Your peace of mind during power outages doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Discover top-rated portable generators under $500 in this comprehensive guide, whether you’re seeking backup for critical appliances or a handy power source for outdoor adventures.
Important Note: Always remember to check and maintain your generator for readiness in case of an emergency. We suggest running your generator at least once every two months to make sure it’s running properly.
Our list of the best portable generators under $500 is below. Please feel free to look out for our guide and safety tips on purchasing and using a portable generator, which is also below.
Best Portable Generators Under $500
- WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- The WEN 56203i is a highly rated portable inverter generator known for its quiet operation. With a running wattage of 1700, it’s perfect for camping trips or as an emergency backup.
- Extremely quiet operation (51 decibels)
- 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts
- 1-gallon fuel tank
- Two three-prong 120V receptacles and one 12V DC receptacle
- The WEN 56203i is a highly rated portable inverter generator known for its quiet operation. With a running wattage of 1700, it’s perfect for camping trips or as an emergency backup.
- Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- The Champion 100692 is ultra-lightweight and compact, offering quiet and clean power for any environment.
- 2000 starting watts, 1700 running watts
- Ultra-lightweight design (39.5 lb)
- Clean power for sensitive electronics
- Quiet operation (58 dBA)
- The Champion 100692 is ultra-lightweight and compact, offering quiet and clean power for any environment.
- Westinghouse iGen2200 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse iGen2200 is a reliable inverter generator with enough power to simultaneously run most household appliances.
- 2200 Peak Watts, 1800 Running Watts
- Ultra-Quiet Operation (52 dB)
- Two 120V 20 Amp Outlets
- Fuel efficient – Up to 12 Hour Run Time
- Westinghouse iGen2200 is a reliable inverter generator with enough power to simultaneously run most household appliances.
- A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- This lightweight and portable generator from A-iPower offers clean and quiet operation, making it ideal for outdoor activities and power backup.
- 2000 starting watts/1600 running watts
- Quiet operation (58 dB)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Up to 7 hours of run time
- This lightweight and portable generator from A-iPower offers clean and quiet operation, making it ideal for outdoor activities and power backup.
- Pulsar G2319N 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator
- Pulsar G2319N provides quiet and fuel-efficient operation. It’s an excellent choice for camping, tailgating, or as a backup power source.
- 2300 peak watts and 1800 running watts
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation (59 dB)
- Two AC 120V outlets and one DC 12V output
- Pulsar G2319N provides quiet and fuel-efficient operation. It’s an excellent choice for camping, tailgating, or as a backup power source.
- Ford FG2300iS 2300W Silent Series Inverter Generator
- Ford FG2200iS offers clean and reliable power output with a silent operation, making it perfect for recreational use or as an emergency power backup.
- 2300 peak watts and 2000 rated watts
- Two 120V AC outlets, One 12V DC power outlet, and two USB outlets
- Fuel-efficient with a 1.18-gallon fuel tank
- Compact design with a quiet operation
- Ford FG2200iS offers clean and reliable power output with a silent operation, making it perfect for recreational use or as an emergency power backup.
How a Generator connects directly To a Home’s Electrical System
Most homeowners will add a manual transfer switch to their homes. The purpose of a transfer switch is to connect a secondary source of power, like a portable generator, to the circuits of a home.
Once the transfer switch is connected, it is essentially connected to the electrical system of the house or building. The home or building can now accept full power from the portable generator allowing the operator to run more than one electrical appliance or electrical device during a long outage.
A transfer switch is also safe to use during an outage because the switch automatically protects the utility line from back feeding. In an emergency situation, this comes in handy because you may not remember to shut off the main power source. The transfer switch eliminates this worry.
How to maintain your gas or fuel in outdoor equipment
You should remember to use a fuel stabilizer for gas-powered generators. Not only will a fuel stabilizer prevent any erosion, rust, winter freeze-ups, and phase separation in E-10, but it will also improve performance by boosting the octane, and reducing oil fumes and toxic emissions.
Without this stabilizer, you can cause problems later when starting your outdoor equipment. If you plan on operating the machine often, you shouldn’t worry too much about this. If you will let you should probably drain the carburetor for better performance.
Solar Generators
You may also find solar-powered generators available to you. Surprisingly many of these solar batteries are quite powerful, some units can run large appliances for up to 24 hours on a single charge.
