The 10 Smallest Electric Generator Of 2024, Researched By Us

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Smallest Electric Generator
Smallest Electric Generator

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240

This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only 6.6 pounds, so you can easily take it along on your outdoor adventures, such as camping. It can be recharged by either a wall outlet or a car outlet, or you can use the Jackery SolarSaga 60/100 solar panels to get the most power out of your device. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Champion Power Equipment Portable Inverter Generator

Keep the lights on and the power running with Champion Power Equipment's Portable Inverter Generator. At only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2000-watt inverters in the industry and features 2000 starting watts, 1700 running watts, and up to 11.5 hours of run time. Read Review

3. Best Easy To Assemble: WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts, perfect for emergency backup power during storms and blackouts. With the ultra-quiet operation, you will feel very comfortable every time. Read Review

4. Best Flexible: Generac GP2500i Inverter

Experience reliable, clean power with the Generac GP2500i Inverter. This 50 State Configuration/CSA-certified inverter features a compact and lightweight design that makes transportation easy with its built-in handle. Read Review

5. Best Exactly: Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station

Power your life with Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station. With 155 Watt-Hours of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity, this power station provides long-lasting power that charges smartphones up to 17 times, tablets up to 9 times, DSLR cameras up to 16 times, and drones up to 23 times. Read Review

For those looking for a compact and efficient energy source, the smallest electric generator is an ideal solution. This versatile and powerful device is a great option for homeowners, campers, and anyone needing an emergency power source. Not only is the smallest electric generator compact and lightweight, but it is also powerful, efficient, and capable of producing enough electricity to power small appliances, lights, and other items.

Whether you’re looking to power your campsite, have an emergency power source in the event of a power outage, or just want to add some extra efficiency to your home, the smallest electric generator is a great option.

After lots of research based on customer feedback, We think the smallest electric generator is Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240. We have provided you with a detailed buyer's guide and a Champion Power Equipment Portable Inverter Generator and many other good choices so that you can decide which one is the best for your requirements.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
Our Score:
9.7
Jackery

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: The Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station has been featured as the "Best Portable Power Station for use in the outdoors" by Digital Trends. A classic choice for your pick.

GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station can be recharged by the Jackery SolarSaga 60 solar panel or SolarSaga 100 solar panel. Its built-in MPPT controller enables the solar panel to operate at its max power point for the power station to be recharged at its highest efficiency. TWO alternative ways to recharge: through the wall outlet or the car outlet.

WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 240 portable power station, 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide.

EASY TO CARRY: This entry-level portable power station is equipped with a 240Wh lithium-ion battery pack, weighing only at 6.6 pounds. The solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as Tent Camping, Road Trip, Backyard Camping, etc.

VERSATILE POWER SOURCE: 1* Pure Sine Wave AC outlet (110V 200W 400W Peak), 2* USB-A ports (5V, 2.4A), and 1* 12V DC car port to charge your road trip essentials such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, fans, lights and so on. Pass-through charging is supported.

TOP Choice #2 Champion Power Equipment Portable Inverter Generator
Our Score:
9.6
Champion Power Equipment

Includes 3-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

The optional clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2000-watt Champion inverter to double your output power

At only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2000-watt inverters in the industry

Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD)

53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few home essentials, featuring 2000 starting watts, 1700 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time

TOP Choice #3 WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Our Score:
9.5
WEN

Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down

212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours

Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops

Extremely quiet operation minimizes noise;, EPA III and CARB Compliant

Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb.Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb

Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, a digital load and fuel display, and a two-year warranty

4 Generac GP2500i Inverter
Our Score:
9.3
Generac

50 State Configuration/CSA

Makes transportation easy with built-in handle

Compact and Lightweight

Automatically adjusts engine speeds to save fuel and reduce sound emissions

Alert you when unit is low on oil, overloaded or ready-to-use

5 Westinghouse iGen160s Portable Power Station
Our Score:
9.1
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

WHAT'S INCLUDED: AC Adapter, DC Adapter, Cigarette Lighter Plug, Manual - Backed by 2-Year Coverage With Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage With Nationwide Customer Service Network

