Buying a 2000 Watt generator won’t give you enough power to supply enough electricity for your entire home during a power outage. It is, however, a very portable and useful generator that will keep the essentials running. They cost less to buy than large generators and use less fuel. So a smaller generator is much more economical to own.
A 2000 Watt generator is ideal for camping trips and for contractors who need a portable generator to supply electricity to a work site. If you’re using a generator to power your RV, portability is important, as is your fuel consumption. You have limited space so a smaller generator is obviously going to be easier to transport. Reducing the amount of gas that you need to take with you is another obvious benefit.
Best 2000 Watt Portable Generators Reviewed
- 1WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
- 2Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator
- 3Honda EU2200I 2200 Watt Inverter Generator
- 4Champion 100692 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 5Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 6DuroMax XP2200EH Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
- 7Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 Portable 2200 Watt Inverter Generator
- 8BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000 Watt
- 9PowerSmart Generator Super Quiet Generator 2200 Watt
- 10Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable Inverter Generator
Now let’s take a look at the top 2000 Watt portable generators on the market. We’ve taken consumer reviews of these products very seriously. This means that we’ve chosen the best 2000 Watt generators in the opinion of regular folk like you and me. All of these generators have been rated the best when it comes to quality, user functions and then there are some other reasons why some individual models have made the grade as being one of the best 2000 Watt generators. Some may have exceptionally low noise levels, which many prefer. Others may be more economical to run. Whatever the reason, all of these generators are of the highest standard for their price and the people who’ve bought them are impressed with the value that they’ve gotten from their hard earned cash.
1. WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
For unbeatable value for money, WEN generators must be the best. Despite being one of the cheapest 2000 Watt inverter generators, the WEN 56200i generator has specs that leave many of its competitors slightly red-faced and embarrassed. There are generators with a much higher price tag that don’t quite match some of the impressive specs that you’ll find on this 2000 Watt inverter generator.
It’s fantastically lightweight. If you’re going to be carrying your generator around quite a bit, you’ll be glad to see that the WEN 56200i weighs only 48 LBS and has a comfortable carrying handle, making it easy to carry using one hand.
It’s also very compact with exceptionally low noise levels (51dBA at 25% load), making it one of the best generators for campsites. The 79.7cc 4-stroke engine also meets all environmental standards, it is both EPA III and CARB compliant.
With 2000 watts of peak (surge) power, 1600W constant running power, and parallel operation outlets, you have all the power you’ll need. You also have the benefit of clean inverter supplied electricity and, of course, the economy of an electronically controlled eco-throttle.
It has all the power outlets that you need – two 120V AC sockets, a 12V DC outlet and a 5V USB outlet. As with any modern generator, all the power supply sockets are protected by circuit breakers and it has warning lights for low oil and current overload.
If you don’t have all that much to spend, but still want a 2000 Watt inverter generator that can hold its own amongst the best, the WEN 56200i will bring a smile to your face. It’s a high-quality portable generator with a 2-year warranty and provides a spec level comparable to the best 2000 Watt portable generators.
2. Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator
Westinghouse is a relative new comer to the portable generator market. They have, however, been in the power generator business longer than most. The Westinghouse Company built some of the first power stations in the US. With over a century of experience, Westinghouse is one of the best-placed companies to deliver excellent power generation products.
This dedication to excellence is clearly evident in the Westinghouse iGen2500 portable inverter generator. While being one of the lightest portable generators in its class (48.5 LBS), the Westinghouse iGen2500 produces a lot of power – 2500W peak power.
This power is delivered from a very efficient and silent running 98cc engine with a spark arrestor. The inclusion of parallel connection means that you can increase this power output if desired. Its portability is aided by a comfortable carrying handle. The Westinghouse iGen2500 is designed to be exceptionally quiet. I don’t have manufacturer specs for noise levels but, if I were to hazard a guess, I’d say that at 50% load, it’s well under 60dBA (lower than a conversational voice).
