Read Reviews
The Best Portable Petrol Generators
-
Best portable high power generator - maXpeedingrods MXR3300 Portable Inverter Generator
-
Best high power generator with wireless startup - Hyundai HY3200SEi 3.2kW, 4kVA Portable Petrol Inverter
-
Best generator for portability and power - Champion Power Equipment 92001i Petrol Portable Inverter Generator
-
Best large fuel tank generator - Wolf Power WPB3010LR Petrol Generator
-
Best portable inverter generator - Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart P2400 Portable Inverter Generator
-
Best lightweight generator - Nassboards Instant Power Portable Suitcase Inverter
-
Best generator for power cuts - Böhmer-AG WX-3800K-E Portable Petrol Generator
Portable Petrol Generator Reviews
1. maXpeedingrods MXR3300 Portable Inverter Generator [ SAVE 21% ]
Best portable high power generator
- With 3,300 Watts of maximum start up power, you can’t complain that this generator is weak or incapable. You could start up a couple of appliances at once without issue.
- Unlike some of the generators on my list, topping up the oil is a simple process. Using the included filler pipe, you can simply top up the level through the sight glass inspection hole.
- The petrol tank filler hole comes with a handy internal screen that does two things. It stops any big bits from getting in and tells you when the tank is completely full too.
- The small 4 litre fuel tank makes this a highly portable and lightweight generator. However, it’s not going to chug away for hours and hours before needing a fuel top up.
- Like many petrol generators, this one is not shipped with a full tank of oil. You’ll need to purchase some and then top it up before running it for the first time.
- You’ll be flexing your muscles every time you want to switch on this generator. It’s pull start only, which is not ideal if you have mobility issues or want to turn it off and on regularly.
- Inverter?
- Yes
- Max Wattage
- 3,300 Watts
- Rated Output
- 3,000 Watts
- Starting system
- Recoil
- Engine size
- 9.7 hp
- Tank capacity
- 4.0 litres
- Run time
- 8.3 hours @ 25%
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 2
- Noise
- 58dB
- Weight
- 21kg
- Wheels
- No
- Build Quality
- 5
- Performance
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
Automotive specialists maXpeedingrods have got a huge range of useful kit for petrolheads, van lifers, and anyone who wants a bit of energy security in the home. Their 3,300 Watt portable inverter generator is one of the best emergency power supply systems available right now. This generator creates a huge amount of power and is more than capable of running several appliances at once.
Surrounded by bright orange plastic and carried around with a chunky handle on the top, this is a genuinely portable generator that weighs just 21 kg without any fuel in it. Power comes from a 145 cc four-stroke engine that is marketed as one of the quietest on the market right now. Putting out a reported 58 dB at a 7m distance, it’s quieter than a normal conversation, and it’ll run for up to eight hours at 25% power.
With the promise of pure sine wave power from the inverter, there are several different options for power output. You get a pair of 230 V standard three-pin sockets on the front, two USB outputs for your gadgets, a pair of 13 Amp parallel connectors, and a single 12 Volt cigarette-type output as well.
To make things easy, you get an indicator light on the display panel to tell you if you’re short on oil, an overload light in case you work it too hard, and a running light when the generator is switched on. It’s a shame that it’s pull-start only, but with this level of power from a small generator, it’s a brilliant solution when you need maximum power in a small package.
Did you find this review helpful?
2. Hyundai HY3200SEi 3.2kW, 4kVA Portable Petrol Inverter[ SAVE 10% ]
Best high power generator with wireless startup
- Having a remote start is a real gamechanger for traditional generator users. You don’t even need to be in the same room to start or stop the engine. It means you can save some fuel as well.
- This is the most powerful inverter on my list. The 3,200 Watt startup capacity is enough for most hungry power tools, air compressors, heaters, and even a fast boiling kettle!
- The folding handle with comfy foam grip makes this generator easy to drag around. Coupled with the wheels, it makes this 35 kg generator rather easy to fold up and take with you.
- Rated to an incredibly loud 96 dB, running this generator makes the same noise as a lawn mower. Although it’s powerful, this level of noise is going to be uncomfortable.
- Several users have complained about the internal battery going flat between uses. Although you can still start it with the pull cord, it’s disappointing to not have the electric start.
- If you’re looking for a low cost generator option, this is not it! This powerful generator is the most expensive one on my list. Unless you need thousands of Watts, save your money!
- Inverter?