HOURS & HOURS OF POWER ON A SINGLE CHARGE: 155 Watt-Hours of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity - Provides Long-Lasting Power That Charges Smartphones Up To 17 Times, Tablets Up to 9 Times, DSLR Cameras Up To 16 times, Drones Up To 23 Times - Delivers Hours of Power for a Nintendo Switch, Bluetooth Speakers, and GPS Systems

WORRY-FREE POWER SAFE FOR ALL: Safe for Sensitive Electronics with Built-In Device & Battery Guard - Short Circuit, Overload, and Temperature Protections Prolongs Battery Lifespan & Safeguards Against Damage

SMALLEST, LIGHTEST PORTABLE POWER STATION IN ITS CLASS: At 3.75 lb. the iGen160s Is Lighter Than a Full 36 oz. Yeti Rambler and Smaller Than a Lunchbox - Backpack Ready Mini Generator With a Convenient Carrying Handle and Built-in Flashlight and Reading Lights - Perfect Compact Charging Station for Camping and Other Outdoor Activities

ECO-FRIENDLY POWER GENERATOR: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint for More Sustainable Lifestyle - No Obnoxious Fumes, No Messy Maintenance, No Noise Pollution - Whisper Quiet Indoor and Outdoor Generator

Low voltage protection, short circuit protection, and overload protection protects the battery and connected devices to ensure peace of mind and reliability

VERSATILE OUTLETS CHARGE UP TO 9 DEVICES AT THE SAME TIME: Pushing 100 Rated Watts and 150 Peak Watts Through (2) 120V Household Outlets, (2) USB Ports, (1) Quick Charge USB Port, (1) USB-C Port, (3) 6mm 9-12V DC Outlets - Strong Enough to Easily Power a 36" LED TV, Box Fans, or Heated Blankets.Low voltage protection, short circuit protection, and overload protection protects the battery and connected devices to ensure peace of mind and reliability

CHARGES AT HOME, ON THE GO, OR IN THE FIELD: Charges to 80% in Less Than 6 Hours Using a Household Outlet or in Less Than 7 Hours in the Car or With a Solar Panel (Panel Not Included)

🔋TWO RECHARGING MODES: 88Wh portable rechargeable power station with two methods to charge the portable power station. On the wall, you can fully charge the power supply via AC outlet (adapter included) with 5 hours. Or it can be charged under the sun with a MARBERO solar panel(15V-24V, 1.2A)(not included).

💡EMERGENCY LIGHTS: This portable generator is built with a 3-level brightness LED flashlight, which could emit 2 lighting modes (steady light and flashing light, SOS mode) to meet your different needs. Press the LED flashlight switch to change the brightness and SOS mode. When you go out camping or experience power outages, this power supply can always help you out.

🔌MULTI-OUTPUT: The portable power station equipped with 88Wh (24000mAh, 3.7V) capacity, 2*QC 3.0 USB ports (18W max), 2*USB ports (5V 2.4A), 1*USB C port (PD2. 0.18W max). 1*DC port(12-16.8V / 10A, 13A max), 1*2 pole and 1* 3 pole output socket (80W running, 120W peak). Powers cell phone, iPad, tablet, camera, radio, USB powered night light, mini fan and camping scanners under 80W.

🧳PORTABLE & COMPACT: Super slim size (6.5 x 4.6 x 3.1 inches) and light weight (2.4 lbs). Portable power station with compact handle design is not only for emergency power at home, but also for camping or wherever you need power when on the go. Perfect for school students to charge phone, laptop, iPad, PSP, camera, wireless headphones, etc.

