The Best 10 Smallest Portable Generator Review

Portable generators are available in a wide range of sizes and designs. Several gadgets are available on the marketplace, ranging from those that fit your shelves to those needing wheels to travel everywhere. But which one is the smallest portable generator?

In this article, we’ll look at the smallest portable generator on the market at the moment. After all, most folks are looking for the best portable generators in the very first place, whether it’s due to a lack of room in their storage, the difficulty of moving a large machine, or the ability to integrate them in the trunk of a car. It makes perfect sense to seek out the little of them and choose the smallest portable generator.

Their diminutive size, though, comes at a cost. Due to the small size, the generator’s power, fuel supply, and the type and number of accessible outlets. Furthermore, they are not necessarily as expensive as their larger equivalents. On the opposite, it may be harder to fit a fully functional generator inside a compact, portable box with its components.

Most generators are small, and mostly small portable generator is inverter generators. Inverter generators will help most people because they can directly power any device, including delicate electronics, but keep in mind that they have a higher price/wattage ratio. You can take a lot of power with these portable devices.

Even the smallest portable generator can perform the majority of leisure and hobbyist jobs. The demand for them is incredible. So there you have it: the ten smallest portable generators on the market right now!

TOP 10 SMALLEST PORTABLE GENERATORS

1. LIFN ESI 860I-CA

 

Its approximate measurements are 14 x 9 x 13 inches “The Lifan ESI 860i-CA” is the smallest portable generator on the list, with a weight of only 23 lbs. Because of its compact size, it’s ideal for generating power on the road, taking on a camping vacation, or doing modest DIY projects.

Its Lifan 40cc OHV 4-stroke engine produces 600 operating watts and 700 starting watts. Compared to comparable units of equal power, it gives 3 hours of run time at 50% load, a misleading statistic. However, if you are experiencing a brief power outage or have a tiny task to complete, its short duration is ideal.

Its control panel includes a single AC outlet (NEMA 5-20R) as well as a 12V receptacle for charging your batteries. Because it’s an inverter generator, it has a low THD (less than 2%), making it safe to use any appliances with sensitive electrical components (laptops, mobile phones, etc.). Must ensure all the safety concerns so that the generator runs smoothly.

The unit complies with CARB regulations (which means it can be purchased in 50 states). It also contains a low oil sensor to avoid engine damage and circuit breakers to prevent overloading, so it can be operated without anxiety.

Compared to comparable powered devices, the pricing of this model is average.

PROS

• Within the anticipated pricing range
• Inverter
• Effortless (23 lbs)

CONS

• There is only one AC outlet.
• There are no parallel ports.
• Run time is relatively short.

2. SPORTSMAN GEN1000I

The Sportsman GEN1000i portable generator is a great example of the modern smallest portable generator technology. Given its tiny dimensions of 15.6 x 8 x 13.8 inches, the 40 ccs, OHV 4-stroke engine provides up to 800 running watts and 1000 starting watts “and a weight of 20.3 lbs. This combination of characteristics makes it excellent for generating electricity on the go, taking it on a camping vacation, or working on minor DIY projects.

When measured at 50 percent load, the GEN1000i has a 6.3-hour runtime. With this in mind, the GEN1000i is an excellent choice for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid. Given its power, the generator produces very little noise. 

This generator’s control panel includes one AC outlet and a USB port. As a result, you may plug in your phone and other portable devices directly.

The Sportsman GEN1000i is a 5-percent THD inverter generator. You can trust it to power THD-sensitive electronics reliably, just as you can with any other inverter generator (phones, laptops, etc.).

The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. This implies I can work and function in every condition. You also go for the option of a portable generator shelter that protects it from rain and snow. The unit’s operation is made simple by a low oil sensor that prevents engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload. The Sportsman GEN1000i is less expensive than its competitors in terms of price.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Inverter
• Effortless (20.3 lbs)
• Quiet generators because of its strength (56 dBA)
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• There is only one AC outlet.
• There are no parallel ports.
• Run time is relatively short.

3. SPORTSMAN GEN1000

The Sportsman GEN1000 is a Portable generator that weighs 38 pounds. It is driven by a 72 cc 2-stroke engine that can provide up to 900 running watts and 1000 starting watts, which are ideal for minor DIY projects, generating power on the go, or powering your RV.

This generator has a deceivingly long 5-hour runtime at 50% load, making it ideal for tailgating or working remotely on one of your projects for half a day. The control panel of the GEN1000 has one AC outlet (NEMA 5-20R).

The device may be operated with complete peace of mind thanks to its low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage, and circuit breakers, which prevent overload. The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

When compared to similar-capacity devices, the Sportsman GEN1000 is less expensive.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Effortless (38 lbs)

CONS

• There is only one AC outlet.
• A mixture of gas and oil is necessary (2-cycle engine)
• On the noisier side of things (65 dBA)
• Run time is relatively short.
• Fuel efficiency is low.

