Small Backup Generators That Handle Outages and Camping
Westinghouse’s iGen2200 covers most backup power needs with clean inverter output. Champion’s 100692 delivers similar watts per pound at a lighter weight. A-iPower’s SUA2000iV suits budget shoppers who need basic power for small loads and weekend trips. All three run on gasoline and store in a closet or trunk.
Westinghouse’s iGen2200, Champion’s 100692, and A-iPower’s SUA2000iV cover the three most common shopping paths for a compact generator. Wattage alone does not tell the full story, since fuel type and noise level shift how a unit fits camping, tailgating, or storm backup.
We compared specifications and owner feedback across rated watts, fuel type, and noise output to sort seven models by real use case rather than price alone.
Our top picks
Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator
1800 rated watts and a 2200 watt surge cover startup loads for most small appliances. Standard gasoline fuels this inverter model, which produces clean sine-wave power safe for laptops and phones. Owners run a fridge and a few lights during short outages without issue.
Pros
- Clean sine-wave output safe for electronics
- Parallel-capable with a second unit for more power
- Relatively quiet for a gas model
Cons
- Fuel tank runs smaller than larger generators
- No electric start on this model
Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Inverter Generator (Model 100692)
1700 rated watts and 2000 starting watts come from a compact gas engine under 40 pounds. Owners report the recoil pull starts easily even in cooler weather. Champion’s Quiet Technology muffler keeps operation low enough for campsites with noise limits.
Pros
- Lightweight design at under 40 pounds
- Economy mode extends fuel efficiency
- Backed by a wide dealer support network
Cons
- Recoil start only, with no remote or electric option
- No fuel gauge included
Wen 56200i Portable Inverter Generator
1600 rated watts and 2000 peak watts run a sump pump, a mini fridge, and several lights together. A fuel shutoff switch drains the carburetor before storage, cutting down on gumming between uses. Owners note the analog fuel gauge reads easily at a glance.
Pros
- Fuel shutoff simplifies off-season storage
- Eco-mode throttle saves gas under light loads
- Compact footprint fits closet or shed storage
Cons
- Runtime drops quickly under heavier loads
- Fixed handle does not telescope
Generac GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator
1700 rated watts pair with a PowerRush engine control system for steadier output under changing loads. Sound output stays low enough for use near tents or RV sites. A parallel kit links two GP2200i units together for double the capacity.
Pros
- Longer runtime than most units in this class
- Parallel-ready for extra capacity later
- PowerRush technology handles power tool startup surges
Cons
- Heavier than some direct competitors
- Parallel cables sold as a separate accessory
DuroMax XP4400 Dual Fuel Portable Generator
3500 rated watts and 4400 starting watts leave enough headroom to run a circular saw and shop lights together. This model switches between gasoline and propane, useful when one fuel type runs short on site. A wheel kit mount makes it easier to move around a work area.
Pros
- Dual fuel flexibility for job sites
- Enough wattage for corded power tools
- Wheel kit compatible for easier transport
Cons
- Louder than inverter-style models
- Noticeably heavier and bulkier to store
Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station
A 300Wh lithium battery replaces a fuel engine, so this unit runs silently with zero exhaust. Recharging works from a wall outlet, a car port, or an optional solar panel, which suits tent camping and van life setups. Owners use it to charge phones, run a CPAP machine, or power a small cooler overnight.
Pros
- Completely silent with no fumes
- Safe for indoor and tent use
- Solar recharging option available
Cons
- Cannot run high-draw appliances like a full fridge
- Recharging takes longer than refueling gas models
A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator
1600 rated watts and 2000 peak watts come from a small gas engine built for simple use. At around 33 pounds, it ranks among the easier units to carry one-handed. Owners rely on it for tailgating and light camping loads rather than full home backup.