- Yes
- Max Wattage
- 3,200 Watts
- Rated Output
- 2,800 Watts
- Starting system
- Remote, electric, recoil
- Engine size
- 14 hp
- Tank capacity
- 7.8 litres
- Run time
- 7 hours @ 50%
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 0
- Noise
- 96dB
- Weight
- 35kg
- Wheels
- Yes
- Build Quality
- 5
- Performance
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4
South Korean industrial heavyweights Hyundai are probably best known in the UK for their cars. But the engineering mavericks also happen to make power stations and what I think is the best inverter generator you can buy right now, the HY3200SEi. It’s a portable but very powerful 3,200 Watt inverter generator that can chug along with an output of 2,800 Watts.
It’s key operated, and you get two of them to initially start up the machine. What I really like about this portable generator though is the pair of remote start fobs you get. If you set the switch to “run/remote” you can turn the 14 HP motor on or off with the handy key fob. And if all else fails, you can start up with the pull-cord as well.
The compact blue generator is ideal for taking out and about with you. You get a pair of large wheels on the bottom and an extendable handle that folds neatly into the body of the machine when it’s in use. There’s also a handy digital readout that can cycle between AC power output, rpm, and how many hours the engine has been running.
You can choose from a pair of 230 Volt DC three-pin power plugs to power up anything you like, as if your entire house was connected to the national grid. The onboard 7.8 litre tank takes unleaded petrol and means you can run the generator for up to seven hours at 50% output. I’m really impressed by the spec of this generator – it’s powerful enough to run all my power tools without complaint, and it’s easy to move around too!
Did you find this review helpful?
3. Champion Power Equipment 92001i Petrol Portable Inverter Generator
Best generator for portability and power
- The generator automatically starts up in eco mode. It limits the motor speed and can help to reduce wear and tear. If you need a bit more juice, simply push the button.
- Champion have included a handy set of accessories with the generator. You get a dual USB adapter for the 12 Volt socket, battery charging cables, and 10 W 30 engine oil as well.
- It’s only a small feature, but I really like the little drain pan that has been fitted underneath the oil filler plug. It means you won’t spill as much oil everywhere when topping up.
- This is always going to be the case with ultra-portable generators, but the 4 litre fuel tank is tiny. Although it can run for up to 10½ hours, it can’t do it at anything close to full power.
- The 58 dB rated level of noise that this generator puts out is a bit misleading. There’s also a sticker on the side that states 97 dB! That’s a big difference for you and your neighbours.
- Although this generator is nowhere near as costly as a Briggs & Stratton generator, it’s hardly a budget bit of kit for emergencies. You pay for the convenience.
- Inverter?
- Yes
- Max Wattage
- 2,200 Watts
- Rated Output
- 1,900 Watts
- Starting system
- Recoil
- Engine size
- 5.3 hp
- Tank capacity
- 4 litres
- Run time
- 10.5 hrs @25%
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 2
- Noise
- 58dB
- Weight
- 17.8kg
- Wheels
- No
- Build Quality
- 5
- Performance
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4
Small engine specialists Champion Power Equipment manufacture a range of impressive-looking equipment for the home and garden. Their portable inverter generator, the 92001i, known as “The Mighty Atom”, is one of the best small generators I’ve come across. It’s a highly portable and solidly built power station for off-grid power on the go.
This inverter generator has a surprisingly potent motor for its small size. The 79cc, 5.3 HP engine can put out 2,200 maximum Volts for start-up, and work at up to 1,900 Watts of continuous power. And because it’s a pure sine wave generator, it’s stable enough to power up your delicate electronics for up to 10½ hours at 25% power.
Weighing just under 18 kg, this mighty little generator is light enough to be carried to where you need it. For power outputs, you get a pair of standard UK three-pin 230 Volt plugs and a single 12 Volt DC cigarette-type plug. It doesn’t include any standalone USB outlets, but Champion have handily thought about that.
Although you don’t get anything like a digital readout of the Voltage output or indicator lights to warn about overloading the generator, it’s one of the more affordable small inverter generators on my list. If you want plenty of power in a tiny package, this is one of the best power plants around.
Did you find this review helpful?
4. Wolf Power WPB3010LR Petrol Generator
Best large fuel tank generator
- Having to constantly top up a tiny fuel tank is a pain, especially when you need to add the correct ratio of oil. A cavernous 15 litre tank means backup power all night long!
- The open cage design of a generator like this has a few advantages compared to smaller closed ones. You can easily get to all the components, and it aids in cooling too.