🛡️SECURED & ASSURED: The Battery Management System (BMS) allows for voltage control, temperature control and more advanced safety operations. Designed with the cooling vents on the back to help this portable power supply keep the temperature constant, its internal electrical elements will not be damaged by high temperatures. When it comes to short circuit or overload, it automatically shuts off the power to protect itself and the powered devices.

Equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year

Powerful 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine provides an abundant power supply yet runs at a super quiet operation of only 52 decibels

Complete with A-iPower’s “Low idle” technology for an extended run time of 4 hours at 100% load and 7 hours at 50% load

Light weight and compact at only 48 pounds, making your tailgate or camping experience as smooth as possible

Produces 2,000 starting watts with 1,600 running watts of clean and safe power for sensitive electronics such as phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics

Includes two 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a wheel and handle kit, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a 2-year warranty

Switch between gasoline (4750 surge watts, 3800 running watt) and propane (4350 surge, 3500 running) with the simple turn of the selection dial

4-gallon tank provides up to 11 hours of half load run time

Voltage easily goes from 120V to 240V, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup

Electric start powers the 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key

Switch between gasoline (11,000 surge watts, 8,300 running watt) and propane (9,500 surge, 7,500 running) with the simple turn of the selection dial

Voltage easily goes from 120V to 240V, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup

Electric start powers the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key

Includes four 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R), a 120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a two-year warranty

6.6-gallon tank provides up to 8.5 hours of half load run time

10 PowerSmart Generator Starting Watts
Our Score:
8.3
PowerSmart

Clean energy: 120V household outlets and 5V USB output are installed in thie generator, which provides clean power to sensitive devices, such as phones, laptops and other outdoor electronics.Completed safety design prevents damage to these devices.

Simple operation: easy to assemble, uses oil/gas mix fuel so there's no need for oil changes.Durable and the structure of the whole machine is relatively simple, failure rate is low.

Customer Satisfaction: covered with PowerSmart 3-year-warranty, free lifetime tech support, repair service center in U.S., online support in 24H. Any reason please contact with us.

Low noise: noise-free environment is one of our goal for this generator.Performs low decibel during operation, provides quiet environment to user.

Stable output: gas generator contains with 56cc, 4-stroke gas powered engine, which provides 1500 surge watts and 1000 rated watts, strong reliability, with a full fuel tank of 0.74 gallon, can run for 6 hours at half load.

Portable generator: generator solid handle makes it easy to carry around for outdoor adventures such as campgrounds, construction sites, mobile devices and power outages.The weight is only 26.5 lbs.

What to Look For in the smallest electric generator

Perhaps as a customer, you may be looking for a smallest electric generator that may provide you with just what you want, such as being environmentally friendly, freely selected, and so on.

In this section, we will discuss with you the buying guides and main factors to consider when planning to buy the product from e-commerce websites, so that when the time comes to make your final selection, everything would be laid out in front of you.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

FAQs

What is an electric generator?

An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It uses a fuel source, such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas, to power a motor which then turns an alternator to create an electric current.

How does an electric generator work?

An electric generator works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator has an engine or motor which is powered by a fuel source such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. The engine powers an alternator which produces an alternating current (AC) that is then converted into direct current (DC) electricity.

What are the different types of electric generators?

There are many different types of electric generators, including portable generators, standby generators, and inverter generators. Portable generators are designed to provide temporary power in the event of a power outage. Standby generators are permanently installed in a home or business and provide backup power when needed. Inverter generators are designed to provide clean, quiet power for sensitive electronics.

What is the difference between an AC and DC generator?

An AC generator produces alternating current (AC) electricity, while a DC generator produces direct current (DC) electricity. Alternating current is the type of power used in most homes and businesses, while direct current is commonly used in applications such as battery charging.

Conclusion

In summary, the smallest electric generator is the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Provided that you are not satisfied with the models listed above, we propose Portable Power Station 100W Portable Laptop Charger for you. 

If you are unclear about how to select an item for yourself or someone else at any time in this post, please let us know! Our team of professionals is always pleased to help you find the best match.


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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