Easy to transport from site to site, a portable generator is your best option for versatile power, no matter your location.

Whether you’re looking for a low noise, compact or long lasting model, it’s essential to take the time to choose the right portable generator for your unique power requirements.

Here's our guide to 6 of the best portable generators on the market and which is best for your individual needs.

Our 6 Best Portable Generators For Every Need

1. Best Overall: The Honda EU22i

Operating at 53 dBA at ¼ load, the Honda EU22i is one of the quietest portable generators on the market. This is made possible by Honda’s Eco Throttle mode. In Eco Throttle mode, the EU22i adjusts its engine speed to meet demand, meaning lower fuel consumption and noise output.

The EU22i’s inverter technology allows it to power frequency sensitive devices like fridges, laptops and audio equipment for up to 8 hours. Weighing 21kg, the EU22i is easy to pick up, put in the car and move around wherever you require power.

For an extra boost of power, pair two EU22i’s together to achieve a maximum 4400 starting and 3600 running watts.

Key features of the EU22i include:

• Weight: 21.2kg
• Run time: 8 hours using Eco Throttle setting
• kVA: 2.2
• Fuel tank: 3.6L
• Maximum output: 2200W
• Continuous output: 1800W
• Noise level: 53 dBA at 7m
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty
• Price: $2050

Read our full review on the EU22i here.

2. Best Value: The Genesys GEN11000R

The Genesys GEN11000R’s 30L fuel tank is one of the largest in the industry for a generator its size. With a continuous power output of 7500 watts, the GEN11000R will run radios, power tools and speakers for up to 13 hours on a single tank of fuel.

Standard for a generator its size, the GEN11000R features heavy duty, all-terrain wheels, a steel frame and folding grip handles for easy manoeuvrability. Its specified control panel cover protects the outlets from dirt, dust and debris. The cast iron sleeved engine and automatic low oil shutdown also protect the generator from damage or overheating.

Key features of the Genesys GEN11000R include:

• Weight: 105kg
• Run time: 13 hours at 75% load
• kVA: 9.3
• Fuel tank: 30L
• Prime power: 7500W
• Standby power: 9375W
• Noise level: 75 dBA at 7m
• Warranty: 3 year – 500 hour warranty
• Price: $1,900

3. Best For Camping & Recreation: The Honda EU32i

The Honda EU32i is one of the most compact, lightweight generators on the market in its power range. Providing 2600 watts of sine-wave power, it’ll run frequency sensitive devices like computers, mobile phones and hair dryers.

The EU32i’s built in Eco Throttle setting adjusts fuel consumption to power demand, extending the generators run time to 7.5 hours. In this setting, it produces between 53-59 dBA, so it won’t disrupt those around you. The EU32i also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control and monitor the generator via your mobile phone.

Key features of the Honda EU32i include:

• Weight: 26.5kg
• Run time: 7.5 hours at ¼ load
• kVA: 3.2
• Fuel tank: 4.6L
• Maximum output: 3200W
• Continuous output: 2600W
• Noise level: 53-59 dBA
• Warranty: 4-year domestic use & 12-month commercial use warranty
• Price: $4199

4. Best For Home Backup: The Genesys GEN6S

With a 4 stroke, air cooled diesel engine, the Genesys GEN6S is a reliable source of backup power for homeowners and trade sites. Producing 5500 watts of power for 10-12 hours, the GEN6S has you covered in the event of a blackout or electrical emergency.

Its silenced, weatherproof canopy ensures a noise output of 70 dBA, so it's suitable for use in urban areas. Standard for a generator its weight, the GEN6S also includes attached wheels for easy transportation wherever you require power.

Key features of the Genesys GEN6S include:

• Weight: 165kg
• Run time: 10-12 hours
• kVA: 5.8
• Fuel tank: 15L
• Maximum output: 5800W
• Continuous output: 5500W
• Noise level: 70 dBA at 7m
• Warranty: 2 year – 100 hour warranty
• Price: $1,950

Best For Trade Sites:

5. The Kubota GL6000

With a direct coupled engine and alternator, the Kubota GL6000 is both compact and powerful. Its 28L fuel tank and 5500 watt power output allows the GL6000 to power fridges, radios and power tools for up to 12 hours.

The GL6000’s large capacity radiator, oversize muffler and low fan speed ensure a minimal noise output of 66 dBA. All control panels are centrally located and easy to use, allowing for simple single-sided maintenance.

The GL6000 also includes heavy duty all-terrain wheels and two pulling handles, making it easy to manoeuvre around the site wherever you require power.

Key features of the Kubota GL6000 include:

• Dry weight: 235kg
• Run time: 12 hours
• Fuel tank: 28L
• Rated output: 5.5 kVA
• Rated voltage: 240V
• Noise level: 66.5 dBA at 7m
• Warranty: 2 year, 1000 hour warranty
• Price: $13,500

6. The Kubota GL9000-D

The Kubota GL9000 is a two pole, direct coupled, single phase diesel generator. Its simple maintenance, high power output and low noise level make it suitable for a range of residential and commercial trade applications.

The GL9000’s large capacity 28L fuel tank and 8 kVA power output allow it to power trade site tools and radios for up to 8.5 hours. The unique arrangement of the generator’s radiator, engine and fuel tank give the GL9000 a compact design compared to other models in its power range.

Portability is made easy with special forklift points on the base of the GL9000, as well as one point lifting eye.

Key features of the Kubota GL9000 include:

• Dry weight:
• Run time: 8.5 hours
• Fuel tank: 28L
• Rated output: 8 kVA
• Rated voltage: 240V
• Noise level: 66.5 dBA at 7m
• Warranty: 2 year, 1000 hour warranty
• Price: $12,500

4 Considerations For Buying A Portable Generator

1. Your Power Output

Before you begin looking for a generator, you must first calculate how much power you need. You can do this by adding up the combined wattage of every appliance you want the generator to power.

Just don’t forget to consider the start-up watts, as well as the running watts.

Starting watts is the maximum power appliances require briefly to start up the motor. Running watts is the continuous power needed to operate the appliance.

2. Outlets You Require

If you wish to power multiple devices at once, ensure the generator you’re looking at has multiple outlets. Most generators will usually include several outlets and a few USB ports.

3. Run Time & Fuel Efficiency

The run time of your portable generator is crucial. To avoid refuelling every few hours, look for a model with a run time above 6 hours.

The Genesys GEN11000R, for instance, will run for up to 13 hours on a single tank.

4. Noise

Plan on using your generator in camp grounds or residential areas? It’ll need to meet certain noise restrictions.

As a standard, generators with noise levels below 65 dBA are quiet enough for use in campgrounds. For cities and residential areas, generators shouldn’t exceed 75 dBA.

To find out more about the quietest generators on the market, see our article here.

For Reliable, Portable Power, Contact Us Today

With years of experience, you can rely on Blue Diamond Machinery to provide the right advice and a portable generator to meet your unique requirements.

For more information on the best model to suit your power requirements, contact us today or speak to one of our expert team on 1300 998 647.