Best Portable Generators
The WEN 2,000 Watt Inverter Generator produces clean energy free of voltage spikes and drops without making all of the noise of a regular generator. Designed to mirror a pure sine wave, this generator limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3 percent at no load and under 1.2 percent at full load, making it safe enough to run laptops, cellphones, monitors, tablets and other vulnerable electronics. Low-oil and low-fuel automatic shutdown with indication lights along with overload protection safeguard both your generator and your electronics from damage. Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets, televisions and computers.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The reason that I purchased the WEN is that the engine is a Yamaha clone, it's very similar inside, and the wiring diagrams are virtually the same so that I believe I can parallel the two generators. The inverter on the Yamaha is cased but the circuit board components are open on the WEN. One thing I like about the Yamaha that's missing on the WEN is the little door that allows you to access the oil fill hole without removing the entire side cover. Update 04/01/2017 - A couple of years ago I gave away my Onan generator in my class C motorhome and replaced it with more batteries, a charger/inverter, and solar panels. I carry the WEN56200 in the coach for when solar isn't enough and I'm not driving enough to charge the battery bank from the vehicle generator. I fire up the WEN and run it at 90% load (I've added a tachometer) for a couple of hours. I never carry extra gas for it as I've never come back from a camping trip where I had used half of it's tank. The max that I could load the paralleled gensets was 3,000 watts before the overload light came on the WEN."
"We did not need to use the air conditioning on that trip, but we did have to run both units to power the microwave, which at 1500 watts was a bit too much for one generator to handle. Starting the generators was a non-issue. The generator weighs a little over 48 lbs empty and about 57 lbs when filled with fuel and oil. I went about it by first filling a 1-gallon spring water jug from my 5-gallon gas can and then using the spring water jug to fill the generator, via the included (and very small) funnel. Of course, filling a 1-gallon jug from a 5-gallon gas can is also fatiguing, but it also doesn't result in me spilling gasoline all over the generator if I get shaky. The "old" oil seemed very clean, but oil is cheap and generators are not, so I cried in my beer at the thought of discarding 3 cups of new-ish oil and moved on. You tip the generator over, catch the oil however you can (I used a saw horse and some clamped-in-place plywood platforms to support generator and oil pan), then refill it with the included plastic tube and funnel. A flat plastic shelf under the oil check/fill port catches any drips and keeps them out of the generator cabinet. This is important, because if you burn down a forest and you are found to have been using a generator without an approved spark arrestor, a blackened forest won't be the only consequence."
Unlike comparable generator models, the WGen7500's sturdy hardened-steel frame features roll bars on the top of the unit that provide additional protection for the unit's 6.6 gallon gas tank. The WGen7500 features the added benefit and convenience of an electric start - with the simple push of a button, this generator is easy enough for anyone to use! 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge; 10 Hour Run Time at 50% Load.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After over a year of research and nit-picking over all the important stuff: run time, clean continuous voltage delivery, wattage, ruggedness, and manufacture support, Westinghouse always made it onto the short list. UPDATE: And having spent the time running the engine through an adequate break-in period (about 15 hours), luckily just prior to a series of heavy wet snow storms in MA which pulled down trees and power lines, i was simply giddy with excitement when we lost utility power and it was time to fire up the generator and see how well it worked."
"The generator starts easily, delivers the power that's expected, and has low enough distortion that everything in my house runs well. The generator is not what I'd call quiet, although it doesn't produce any more noise than my old 3000 Watt unit that it replaced. This wouldn't be a unit that would make you any friends at a campground, but during a blackout and with a little care it won't keep you or your neighbors awake either. Many people believe that the harmonic distortion of a generator prevents it from running variable speed furnaces and certain computer UPS devices. Using a reliable frequency meter, adjusting this speed so the output voltage is exactly 60 Hz when under load will help those more finicky devices run properly. This includes two refrigerators, a freezer, gas-heater, two sump pumps, lights, phones, a router, a computer, and TV. I never counted them before, but this year we seem to be having a lot of power outages longer than 3 or 4 hours. I have run my furnace with this unit but I can't start my central air-conditioning system, the start-up surge is too large. Between the reliable start-ups, the trouble-free operation, and the quick responses from customer support, this unit still deserves the 5 stars that I gave it when I bought it. I start it once every few months, and I haven't had as many power outages as I did during the first year, but it was still a worthwhile investment. I've added some photos of my transfer interlock and a Reliance Controls PowerBack monitor that I also use."
