What are the best portable generators for cold weather in 2020 ?
If you are in the market to buy the best portable generator for cold weather in 2020, you are in the right place.
I could tell you to stop reading right now and go buy the Jackery Explorer 500 and you would probably be good to go.
But before you do just that, I’m sure you want to compare the top generators out there and make a choice for yourself based on your needs.
Let me tell you how I winded up writing this top 10.
It all started when my wife and I bought an RV a few months ago.
Owning an RV also means owning a bunch of things like grills, pellet smokers, small blenders, etc.
It didn’t take long to realize we couldn’t power all those things without buying a proper generator.
One of our friends owns a hardware store so we figured it was a nice opportunity to borrow a few portable generators and test them.
We also relied on him for advice since he was the expert. To be honest he didn’t know as much as we wanted but at least he could lend us a few for us to test out.
Since we spent all this time (not that much time) and money (not that much money) testing these portable generators, I decided to create this top 10 to help you make the right choice to suit your needs. All of them are available on Amazon so it’s pretty much risk-free since you can return them for a full refund if you don’t like them.
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 - Portable Generator
This is the Explorer 500 by Jackery. Its powered by a 518Wh mobile lithium battery pack with 110V/500w AC outlet. It’s also solar ready.
This is the first model we tried and it ended up being our favorite. It’s reliable, durable and so versatile for outdoor use. Perfect for RVs and trailers.
As long as it’s under 500Wh, you can power pretty much anything you want with this thing. Outdoor grills, small blender, pellet smoker, household ice shaver, projector for a nice movie, you name it.
Specifications:
- Battery Capacity: 518Wh (24Ah, 21.6V)
- AC Output: 110V, 500W (1000W peak.)
- Car Port: DC 12V, 10A , 2*DC Output: 12V, 7A (Total 120W)
- USB Outputs (3): 5V, 2.4A (each)
- Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V (100W Max)
- Dimensions: 11.84*7.59*9.2 in
- Weight: 13.32lbs
Pros:
- Lithium Battery
- High Quality Design
- Ideal Power Station
- Solar-Ready
- Lightweight
- There's a $50 rebate on Amazon
Cons:
- Cannot power devices over 500W
- Not the cheapest
2. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 - Portable Generator
A bit predictable but the 240W Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 comes second in our top10. It’s exactly like the explorer 500 but less powerful. Its as reliable, as durable and even lighter than the explorer 500.
The particularity with this one is that its much quieter and much more eco-friendly. It’s lithium powered so it means no fumes, no smoke. It also mean you don’t have to worry about fuel or gasoline, it’s not needed. Just like the explorer 500, it’s solar ready so you can charge it with any solar panel.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 240Wh (16.8Ah, 14.4V)
- Battery Type: 67000mAh Lithium-ion Battery
- Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V (42W max. )
- AC Output: 110V, 200W (400W peak.)
- Car Port: DC 12V, 10A , 120 Watt
- USB Outputs (2): 5V, 2.4A (each)
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.05*5.24*7.87in
Pros:
- Lithium Battery
- High Quality Design
- Ideal Power Station
- Solar-Ready
- Lightweight
- Half the price of the explorer 500
Cons:
- Cannot power devices over 240W
3. Pulsar PG2000 - Inverter Generator
This is the Pulsar PG2000. It’s our number tree and it’s also the first gas-powered generator to make our top 10. It’s just so powerful and versatile, we couldn’t ignore it’s power.
It’s surprisingly pretty quiet with a maximum of 59dB when running close to full capacity. It’s virtually silent from about 10 feet away. Just like the Jackerys, it has a nice compact suitcase design to make it easier to transport. It also has some nice features like the ability to to connect 2 PG2000 units together for increased power output.
Specifications:
- 2000 Peak Watts
- 1600 Rated Watts
- Super quiet 59 decibels
- 80cc OHV Engine
- Two AC 120 Outlets
- One 12V DC 8A Outlet
- 5V DC USB Outlet
- 8 Hours of continuous operation at Half Load
- 1.18 Gallon Fuel Tank
- Include 12V Charging cable
- And more…
Pros:
- Extremely Powerful
- Lightweight
- Quiet Inverter Technology
- Perfect for tailgating and camping
- Almost 5 star rating on Amazon
Cons:
- Fuel powered can be a hassle
- A bit on the heavy side
4. ROCKPALS 300W Portable Power Station
This one we hesitated for while before making it our number four. It could easily have been our number three spot. Its another lithium powered power station. It’s the 300W ROCKPALS portable power station. Compared to most similar power stations out there, Rockpals decided to upgrade the AC output to 300W continuous (600w surge max).
