this power and quality at a relatively budget-friendly price.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 56380i 3800 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | <1.2% | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | $ | Check Price |
3. Champion 100519 6250 – Best generator for big power tools
The Champion 100519 6250 is generally the best generator for people who want to run bigger power tools like 1 HP air compressors.
You could also want a generator that can help you run multiple power tools at once on something like a construction site with multiple construction workers.
The 13.5 hours run time at 25% load of the Champion 100519 6250 is not the most impressive for this power level.
However, this run time is enough to get you through a long DIY session and a construction or automotive repair work day without too many refueling sessions.
Pros
- Champion 100519 6250 offers 6250 starting watts, 5000 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts
- Noise levels of 69 dBA
- Nice run time of 13.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Basic performance tracking screen
- Weight of 121 lb (54.9 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Oil change is somewhat inconvenient
- No parallel capability
One thing to note is that changing the oil of the Champion 100519 6250 can be somewhat inconvenient due to the design.
You also do not have the option to parallel two of these generators for more watts and amps.
At the same time, the Champion 100519 6250 is still a reliable power tool generator with nice features.
The longer warranties and positive customer reviews give you confidence that the Champion 100519 6250 will function as desired.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 100519 6250 | 8.5 | 8 | 5.5 | <3% | 9 | 7.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
4. Duromax XP9000iH – Best dual fuel generator for a lot of power tools
The Duromax XP9000iH is a large dual fuel inverter generator that is typically used for home backup power.
Its dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane gas (LPG) too and with this many watts, you can use many appliances and tools inside of your home.
At the same time, you can also use the Duromax XP9000iH for running many and/or strong power tools.
Both as the main function or as a side function of your portable backup power generator.
Pros
- DuroMax XP9000iH offers 9000 starting watts, 7600 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Dual fuel so can run on propane (LPG) too
- Noise levels of 68 dB
- Nice run time of 20 hours at 25% load
- Less than 5% THD
- Electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Weight of 237 lb (107.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Pricier than many other generators for power tools
- Some cases of early technical issues
- A few cases where the generator does not offer the running watts mentioned
With 9000 starting watts and 7600 running watts, you should be able to run a combination of power tools like a 1 HP air compressor, an electric chainsaw, and a drill.
The DuroMax XP9000iH also has two details that positively stand out for commercial situations like construction sites or home renovations.
These two details are the GFCI outlets and one year commercial warranty which will add a layer of safety and help you resolve potential technical issues.
This warranty is definitely an important point because there are a decent number of customers that have technical challenges with the DuroMax XP9000iH.
The DuroMax XP9000iH is not perfect but it does deserve its spot on the list of the best generators for power tools for people with big and/or dual fuel energy needs.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duromax XP9000iH | 9.5 | 9.5 | 5.5 | <5% | 7 | 9 | 8 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
5. Honda EU2200i – Most reliable generator for power tools and other uses
When it comes to running power tools, reliability is somewhat less important. At least compared to a situation where you want backup power for a freezer full of food.
However, there will be at least some people who want a generator like the Honda EU2200i that can do both.
This model is also one of the quietest generators.
These low decibel levels can help you focus more on your DIY session or help you avoid disturbing the neighbors while you fix some things in the yard.
Pros
- Honda EU2200i offers 2200 starting watts, 1800 running watts, 18.3 amps, and 120 volts.
- Quietest 2200 watt generator with 48 to 57 dBA
- Less than 3% THD
- Honda My Generator app connectivity
- CO sensor
- Honda generator brand reputation
- Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 12 months limited commercial warranties
- Very positive customer reviews
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Pricey for a small inverter generator
- Not the most impressive run time with 8.1 hours at 25% load
The relatively in-depth tracking of the Honda EU2200i performance through the app will also give you an idea of whether the power tools you are running are too big.
If you are looking for some extra energy in job site situations, the 12 months limited commercial warranty will be a positive point too.
One downside of the Honda EU2200i is its high price compared to other small inverter generators.
Honda generators do have a reputation for durability but if you don’t need the extra reliability for something like backup power too, other options on this list are often better for power tools.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 6.5 | 6.5 | 10 | <3% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 9 | 9.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
FAQ
Can I use power tools with a generator?
Assuming you follow the typical safety guidelines, you can use power tools with a generator.
It is worth noting that it is typically smart to use an inverter generator or get clean energy in other ways to avoid early wear and tear on your power tools.
What is the best generator for power tools?
It is worth quickly going over the three top picks for the best generators for power tools again.
The WEN 56225i 2250 gets the top spot for people who want to power smaller tools like a drill, electric chainsaw, or small air compressor separately.
If you want to power more medium-sized power tools like a jackhammer or circular saw instead, the WEN 56380i 3800 will generally be a good choice.
To run bigger power tools like 1 HP air compressors or a collection of smaller ones, the Champion 100519 6250 is generally the best choice.
It can be smart to go over your exact power needs or get a bigger model to make sure your generator offers enough energy for your tools.