"I received the generator and made provisions for it to power emergency service in the house, and found a natural gas adapter kit (which I have not yet installed and which per Westinghouse voids the warrantee). The documentation is excellent - it defines exactly where to shift the bonded neutral to a floating neutral - and if you don't fully understand that, before you do anything with the generator and connecting it to your house, call an electrician (I am an electrician)."
Durable DuroMax 7.0 Hp, air cooled OHV engine with low oil shutoff . Heavy duty steel frame with four point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. Full power panel with engine shutoff switch, volt meter, circuit breaker and power outlets. Great for camping, RVs, sporting events, home back-up power, job sites, and more, the DuroStar DS4000S gas-powered generator has a 7.0-horsepower air-cooled overhead valve engine with a recoil start that cranks out 3,300 constant running watts of power (and a peak of 4,000 watts; learn more about wattage needs below ). The heavy duty steel frame has four-point fully isolated motor mounts for smooth and quiet operation. Other features include a recoil start, super quiet muffler that reduces engine noise (69 dBA rating), and automatic low-oil shut off to protect the engine. Compare the DuroStar Portable Generators No. No. No. No. Gas. Gas. Diesel. Diesel. --. Yes. --. --. Open steel frame. Open steel frame. Open steel frame. Fully enclosed frame. 3,300. 3,500. 5,500. 5,500. 4,000. 4,000. 6,000. 6,000. 7.0 hp air-cooled OHV. 16.0 hp air-cooled OHV. 186F single-cylinder, 4-cycle, air-cooled. 186F single-cylinder, 4-cycle, air-cooled. Manual. Electric/manual. Electric/manual plus. wireless remote. Electric/manual plus. wireless remote. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. No. No. Yes. Yes. 4.0. 7.0. 3.83. 3.83. 8 hours. 8 hours. 12 hours. 12 hours. (2) 120V, 20-amp, 3-prong; (1) 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock. (2) 120V, 20-amp, 3-prong; (1) 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock. (2) 120V, 20-amp, 3-prong; (1) 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock; (1) 120/240-volt, 30-amp twist-lock. (2) 120V, 20-amp, 3-prong; (1) 120-volt, 30-amp twist-lock; (1) 120/240-volt, 30-amp twist-lock. Optional. Flip-up. Flip-up. None. Optional. Knobby all-terrain. Slick style. Built into bottom. 1-year, limited. 1-year, limited. 1-year, limited. 1-year, limited Your Generator Needs To determine whether a generator is appropriate for your needs, you need to first add up the wattage of tools, appliances, and motors you want to run at the same time. ITEM. RUNNING WATTS. SURGE WATTS Furnace Fan (gas or oil only) 1/8 HP. 300. 500. 1/6 HP. 500. 750. 1/4 HP. 600. 1000. 1/3 HP. 700. 1400. 1/2 HP. 875. 2100. Refrigerator. 700. 2200. Microwave Oven. 625. 800. Coffee Maker. 1750. 0. Toaster. 1050-1600. 0. Electric Range/Oven. 12,500. 0. Well Pump. 1/3 HP. 750. 1400. 1/2 HP. 1000. 2350. Sump Pump. 1/3 HP. 800. 1300. 1/2 HP. 1050. 2150 ITEM. RUNNING WATTS. SURGE WATTS Lights. On Bulb. Television. 300. 0. Garage Door Opener. 1/4 HP. 550. 1100. 1/3 HP. 750. 1400. Portable Heater. 100-1500. 0. Hair Dryer. 1100-1600. 0. Iron. 1200. 0. Water Heaters. Gas. 500. 1500. Electric. 7000-7500. 0. Computers. Desktop. 600-800. 0. Notebook. 200-250. 0. Monitor. 200-250. 0. Printer. 400-600. 0. Fax Machine. 600-800. 0. Cordless Telephone. 100. 0 Note: These are only estimated wattages. Full power panel with oil warning light, volt meter, circuit breaker and power outlets. Power Plug Configuration:(2)-120 Volt, 20 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA 5-20R Outlets, (1)-120 Volt, 30 Amp, 60 Hz-NEMA L5-30 Outlet.