It is always more pleasant to be able to take advantage of your computer, your barbecue, or your phone away from home. And this is easily possible, thanks to portable generators with peak or running watt rating of around 2,000 watts! They can also be very useful during power outages. The best 2,000-watt generator can power basic gadgets while delivering long run-time on gasoline or even propane fuel.
However, it can be difficult to determine which product is going to be suitable for your needs. Can a conventional model deliver better energy? Or are compact/inverter models better with portability, gas economy, and low environmental emissions? In this article, we will help you compare products so you can choose the best. We will answer your most frequently asked questions in our buying guide which discusses the primary generator features like the type, peak and rated watts, the engine and fuel tank, runtime, outlets, dimensions and weight, and warranty so you can be sure that your generator will serve you ling enough.
Difficult, for you, to endure the purring of some generators? These devices make noise, sometimes a lot, and this can be very annoying for some users. This is why some brands have embarked on the design of models such as the Champion 100692 that are more respectful to the human ears.
When in use, depending on your usage, the sound volume of the Champion 100692 can be as quiet as 53 dB. It is audible, but it is much less than on many other models. You can continue to converse without being disturbed.
The manufacturer recommends using the machine for RVing, tailgate parties, and camping, where it should meet your needs. With the two 120V outlets, you won’t experience any difficulty charging a radio or a phone.
With a peak power rating of 2000 watts, the machine can be used for DIY but with one tool at a time, and not with the most energy-hungry.
The voltage regulation is done with an inverter system, the best of the best, which guarantees the safety of your potentially fragile devices.
What we liked: We like the fact that the generator has an economy mode: when you have low energy use, you can activate it to limit fuel consumption.
What could be better: Some users mentioned that this generator is not so quiet as advertised.
This heavy-duty generator from Wen has 2,000 peak watts and 1,700 continuous watts to provide you with enough juice for any small application. The generator is relatively quiet, at only 51 dB, making it perfect for use in campgrounds or at events where a louder generator could be problematic.
The generator has an operating time of seven hours at 50% load thanks to Eco-Mode, which can be activated by a push-button on the front panel.
The Wen generator is an inverter generator and has two USB charging ports. Together they allow you to use a few watts to charge your phone or tablet from this device. Plus, for those situations where you need over 1,700 watts of continuous power, the generator is capable of being connected in parallel so you can put multiple units together.
That said, users liked the large carrying handle and didn’t find the generator too heavy for small trips from the car to a job site or around a campsite. Note that the generator is a bit higher than other models, which may affect where you can store it.
Wen offers a two-year warranty on this generator, although users have not reported any issues with the device after several years of use.
What we liked: At 39 pounds, this generator is relatively lightweight – so, portability wouldn’t be an issue. With its great value, it’s our choice of the best 2000-watt generator under $500.
What could be better: This generator requires external grounding, which can be a hassle for some.
Champion units have a reputation for being of very high quality. On the outside, it looks compact and stylish. It’s quiet and it uses smart technology to make sure the engine never overworks. This generator uses propane or gasoline.
At around 53 decibels of noise while around 23 feet away from it, the generator is a 4-stroke silent wonder and you can’t find many that are quieter. It has a 2000-watt maximum power generation capacity and wouldn’t get any lower than 1700 watts.
The generator is parallel ready. You can use its parallel kit to clip typical generators of the same brand to double the output power you get.
Like the Champion 100692, this generator features two 120V 20A outlets. It produces clean electricity that has less than 3% THD. Like the earlier reviewed model, you have up to three years of limited warranty with lifetime tech support from Champion’s dedicated experts.
Weighing just 39 pounds, it’s our best 2000-watt portable generator.
What we liked: It is ultra-quiet, light, flexible, plus it has a run time of 11 and a half hours on 1 gallon of gasoline on a quarter load. It’s ideal for home, work, and play.
What could be better: The generator can be tricky to start sometimes, since it will not start on full choke or in the run position.
The A-iPower SUA2000iV features a compact design that makes it easy to store in small spaces. With a dry weight of 46 pounds, this inverter generator is light enough to be carried by one person, making it a good choice for campers and tailgaters.
The A-iPower SUA2000iV inverter generator features a gasoline engine with a starting power of 2,000W that then stabilizes at 1,600W. The inverter generator tracks 7 hours on a full fuel tank capacity at half load.
The inverter generator makes 58 decibels of sound at maximum load, which may drop when the load decreases. It is not the quietest model, but it’s moderately quiet to be used in the forced noise of the campsites. The machine is our choice of the best 2000-watt generator for RV air conditioners.
What we liked: The generator can be used in parallel with other inverter generators to obtain more power.
What could be better: It doesn’t have an electric start method. You only have to use the pull cord.