Fuel consumption compares well with the best, again I don’t have official specs, but you can expect up to 8-hours from the 1-gallon fuel tank. It has all the advantages of any inverter generator, being clean, low THD power and an economy mode that reduces fuel consumption. You also get a good array of power outlets – two 120V household receptacles and two USB outlets.
Unbeatable power and great build quality, places the Westinghouse iGen2500 comfortably among the best 2000 Watt (in this case 2500W) generators. It comes with the backing of a well-established company and a 3-year warranty.
3. Honda 662220 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
No self-respecting review of the best 2000W portable generators can be considered complete without including the Honda EU2200i. The Honda brand represents everything that is great about generator engineering – reliability, fuel economy, and longevity. Although this is one of the more expensive 2000W inverter generators, its pure magnificence is worth the price.
Powered by the legendary Honda GXR120 engine, you can be certain that this machine is going to keep you in good standing for many years. There has never been a more reliable engine and the fuel economy is off the charts.
It doesn’t cost much to fill the 0.95 gallon gas tank and you will get hours of runtime from this lean machine. If you’re not using much power, engage the eco mode which keeps the engine RPM low when power demand is less than 25%. This will give you up to 8.1 hours runtime. At maximum power output, this engine still outperforms most of its competitors – 3.2 hours runtime at 100% rated power.
The inverter is, as we would expect from Honda, one of the very best. You can bet that low THD power will of the highest standard and perfectly reliable. It has a peak output of 2,200 watts and a running capacity of 1,800W.
You won’t find a quieter generator either. When the engine is running at maximum RPM, the Honda EU2200 is quieter than most 2000W inverter generators when running at only 25% capacity. Noise levels won’t exceed 57dBA. Best sound levels, when using economy mode, can be as low as 48dBA.
The Honda EU2200i is perfect for camping and tailgating. Weighing only 47.4 pounds, you can take the compact little Honda generator where-ever you go. It has a tough plastic housing with a built-in handle.
Outlets are limited to 2 X 125V 20A household receptacles, no DC outlets are provided. The upgraded 2021 Honda EU2200iTAG also has CO monitoring which will shut the generator down if high levels of carbon monoxide are detected. Obviously, the Honda generator has parallel ports for tandem connection of two Honda EU2200i generators.
Paying a bit extra for the Honda EU2200i is something that you will appreciate as the years go by. These generators are virtually indestructible, ultimately fuel efficient, and a real pleasure to use. Knowing that are you buying from the best name in the portable generator business, has many benefits. Not least of which is the fantastic 3-year warranty and excellent dealership service.
4. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Champion Power Equipment has come a long way since they started manufacturing portable generators. Upgrades and improved reliability have made the affordable Champion 100692 one of the best 2000W generators for those of us who aren’t up to paying the high prices associated with premium brands.
The compact Champion 2000W inverter generator has a wonderfully modern design, which includes a great user panel with protective covers for all the outlets and easy access for maintenance.
Powered by the fuel-efficient and reliable 79cc Champion engine, it’s a pleasure to start in any type of weather, thanks to the very effective cold start technology. For a generator of this size, a recoil starter is normally all you get. Not having the luxury of an electric starter is not a big deal, it starts with ease.
The gas tank has a 1.05 gallon capacity, providing a mighty impressive 11.5 hours runtime. Variable engine speed means that the RPM will match the electricity demand for the inverter supplied outlets. This saves fuel and helps to make this one of the quietest 2000W inverter generators. Noise levels can be as low as 53dBA (from 23-feet away) when power demand is lower than 25% of the rated continuous output of 1,700W. Peak power is 2,000W.
I love the user panel. It’s practical with a great variety of outlets. Two 120V household receptacles supply clean electricity from a high-quality pure sine wave inverter (THD <3%). It has an automotive style 12VDC outlet for charging batteries. Battery charging cables are supplied with the generator, as well as a USB adapter for the 12V port. It has parallel ports to connect two Champion 10006292 2000W generators in tandem, using a parallel connection kit.
The mighty little Champion 100692 weighs only 39.5 pounds and has wonderfully easy access for basic maintenance. Without any tools, you can remove the sound insulated panels to top up the oil. They have even supplied a funnel that is designed for easy, spill-free top ups.
