I personally tested the most popular power stations on Amazon. So speaking from experience, these are the best options for the money. Read these hands-on reviews.
FYI, Prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. Westinghouse 12500 Watt - Gas and Propane Powered
Highlight: Key fob offers remote start that lets you activate generator from distances up to two hundred and sixty feet.
Helpful review: So, here’s the deal – I've never really messed with a generator before, and diving into this Westinghouse one was quite an experience. Turns out, the 12500 in the name stands for the max starting watts, which threw me off at first. Kinda confusing, but you get the hang of it.But hey, you live and learn, right?
Honestly, I’m pretty blown away by this thing. Everything they promised came with it, and it feels solidly built. I’m optimistic that it’ll deliver when we’re in a pinch and last us quite a while.
Scheduling the delivery was a bit of a circus though. I got this automated call to confirm the delivery time and pressed the button as instructed. Instead of confirming, I heard some bizarre computer noise and got disconnected. Not a great start, but a few minutes later, a real person called to sort it out, so it all worked out in the end. Still, it seemed overly complicated for no reason.
When the delivery day came, they were supposed to arrive between nine and noon. They showed up around ten, which was fine, but they didn’t give me the promised 30-minute heads-up call, just a quick “we’re here” two minutes before. They couldn’t drop it off in my backyard as I had hoped, so I had to clear space in my garage.
The delivery folks waited patiently while I moved my car and unboxed the generator to inspect for damage. There was a hole in the box, but the generator itself was untouched. I was a bit nervous asking about return policies if it was damaged, but one guy said they wouldn’t take it back and then changed his mind, saying they would. Amazon’s policies must be different from other companies they deliver for.
Filling it with oil was another small hiccup. The included 1.16 quarts didn’t quite fill it up, so I had to top it off. The funnel they provided worked well, though. One quirky thing I noticed in the maintenance instructions was to check the oil without screwing the dipstick in – seemed odd, but I followed their lead. Getting the plug back in was a bit tricky, and I cross-threaded it a couple of times. But, user error, I suppose.
They included some handy tools too – a real wrench for the feet and a spark plug wrench, both in a neat little black bag with the logo on it. I’m sure this will come in handy whenever the time comes to change the spark plug. The setup instructions suggested placing the generator on its exhaust side to attach the feet and wheels, and they recommended doing this on cardboard to prevent scratches. Propping it up was a bit of a workout because it’s heavy, but everything fit together smoothly.
Once I had it set up, moving it around was pretty straightforward, thanks to the wheels and handle. I parked it beside the garage, hooked it up to a propane tank, and fired it up with the fob – started right away. It is loud, but I expected that. From inside the house, it was no more bothersome than a lawn mower. Shutting it down with the fob worked like a charm.
Later, I tried starting it with the button on the panel instead of the fob and couldn’t get it going. After a few failed attempts, I realized I hadn’t opened the valve on the propane tank. Typical me. Once I fixed that, it started up fine. I tested all four 20 amp outlets with my circular saw – no issues there. I still need to try the 30 and 50 amp outlets once I get a transfer switch installed by an electrician.
So far, I’m pretty pleased with it. If it powers most of the house on propane, I might not bother with the gasoline option. Storing gas can be a pain with stabilizers and whatnot. But yeah, happy camper here. — Greg Hill
Get it from Amazon now: $999.00 & FREE Returns
2. DuroMax 12000 Watt - Gas and Propane Powered
Highlight: 9,500 running watts with 12,000 starting watts, this unit can handle heavy loads.
Helpful review: To anyone reading this in the future, it's October 1st, 2022. Hurricane Ian just hit Florida, and our entire town is out of power. The streets are dark, but our house is lit up like it's Christmas. Why? Because of our trusty Duromax generator. Does it work? You bet. Better than your average generator. It can run on gas or propane, but let me tell you, stick with gas. A 20lb propane tank can’t keep the AC running.
Spend a couple hundred bucks to have an electrician set up a transfer switch, and get the pricy cable that hooks the generator to your power box. Without it, you won't power the whole house and might as well have a cheaper generator.