A great thing about these generators is that you can use them indoors. Remember they are solar powered so no emissions are coming out of those units. They are good for the environment and convenient for the owner. They are also great for tailgating.
Solar generators can be charged with solar panels in about 6 – 8 hours. You can also charge these units using a traditional AC wall plug, although it may take a bit longer to charge.
Common Generator Features
Generators come with many different features
- Circuit-breaker-protector prevents overload to power outlets
- Bigger fuel tanks for longer run time
- Integrated fuel gauges help prevent power interruptions
- Safe power for smaller and more sensitive electronics
- Low-tone mufflers for quiet operation
- Wheels and handles for easy mobility
Portable Generator Safety
You should always read the owner’s manual for specific tips about your machine. Make sure to follow all operating instructions on your manual and pay attention to any warnings. We will cover some general information and things that we may have found in our research and use in these products.
PLEASE: Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poison
- Always use these units outdoors away from windows and doors for good ventilation
- Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage
- Carbon Monoxide is a deadly poisonous gas with no smell (A silent killer)
- Make sure you’ve carbon monoxide alarms in your home or building
- Even if it’s one of the best portable generators under $500, it will still emit carbon monoxide through the exhaust
- Don’t think using a fan for ventilation indoors somehow makes it safer, it doesn’t
Generator Placement and Operation
- Always keep children away from generators.
- Make sure to disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent it from starting when not in use
- Always keep the generator on a level surface
- Make sure to have about 5 feet of space on all sides of the generator when in use.
- Generators can be used outdoors in different weather look at the manual for specifics.
- Contact customer service or a nearby dealer for parts.
- Never run a generator indoors.
- Never leave it exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, or dust
Avoid Burns & Fires
- Gas is a very flammable substance. Use only as instructed in the manual.
- Never overfill the gas tank. Fuel can spill and cause a fire.
- Only add fuel if the generator is cool and off.
- Allow room for the fuel to expand.
- Do not touch a hot generator.
- Never store a machine with fuel. Gas vapors can catch fire near open flames or sparks.
- Do not smoke near fuel or a generator.
Electricity Hazards
- Never connect a generator directly to your household’s electrical wiring, it can be deadly.
- Never connect a generator directly to a regular household outlet.
- Make sure to only ever start or stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected.
- Make sure to never overload your generator. It can cause damage to appliances.
- Pay attention to the output rating and don’t use more than it was designed for.
- Always use what you need and never power things that are not essential to avoid overloading.
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords to plug appliances into the generator
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge
- Do not use cords with exposed wires
- Do not operate the generator in wet conditions such as rain or snow.
- The generator must be properly grounded. If it is not grounded, you risk electrocution.
Q & A
What is the difference between maximum (surge) watts rated watts?
Maximum watt – the power a generator can produce during a short period of time. On the other hand, rated watts are the power a portable generator can produce continuously.
A car motor needs more power to start. This is an example of maximum watts.
Can I use a portable generator during a power outage?
Yes, you can plug household appliances and electronic devices into a portable generator. Make sure to not overload or use more power than the generator can power.
Can I plug a portable generator into a wall socket?
Never plug your generator directly into a wall outlet in your home or building. Connect a heavy-duty outdoor-rated plug from the generator to the appliance. Read the owner manual if unsure.
Can I connect my portable generator to my house?
Yes, but you should have a certified electrician install an approved manual power transfer switch in compliance with electrical codes.
What is a transfer switch?
A transfer switch gives you the ability to connect a portable generator to your home or building’s electrical system. It also disconnects you from the utility grid preventing any back-feed to the utility line.
What is a back-feed?
A back-feed is a life-threatening hazard that occurs when a generator is plugged into an electrical outlet, feeding power back onto the utility lines.
Can I use the generator during inclement weather?
You can use a generator during a wide variety of weather conditions. Protect for the elements and read the owner’s manual for specifics.
Does a portable generator need to be grounded?
Yes, a generator should be properly grounded. If the generator is not properly grounded, you run the risk of electrocution.
Can I vent the generator exhaust indoors?
You should never run a generator indoors and indoor ventilation is not sufficient. Please do not think a fan will properly vent carbon monoxide. Read the owner’s manual carefully.
How often should I perform routine maintenance?
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.
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