- For the purchase price, you get everything you need beside fuel and oil. It’s an incredibly affordable backup to have in your home, should you have power blackouts.
- I would prefer a large generator like this to have a bit more power, especially during start up. Some fridges need more than 2,200 Watts on their own, so it’s a bit underpowered.
- Compared with the incredible Hyundai HY3200Sei and its remote start function, you don’t get that sort of luxury here. It is recoil pull-start all the way with the Wolf Power.
- This is not an inverter generator. It doesn’t produce pure sine wave electricity, so you shouldn’t use it with sensitive electronics like laptops or televisions.
- Inverter?
- No
- Max Wattage
- 2,200 Watts
- Rated Output
- 2,000 Watts
- Starting system
- Recoil
- Engine size
- 6.5 hp
- Tank capacity
- 15 litres
- Run time
- 10 hours @ 50%
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 0
- Noise
- 65dB
- Weight
- 36kg
- Wheels
- No
- Build Quality
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
One of the more familiar names when it comes to the best petrol generators on the market, the Wolf Power WPB3010LR is a reliable and relatively inexpensive off-grid power station. This is another heavy-duty large-size generator that doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles but has a good size fuel tank in case there’s a power cut at home.
Built with a tubular steel cage around it, this 36 kg heavyweight at least has grippy handles built into it. The basic design of this generator means that everything’s right there on show. It should be easy to service, or fault find should you have any issues.
The power plant is a rock solid 6.5 HP four-stroke motor that can put out 2,200 Watts maximum and will chug along at 2,000 Watts for up to 10 hours at 50% power. The options for output are limited to a pair of standard British three-pin plugs and a 12 Volt DC connector.
The onboard Voltmeter is a basic analogue type alongside the usual earth connector and circuit breaker controls. Although it’s not the most powerful generator on my list, it still provides enough grunt for most power tools or appliances.
Did you find this review helpful?
5. Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart P2400 Portable Inverter Generator
Best portable inverter generator
- It’s small, it’s lightweight at just 24 kg, and it can still run several tools or appliances at once. And because it’s an inverter, it’s suitable for powering up delicate electronics.
- This portable generator includes a vital safety feature. The onboard CO Guard monitors for carbon monoxide levels, and if they get too high it will turn off. This feature could save your life.
- Something that a small engine specialist like Briggs and Stratton have done well is keep the noise down. The generator puts out just 58 dB, which is like someone having a conversation.
- If you need more power, you can run several P2400 generators in parallel. You attach special leads to link them together, the output is synchronised, and you can increase the Wattage.
- This generator is on the expensive end of the spectrum. Although it’s very capable and portable, unless you’ve got a lot of money to spend it’s probably overkill.
- The small tank means this generator won’t run all night to power up your freezer in a power cut. You can always refill the tank, but it’s more useful as a portable source of emergency power.
- Inverter?
- Yes
- Max Wattage
- 2,400 Watts
- Rated Output
- 1,800 Watts
- Starting system
- Recoil
- Engine size
- 5.3 hp
- Tank capacity
- 3.8 litres
- Run time
- 8 hours @ 25%
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 2
- Noise
- 58dB
- Weight
- 24kg
- Wheels
- No
- Build Quality
- 5
- Performance
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4
US small engine specialists Briggs & Stratton have been in the business for more than a century and are probably best known for their excellent lawnmowers. Their PowerSmart P2400 is an ultra-portable petrol generator that can crank out a high level of power. This is an ultimate portable generator that bridges the gap between having a generator you can carry around with you and a power station that can run multiple tools or gadgets at once.
The first thing to note about this portable generator is that it’s completely enclosed in a handsome grey and black case. There’s a big handle on top to carry it around and it sits on rubber feet that help to dampen vibration and noise.
The small 5.3 HP fuel-efficient engine is more than enough to put out 2,400 starting Watts and then 1,800 continuous Watts to keep everything running for up to eight hours, but only at 25% power. The 3.8 litre tank might be small, but it’s what helps to keep the overall size of this generator down.
What I really like about this generator is the options you have for plugging in your tools or gadgets. You get a pair of standard three-pin plugs, a 12V “cigarette lighter” socket, and a pair of 2.1 Amp fast charging USB socket to power up your phone, laptop, or other accessories. And because it uses inverter technology, the engine will adjust backup power automatically depending on what you have plugged in.
Did you find this review helpful?
6. Nassboards Instant Power Portable Suitcase Inverter
Best lightweight generator
- It doesn’t take a degree in engineering to work out how to run and maintain this little standby generator. If simplicity is your top priority, this is the best small generator on my list.