This Honda inverter generator is equipped with a huge 121cc motor. It delivers a peak power of 2,200 watts and continuous power of 1,800 watts. If you need more juice, you can connect the generator to another model in parallel to provide more than 4,000 power wattage. This can make this generator perfect for motor-driven devices such as an air conditioner.
One of the downsides to this power generation capability is that the generator has a relatively short run time of just eight hours at 1/4 load. While this is partly the 0.95-gallon tank, much cannot be said about the fuel efficiency of the generator either.
It doesn’t feature an eco-friendly mode like the Westinghouse generator. Also, the generator panel has two 120-volt three-prong outlets and a 12-volt DC battery charging port. However, it lacks other features such as a USB port.
What we liked: Besides its energy production capacity, one of the upsides of the generator is its silence. When operating at low power, the generator can keep its noise at just 48 dB. Even while at full power, it produces just 57 dB.
What could be better: The runtime could be better. Also, we would like to see more outlets for the price
The Westinghouse iGen 2200 is not equipped with an energy-saving mode. This is for the simple reason that it is not useful! The engine speed is automatically adjusted according to needs. This makes it possible to avoid overconsumption of fuel and to guarantee 12 hours of autonomy at 25%.
The downside of this is that some very energy-intensive devices (advanced coffee machine, hairdryer, or hair straightener, for example), may not necessarily be powered.
The machine is designed to cope with a power failure and is effective in keeping the refrigerator or television running. Thanks to two USB ports, you can also connect computers and telephones, which will be well protected by an inverter system. The rated output power is 1,800 watts. A dial facilitates starting, with three positions (off, choke, on). You also benefit from a three-year warranty, and lifetime support.
What we liked: Overall, this generator does not consume gasoline unnecessarily. It is easy to use and generally has an attractive purchase price.
What could be better: A handful of users report having had a problem with the launcher, which would no longer retract after pulling it. If this happens to you, Westinghouse seems easy to contact and proceeds to replace the part.
This cheap generator from Pulsar is an ideal choice for those on a budget. It delivers peak power of 2,300 watts and running power of up to 1,800 watts while operating for 4 hours at a 50% load. This peak power and time are relatively long compared to other 2000 watt generators.
At 59 decibels, this is one of the loudest generators we have in this review. The generator is louder than many other types in the 2000 watt category. Additionally, users have found that the generator makes extraneous noises which can be quite annoying when operated with small electrical loads.
The generator features a full panel at the front. Here, you’ll find two 120v outlets, one USB port, and a 12v DC charging socket. Also, users found the recoil starter to be very reliable and liked that the generator produced very clean reverse energy.
What we liked: It has a fuel efficiency per gallon of fuel. For up to 6 hours, you can run 50% of the load.
What could be better: The warranty coverage could be longer than a year. It’s also relatively noisy.
Equipped with an inverter system and TruePower technology, the Generac 2200i offers stable voltage. This makes it very safe for devices such as smartphones, computers, and other computer tools.
As it is equipped with a USB port and a 12V DC socket, it is suitable for families (for recharging electronic devices while camping, for example), and for DIY enthusiasts, who can connect tools to it, among others.
It weighs around 50 pounds with little gasoline, and it’s amazingly quiet. With a power rating of 1,700 watts, the Generac 2200i is designed for use on the go, but can still be used in the event of a small power outage, such as powering a refrigerator and providing some light.
You benefit from a very good runtime, from 10.75 hours to 25%. Using it is safe and pleasant. The device is mobile thanks to a handle located on the top. If you have modest energy needs, you can use economy mode, to consume less fuel and lower the volume. Also, in the event of a problem (for example, an overload or a lack of oil), warning lights are provided.
What we liked: What we find the most pleasant is the ease of handling. A dial allows you to significantly facilitate the ignition or extinction of the generator.
What could be better: At 1,700 running power, the Generac 2200i is not suited to major breakdowns or large projects, but it will meet the needs of most families perfectly.
The big brother of the P02400 model, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 lasts most users for 8–10 years and gives you a starting power of 2,200 watts, as well as 1,700 continuously. Briggs & Stratton build their heavy-duty generators, and with this series, they are committed to making them portable as it can be.
One of the main attractions of these units, besides being America’s favorite back-up generators, is the ability to connect two units and run a small power grid up to 3600 watts current.
As with the other model, this price is still quite high, although lower than that of its predecessor. With the runtime, you get a range of four to almost ten hours, making the bringing of extra fuel unnecessary. It’s quiet, easy to turn on and off, and it’s easy to use for any user.
What we liked: We like its extended operating range; from four to nearly ten hours on a full tank.
What could be better: A bit weighty at 54 pounds, carrying it on your own while traveling may be a problem.
The only conventional generator in our review, the Sportsman GEN2000 may look big but it’s very lightweight for its class. However, it is one of the most lightweight for a converter generator.
