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Best Portable Generator for Home Use 2012

Ranked #3,358 in Home & Garden, #41,154 overall

For the Money Which is the Best Portable Home Generator?

Whether you're looking for a power source while you are out camping or want a home power backup in case of a loss of power, a portable generator can fill your needs.

With many on the market to choose from, here are a few inexpensive choices that I think are the best for the money. Each of these generators can be found for under $500.

Top Ten Portable Generators for the Money in 2012

# 1. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator

The DuroStar DS4000S features a 7.0 horsepower, air-cooled, OHV gasoline engine which produces 3300-watts continuous power and up to 4000 watts surge. It has a 4-gallon gas tank, with an easily readable gauge, which provides about 8 hours of continuous run time. The DuroStar is mounted in a heavy-duty frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts to keep it running smooth and quiet.

The DuroStar has a super quiet muffler that produces a 69 db. rating. It also features an automatic low-oil shut off to protect the engine. The front power panel features the start switch, a volt meter and the circuit breaker as well as two 120 volt, 20 Amp 3 prong outlets and one 120 volt, 30 Amp outlet. It has a manual recoil pull start. Weighing in at about 93 lbs. and measuring 20" x 27" x 22" it can be a bit hefty to move. It does not come with wheels but DuroStar does offer an optional wheel kit. The DuroStar is backed by a 1 year limited warranty. It is not CARB-compliant.
DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator

DuroStar DS4000S 4,000 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator

Amazon Price: $260.59 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

#2 WEN 56352 Gas Portable Generator

WEN 56352 3,000 Watt 196cc 6.5 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

WEN 56352 3,000 Watt 196cc 6.5 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Amazon Price: $339.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

The Wen 56352 has a 6.5 horsepower, single cylinder. OHV engine which generates 3000 running watts of power with a 3500-watt peak surge. The 56352 will run continuously for up to 15 hours on the four gallon gas tank. The tank has an easy to see fuel gauge. Features include a 120-volt outlet, a 120/240-volt NEMA outlet and a 12-volt cigarette style DC receptacle. It also has an engine operation hour counter, an automatic voltage regulator and a circuit breaker. The automatic low oil engine shutdown can save the motor if the oil runs low. Starting is a breeze with the transistorized ignition and manual pull start. The Wen comes complete with handles and wheels for easy moving. It is not CARB-compliant and is not for sale in California.

#3 ETQ TG32P12 Gas Portable Generator

The ETQ TG32P12 is a compact powerhouse weighing in at 110 pounds. A wheel kit with solid never flat tires is included for ease in moving. The ETQ features a 7 horsepower air-cooled 207cc 4 cycle gasoline engine. It has a low oil shut down to protect the engine. This generator produces 3250 running watts of power and a peak of 4000 watts. The 4-gallon fuel tank provides about 13 hours of run time at 50% load and has a top read fuel gauge. The ETQ has two 120-volt 14A ground fault interrupt receptacles and one 240-volt outlet. The ETQ delivers clean and steady Sine Power making it great for sensitive electronics. It has an easy pull recoil start and starts with ease. Noise is limited with its large muffler producing a 69 db. rating. The ETQ comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. This generator is non-CARB compliant and is not for sale in California.
ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator

ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator

Amazon Price: $399.99 (as of 05/27/2012)Buy Now

#4 Briggs & Stratton 30466 Gas Portable Generator

Includes Wheel Kit

Briggs & Stratton has been a trusted name in small engines and outdoor equipment for over 100 years. The 30466 is a high quality portable generator featuring a 250cc, 1150 series, OHV, B & S, fuel-efficient engine. Measuring 26" x 18" x 23" it weighs in at 133 pounds. The B & S comes complete with a wheel kit featuring 8-inch flat free tires so it can be moved easily and a fold down t-handle makes for easy storage. It produces 3500 continuous watts with 4375 watts of surge power. That's plenty of power to keep your essentials up and running during a power outage without breaking the bank. The four-gallon gas tank holds enough fuel to run for 8 hours.
Briggs & Stratton 30466 4,375 Watt 250cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Briggs & Stratton 30466 4,375 Watt 250cc Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit

Amazon Price: $479.00 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

The fuel shut-off valve is a nice touch. The B & S has both 120 and 240-volt outlets. The outlets have rubber covers for foul weather protection. All outlets and controls are conveniently located on a single sided control panel. Low oil shutdown protects your engine in case of a low oil emergency. The 30466 carries a two-year consumer warranty. It is non-CARB compliant. Briggs & Stratton does not supply decibel ratings for this generator.

#5 Champion Power Equipment 46561

If you are looking for a generator that is easy to start, look no further than the 46561. This generator's 196cc
4-stroke OHV air-cooled gas engine comes equipped with a wireless remote electric start. The battery is included and it can be remotely started from up to 80 feet away. A nice feature for those cold snowy nights when the power goes out or when you don't want to leave your RV to start the generator. It can also be started with the electric start switch on the front panel or the manual recoil start.
Champion Power Equipment 46561 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start

Champion Power Equipment 46561 4,000 Watt 196cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wireless Remote Electric Start

Amazon Price: $418.15 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

This generator is rated at 3500 continuous watts with 4000 watts maximum output. It has one 120-volt duplex outlet, 1 120-volt twist-lock outlet and one RV receptacle. The four-gallon gas tank provides 12 hours of run time at 50% load without refueling. Champion includes a side panel "intelliGauge" display that displays volts, hertz and operating hours information. It has low oil shutdown and over voltage protection. It comes complete with a wheel kit and a folding handle for ease of movement and weighs in at 135 pounds. Rated at 68b db. at 21 feet, the Champion is non-CARB compliant and not for sale in California. The 46561 has a limited two-year warranty with the first year covering parts and labor and the second year labor only. Champion also provides lifetime free technical support.

Top Rated Home Portable Generators 2012

#6-10 - For the Money

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Reader Feedback

Each of these generators can give you peace of mind for very little money. Although any of the generators listed above would be sufficient as your RV or a small home backup power source, I would recommend the Briggs & Stratton 30466. The B & S is made mostly in America and with the company's trusted reputation for quality engines, the Briggs and Stratton 30466 is powerful enough to supply you with the generator power you need for years to come.

What portable generator do you use or plan on buying? Leave a question or comment below.

  • JoshK47 May 2, 2012 @ 11:43 am | delete
    Great information!
  • JoshK47 May 2, 2012 @ 11:43 am | delete
    Great information!
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