4. PULSAR PG1202S

The Pulsar PG1202S weighs in at 37.5 pounds. Its 72 cc 2-stroke Ducar engine generates up to 1200 starting watts and 850 running watts, which are ideal for anyone looking to create electricity on the go, conduct some modest DIY projects, or add power to their RV.

At 50% load, the Pulsar PG1202S can provide power for up to 8.5 hours. Given its strength, this is a common value. As a result, if you don’t want to worry about running out of gas in the middle of the night, the PG1202S is great.

Compared to comparable devices of similar wattages, the PG1202S has a fairly high noise emission rating. It has a sound level of 65 decibels at a distance of 23 feet.

A control panel supplies the power for the PG1202S with two AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) and a 12V receptacle. The PG1202S makes it easy to charge your batteries in this manner.

Furthermore, this generator is equipped with circuit breakers to avoid overload, ensuring your comfort and safety as a user. The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Pulsar PG1202S is considered less expensive than its competitors when it comes to price.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Effortless (37.5 lbs)

CONS

• A mixture of gas and oil is necessary (2-cycle engine)
• On the noisier side of things (65 dBA)

5. YAMAHA EF1000IS

With its 50 ccs, OHV 4-stroke Yamaha MZ50 engine, this little gem of the smallest portable generator can produce up to 1000 starting watts and 900 operating watts. It’s ideal for generating power on the go, on a camping vacation, or for small-scale DIY projects.

This power can be collected easily through the EF1000iS’s control panel, which has two AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-15R) and a 12V receptacle, which is ideal for charging your batteries.

The EF1000iS, like some of the other generators on this list, is an inverter generator with a THD of less than 2.5 percent, allowing you to directly power-sensitive electronic items (phones, laptops, etc.).

When evaluated at a 25% load, the Yamaha EF1000iS runs up to 11.9 hours – a fantastic value given its features. This, for example, makes the EF1000iS an excellent choice for running all night.

The Yamaha EF1000iS makes some noise like any other portable generator when running. The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The device may also be run securely even when you aren’t always there, owing to a low oil sensor that avoids engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload.

In conclusion, we believe the Yamaha EF1000iS is overpriced for its power.

PROS

• Inverter
• Effortless (27.9 lbs)
• Quiet because of its strength (47 dBA)
• Long run time
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• On the pricey side
• There are no parallel ports.

6. HONDA EU1000I 

The Honda EU1000i is next on the chopping block. Even at this point in our ranking, it is shockingly light and compact, weighing only roughly 28.7 pounds and measuring 17.8 x 9.5 x 14.9 inches “. The Honda GXH50’s 49.4 cc OHV 4-stroke smallest portable generator engine produces up to 900 operating watts and 1000 starting watts. These characteristics make the Honda EU1000i ideal for generating power on the go, taking on a camping vacation, or doing small-scale DIY projects.

Because the EU1000i is parallel capable, it may be connected to any compatible generator in series for even more power. The Honda EU1000i is a three-phase inverter generator with a low THD of 3%. As a result, it may safely power equipment that includes sensitive electronic components (phones, laptops, etc.).

The Honda EU1000i boasts a 6.8-hour runtime at 25% load regarding autonomy. Nonetheless, this duration is ideal for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid. This generator’s output produces noise emissions as low as 42 dB when measured at a distance of 23 feet (just slightly noisier than a library). It also has two AC outlets on the control panel.

The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Compared to its comparably powered competitors, the Honda EU1000i is on the higher end of the price spectrum.

PROS

• capable of working in parallel
• Inverter
• CO Observer
• Effortless (28.7 lbs)
• Quiet because of its strength (42 dBA)
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• On the pricey side
• Run time is relatively short.

7. WEN 56125I

The sixth little generator in our list is a one-of-a-kind creation. The dimensions are 17 x 9 x 16.5 inches. “WEN 56125i is huge and hefty, weighing in at 31.6 pounds. It’s also an inverter generator with less than 1.2 percent THD. This gadget can safely power sensitive electronic items like phones and computers. You can also charge your gadgets with best portable solar panels that charge your devices and gadgets effectively. Furthermore, the 56125i is parallel capable, which may be connected to a suitable generator to increase output. 

The WEN 56125i is powered by a 60cc WEN OHV 4-stroke engine that produces 1250 starting and 1000 running watts. This wattage makes it excellent for on-the-go power generation, camping, and small-scale DIY projects.

When measured at a 50 percent load, it can run for up to 5 hours. Compared to comparable powered units, this runtime value appears somewhat misleading. Regardless, the 56125i’s runtime makes it an excellent pick for tailgating or working on a project for half a day.

Given its power, we can consider the WEN 56125i’s noise emissions minimal. 

The 56125i and its functionalities are managed via a specialized control panel with two AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) and two USB ports on the top, allowing you to plug in your phone and other portable devices immediately.

The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Because of its safety features, such as a low oil sensor that prevents engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload, the WEN 56125i is an overall safe gadget to use.