That kind of power is perfect as a backup battery pack but it’s also perfect as an emergency backup power for either your home, for travel purposes, for camping etc. Besides the ability to power small appliances like Iphones, Ipad, laptops, fans, tv, lights, it’s also powerful enough to power bigger things like mini car refrigerators, amplifiers etc.
It’s not fuel powered so it’s extremely quiet. You can recharge it three different ways. It also is solar ready if you already own solar panels or if you plan to make that kind of setup in the future.
Specifications:
CAPACITY/ DISPLACEMENT | 75000mAh, 3.7V/280Wh |
RATED WATTS | 300 Watts |
SURGE WATTS | 600 Watts |
AC 120V OUTLET | 1x(Pure Sine Wave) |
DC 12V PORT | 4x12V, 1X24V |
USB2.0 PORT | 2x |
QC3.0 PORT | 2x |
PASS-THROUGH CHARGING | ✓ |
WEIGHT | 7.3lb |
Pros:
- Lithium Battery Powered
- Led Flashlight Included
- Rechargeable three ways
- Solar-Ready
- Pure sine wave inverter
- Save with $40 coupon on Amazon
Cons:
- Not as reliable as other models
- Only 3-5 hours of battery life
5. AIPER Portable Power Station Flash 150 GENERATOR
This is the first model below the 200W in our top 10. Yes it is less powerful but it also comes at a very affordable price. In the hundred dollar range, this power station is an excellent backup, fast charge lithium powered unit. Just like the other models showed before, it’s built for the outdoor so it’s perfect for camping and other similar activities.
The Aiper Flash 150 features with 162W battery capacity to provide a larger power than the similar items. It can be a LED light for about 28 hours based on the amazon reviews and a mini fan for about 7 hours.
It’s a very nice unit for home use, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking etc. Of course, to be on the safe side, you should always try to charge things which are below 150W.
Specifications:
Battery Capacity: 162Wh
Input port: 3.5*1.35mm, 11-24V 2A(30W max)
Weight: 3.86 lbs
Size: 10″x4.2″x5.2″
AC outpput port : 150W Continuous 200W Surge ( It can’t charge devices that requires over 150W)
1* QC3.0: 5V-9V,18W Max
1* TYPE C: PD2.0, 5V-20V, 30W max
1*car port: 9V-12.6V/10A, 120W max
2* USB-A: 5V 2.1A
Pros:
- Lithium battery powered
- Multi-functional safety protection
- Low-voltage protection
- Over-temperature protection
- Affordable price
- Save $10 with a coupon on Amazon
- 5 star rating on amazon
Cons:
- Cannot power devices over 150W
- Not as powerful as the other models
- Not as versatile as the other models
6. Honda HLS 290 - Portable Generator
You can’t talk battery without having to eventually talk about Honda. This is the HLS 290 portable lithium battery power station. It is once again a gas-free generator alternative. This is the second one we tested and frankly there’s nothing really bad we can say about this model.
Although it is now our personal favorite, it is considered to be one of the best non fuel powered backup battery station on the market. It’s not a a coincidence that it has the best rating of all the generator of it’s kind of amazon. It has been the amazon choice for quite some time now. Moreover, it’s price is quite decent for what it provides.
It feels like I am repeating myself but again it had been made for outdoor conditions so it’s pretty sturdy. It has all the usual plugs, including 2 USBs, 1 110V, 200W etc. It has a built in LED flashlight and the autonomy is comparable to the Jackerys.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 292Wh (20.3Ah, 14.4V)
- Input: 8mm DC, 12V~30V (42W max. )
- AC Output: 110V, 200W (400W peak.)
- Car Port: DC 12V, 10A , 120 Watt
- USB Outputs (2): 5V, 2.4A (each)
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.05*5.24*7.87
Pros:
- Lithium battery powered
- From a reputable company
- Perfect emergency kit
- Built for outdoor camping
- LCD Screen
- Solar-ready
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- Not rebates or coupons available
7. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt - Portable Generator
This has to be the sum um of outfoor generators as far as we are concerned. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is because of it’s price range. That being said, if you are looking for the ultimate power station, this it it. This is a 2200W 120V super quiet portable inverter generator.