Great value is what defines the Champion 2000W inverter generator. It has all the mod cons, a fuel efficient (CARB and EPA certified engine), and wonderful 3-year warranty. A reliable power source, that’s safe for electronic equipment, at a very reasonable price. That’s hard to resist.
5. Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The Genkins entry level portable generator offers more power than the average 2000W inverter generator, with 2,300 peak watts and pretty respectable 1,900W continuous power output. This too is budget friendly model.
A reliable 79cc engine, with variable RPM, and a great inverter means that this 2000W+ generator can rank alongside the very best without being prohibitively expensive. Fuel economy is great. You’ll get around 8-hours runtime (at 50% lead) from the 1.36 gallon gas tank. It is also remarkably quiet, with noise levels ranging between 53 and 56dBA, depending on power demand.
This is one of the few 2000W generators with a built-in 120V 30A (RV ready) outlet. Usually this is only included in the parallel connection kit. Of course, this generator does have the option to connect another Genkins 2300W inverter generator to double your power output. Alongside the 30A outlet, it has 1 X 120V 20A (NEMA 5-20R) receptacle, and 2 X USB ports.
You start the Genkins 2300W in the same as just about any other 2000W generator, using a recoil pull starter. It starts easily and runs well. A single dial operates fuel on or off and the choke, simplifying things greatly.
Portability is tops, it weighs only 48 pounds and has a molded handle for easy carrying. A convenient opening, makes it pretty easy to check and add oil when needed.
With one of the best inverters (less than 2% THD) and a bit more power than many of the best 2000W generators, the Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator has a lot to offer. Affordable quality for a domestic grade generator. You have the backing from a reputable brand and a 2-year warranty.
6. DuroMax XP2200EH Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
The DuroMax XP2200EH “Sidekick” is one of the few 2000W inverter generators that provides dual fuel capabilities. This means that you have the option of using gas or propane as a fuel source. The versatility of choosing your fuel type can be a great benefit when gas is in short supply and propane is a much cleaner burning fuel, making it the environmentally friendly choice.
The DuroMax XP2200EH looks the part, comparable to the best modern inverter generators. A molded plastic housing makes it reasonably quiet, rated at 61dBA. The 79cc engine is also completely up to date, complying with all emission standards (EPA and CARB).
Fuel economy may not be the best but still quite reasonable. The DuroMax 2000W inverter generator is fitted with a 1.2 gallon gas tank which will provide 6.78 hours runtime at 50% load. Using a 20 LB propane tank, you’ll achieve a really convenient runtime of 19.08 hours at 50% load.
Power to the AC outlets is suppled by a superb digital inverter, pushing out 2,200 watts of peak power and 1,800 watt continuous load. While the DuroMax XP2200EH does not have a 12V outlet, it has all the other stuff that makes modern 2000W inverter generators so user-friendly. It has 2 X 120V 20A outlets and a 5V 1.5A USB port, with the option to connect two DuroMax XP2200EH generators by means of an optional parallel kit.
A large selector dial means you can’t go wrong when switching from gas to propane or vice versa. It has a conventional choke lever and an easy to use recoil starter. We expect maximum portability for camping and tailgating from a generator like this. The DuroMax XP2200EH certainly won’t be a disappointment in this regard, it weighs a mere 46-pounds.
DuroMax has proven to be one of the best choices for an affordable 2000W generator. The DuroMax XP2200EH provides the additional advantage as being a duel fuel, or hybrid generator. If you’re looking for a green generator or appreciate the versatility of being able to use propane or gas, this is one of the best options for an affordable light to medium duty hybrid generator.
7. Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 PowerSmart Series Portable 2200-Watt Inverter Generator
Briggs & Stratton Generators have, for a long time, been seen as among the best generators that you can get. The Briggs & Stratton P2200 is a reasonably priced generator that provides a little more power than many others in this class. While it has some specs that fall slightly short of the best 2000 Watt generators, this little powerhouse is still a great contender and offers excellent value for money.