The petrol generator produces, as the name suggests, a maximum output of 2 kilowatts and a continuous output of 1.4 kilowatts. This generator set is sitting in a sturdy metal frame but with no rubber feet.
The device is unsuitable for frequent transport due to its relatively high weight, the lack of transport rollers or handle. The fuel tank can hold up to 1.2 gallons of petrol. With half load capacity, you can use the generator for up to 9 hours before you will need to refuel.
The generator has an open frame design that doesn’t help with noise reduction. At 50% load capacity, the noise tips the scales at 65 decibels minimum.
What we liked: This is the best generator for you if you want more fuel efficiency and more space for fuel.
What could be better: The warranty is short, and the noise level is high (because it’s not an inverter generator).
You can face a power failure squarely if you have a practical power generator in the house. This device generates electricity using an electric starter or cable pull and can also be used on the campsite or anywhere where there is no direct power connection. However, choosing to buy a portable 2,000-watt model can be daunting as there are myriads of models on the market.
Recreational uses: Because the best 2000-watt generators are generally small in dimensions and are very lightweight, they are a good choice for people who need power for their yachts, RVs, yachts, etc.
Emergency uses: During times of emergency or disaster, a 2,000-watt generator can keep your TV, phones, and other essential gadgets powered to stay aloof of information.
Often, choosing your generator will involve making trade-offs between weight, power, and ease of use. For example, if a product is just a little heavier than another, but also more powerful and easier to handle, the duel of portability then wins. Here are the criteria that we used in our analysis, and which you may also find useful:
Inverter or converter? You cannot supply voltage-sensitive devices with power with a converter generator such as the Sportsman GEN2000. Fluctuations in voltage can damage or even destroy devices such as cell phones, PCs, or laptops. For these devices, inverters such as the WEN 56203i and the Champion 100692 are the better choice, but they are usually significantly more expensive.
The peak and rated power are expressed in watts or kW for gasoline models. Manufacturers often focus on maximum/peak power, but it’s the installed (or rated) output power that is important.
Power can also be expressed in kVA (but it is much more often listed in watts on data sheets). Electric generators store electricity. The “stored quantity” is expressed in mAh (milliampere-hours). As for the watt-hour (Wh), it is a measure of energy. Here, there is no secret: the higher the values, the better! For example, the Pulsar G2319N has the highest power output (1,800 watts continuous power) of all the products reviewed.
The size of the tank is probably one of the most important buying considerations you must consider. It’s the functionality that determines if your device can function.
Emphasis on the term. It’s really a good idea. Like for example, if you think you just need to, you might want to consider something with a tank capable of performing seven or 10 hours. Better to be safe than sorry! The runtime of electric generators is “until exhaustion”, directly linked to the quantity stored (in mAh).
The runtime of gasoline generators depends, among other things, on the size of the fuel tank. It is expressed in hours at X%, where X% represents the power delivered compared to the power available. Most models last 10 hours at 20%.
Ask what are the available sockets on the frame. It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to make sure that the connection is right for you: are there enough USB or USB Type-C ports, and regular sockets? If necessary, check if the voltage can be changed via a switch.
Most generators will operate between 45 and 70 dB. They can be equivalent to the noise from a suburb to a series of conversations in a restaurant. These generators are not as loud and disturbing as you might think.
When you buy an inverter generator, it will produce lower noise than most traditional generators which are found in recreational vehicles.
Electric generators are very light, have a handle, and easy to carry wherever you want. For gasoline generators, the more powerful they are, the heavier the weight and the larger the dimensions. You have to look for the best power-to-weight ratio. Mobility can be facilitated by wheels or a handle. However, most inverter generators don’t have weight or dimension issues. They weigh between 35 to 55 pounds and are compactly built for ease of storage.
This is not just an off-the-shelf purchase; warranties are the saving grace everyone needs if you have to face unexpected problems. No assembly or manufacturing is foolproof. There may be small margins of error which a good warranty coverage can cover. A good warranty for these types of generators should exceed the 1 year we’ve seen in most models.
The price is directly related to power, so 2,000-watt generators are typically priced between $200 and $400. Gasoline models range from $450 (very cheap) to $1,500 (high-end for individuals), and even much more for professional types.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Champion 100692. We have chosen this as our overall best 2,000-watt generator because of its functional designs. It has a very practical economy mode: when you need just some small energy use, you can activate it to limit fuel consumption. When in use, depending on your usage, the sound volume of the Champion 100692 can be as quiet as 53 dB.
The generator with the best value is the WEN 56203i. This heavy-duty generator from Wen has 2,000 peak watts and 1,700 continuous watts to provide you with enough juice for any small application.
The Champion 100900 is our best dual fuel generator of this power capacity. It uses both propane and gasoline. At around 53 decibels of noise while around 23 feet away from it, the generator is a 4-stroke silent wonder and you can’t find many that are quieter.