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I paid $299 for this generator off of Amazon and another $39 for the wheel kit (DuroStar DS4000S-WK Wheel Kit for DS4000S). My biggest complaint about packaging is that some oil seemed to seep out of the unit and onto the box so I had to be careful when opening it up. The unit does not ship with oil, but someone must have put oil in it at one point to test it out because there was a lot of oil in the box. I was able to put my head right next to the generator without issue, and I could not hear it running from inside of my house. I would say though that having this generator on wheels is very helpful. I prepared the generator the day before it hit, filled it with gas, checked oil level, and then started it up. I then followed the instructions: - Let generator run for a few minutes before plugging in any load. - Plug in all load starting with most intensive first. - Flip breaker to ON. It has been 4 days without power now and this generator has powered the following (at different times): - (2) 1/2HP sump pumps. - (1) refridgerator/freezer and (1) microwave. - (1) refridgerator/freezer and (1) HVAC system for heat. - (1) refridgerator/freezer and (1) Verizon FiOS system. - Miscellaneous items [cell phone chargers, hair irons, radio, etc.). I am getting 4 gallons = 16 hours so I am only putting the unit through half load. I had a hard time removing the oil drain plug (10mm hex wrench) so I ended up removing the oil cap and tilting the unit to the side to drain the oil which removed almost all of it. When I stored it in 2012 I changed the oil and emptied the gas tank, so all I had to do was put a bit of gasoline in and start it up."
"Enter hurricane Sandy, I lost power again for 7 days where my new generator came into play to be used for the first time. I never operated or owned a generator before so I thought listing my experience here on Amazon in detail will help others like me. Once you open the box you will see that there is a block of wood inserted in the engine and tied down with a nylon strap. I had to use a large ratchet with a long handle using a 10 MM adapter which helped the bolts come off easily. The attached plug on the end of the clear hose is convenient to use as well when you're done filling your generator with oil. Simply close the end of the hose with the plug to avoid any continuous oil drips after using. You will have a small amount of oil leaking at some point (removing after its full) so place something (a plastic mat or sheet) under the work area to avoid a messy cleanup and stains. I chose to change the oil at that time as other reviewers indicated as to remove any metal debris that probably came loose during use to avoid damage to the new motor. I washed the foam air filter in dishwashing liquid and warm water and replaced everything after it has dried. After hours of use I suggest you inspect the nuts and bolts connecting the top panel to the frame to ensure nothing has loosened. I purchased a gas can on Amazon with an extension tip which has a built-in close/open push valve to avoid spilling while filling. *First time running when brand new*: As stated in the manual, when the starter cord is pulled and motor begins to run, leave in "closed choke" position for a minute then move lever half way to open for another 30 seconds before moving lever slowly again all the way to "open" position. Generator noise will increase once in open position as motor kicks into high gear. 12/3 gauge is ideal since thin cords will get extremely hot and can drain power to your equipment. Search "US Wire 65100 12/3 50-Foot SJTW Orange Heavy Duty Extension Cord" on Amazon. I had a refrigerator, electric start stove, charged 3 smart phones, a battery charger charging 8 AA batteries, 4 lamps using energy efficient bulbs, 2 laptops, an LCD TV screen, Blu-ray player and brewed a cup of coffee running all at the same time and this generator didn't struggle at all. If I was to buy this generator at my local Home Improvement store right after a natural disaster it could easily sell out for $800+. If I have other info to share (ex: fuel cup cleaning and spark plug changes) I will post my experience."