The gas tank holds about eight and a half gallons. Running the AC overnight in a 3000-square-foot house, we're at twelve hours and counting on a full tank. This means you get a good night's sleep and still have time for breakfast before refueling.
Keep an eye on the oil when you refuel. After three days, I only needed to add about 1/4 cup, and that might not have been necessary. Have a few extra bottles handy, and you'll be golden.
It's not super noisy, just acceptable considering it’s powering the entire house. I can hear it, but so can I hear other generators on our street, just keeping people’s fridges running.
Things I wish I'd thought of: get a generator tent. Amazon sells them, and they let you run the generator safely in the rain. I had to rig up a makeshift tent with plastic tarps and folding chairs, which worked but wasn’t pretty. Also, read the directions – don’t run it uncovered in the rain or indoors.
A FEW NOTES:
- The “orange” shipping brackets are actually red. Remove any red metal bars on the bottom when setting it up. If you want to run it on propane, you'll need a separate cable. But since propane can’t handle the AC, it was a waste for me. Stick to gas–it’s easier to find, and a 5-gallon container gives you 8-10 hours of runtime.
- Be smart about what you run. Sure, I can power the whole house, but everything you turn on burns fuel faster. If you don’t need the hot water heater, turn it off. We turned ours off and still had hot water two days later. So, I plan to run it every third day.
This is practically a whole-home generator, missing only the automatic switch-on feature when the power goes out. But it’s a fraction of the price and portable. Should you buy it? Absolutely. It’s a bit more expensive than smaller generators, but worth it. I’m off to make another espresso. Cheers! — Steve Warner
Get it from Amazon now: $1,399.00 & FREE Returns
3. Jackery Explorer 300 - 293Wh Solar Powered
Highlight: Can be charged with the wall charger, cutting the time in half.
Helpful review: Back in April, I grabbed this Jackery Explorer and the Goal Zero because of the 2019 fires. This year’s fires across the US west coast are even worse, breaking new records. It's tough but a reality we have to deal with. Being prepared for emergencies is crucial, especially with a baby and a three-year-old at home. I wanted a reliable refrigerator for storing milk, medication, and other essentials. More folks are starting to take emergency prep seriously.
Since then, I’ve bought several car freezers, but when Jackery launched the Explorer with a special price and improvements over the last model, I jumped on it. My little boy loves camping, and I wanted him to have his own mini version of mine. Actually, it’s a backup battery for me, but don’t tell him that. The E300 is like a mini E1000, and it's adorable seeing us with our matching Explorers.
The E300 and E1000 are quite similar, so I reused much of what I wrote for the 1000. The E300 succeeds the Explorer 240 model.
Jackery Explorer 300 is lightweight with a sleek exterior and eye-catching orange color. The company, based on stories and personal experience, takes customer service seriously. The batteries are made by a manufacturer I’m not familiar with, but they seem good quality. The 300W energy output (500W peak) is enough for small electronics and appliances like a laptop, TV, mini-fridge, CPAP machine, and car freezers. But forget about running a rice cooker, vacuum, water boiler, or circular saw.
Like the E1000, the lightweight plastic could crack from hard falls, potentially exposing the Lithium-Ion batteries. The fixed carry handle can’t fold, making it awkward for packing.
Functionally, it’s a solid portable power station with multiple AC and DC outputs. It’s solar charging capable with MPPT built-in and has a battery management system (BMS) for safety. Its pure sine wave AC Inverter provides clean electricity for sensitive electronics. The E300 now features a 60W USB-C PD port, a significant upgrade from the E1000's 18W, useful for charging supported laptops.
PROS:
- The 293 Wh capacity is an upgrade from the 240 model, between Goal Zero’s 200x and 500x capacities.
- Powers a 30” LCD monitor and Mini PC for 3-5 hours, a Toshiba 50” Fire TV for almost 2.5 hours.
- Pure Sine Wave AC Inverter handles continuous 300W power (500W peak).