- Not everyone needs to be able to run multiple power-hungry tools or appliances with their portable generator. It’s lightweight and because it’s an inverter, it can handle sensitive electronics.
- This little generator is also the quietest on my list. It’s rated to put out just 58 dB, which is roughly equivalent to background music. It’s quieter than a car ticking over.
- It’s a shame that a generator like this doesn’t come with any USB outlets. Seeing as most low-power gadgets can be charged up this way, it seems like a missed opportunity.
- The power limitations of this generator, compared with the beefy Briggs & Stratton are pretty obvious. With just 800 Watts of start-up power, it’s not all that impressive.
- You can only get five hours of run time, even with its "eco" setting. That means you’re not going to be able to run your lights overnight during a power outage unless you top up the fuel.
- Inverter?
- Yes
- Max Wattage
- 800 Watts
- Rated Output
- 700 Watts
- Starting system
- Recoil
- Engine size
- 2.6 hp
- Tank capacity
- 2.1 litres
- Run time
- 5 hours @ Eco Mode
- 230/240V Outlets
- 1
- USB Outlets
- 0
- Noise
- 58dB
- Weight
- 9kg
- Wheels
- No
- Build Quality
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
Underfloor heating gurus Nassboards might be better known for their home heating solutions, but they also make a rather handy lightweight suitcase 800 Watt inverter generator as well. Weighing a tiny 9 kg you could easily pick it up, take it with you, and have off-grid power on tap wherever you need it! It might not be the most powerful generator on my list, but it’s an affordable backup system for anyone with a less-than-reliable utility power setup at home.
I was blown away by how compact and portable this little thing is. It’s like a petrol can in shape and size and decked out in dark grey plastic all around. The comfortable handle on the top makes moving it even easier. The control panel is as simple as it gets too, with a pair of switches to control eco mode and the power.
There’s space for a single three-pin wall plug onboard, and a 12 Volt DC output for charging up something like a car battery. You get a handy lead with crocodile clips on the end for just this purpose. The tiny 2.6 HP motor is ideal for low output tools or appliances, as it generates just 800 start-up Watts, and then ticks over with 700 Watts continuous supply power. Its low fuel consumption means it can run for five hours on eco mode, which is fine for topping up batteries or running your gadgets off-grid.
Did you find this review helpful?
7. Böhmer-AG WX-3800K-E Portable Petrol Generator
Best generator for power cuts
- If you need maximum runtime, this is probably the best petrol generator for the money. Compared with the tiny 3 litre fuel tank on the P1 generator, this one is brilliant.
- You get a pair of keys with this generator to engage the electric start. It means you’re not stuck with pulling the recoil starter, and there’s a degree of security as well.
- You get enough surge power at 3,000 Volts to start two hungry tools or gadgets at the same time. The copper wound motor is more than powerful enough for home use.
- Although the generator comes with a pair of wheels for moving it around, it is the heaviest machine on my list. Weighing in at 46.5 kg without fuel, you’ll need help going up stairs.
- There’s a fair bit of fiddling around to install the wheels and stands when setting the generator up for the first use.
- It seems that this generator lacks decent instructions to get it going. You need to add oil before it will work, but it’s not clear what oil works best or how to add it safely!
- Inverter?
- No
- Max Wattage
- 3,000 Watts
- Rated Output
- 2,700 Watts
- Starting system
- Key electric, recoil
- Engine size
- 8 hp
- Tank capacity
- 15 litres
- Run time
- 10 hours
- 230/240V Outlets
- 2
- USB Outlets
- 0
- Noise
- 69dB
- Weight
- 46.5kg
- Wheels
- Yes
- Build Quality
- 4
- Performance
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4
Petrol generator specialists Böhmer-AG make a range of off-grid power solutions. If you’re looking for a simple generator, the WX-3800K-E is a marvellously portable piece of kit. Sitting on a pair of chunky plastic tyres, you can unfold the handles and take it off wherever you need it, if you’re feeling strong. And thanks to its cavernous 15 litre fuel tank, it has an impressive runtime of ten hours.
The fuel tank and engine casing are both decked out in luminous green, with a black tubular steel cage around it that holds the wheels and handles. The motor is a decent size 8 HP one, with the choice of electric or pull-cord starter. It can put out 2,700 Watts of continuous power and maxes out at 3,000 Watts to cope with heavy start-up surges.