Best Power Inverters
BESTEK Power Inverter. Ultimate car power inverter for road trips, vacations, outdoors, emergency kits and more for your vehicle. Please do not leave the power inverter in the ON position while your car is off. Provides 300 Watts continuous DC to AC power and 700 Watts instantaneous power, featuring 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports for multi-purpose charging. Fast Charging: two 110V AC outlets for charging larger devices such as laptops and tablets, 2 USB charging ports (2.1A & 1A) for powering USB compatible devices.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Other than that the inverter is a great price and was shipped to me in 8 days!"
"Worked well for those as well as my Black & Decker Max 20V lithium ion battery charger. I prefer some sort of feed back from device beyond a light to indicate proper working order. The female connector or cord connector could be a bit tighter as the unit is of very light weight and easily shifted depending on the type of device used."
"Inverter has a switch on it, USB outlets provide power even when inverter is off if the 12v in the car/boat/whatever is powered."
"Really compact size is a definite plus for this converter."
"This will charge your phone faster than the USB ports in the car and can charge multiple devices in a reasonable amount of time."
"Great for car trips, powering laptops, recharging electronics - works just like you think it should."
"Charged a Samsung, iPhone and laptop all at the same time during a 3 day road trip."
"This manufacturer claims 150w continuous and 200w peak power."
Best Solar Panels
Charge Smarter The advanced combination of iSmart and Smart IC technologies will detect all connected devices' individual input and distribute the total output accordingly to guarantee the appropriate charge they can benefit from. Equipped with 4 practical hooks to always catch as much sunlight as possible, and 2 iSmart USB cables, you'll have the best travel companion for your smartphone, camera, and any other USB device that ran out of juice. Charge Smarter: iSmart technology automatically adjusts to connected devices and provides the optimal charging current to minimize charging time.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Facts: - One iPhone 6 Plus completely drained. - 1 RAVPower 15W foldable solar charger. - 1 OEM Apple 4 ft long lightning charging cable. - San Francisco Sunny Day with no clouds and about 63 degrees. Test Results: I placed the RAVPower 15W in direct sunlight; and, below, is my test results: 1000 - 1030 Hours PST: 23% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1030 - 1100 Hours PST: 30% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1100 - 1130 Hours PST: 35% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1130 - 1200 Hours PST: Fullly charged iPhone 6 Plus. In about two hours, RAV Power 15W fully charged my iPhone 6 plus, under direct sunlight, without clouds, at around 63 degrees, in San Francisco, CA. Facts: - One iPhone 6 Plus completely drained. - 1 RAVPower 15W foldable solar charger. - 1 OEM Apple 4 ft long lightning charging cable. - San Francisco Sunny Day with no clouds and about 63 degrees. - 1 Double-pain, vacuum sealed Marvin house-window rated to prevent approximately 95% UV light spectrum. Test Results: 1000 - 1030 Hours PST: 17% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1030 - 1100 Hours PST: 18% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1100 - 1130 Hours PST: 20% charge to iPhone 6 Plus. 1130 - 1200 Hours PST: 20% charged iPhone 6 Plus. 1200 -1230 Hours PST: 21% charged iPhone 6 Plus. 1230 - 1245 Hours PST: Fully charged iPhone 6 Plus. In about two hours and forty-five minutes, RAV Power 15W fully charged my iPhone 6 plus, indoors and under direct sunlight, without clouds, at around 63 degrees, in San Francisco, CA."
"I also tested it with my son's Samsung Galaxy 3 smartphone and it charged it from 60% to 75% in about an hour on a very overcast day where the sun was only visible as a bright area in a very gray, overcast sky. Note that it does not come with any charging cords or adapters and you would need one with a standard USB connector for your devices you plan to charge with it."
"Its fairly compact and very portable, I just got around to testing the solar panels charging capabilities."
"Yesterday connected the RAV unit to a battery for the day, which gave it about a 50% charge."
"It would charge for a minute or so, and then stop charging. I finally decided to try the other outlet, which kept the charge continuous, but the battery percentage did not change. Not sure if this is an issue, but: I noticed that when all the cells are exposed to sunlight, the outlet that does not have a load on it produces a continuous clicking or buzzing sound. There are no solar chargers even mentioned anywhere on their website."