12 Smallest & Lightest Portable Generators - Inverter, Gas & Dual Fuel

Today we're taking a close look at the smallest portable generator options on the market. Size and weight are important considerations when choosing any kind of portable power solution so we'll be guiding you through some of the best small portable generator options available.

First we'll show you our top 5 overall generator models, then dig further into specific categories. Many of the models we'll be looking at today are small inverter generator models as these are some of the best performing lightweight options available. These are great because they're also low THD generators making them perfect for charging sensitive electronics.

We'll also look at some dual fuel and traditional gas generators as well though, including some solar powered options.

We cover the lightest generator models as well if you're making your purchase decision primarily based on generator weight.

Generally if you're choosing a power generator based on size and weight - prioritizing only the smallest lightweight generator manufacturers then you will of course have to compromise on power a little. At least when compared to the heavier models available.

However, the good news is that there are many impressive and powerful generator options available for purchase from leading manufacturers such as Honda, Jackery, Champion, Firman, and more which are small, lightweight, and capable of providing a considerable amount of power.

So let's take a look at some of our favorites in the small generators category.

Traditional small power generators vs portable power stations

One thing to consider when looking for a small and powerful generator is whether you want a traditional generator which burns some kind of fuel such as gas or propane, or a portable power station/solar generator which has zero emissions due to being powered by a Lithium ion battery and so is safe to operate indoors.

Generally a gas powered generator will give you the most bang for your buck in terms of power output vs the cost of the device. Fuel consumption and efficiency varies between models.

A portable power station obviously has the advantage of being completely clean though with no emissions and no messy fuel situations. These devices are more expensive especially if you want one of the higher powered models which will rival small gas generators. They need to be charged ahead of time using either a regular wall outlet.

Most of the popular battery powered devices do also have the option for charging via solar panels as well which makes them appealing for an outdoor camping trip or other off-grid adventures.

In this guide we'll cover both regular gas generators, inverter generators, and also these portable power station models which are becoming increasingly popular and more powerful each year.

Top 5 smallest power generator models - best options we recommend

Below you'll see our top recommendations for the smallest portable generator models you should look at if you want a combination of power, value for money, and a trustworthy well reviewed brand.

Honda Power Equipment EU1000I 1000W Small Gas Generator

This is one of the smallest gas portable generators available which also produces a good amount of power in relation to its size and weight.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 17.8"

• Width: 9.5in"

• Height: 14.9in"

• Weight: 28.7lbs

• Wattage: 1000W

• Fuel: Gas

• Noise level: 42 to 50 dB(A)

This Honda generator is small, extremely quiet, and powerful. It is also parallel capable meaning you can link up two EU1000I generators together and have 2000W of power to work with.

Why we like it

The Honda EU1000I is a very popular model for campers and anyone wanting reliable and quiet outdoor power. Customers typically comment on its durability, reliability, and portability.

Genmax GM-3200i Portable Gas Generator

This is a more powerful generator in this category from Genmax, offering 3200W of power. With extra power comes some extra weight and extra noise though.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 18.9"

• Width: 11.5"

• Height: 17.3"

• Weight: 47.3lbs

• Wattage: 3200W

• Fuel: Gas

• Noise level: 57 to 68 dB(A)

This gas generator from Genmax has hundreds of 5-star reviews and offers a great level of power for the price. Again it is popular for camping trips, but also for power devices at home. If you don't mind a little extra weight, this small generator packs a good punch.

Why we like it

The Genmax GM-3200i is one of the bestselling small generators on the market. Customers like the level of power it offers for its size, and also the fuel efficient design. It is very often used for powering trailers, with RVs, and for all kinds of off-grid activities.

A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

A-iPower have packed a lot of functionality and power into this small, lightweight and quiet generator. The SUA2000iD is one of the smallest dual fuel inverters available on the market. This gives you clean power perfect for sensitive electronics, along with the ability to use both gasoline and also Propane/LPG which is cleaner and easier to store.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 23.8"

• Width: 19.2"

• Height: 22in"

• Weight: 55lbs

• Wattage: 2000W

• Fuel: Gasoline and Propane (dual fuel)

• Noise level: 52 dB(A)

The A-iPower SUA2000iD get excellent customer feedback. Although it is a little larger and heavier than some of the other options in this list, you do get the additional dual fuel functionality and the portable inverter generator design.

Why we like it

The versatility of this generator is truly excellent. Customers comment on how great value it is, considering all of the features you get. The SUA2000iD dual fuel inverter generator is used for a wide range of applications such as powering tools at home, use on camping and fishing trips, as well as all kinds of other outdoor activities. The ability to run on propane is a great bonus as well.

Champion 100900 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Champion Power Equipment have also done a fantastic job of producing a small and light inverter generator which has dual fuel capabilities, meaning it can run on both gas and propane. The Champion 10090 is one of their bestsellers for this reason with hundreds of 5-star reviews. They've packed a similar level of performance into an smaller and lighter package than A-iPower managed to.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 17.3"

• Width: 11.5"

• Height: 17.7"

• Weight: 39lbs

• Wattage: 2000W

• Fuel: Gasoline and Propane (dual fuel)

• Noise level: 53 dB(A)

The Champion 10090 is one of our favorite models on this list, offering incredible value for money. The fact they've packed all of these features into such a small package that weighs only 39 pounds is impressive. The reviews on this one speak for themselves too.