- Powers AC and DC simultaneously (if they draw uner the 300W combined).
- USB-C PD port outputs 60W.
- Usable while charging.
- Faster charging
- Informative LCD with LED backlight shows total power in, capacity left, and total power used.
- BMS offers built-in overload, overcharge (stops charging when full), and short-circuit protection.
- Multiple fans keep the temperature safe.
- Compact at 9.1” x 5.2” x 7.8”.
- Lightweight at 7.1 lbs.
- Bright-orange, non-slip feet protect the bottom.
- Carry pouch for AC charger and cables.
- Cigarette cable included.
- Great customer service.
- Excellent technical support.
- 2-year warranty.
- Clear, well-written manual.
- California-based company.
CONS:
The E300 has similar design issues as the E1000 but also some improvements:
- Batteries aren’t from a well-known manufacturer.
- No Anderson input port for solar charging.
- Fixed carry handle can’t be stowed.
- Lightweight plastic could crack from falls.
- Despite the professional look, the Goal Zero Yeti 500x design is more appealing.
- Power buttons can be accidentally pressed (e.g., while packing camping gear).
- No automatic power off when idle.
- Large, flat AC power brick.
- No built-in flashlight or SOS signaling.
- Display lacks detail on remaining charge or empty time.
- Multiple fans can be noisy during high peaks.
- Non-replaceable battery leads to unnecessary waste.
- Cannot be daisy-chained to other Explorer 300/1000s.
- Not waterproof. Keep away from water splashes, rain, and pools.
- No master power off button to turn off all outputs at once.
- Manual switch off required for each type: DC, AC.
- No carry bag for the power station itself.
INPUT PORTS:
- 1x 8mm, up to 90W.
- Max 12-30V and 8A, no minimum wattage.
- Usable for solar charging.
- MPPT charge controller built in.
OUTPUT PORTS:
- 2x AC with 3 prongs (120V).
- Inverter handles continuous 300W, peaking at 500W.
- Pure Sine Wave Inverter.
- 1x Cigarette socket (12V, max 10A).
- 1x USB-C PD
- 2x USB-A (5V, max 2.4A, max 12W). One is QuickCharge 3.0 for rapid charging of compatible devices.
USAGE:
- To turn on/off Car/USB (DC) or AC outputs, press the corresponding button.
- To reset an error (e.g., AC port overload), turn off and back on the respective AC or DC output.
- To reset the Explorer, hold the DISPLAY button for 10 seconds.
- Li-ion batteries have 500 charge cycles before dropping to about 80% capacity.
- Product could be charged up to 2,000 cycles – about 1/4 capacity lost every 500 cycles.
- Unlike LiFePO4 batteries, Li-ion operates in 32-104F (0-40C) temperatures.
- Jackery’s BMS prevents recharging outside 32-95F (0-35C) and outputting power outside 14-104F (-10-40C).
- Battery drains over time even when powered off.
CONTINUOUS VS PEAK OUTPUT:
The Explorer’s AC Inverter provides continuous 300W output with a peak/surge of 500W.
- AC Inverter converts battery (DC) power to AC for electronics.
- Continuous Output: Devices (or combinations) drawing less than 300W can be used.
- Peak/Surge: Devices temporarily draw more power when turned on. The highest amount drawn is the Peak/Surge. This Explorer can handle up to 500W.
CALCULATIONS:
Charging times and power usage depend on various conditions, but rough estimates are:
- Wall charger: 4-5 hours.
- 100W solar panel: 5-6 hours on a sunny day.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Explorer 300 is another win for Jackery, with several improvements over the Explorer 1000. I was disappointed that its batteries are from EVE Battery, a lesser-known Chinese company, while the Explorer 1000 used excellent manufacturers like LG or China-based BAK Battery. However, Jackery’s strong customer service is a big plus. The 300W (500W peak) provides enough power for small electronics and appliances. It’s perfect for my camping-loving little boy and anyone needing a reliable portable power source. — Robin L. Schultz
Get it from Amazon now: $279.00 & FREE Returns
4. DuroMax 5500 Watt - Gas and Propane Powered
Highlight: Operate the generator between 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V with full power.
