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Best Portable Generators?

A couple things I learned in the retail sales and repair of generators.
1) The Honda generators produce power with a smoother sine wave. This is only a factor when using electronics (computers, etc) but it’s still a factor
2) Many/most generators are not manufactured by the company name plastered on the side of the unit. It’s a whore market.
 
MrBarrel said:
My usage will be minimal and for camping and sometimes on job sites. I really like the Honda and know that it will last. But I also consider the generators that have lasted 20+ years were made with better quality parts and with pride.
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Quality has been sacrificed for cheap labor.
 
Old Navy said:
B&S has several plants right here in the USA as well as Japan, China etc. Being made in the USA is slowly catching on even though the price is usually higher.
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The man has been in business for probably 40+ years. He represent 2 quality name product lines. You won't find equal quality products at Wlly World Home Depot , Lowes. and you get service after the sale.
 
lb-ft said:
I have a 1972 Honda generator that still runs like a dream.
I also have an eu2000i Honda.
Lastly I have a chi-com clone Honda 1000 unit I bought only because they had it marked down to $124 on clearance.
I might need a generator once a year.
I keep no gas in any of them. I drain the tanks and drain the carburetors after every use. I use only ethanol free premium. I don’t deviate from any of this, ever.
there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever in operation or build quality.

Quality:
Will it run 24/7 for a week during hurricane season? How much $ meat is in your deep freeze?
How much is my 40-hr old, 10 yr old Honda worth? Well it’s mint and I could probably get back the $800 it cost. New they’re $1150 now.
And when it comes to quality, the quality of even the pull cord or fuel tank or on off switch matters. It’s not usually connecting rods that leave you stranded with a cheap generator.

Operation:
Don’t have to fiddle with a Honda. They are considerably quieter than a cheap inverter unit. Also, how much do you care about the stuff you plug into your generator? The ability of your generator to quickly respond to continuously varying loads and the quality of those pesky sine waves and Hz matters.

If you just can’t swing a Honda, Echo power equipment recently came out with inverter generators. They are priced VERY aggressively, come from a quality Japanese brand, have a warranty and a great nationwide parts network.

if nothing else, buy what suits you, always run no ethanol premium, always drain the carb and tank, and store it properly.

Best of luck with all your adventures.
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Amen to all of what you’re suggesting. 3 Honda’s, always start, always work.
 
I bought the 3500 predator inverter, didn’t run the first tank of gas out (after proper break in) before it quit. Took it back for a replacement, this one ran almost a day and started surging terribly so another 3 hour drive to return it for a refund. I had read the thousands of great reviews on these but that was not my experience.
 
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MrBarrel said:
My usage will be minimal and for camping and sometimes on job sites. I really like the Honda and know that it will last. But I also consider the generators that have lasted 20+ years were made with better quality parts and with pride.
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Well said
 
Dusty Stevens said:
Didnt briggs go out of business? Their chinese big blocks put them under. No telling how many ive pulled out of the duck woods with a hole in the block. They were cast from the most porous pot metal ive ever seen. Some leaked oil before the first fire just out of the block. Relying on china ruined that great american company
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Well said, fighting a Briggs on my wood splitter as we speak.
 
MrBarrel said:
Besides Honda generators what other brands have you had success with?

Portable units and it will be used for camping purposes only.

Thanks for youre input.
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I've owned a Honda 2000 watt generator. Great generators but when I was in the market for another 2K (inverter), I bought a Champion 2000 inverter. At half the price, it's even better than the Honda. Better meaning it's as good on fuel, as quiet and starts with one pull Everytime. Very dependable also. I've had it for around 10 years and run it roughly 200 hours per year at deer and bear camp. Oil change it every year and have never been low on oil or had any issues. I'd highly recommend it. I bought the parallel kit and a second identical 2000 watt unit. They stack on top of each other with the parallel unit between them. Two combined give me 3400/4000 watts. For a fifth wheel with AC, the 3400 watts is needed. For my truck camper or even a tent camp, the 2K is all that's needed. Great units at a very good price.
 
According to Quora, about 80% of Walmart's goods come from China. Think about that the next time you need something you can get from an American manufacturer and how patronizing WalMart is enriching and strengthening a country that is not our friend.
 
I wish cheaper products worked as good as quality ones but that’s simply not the world we live in. If your ok always wondering if your genny will work on the next site or camping trip then gamble on a half priced unit but don’t complain when your family's left in the cold and dark or your crews left twiddling their thumbs on your dime when your bargain basement generators shut down LOL. I’ve learned my lesson many times over and when you figure in your frustration and lost down time it will far out weigh the small extra cost of buying a quality product in the first place. That’s my thought anyway,, Time is money/happiness…
 
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