While not the lightest 2000 Watt generator, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 is still very portable at 54 LBS. When looking at this weight, you should take into account that this generator is going to deliver more watts.
The Briggs & Stratton P2200 has a peak load capacity of 2200W and a running load of 1700W. This power is supplied by a rugged and reliable 110cc engine. While being a fantastic engine, you should note that it doesn’t meet all emission standards and can, therefore, not be sold in California.
Noise levels are quite good, though also not the best. At 25%, and measured from 23 feet away, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 measures 59dBA. This makes it acceptable for campsite noise levels, though the more expensive Honda has the same 59dBA noise level when standing right next to it and running at 100% load.
The design of the Briggs & Stratton is very practical. You’ll notice by looking at it that this generator has one of the best handle positions. It can be carried by two people just as easily as it can by one, thanks to the two side handles and centrally positioned single handle that provides a perfect weight balance when carrying it with one hand.
As part of the Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart series, the P2200 has parallel connection ports that allow you to couple it with another PowerSmart Briggs & Stratton generator to increase your power output. A neatly laid out control panel provides you with two 120V AC outlets as well as 5A 12V outlet with a USB adapter for charging cell phones and similar devices. It also has warning lights for low oil and power overload. The power outlets are protected by circuit breakers and it provides clean inverter supplied electricity with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Fuel consumption is perfectly within the range that you’ll expect from an inverter generator with an economy mode. At 25% average load, you’ll get around 8-hours from the fuel tank.
In its price range, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 can easily be the best 2000 Watt generator and you get more watts/amps than most other generators in this class. Briggs & Stratton quality and service is also among the best – this model has a 2-year warranty. If you look at all the specs, you’re getting a lot of generator for your money and the P2200 PowerSmart deserves its spot among the best 2000 Watt inverter generators.
8. BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W 2000Wh Solar Generator
With modern technology being what it is, your search for the best 2000W generator is no longer limited to old-fashioned machines that use a gas engine. With an increased awareness of the impact gas engines have on the environment, solar generators, or portable battery power stations, have become somewhat of a sensation.
Because the BLUETTI portable power station has no gas engine, it is emission-free, barely audible and requires no expensive maintenance. No toxic emissions or noise, means that you can use the BLUETTI indoors. One could call this the best indoor 2000W generator.
Crammed with the best that modern technology has to offer, the BLUETTI solar generator is wonderfully convenient and provides incredible power for its size. The built-in 2000 watt-hour high-grade (LiFePO4) lithium-ion battery gives you longer running times than most portable power stations. This battery is one the very best, with a rated lifespan of more than 3,500 cycles.
The BLUETTI inverter is truly amazing. It provides 2000 watts of continuous power with an incredible 4,800W surge capacity. This is much more power than any gas-powered 2000W generator can provide. It’s enough to run a full-size refrigerator and then some. A pure sine wave inverter means no concerns about damage to your sensitive electronics.
A modern and sophisticated user panel is equipped with 6 X AC outlets, a USB-C (PD 60W) port, 4 X USB-A ports, and 12VDC outlet. It also has a wonderful LCD screen, providing all the information you need, and touch controls for all user functions.
Charging the battery is super-fast, using any type of charging method. The advanced MPPT solar charger can accommodate up to 700 watts of power from solar panels, charging the battery in as little as 3-hours on a sunny day.
The 500W AC wall charger will take the battery from zero to a 100% in only 4.5 hours. With an adapter for the PD port, you can use dual AC charging, taking your battery recharge time down to only 2.5 hours.
You can use a 12V/24 DC charger and charge it from your car or RV battery. This takes some time though – up to 20-hours at 12V, or 10-hours at 24V.
Convenience does not get any better than this. For quiet, clean camping power, or emergency backup at home, the modern, Sophisticated BLUETTI AC200P 2000W solar generator is fantastic. It is a solid machine, with one of the best batteries, and a 2-year warranty.
9. PowerSmart Generator, Super Quiet Generator, 2200 Watts Portable Inverter Generator
The PowerSmart 2,200W inverter generator looks quite similar to the Honda equivalent and is close in terms of quality and capabilities. While cheaper than Honda and Yamaha equivalents, the PowerSmart PS5025 2000W generator costs a little more than the really cheap models in this review. This gives it a unique position in this sector of the market. Above average quality, at a fairly average price.