The control panel is straightforward too. You get an analogue Voltmeter that shows the current output, a pair of 220 Volt three-pin UK plug sockets to power up your gear, and a fuel level indicator on the top of the tank. It’s a capable generator with a massive fuel tank that’s perfect if you’re worried about a power cut at home.
Did you find this review helpful?
Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
maXpeedingrods MXR3300 Portable Inverter Generator
- 4.9
- Yes
- 3,300 Watts
- 3,000 Watts
- Recoil
- 9.7 hp
- 4.0 litres
- 8.3 hours @ 25%
- 2
- 2
- 58dB
- 21kg
- No
Hyundai HY3200SEi 3.2kW, 4kVA Portable Petrol Inverter
- 4.8
- Yes
- 3,200 Watts
- 2,800 Watts
- Remote, electric, recoil
- 14 hp
- 7.8 litres
- 7 hours @ 50%
- 2
- 0
- 96dB
- 35kg
- Yes
Champion Power Equipment 92001i Petrol Portable Inverter Generator
- 4.5
- Yes
- 2,200 Watts
- 1,900 Watts
- Recoil
- 5.3 hp
- 4 litres
- 10.5 hrs @25%
- 2
- 2
- 58dB
- 17.8kg
- No
Wolf Power WPB3010LR Petrol Generator
- 4.3
- No
- 2,200 Watts
- 2,000 Watts
- Recoil
- 6.5 hp
- 15 litres
- 10 hours @ 50%
- 2
- 0
- 65dB
- 36kg
- No
Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart P2400 Portable Inverter Generator
- 4.5
- Yes
- 2,400 Watts
- 1,800 Watts
- Recoil
- 5.3 hp
- 3.8 litres
- 8 hours @ 25%
- 2
- 2
- 58dB
- 24kg
- No
Nassboards Instant Power Portable Suitcase Inverter
- 4.3
- Yes
- 800 Watts
- 700 Watts
- Recoil
- 2.6 hp
- 2.1 litres
- 5 hours @ Eco Mode
- 1
- 0
- 58dB
- 9kg
- No
Böhmer-AG WX-3800K-E Portable Petrol Generator
- 4
- No
- 3,000 Watts
- 2,700 Watts
- Key electric, recoil
- 8 hp
- 15 litres
- 10 hours
- 2
- 0
- 69dB
- 46.5kg
- Yes
How to Choose The Best Generator
If you want bundles of off-grid power, or you have a less-than-reliable home power network, you’re going to need the best portable generator that you can afford. Ranging from big devices that can power up the hungriest appliances to ultra-portable suitcase generators, there’s a machine for every situation.
Power Output
If a portable generator is going to work as an effective backup or off-grid emergency power source for your tools or gadgets, it’ll need enough grunt to run them. Big power tools like concrete breakers can use 2,000 Watts, and even a home kettle needs around 3,000 Watts to make a proper brew.
If you want your standby generator to keep a few different electrical devices running during a power outage, it’ll need a whole lot of capacity. The more devices running at any time increases the load on the generator, but the real strain comes from powering up the device from “cold”. Even something like a refrigerator that would seem to use low continuous power will often need 1,800 Watts to start up.
Fuel Types
There are plenty of different types of portable generators on the market now. A cleaner way to charge your devices must be via solar generators, including the amazing Jackery 500 I tested out recently. A solar generator is ideal if you don’t want to make lots of noise or put out any nasty pollution to keep your laptop charged off-grid.
But if you need maximum levels of power, you can’t beat a petrol generator. With a 14hp (210cc) engine onboard, you can put out 2,800 Watts of continuous power, enough to run pretty much anything you like.
Most generators only run at their best with high-octane fuels though. Bog standard supermarket E10 petrol will work, but to get the most out of your portable generator, use “super unleaded”. And if you leave your generator in the shed for long periods of time, consider adding a fuel stabiliser as well.
Generator FAQs
If you’re only running basic electrical equipment like a space heater, a kettle, or a corded drill, you don’t need particularly “clean” electricity. Sensitive electronics like laptops and medical devices require a more consistent power supply though. Inverter models are usually lighter, more economical, and quieter as well!
Yes. Like any small engine, portable and standby generators require oil to lubricate all the internal moving parts. Most portable generators come with a bottle of small engine oil and a funnel to stay topped up.
No. Internal combustion engines create harmful exhaust gases like carbon monoxide which can be deadly. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning always keep your portable generator outdoors and away from people. Don’t enclose them either as they won’t work to their full capacity.
Share