Getting a diesel generator is a priority list item for homeowners who require power 24/7. On top of being a backup to your home electricity, you can use it to power equipment in your garage. The portability aspect makes it a reliable source of energy for camping. However, before buying one, there is a need to scrutinize the best small diesel generator to be sure of the power it is capable of producing, its weight, and other features that may be useful for you.
Since my professional background makes me more conversant with generators, I plan to save you the time and hassle of having to assess all the available models. Therefore, I have compiled this review that highlights seven of the best generators you can find online. By highlighting their features, strengths, and notable weaknesses, this article should help you make better decisions when going to acquire one. The information also will help you understand why a certain brand is common amongst a specific group of people who share similar interests, such as camping.
Also, you need to know whether the mini diesel generator runs on gas only or if it allows you to use other sources of fuel. Expect to find a discussion of these features in each of the product reviews below.
Reviews of 7 Top Generators
Contents
Every generator has unique characteristics. Thus, I will discuss each separately while pointing out its features, pros, and cons to help you select a suitable one.
1. Durostar DS400S- Best Portable Diesel Generator for Heavy-Duty Usage
Specifications:
- Wattage: 4000 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet.
- Engine: DuroStar 208cc OHV engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
The first thing that comes to my mind when I look at this generator is that it can be used for tasks that consume a lot of power. It is a generator made with the needs of a small-scale and large-scale power users in mind. Whether you need it as a backup for your home or for performing site jobs such as construction, the Durostar generator will be a reliable power source.
The diesel generator heavy duty has a surge power of 4000 watts and is capable of providing you with a constant power of 3300 watts. In my opinion, it is enough to power to keep your home running without limiting any of your operations. It is also enough power to maintain heavy-duty appliances running. It can also sustain several types of equipment running simultaneously without experiencing a breakdown.
You will also love the flexibility this generator offers you. It has a thirty amperes outlet, and two 120volts outlets commonly associated with household equipment. Therefore, you have the option of hooking the power cables to the outlet that suits the task you are about to perform.
The flexibility also suits the needs of the campers because they can alternate the outlets depending on the activity they perform. For example, you can use the 120volts outlet. However, when using it for simpler tasks, you can switch to the lower power outlets.
Related post: 1200-watt Portable Generator.
Another exciting feature of this generator is that it has a 3.96-gallon capacity fuel tank. Therefore, when in a full tank, you can perform your activities for more than six hours without having to worry about refueling. It also means that you do not have to worry about carrying huge amounts of extra fuel when going outdoors.
The gadget is powered by a 208cc engine that enables it to run for extended hours continuously. Unlike the regular generators, you are used to, the Durostar engine can withstand pressure, hence making the generator efficient.
There is no need to feel intimidated about operating the DS400S. The important thing you have to remember is to add oil to the fuel tank. The funnel provided when buying should help make the process easier and less messy. Also, it has an on and off button that shows you when it’s working. Additionally, there is a voltmeter that shows the voltage being produced when the gadget is in use.
What’s included:
- Generator
- It is a heavy-duty gadget that can power most heavy-duty machines without experiencing a hitch.
- It has multiple outlets.
- It is of all-metal construction; hence it is durable.
- It has a circuit breaker.
- It weighs 90 pounds, which is heavy, but it is not an issue as it has wheels and a handle that enhances portability.
2. DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator- Reliable Diesel Portable Generator for Home Use
Specifications:
- Wattage: 12000 watts
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Power Panel: 2х 120V/20AMP outlets, 1х 120v/30AMP twist lock outlet, 1х 120/240V 30AMP outlet, 1х 50-amp
- Engine: DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane
With the current technological revolution, it is hard to say something cannot be done. How would you have reacted if sometime back I told you that a generator could run on both liquid propane and gasoline? Many would have dismissed the idea entirely. Well, prepare to be surprised because DuroMax has finally done it with its XP12000EH model. It is a feature whose objective is to ensure a lack of gas should not be the reason you experience a blackout. It also provides affordable alternatives to consumers using this generator.
What amazes me is how much effort DuroMax has put into ensuring that the fuel versatility feature is not a flop. They have taken care of the efficiency aspect too. When using gasoline, the generator is capable of generating 12000 watts of surge power and constant power of 9500 watts. On the other hand, when on propane, it delivers 11,400 watts of surge power and a running power of 9025 watts. Therefore, you can rely on it to deliver you enough power when using either of the fuels.