Pros
- Very light for one-person carrying
- Simple pull-start operation
- Compact size fits in a car trunk
Cons
- Smaller fuel tank means more frequent refills
- Fewer accessory ports than pricier models
How they stack up
| # | Model | Rated watts | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator | 1800W | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Inverter Generator (Model 100692) | 1700W | Best value | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Wen 56200i Portable Inverter Generator | 1600W | Best for small appliance backup | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Generac GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator | 1700W | Best quiet inverter | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | DuroMax XP4400 Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 3500W | Best for job sites | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station | 300Wh | Best for camping | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | A-iPower SUA2000iV Portable Inverter Generator | 1600W | Best budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Before you buy
Rated Watts vs Starting Watts: What’s the Difference? Rated watts describe what a generator sustains continuously, while starting watts cover the short surge needed to power on a motor or compressor. A mini fridge might need 100 rated watts but 400 watts just to start. Sizing a generator to the starting watts of the largest single device avoids overload. Manufacturers list both figures on the spec sheet, and the starting number always runs higher.
Gas, Propane, or Battery: Which Fuel Type Fits Your Use? Gasoline models offer the most runtime per pound of weight and refuel quickly at any station. Dual fuel units like the DuroMax XP4400 add propane as a backup when gas runs scarce. Battery power stations skip fuel entirely, trading long runtime for silence and indoor safety. Van life and tent campers often prefer battery units for that tradeoff alone.
How Loud Are Portable Generators, and Where Can You Run One? Inverter generators typically run quieter than open-frame models because they adjust engine speed to the load instead of running at full throttle constantly. Campgrounds and many neighborhoods enforce decibel limits, so checking a unit’s rated noise output before buying matters. Battery power stations produce no engine noise at all. Open-frame models like the DuroMax XP4400 run louder since they hold a fixed speed.
Runtime, Weight, and Portability Tradeoffs Smaller tanks mean shorter runtime between refills, which matters most for overnight camping or extended outages. Compact units under 40 pounds carry easily but often sacrifice tank size and total wattage. Heavier dual fuel models like the XP4400 trade portability for higher output on job sites. Matching weight to how far a generator needs to travel narrows the choice quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts do you need for a small generator?
Add up the running watts of everything you plan to power at once, then check the highest single starting-watt requirement. Most compact generators between 1600 and 2200 watts cover a fridge, lights, and small electronics together.
What is the difference between rated and starting watts?
Rated watts are what a generator supplies continuously, while starting watts cover the brief surge a motor draws when it switches on. A generator’s starting-watt figure always runs higher than its rated figure.
Gas vs battery portable generator, which is better?
Gasoline models offer longer runtime and quick refueling, which suits extended outages. Battery power stations run silently and safely indoors but hold less total energy and take longer to recharge.
Can a portable generator run a refrigerator?
Yes, most refrigerators need around 100 to 200 running watts but can spike to 800 watts or more on startup. A generator in the 1600 to 2200 rated-watt range comfortably handles a standard fridge along with a few other small loads.
How long do compact generators run on a full tank?
Runtime varies by load and tank size, but most models in this class run between 4 and 11 hours at half load. Lighter loads and eco-mode settings extend runtime further.
Is an inverter generator quieter than a standard generator?
Yes, inverter generators adjust engine speed based on demand instead of running at a constant high RPM, which lowers noise output. Standard open-frame generators like the DuroMax XP4400 run louder because they operate at a fixed speed.
Do you need a transfer switch for a small generator?
A transfer switch is only necessary when wiring a generator into a home’s circuit panel. Running individual appliances through extension cords needs no transfer switch.
Can you use a portable generator indoors?
Gasoline and propane generators produce carbon monoxide and should only run outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows. Battery power stations like the Jackery Explorer 300 are the only option safe for indoor use.
Best portable generator for camping without noise?
The Jackery Explorer 300 runs silently since it uses a battery instead of a gas engine, making it the quietest option here for tent sites.
The bottom line
Westinghouse’s iGen2200 suits households wanting dependable backup power without stepping up to a full-size generator. Champion’s 100692 delivers similar output at a lighter weight, while campers should look at the Jackery Explorer 300 for silent, fuel-free power. Job site users needing more headroom should consider the DuroMax XP4400.