In terms of price, the WEN 56125i falls within the low-cost category.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• capable of working in parallel
• Inverter
• Effortless (31.6 lbs)
• Quiet because of its strength (51 dBA)
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• Run time is relatively short.

8. WESTINGHOUSE IGEN1200

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The Westinghouse iGen1200 is the sixth smallest portable generator on our list, as well as in our carefully selected rankings. Its measurements are 18 x 10 x 15.5 inches “and a 33-pound weight.

Inside is a 54 cc Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke engine with 1000 operating watts and 1200 starting watts. As a result, the Westinghouse iGen1200 is an excellent choice for producing power on the go, on a camping trip, or for small-scale DIY projects. Due to its parallel capability, these values may be quadrupled by connecting it to another parallel capable generator in parallel.

Compared to its power output, the Westinghouse iGen1200 emits very little noise. At a distance of 23 feet, they reach 52 decibels (slightly louder than a normal conversation).

Furthermore, the Westinghouse iGen1200 is an inverter generator with slightly under 3% THD, comparable to similar devices. As a result, it may be used to power a wide range of sensitive electronic devices, such as phones and laptops.

The Westinghouse iGen1200 has a deceivingly short 9-hour runtime when tested at 25% load.

The control panel on the iGen1200 has two AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) and two USB ports. As a result, it is excellent for instantly connecting your mobile phone and other portable devices.

You can use this gadget without concern because it has a low oil sensor that prevents engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload. The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

The Westinghouse iGen1200 is less expensive than similar-capacity competitors.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• capable of working in parallel
• Inverter
• Effortless (33 lbs)
• Quiet because of its strength (52 dBA)
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• Run time is relatively short.

9. ECHO EGI-1200

The second-to-last device on our list measures 16 x 11 x 16 inches. Even for a portable generator, it weighs in at 30 lbs, which is still quite light. The ECHO EGi-1200 is the model.

It has a 60 cc OHV 4-stroke engine that can provide 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts. With these wattages, this model is perfect for anyone who needs to generate power on the road, take it camping, or perform some modest DIY projects. And if they weren’t enough, you can easily double them by linking them with another parallel capable device thanks to its parallel capability!

At a 50% load, the power above can be drained for up to 5.2 hours on a single tank. This is a somewhat misleading value for a generator with this power output. As a result, the ECHO EGi-1200 is ideal if you need to easily withstand extended power outages or spend most of your time off-grid.

The ECHO EGi-1200, like several of the other gadgets on this list, is an inverter generator that may be used to safely power sensitive electronics, such as cell phones or laptops, thanks to its THD of less than 3%. Compared to other devices of similar wattages, our noise levels were somewhat excessive. 

The EGi-1200 gets its power from its control panel, which has two AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), a 12V receptacle, and two USB ports. As a result, you may charge your batteries and directly plug in your phone and other portable devices comfortably.

The device has a low oil sensor that prevents engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload, giving us a sense of security and comfort. The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Finally, the ECHO at-1200’s price should be deemed typical compared to other portable generators with similar output.

PROS

• Within the anticipated pricing range
• capable of working in parallel
• Inverter
• Effortless (30 lbs)
• Efficient use of fuel

CONS

• On the noisier side of things (64 dBA)
• Run time is relatively short.

10. POWERMATE PM1200I

The Powermate PM1200i is the tenth smallest portable generator in the ranking. This gem, which weighs 33 pounds and generates 1200 starting and 1000 running watts, can generate up to 1200 beginning and 1000 running watts. It has a 54 cc OHV 4-stroke engine and is a fantastic gadget for generating electricity on the road, on a camping vacation, or for small-scale DIY projects. The PM1200i’s electricity may be easily accessed via its control panel and two AC outlets.

It is, unsurprisingly, an inverter generator with a THD of less than 3%. As a result, you can use the PM1200i to directly power-sensitive electronic gadgets (phones, laptops, etc.).

When measured at a 25% load, the Powermate PM1200i’s runtimes can reach up to 7 hours. Given the unit’s power, this is a somewhat misleading rating. Regardless, the PM1200i is an excellent choice for surviving long power outages or spending most of the day off-grid.

The unit complies with CARB regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Furthermore, the device runs safely even if you take your eyes off it, thanks to a low oil sensor that prevents engine damage and circuit breakers that prevent overload. There are some accessories that, when you set up with it, provide efficiency and good performance, Those are necessary gadgets. Look for generator accessories when using portable generators.

In conclusion, the Powermate PM1200i’s price is fair for its capabilities.

PROS

• Within the anticipated pricing range
• Inverter
• Effortless (33 lbs)

CONS

• There are no parallel ports.
• Run time is relatively short.

Conclusion

Even though portable generators aren’t the most powerful or longest-running generators on the market, they are the most compact and easy to carry, which is what most people want in a portable generator.

We hope you’ve found at least one or two generators that you’ll find useful.