What’s included:
- DuroMax XP12000EH Electric Start Generator.^ 12V Generator Battery.^ Generator Wheel Kit.^ Generator Tool Kit.^ DuroMax Operating Manual.
- It has the potential to use liquid propane and gasoline.
- It produces enough power for use in activities other than home use.
- It has individual circuit breakers that help prevent power overload when using this generator.
- It has an external strong metal frame cart for better transport and damage protection.
- The wheel fitted on the cart comes prone to quick damage.
3. WEN 56200i Super Quiet Generator – Diesel Inverter Generator
Specifications:
- Wattage: 1600 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 2х three-prong 120V receptacles, 1х 12V DC receptacle, 1х 5V USB port
- Engine: EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
Imagine 2000 Watts of clean energy. More to it, imagine this energy being delivered in a very quiet manner. These are just the very hints of the experience you are about to enjoy once you buy yourself the Wen 56200i portable generator. The US Department of Health and Human Services argued that it produces almost the same level of noise as that of a normal conversation between people.
Technological innovations in this generator have helped it achieve low levels of noise emission. Its minimal level of pollution has enabled it to achieve level III certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It has also been issued a compliance certificate by the California Air Resources Board.
On top of reduced noise, there are other advantages you get to enjoy with this generator. The first of these is that it is very friendly to use with your electronic devices. The generator comes fitted with an advanced electronic circuit system that has almost the same frequency and voltage as a perfect sine wave. In simpler terms, this improved circuitry makes it safe for you to power your sensitive electronics such as laptops and smartphones without fearing they will get damaged. Moreover, among its features is a USB port where you can directly charge your phone and other electronic devices.
If you care for the environment, there is so much to love about Wen 56200i. The company has made an effort to ensure they are a top choice for environmentally friendly generators. Therefore, they have included an eco-mode to this product. When you switch to this mode, the generator’s motor will automatically fluctuate its fuel consumption when you plug or unplug your electronic devices. The whole process helps you save on fuel as it regulates the generator’s engine speed, depending on whether it is working or not.
What’s included:
- Spark Plug Wrench, Flathead Screwdriver, Instruction Manual
- It is a very quiet generator; hence there is minimum noise pollution.
- It contains a USB port you can use to charge your electronic devices.
- It has been fitted with an advanced circuit system to make it safer to use with your electronic devices.
- It contains eco-mode features that help save on fuel consumption.
- Customers complain about topping up the engine oil being a challenge.
4. A-iPower SUA 2000 – Small Diesel Inverter Generator
Specifications:
- Wattage: 2000 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 1-NEMA 120VAC 20A Household 1-NEMA 120VAC 30A L5-30R Locking 1-12VDC 8.3A Adapter Plug
- Engine: 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
Are you a fan of quiet gadgets? If you are, SUA 2000 produces a noise of 58 decibels only. Thus, it gives you peace when running equipment in your garage. It is not one of those machines that you will always look forward to turning off. You will enjoy working with it and only turn it off when you have finished your work.
Unlike Durostar and other heavy-duty gadgets, its fuel tank holds only 1.1 gallons of fuel. The fuel is capable of running the generator for four hours when using a hundred percent capacity. When it is running at 50% capacity, it can go for seven hours non-stop.
Of course, it is more than most people can work without going for breaks. It has a fuel gauge that notifies you when you are running out of fuel. That is unlike a regular generator that goes off without sending a warning.
Usually, you will find that even on your busiest day, you will need to take a break to freshen up, grab a snack, or have lunch. During these breaks, you can add fuel to the tank and continue with your job after the break.
It weighs 14.2 pounds only, which is less compared to other generators weighing more than fifty pounds. Thus, you can lift it by yourself without needing extra help. When you follow the manual, you can also get it running even if you don’t have technical skills.
If you are an environmental lobbyist, this gadget might be what you need. It has inverter technology that enables it to produce clean power. Thus, pollution to the environment is minimal. It has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to run in all fifty states in the United States.
What’s included:
- Generator
- It is light, hence portable.
- It produces clean energy. Hence it is friendly to the environment.
- It is easy to run as you can read all directions in the manual.