Helpful review: I live off the grid, one of those folks, and needed a backup generator when my main one’s engine died. I rely on solar power, but winters in the Pacific Northwest – with all that snow – don’t provide much sun. In the middle of winter, my main power source went kaput. After some quick research, I picked this DuroMax generator. The Amazon reviews were mostly positive, with a few negatives mostly due to user errors or minor quality control issues, which I could handle.
Here’s how it went: Ordered Thursday afternoon, delivered Tuesday evening. Setup took about half an hour. I started it with the recoil, ran it to charge my house batteries for two hours, then shut it off for the night. Next morning, I used the electric start, charged the batteries, and ran the whole house until work time. It starts easily (on LPG – haven’t tried gasoline yet but have it as a backup). It’s quiet enough that the rain on my roof was louder than the generator. I might need to adjust it because I get an overspeed notification on my inverter. Otherwise, it’s been great!
Now, some perspective: You’re paying a low price for a unit assembled in China by workers likely making much less than many of us. Let’s fairly assess its value:
–The engine is a Honda clone, making 7 hp. Probably reverse-engineered similarly to Ural motorcycles from 1940s BMWs. No R&D, tiny improvements, or re-tooling for newer versions. The engine is based on a reliable design. With good maintenance, it won’t last as long as the Honda it’s based on, but at a third of the cost, it’s replaceable when needed (and Amazon sells the replacement engine!).
-This is a dual-fuel generator set from the factory, no messy modifications. It’s warranted for two years. If you modify a Honda generator for LPG, Honda won’t honor the warranty.
–Noise level? Some reviews complained about it being loud. I fired mine up, and my wife didn’t even notice! Compared to a Honda EU3000iS (MSRP: $1900+), this unit is louder but not obnoxious. Think of it like buying a base model Ford or Chevy and complaining it’s not a Mercedes or Porsche. You have to be realistic. My Dad always said, “You can’t drink champagne on a beer budget.”
While it may be a one-star Mercedes, it’s a five-star Ford!
Right now, this little guy is my main power source, and I can’t praise it enough. Everything looks good so far, and I’ll update as things progress.
UPDATE:
I’ve now used this gem to charge my batteries for over a month. It’s NEVER failed to start. Three minor issues, two due to operator error. I started using gasoline instead of LPG because it’s cheaper. This little guy runs my fridge, freezer, well pump, washing machine, some lights, and small appliances (TV, DVD player, etc.), and charges my batteries. It runs long on a tank of fuel, though the fuel gauge isn’t always accurate. I wired it to run 120 volts off one leg of the 30 amp/240 volt outlet. The breaker kept popping. Switched to the 20 amp 120 volt outlet, and all is well. Operator error. Tested the low oil shutdown feature. It works. Operator error again.
SECOND UPDATE:
The generator has run daily since arrival. It never fails to start on gasoline or LPG. After around 200 hours, the engine has “broken in” and runs a bit fast. The output shows “overspeed” on my inverter. Choking it down a bit makes the error signal disappear. I’ll need to adjust the engine speed. Otherwise, it keeps chugging along! The Little Generator that Could! — Brian Faelor
Get it from Amazon now: $779.99 & FREE Returns
5. Westinghouse 4500 Watt - Gas Powered
Highlight: Super silent.
Helpful review: If it’s on sale, grab it without a second thought! It can be over three hundred off the regular price. I wish I’d bought two!
I replaced a trusty Champion 3100w remote start inverter generator that served me well on countless camping trips, only needing a new battery. But it couldn’t handle my microwave along with the AC and battery charger. Enter this Westinghouse beast. It manages the AC, all my lights, and the microwave simultaneously. It’s a real powerhouse. However, it’s bigger, wider, and heavier than the Champion, so I need a new storage spot since it won’t fit in the RV bathroom like the Champion did.
