7 Best Small Generators With Big Value

Discover the best small generators for different situations so you can power things in compact, reasonably priced, and portable ways.

1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best small generator overall & for camping
2. Champion 200977 – Best small generator for home use (4250 peak watts)
3. Honda EU2200i – Best small generator for power outages
4. Honda EU1000i – Quietest small generator (1000 peak watts, 42 dBA)
5. A-iPower SUA2000iV – Best small generator for RV connection
6. Champion 200959 2000 – Best small dual fuel generator
7. WEN 56380i – Best not so small generator with electric start (3800 peak watts)

This list has numbers to keep things clear but small generators lower on the list can definitely still be the best for your preferences and needs.

*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input

7 Best small generators in-depth reviews

People who know more or less what they want could find the best small generator for them with just the list of top picks and performance table.

At the same time, checking out the in-depth reviews below will likely make it easier to choose the best option for your situation.

1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best small generator overall & for camping

Our top pick for the best small generator overall is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its combination of a nice amount of power, good features, reliability, and a reasonable price.

In combination with the low noise levels of 52 dBA, compact dimensions, and light weight, the Westinghouse iGen2500 also gets the top spot for the best small generator for camping.

One thing to mention is that there are a few exceptional cases where customers have technical issues with this portable generator.

That being said, since these are relatively uncommon and the reviews are positive overall, you can say the Westinghouse iGen2500 is still relatively reliable.

There are even more impressive models too but the Westinghouse iGen2500 has a long run time of 12 hours at 25% load.

In combination with the quiet operation, this should be enough to run something like a refrigerator, freezer, and maybe even a small RV AC overnight.

Something else that really stands out in the Westinghouse iGen2500 is its fuel efficiency.

Being able to get a lot of kWh out of a gallon of fuel can save you some money and reduces how often you need to get a new portion of gasoline.

In short, while it is not perfect, the complete package at its budget-friendly price does still earn the Westinghouse iGen2500 the title of the best small generator.

2. Champion 200977 4250 – Best for home use

When it comes to small generators for home use, details like reliability, a dual fuel option, a 30 amp outlet, and a bit more power become more important.

Since propane typically stores longer than gasoline, the Champion 200977 4250 allows you to be prepared for power grid issues with less effort.

Additionally, even if you decide to run on gasoline, the long run time of 22 hours at 25% load makes it so the Champion 200977 4250 can keep your refrigerator and freezer going overnight.

One thing you do want to keep in mind is that the Champion 200977 4250 is not always strong enough.

If you want to run bigger things like a central AC, hot water heater, and electric oven, you may need larger inverter generators for home backup power.

Two smaller downsides are that the Champion 200977 4250 does not have wheels and that a few customers initially had issues starting the small generator.

These things are suboptimal for moving the portable generator around and involve a tiny risk of having to contact customer support.

When it comes to noise levels, the Champion 200977 4250 does alright with 64 dBA (regular conversations are around 60 decibels).

Overall, the extra power, propane compatibility, reliability, and budget-friendly price still make the Champion 200977 4250 a great small portable generator for home use.

3. Honda EU2200i – Best for power outages

Providing power directly to your house with the Champion 200977 4250 (and a safe setup) can be helpful but is not always necessary during power outages.

Instead, a smaller generator like the Honda EU2200i can still be enough to power an energy-friendly refrigerator and freezer while keeping things compact and portable.

Additionally, this specific Honda EU2200i is the top rated inverter generator and has a reputation for great reliability and durability.

The main downside to keep in mind is that this small generator has a big price.

If you don’t value top reliability or noise levels as much, the Honda EU2200i may not be the best inverter generator for you.

Something else to note is that the run time of 8.1 hours at 25% load is relatively short. Even compared to other small generators.

On the flip side, the Honda EU2200i does stand out in details like its quiet operation and Honda My Generator app connectivity.

This phone app allows you to see how much more power the Honda EU2200i has in reserve and even allows you to stop the portable inverter generator remotely.

At the same time, this may still not make the extra investment worth it if you don’t absolutely need the reliability, durability, and quiet operation of the Honda EU2200i.

4. Honda EU1000i – Quietest small generator

If you only need enough power for a few light bulbs, a TV, and/or a small refrigerator while camping, fishing, or on a boat trip, the quiet operation of the Honda EU1000i can be for you.