- It may not be able to power commercial gadgets.
5. Champion – Small Portable Diesel Generator
Specifications:
- Wattage: 4000 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 1х 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), 1х 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R). 2х 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R)
- Engine: 224cc Champion engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane
Part of my road trip dream scenario is camping in my RV in one of this country’s scenic places such as the Grand Canyon. Even when not camping, some people have made temporary homes in their RVs. Have you ever stopped to think about how they get enough energy to power these holiday homes? They are part of the largest market niche for portable generators. I say this because the Champion Digital Hybrid is one of the most loved generators among RV owners.
There is a reason why it is a popular choice among this group of people. The first is that it is capable of producing 3500 to 4000 watts. You can consider this as enough energy to enable you to have a fun moment in your RV. Precisely it is enough to support functions such as the air conditioner, entertainment units, cooking appliances, and lighting.
Another reason it is popular is because of the low level of noise it produces. I don’t think there is much you can enjoy if you have a noisy generator sitting on your RV. The Champion only generates a noise level of 64 dBa. Therefore, when placed 23 feet away, you can hardly feel the noise disturbance.
What’s included:
- Generator
- It is one of the fairly affordable portable generators.
- It is very efficient in fuel consumption.
- It can be started up using a remote control.
- It generates enough power with minimal noise.
- You will have to buy its wheel kit separately.
6. Champion 338 with 224cc Engine
Specifications:
- Wattage: 3800 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 1х 120V 30A RV, 2х120V 20A (less than 3% THD) 1х 12V DC 1х outlet with dual USB adapter
- Engine: 224cc Champion engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline / Propane
It is not every time that you will be in a position to run a generator on gas. During such times, you need a gadget that can run on multiple types of fuel. Champion 338 comes in to fulfill your needs during such times. It can use gas or propane, and it can run efficiently on both.
With a 224cc engine, it can produce 4750 watts at the start and 3800 when running. That is more than the iPower generator can produce. Hence, you can use it to run heavy-duty gadgets in your home, in the garage, or in your small business. It will not disappoint even when running at full capacity.
What’s included:
- Generator, Wheel Kit, Propane Hose, Engine Oil, Oil Funnel
It weighs 95.7 pounds and is made of cast iron that can withstand a high level of pressure. Hence, it is durable, and with proper maintenance, it can last several years.
- It is made with durable cast iron.
- It has a volt guard for protection against power surges.
- It can use both gas and propane.
- It may be too loud for some people.
7. Champion 3500-Watt RV Generator
Specifications:
- Wattage: 3500 watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Panel: 1х 120V 30A RV, 2х120V 20A (less than 3% THD) 1х 12V DC 1х outlet with dual USB adapter
- Engine: Champion 196cc engine
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
The 3500 watts Champion generator contains a four-stroke 196cc gasoline-powered engine. When operating at full capacity, it is capable of delivering you a constant 3500 watts of energy. We are talking of enough power to sustain all your household appliances. Therefore, not only is this generator a reliable choice for camping but it can also be used as a backup in your home.
Everything about this generator speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s intentions to create efficiency. The first aspect of its efficiency is the fact that it contains a typical thirty-ampere outlet. People who use it with their RVs understand that this is good news. It means that you do not have to buy extra cables to use it with your RV.
What’s included:
- Generator
- It is an efficient alternative for RV users as it comes with a specific 30-ampere outlet for their needs.
- It contains volt guards for all its power outlets.
- It can easily be fired up even under cold weather.
- It has a limited form of warranty.
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Should I Go for a Portable Generator?
Absolutely. If you need one, why not choose one from among the above generators? Be sure to check the weight of the gadget. If you are carrying it around, you need one that is easy to lift. Also, you can choose a generator with wheels and a handle for the smooth movement of the gadget.
Another feature you should be looking out for is the capacity of the engine. If you want a generator that will power table saws, lawnmowers, and other heavy-duty machines, you must select a generator with a very powerful engine, for example, the Durostar whose engine capacity is 208cc, or Champion at 226cc.
Also, do you have enough space to store the gadget? If space is not an issue, then it means you can select any of the above generators. In my experience, all of them are efficient, depending on one’s uses and the features that you desire. Have you ever used any of these generators? How long has it served you, and would you recommend it to other people?