Despite the size, trust me, it’s worth it. This unit runs super quietly at idle and goes much longer between fill-ups due to a larger fuel tank. I only wish I’d gotten the dual fuel version, but for the price, I’m content. It comes with 0.6 quarts of 10w30 oil and a neat funnel that screws into the oil fill hole with a rubber O-ring to prevent leaks. The instructions say to pour it all in, but it won’t all fit, and some will spill when you unscrew the funnel. Be ready with paper towels.
I added half a gallon of ethanol-free, stabil-treated fuel, plugged in the battery SAE connector inside the battery door, and pushed the start button. It fired right up! I removed the side panel to watch the auto choke lever at startup, as some units previously shipped with the auto choke unplugged.
I plugged in my RV, turned on all the lights, fans, and a shop vac, running it under load for an hour for the break-in. It handled it perfectly, adjusting the idle as needed. Then I plugged in my Sawzall and used it to cut up a pallet, and it ran that too. It had to ramp up RPMs for the Sawzall at full tilt, but it worked.
The power gauge showed my RV AC (13.5k BTU) drawing less than 1600 watts while running, which surprised me. It takes 2500 watts to start the compressor, then the generator quiets down. The handle and rubber wheels make moving it easy, though I wish it had a top-mounted handle like my Champion instead of bending down to push the release button on the ground. Also, this is the SAME generator as the Cummins branded unit sold at camping stores for $1300, so save your money and buy this version instead.
It arrived in perfect condition, though the delivery guys left it in the middle of my driveway, which was annoying, when they could have wheeled it to my porch like other Amazon deliveries. Good thing I was home, or it might have walked away since my Ring doorbell can’t see the driveway. Also, remote start works great, and I’ll never own a generator without it again. It’s perfect for starting the coffee machine on cold mountain mornings when camping off-grid. — Leam Mabbitt
Get it from Amazon now: $1,099.00 & FREE Returns
6. Champion 4250 Watt - Gas Powered RV Ready Open Frame Inverter
Highlight: RV Ready with an outlet at 120V 30A, plus two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power and two USB ports.
Helpful review: I bought this generator to back up my two refrigerators, sump pump, and gas furnace. It has an inverter for steady power and enough wattage to cover these items. My previous generator's uneven power output killed my refrigerator. The 4250 generator impressed me with its secure packing and compact size. The clear instructions made setup easy after removing the two bolts securing it during shipment. After adding the supplied oil and gas, it started on the first pull. The noise level was reasonable, especially with the economy mode switch on.
I tested it with a 1 hp motor, running it for about an hour in both eco and normal modes, occasionally adding a drill and a refrigerator. The intelligent monitor showed steady voltage and frequency output, a feature I liked. The only regret was not ordering the wheel kit, which I later installed. Installing the wheels is easier before adding oil or gas, as you have to turn the generator on its side.
I also use this generator to plug in my block heater for my Peterbilt 579 on super cold nights. It starts easily at -19°C. I also use a battery charger simultaneously. The block heater on a semi-truck is about 1800 watts, and this generator handles it well. I don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to refuel, as it runs a good 10 hours with that load.
In the summer, I’ll use it to power my portable AC. It weighs over 80 lbs full of fuel, so it’s not for the weak. I like the open frame design for easy oil changes and maintenance. The frame also provides a good grip for lifting it into my truck’s storage toolbox. It’s quieter than expected.
My friend, a contractor-construction manager, loves his generators and uses them a lot. He’s a bit skeptical about it all. He said his first one ran 24/7 for almost four months straight, out in the winter weather at nearly 9,000 feet. The second one he got has over 1400 hours, with oil changes every 100 hours. He claims this new one is heavier and louder but comes with an hour meter, takes like four pulls to start and sometimes “runs off.” I wanted to be honest, so I included his experience, but I didn’t have those issues. The worst for me was the rubber feet breaking off, but I find the fuel fill location and gauge improvements.
Overall, I’m happy with my choice. If the support is there when needed, the price is more than fair. I recommend it if you’re looking for something solid and reliable, ideally on sale. — Jaden Caddie
Get it from Amazon now: $549.00 & FREE Returns