It is likely no surprise that the noise levels of 42 to 50 dBA at 25% to 100% load make the Honda EU1000i the quietest small generator.

Additionally, you should have no issues fitting the compact dimensions of 17.8″ x 9.5″ x 14.9″ in your car or boat during transport.

The light weight of 28.7 lb (13 kg) also makes the Honda EU1000i very easy to get in position at the camping ground, tailgate party, or other location.

You do want to keep in mind that many people will need more than 1000 starting watts and 900 running watts.

Even for something like a microwave, this is typically not enough power.

And while small generators tend to be more budget-friendly, the Honda EU1000i is still relatively pricey.

Especially when you consider the bad fuel efficiency which means you get a relatively low amount of kWh out of a gallon of fuel.

In short, the Honda EU1000i is worth mentioning for people who really value silence and don’t need that much power.

At the same time, many people will find many of the other good small generators quiet enough too.

5. A-iPower SUA2000iV – Best for RV connection

If you don’t mind using a few adapters, other small generators like the Westinghouse iGen2500 can be better for RVs.

That being said, the A-iPower SUA2000iV makes this connection to RVs and campers extra convenient thanks to its L5-30R twist lock outlet.

You do want to keep in mind this does not mean the A-iPower SUA2000iV can handle 30 amps.

Due to its 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts, it can “only” handle 16.7 peak amps and 13.3 running amps.

If you want a more powerful RV generator, something like the Westinghouse iGen4500 tends to be a better idea.

Something else to note about the A-iPower SUA2000iV is that there are a few cases where customers got early wear and tear on their small portable generators.

When it comes to positives, the A-iPower SUA2000iV has a nice run time of 7 hours at 50% load and low noise levels of 52 dB.

These things allow you to enjoy all your clean inverter power in silence and for a long time before having to refuel.

You may also like the cheap price of the A-iPower SUA2000iV. Especially if you only plan to use your generator occasionally and in low-risk situations.

6. Champion 200959 2000 – Best dual fuel

The previous Champion 200977 4250 does have a dual fuel feature too but this generator is only small for home use purposes.

If you “really” want the best small dual fuel generator, the Champion 200959 2000 is likely the right choice for you.

A benefit of propane is that it typically stores longer than gasoline. In turn, preparing for power outages and off-grid living become more convenient.

Additionally, if you only plan to use your small portable generator occasionally, running on propane generally requires less maintenance work.

Besides a few exceptional cases where starting on propane is challenging, the Champion 200959 2000 is very reliable.

In turn, this generator can be especially great for power outages and off-grid living (but also just camping, boat trips, and tailgating).

Together with its compact dimensions, the Champion 200959 2000 comes with a light weight of 39.5 pounds.

You should have no problem storing and carrying this portable generator.

In short, if you only need a small generator and want to be able to run on propane and gasoline, the Champion 200959 2000 is likely the right choice.

7. WEN 56380i 3800 – Best with electric start

Recoil starts are the more standard way of getting generators going but you may want the more convenient electric start.

Additionally, most of the previous portable generators could be just a bit too small for your power needs.

In these cases, the not-so-small WEN 56380i with 3800 starting watts and 3400 running watts can be the best option.

If you want to take the convenient operation even one step further, the Champion 201001 5500 with remote start may even be for you.

You do want to keep in mind that the bigger WEN 56380i 3800 will be more challenging to move around.

Especially while camping since the small wheels are not ideal for bumpy terrain.

On the flip side, the WEN 56380i 3800 is still on this list of the best small generators for good reasons.

It is hard to find portable generators that offer better features, more reliability, and quiet operation at this budget-friendly price.

With a run time of 8.5 hours at 50% load, the WEN 56380i 3800 could even be good enough to run something like an RV AC or refrigerator overnight.

How to choose a small generator?

To choose a small generator you want to consider the following important details:

• Run time
• Outlets
• Fuel types
• Noise levels
• Fuel efficiency
• User reviews
• Ease of use
• Anecdotal reviews from experts
• Price
• Brand trustability and reputation
• Reliability

Think about what areas matter the most to you to choose the best small generator for your situation.

Related posts:

• 5 Best Inverter Generators For Power Outages

FAQ about small generators

What is the best small generator?

The best small generator is typically the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its reliability, good features, compact size, and reasonable price.

Additionally, the WEN 56380i 3800 can be a good alternative small generator for people who want a bit more power.