With 2,200 watts of peak power and 1,900 watts of running power, the PowerSmart is on the higher end of the power scale. It is powered by a superbly fuel-efficient 78cc engine, providing a mighty impressive 10.5 hours runtime at 25% from a 1.05 gallon gas tank.
Noise levels are just as impressive, only 52dBA. The general design looks good, and it appears to be pretty tough for a lightweight (42.5 pound) portable generator. As one would expect, this generator makes use of a recoil starter.
The control panel is convenient and easy to use. Fuel supply is controlled by a turn dial, and it has a conventional choke lever. You get 2 X 120V AC outlets, a 12VDC receptacle, and 2 X USB ports. All the modern safety features are provided - circuit breakers, warning lights, and low oil shutdown. You also have the convenience of parallel connection ports to double your power output using two PowerSmart 2000W generators.
This generator offers everything you’d expect from a high-end inverter generator without a massive price tag. It is reliable, quiet, and fuel-efficient. A great value deal for those who expect a little more than an entry level machine.
10. Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable Inverter Generator
This smaller Westinghouse generator still gives some of the best performance, beating many of the other 2000 Watt generators in this review.
It has an EPA and CARB compliant 79cc engine which, thanks to a bigger 1.3-gallon fuel tank, will give you a much longer running time. At 25% load, the Westinghouse 2200iXLT will run for 13-hours on a full fuel tank. You’re probably not going to be using that much power through the night, this means that you could go to sleep with the generator running and wake up with it still purring away.
It won’t keep you awake either, the noise level at 50% load is only 59dBA. The quiet running low-fuel consumption engine does not compromise on power output, you get 1800W constant power with a peak load of 2200W.
Unlike the other inverter generators that we’ve reviewed so far, this one doesn’t have ports for parallel connection. It does provide the same clean inverter power as the others. It also has versatile power outlet options which include two 120V AC power sockets and a 12V 8A battery charging outlet.
For one of the most portable generators and the best running time in its class, the superb little Westinghouse 2200i XLT deserves a good deal of merit. With the best emission standards, it’s compliant in all states and also comes with a 3-year warranty.
Why an Inverter Generator?
These days, most generator manufacturers are using inverter technology in their generators. The obvious benefit of an inverter is the clean power that it provides. The low Harmonic Distortion (HD) of an inverter means that they won’t harm electronic circuitry. Just about every modern appliance uses a microprocessor to make them more efficient and provide better user functionality. Even a washing machine, air conditioner or microwave with touch button controls or an LCD display will have electronics that will be damaged by repeated exposure to HD. So an inverter with low HD has become important in protecting the electrical equipment that we use every day.
An inverter generator is also much more economical to run. Because they use the latest electronic management systems, an inverter generator is able to control the engine revs of the generator. When the generator is not running at a high load, the engine will run at a lower RPM, greatly reducing its fuel consumption. You save money on gas and the generator will run a lot longer on a tank of gas.
Many inverter generators have parallel ports that allow you to connect more than one generator in parallel. When you buy a 2000 Watt generator, it’s great to have a small unit that’s easy to transport but there may be times when it would be better to have more power than you’ll get from a small 2000 Watt generator. This is where parallel connectivity comes into play. You have the benefit of a small very portable 2000 Watt generator and the flexibility to increase your power by adding another generator, or even two, to increase the electrical power that’s available to you. It’s like having the best of both – portability when you need it and a high power output when that’s more important.
JC says
Why did the Sportsman 2000 watt Generator win over the Sportsman 2200 watt Inverter Generator, which is $200-$300 less then the other units described above. I bought one for $329 from Home Depot and it is as reliable and efficient as the Top Ten. It does not have all the features of some of the other units, but you can’t beat the price for an inverter generator.
sam says
i have the sportsman 2000 it would never run what i bought it for tried again today to run a 6 amp load and it bogged and die and wont run anymore
sam