Again, it has a perfect score on amazon with more than 200 comments. It can operate a variety of appliances, making it perfect for portable use at home, for camping hiking etc. Moreover, it can be used on job site and much more. It is fully powered by Honda so you know it’s reliable and durable.
Just like the Jackerys, you can get additional power by joining two unit with parallel cables for up to 4400w of raw power.
It is fuel powered. However, it’s exclusive eco-throttle system offers extremely great fuel efficiency. The best on the market. It can run up to almost 10 hours at full capacity. This makes for the ideal choice for overnight power or long-time applications.
Pros:
- High Quality Design
- Extremely powerful and reliable
- Durable
- Eco-throttle system
- 5 star rating
- Possibility to join 2 units for even more power
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Not as much information as we'd like to see on amazon
8. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator
Here is another of our personal favorite. The Rockpals 250W. You guessed it, another lithium powered rechargeable generator. If you went thru the other Rockpal specifications we listed before, it’s quite similar in terms of possibilities. Again built for camping so super strong materials and perfect for outdoor use.
By buying this model, you get the complete package of AC adapters, charging cables, DC to CIG socket adapter and a user guide. It is powered with the same sine wave inverted technology. It has a side fan for cooling which makes a little bit of noise but it’s noting compared to fuel powered units.
Furthermore, it is very comparable to the other model we have showed before. It is kind of its downfall as far as i’m concerned simply because there are other models at the same price offering more power and possibilities. Even then, it’s still an amazingly good product and just like the others, the people on amazon are loving it. It does have a $20 rebate since we started monitoring it.
Specifications:
- 250 Running Watts and 300 Surge Watts
- Large Capacity: 60Ah, 3.7V/ 222 Wh; 12V 18.5Ah High Quality Lithium Polymer Batteries
- Product weight: 5.5 lbs (2.5 KG)
- Dimensions: L 10 x W 4 x H 6 inch
- Input Recharging: DC 15V/ 4.0A (5.5×2.1mm)
- surge and short circuit protection
- temperature control, overcharge protection
- Pure Sine Wave AC power
Pros:
- Lithium Battery
- Cool design
- Lightweight
- $20 rebate on Amazon
Cons:
- Noisy cooling fan
- Not as powerful as other models
9. DUROMAX XP10000EH Gas Powered Portable Generator - Dual Fuel Portable Generator for RVs
Watt Electric Start Gas Powered Portable Generator
POWERFUL DUROMAX ENGINE: The XP10000EH is powered by a Duromax 18HP, 440cc OHV Engine.
POWERING EVERYONE EVERYWHERE: Like all DuroMax generators, the XP10000EH is EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 States.
DUAL FUEL TECHNOLOGY: The ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility to fuel choice.
MAXIMUM DUROMAX POWER: With Duromax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
PLENTY OF POWER: With 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts, this unit is well equipped to handle heavy loads and high amperage power tools.
Pros:
- Amazon's choice
- Extremely reliable
- Remote included
- On wheels
Cons:
- Not aesthetically pleasing
- Not the cheapest
- Gas Powered
10. Generac 7117 GP2200i 2200 Watt - Portable Generator
Generac GP2200i – The Quiet, Compact Inverter
The GP2200i inverter generator provides outdoor enthusiasts with a portable power solution designed for a variety of open-air festivities. From weekends in the woods to outdoor cookouts and get-togethers, this model provides the stable power you need without disturbing neighbors or surrounding wildlife.
Whether you’re tailgating for the big game or simply want to enhance your campsite experience without disrupting the environment around you, Generac’s GP2200i inverter generator is right for you. Parallel 2 units together for more power.
- Quiet, Compact, Easy to use. AC rated output running Watts: 1700, AC maximum output starting Watts: 2200. Rated 120 VAC Amperage-14.1
- Truepower technology provides clean, stable power ideal for sensitive electronics, tools and appliances while the 1.2 gallon fuel tank allows 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load
- Built-in handle makes it easy to transport and the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob simplifies startup procedures
- Economy mode provides excellent fuel economy and noise reduction while the LED status lights alerts you on low-oil, overload and power
- Parallel ready allows you to connect 2 inverters together for twice the power (parallel kit model 7118 sold separately)
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Parallel Ready
- Integrated off/run/chock knob
Cons:
- Not light (46 pounds)
- On the expensive side
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