Why we like it

When combining price, power output, portability and feature set this small Champion portable generator really is hard to beat. Customers comment on how easy it is to use, the quiet operation, and how well it performs when using both gasoline and propane.

WEN 56203i 2000-Watt Portable Super Quiet Inverter Generator

This great model from WEN is one of the smallest generators on the market, as well as one of the quietest. It is a great option for anyone wanting a powerful inverter to take camping or to use at home to power tools and other similar devices.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 17.3"

• Width: 11.5"

• Height: 17.7"

• Weight: 39lbs

• Wattage: 2000W

• Fuel: Gas

• Noise level: 51 dB(A)

The WEN 56203i is one of the most highly reviewed and smallest portable generators on the market, with literally thousands of 5 star reviews from customers. If you're looking for something that's reliable, portable, and extremely quiet then this great little generator from WEN is a brilliant option.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station/Solar Generator

This is the first solar powered model we'll look at today. And it's one of the all-time bestsellers in this category. Jackery have done an incredible job of packing power and so many features into a small, lightweight and compact package. The Explorer 1000 is one of the most popular power stations on the market right now across all categories.

Here are the key stats:

• Length: 12.5"

• Width: 6.1"

• Height: 9.2"

• Weight: 22lbs

• Wattage: 1000W

• Fuel: None. Lithium ion battery

• Noise level: Essentially zero

The Jackery Explorer 1000 offers everything you need if you're going on an outdoor adventure and need clean reliable power. The solar charging option is great if you're outside, and the internal battery means it of course does not require fuel. This makes it a great choice if you're using the device indoors and need a zero emission generator.

Like all power stations the Explorer 1000 a good option for powering small appliances during a power outage if you have no ventilation - something like a coffee maker, small air conditioners, or other lightweight electrical equipment.

Why we like it

The popularity of the Jackery power stations cannot be ignored and this is their flagship model. Thousands upon thousands of customer reviews make this a must look for anyone in the market for a small portable power device.

Smallest inverter generator models

Many of the bestselling small generator models on the market will fall into the inverter generator category. These are great for powering sensitive electronics as they deliver clean power which will not damage devices such as cell phones, laptops, and other appliances or electrical equipment. They usually have multiple USB ports as well as regular outlets.

Here are the 4 best small inverter generators we recommend:

1. Champion 100900 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

2. A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

3. Pulsar G2319N 2300 Watt Gas Inverter Generator

4. GENMAX GM2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

All of those four are incredibly well reviewed online and represent some of the very best small portable generator options available anywhere in our opinion. Once again, make sure you choose an inverter style if you're planning to use it for sensitive electronics.

Smallest gas generator models

If you're looking for very small gas generator options then you have a lot of good options.

Some of these are highly powerful while remaining lightweight and easily portable. You'll find that choosing a traditional gas model gives you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of cost to power ratio.

Here are the 4 best small gas generators we recommend:

1. Genmax GM-3200i Portable Gas Generator

2. Honda EU1000I 1000W Gas Generator

3. A-iPower SUA2000iD 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

4. CRAFTSMAN C0010250 2,500 Watt Portable Gas Generator

We've chosen these four models due to their combination of power, reliability, and value for money as well as of course being small and lightweight. Each has hundreds of excellent verified reviews as well.

Smallest electric start generator models (remote start)

Having an electric start (also called remote start) feature on your generator is great for convenience and ease of use. However, most of the smallest portable generator models available on the market do not feature remote electric start.

It is considered more of a premium feature which is usually included on some of the slightly more powerful and more expensive models. These are naturally a little larger and heavier.

With this in mind, here are the 4 best electric start generators we recommend:

1. Champion 200988 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ Electric Start

2. WEN 56380i 3800 Watt RV Portable Inverter Generator w/ Electric Start

3. Westinghouse 4500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator w/ Remote Electric Start

4. maXpeedingrods 3500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ Electric Start

We've chosen these small electric start generators for a combination of their value for money, reliability, and of the electric start feature. They are however not the smallest or lightest generators in this list, for the reasons mentioned above.

Smallest Honda generator models

Honda generators are some of the most popular with people looking for small and lightweight power generators. Honda are particularly well known for their inverter generators which are powerful, highly portable, but also relatively quiet compared to many others on the market. This makes them popular for camping trips and other outdoor activities.

We included a dedicated section here as Honda are such a popular brand for smaller models.

Here are the 4 best small Honda generators we recommend:

1. Honda EU1000I 1000 Watt Portable Gas Generator

2. Honda EU1000T1A 1000 Watt Super Quiet Gas Inverter

3. Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Gas Inverter

4. Honda EU2200ITAN1 2200 Watt Super Quiet Gas Inverter

Honda Power Equipment are well known for their small, lightweight portable generators which still product a good amount of reliable power. Be sure to check their inverter generators in particular, which always get great customer feedback.

Small and lightweight solar generator and portable power station options

Over the last few the solar generator industry has seen huge growth. It seems as though new models and brands are launching every month and it can be difficult to decipher which ones really are the best. There are some tried and true manufacturers in this space though who produce excellent products suitable for all budgets.

Generally EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery are considered the market leaders in this category. You truly cannot go wrong with any of those three.

Solar generators are some of the smallest portable generators available, but they can still deliver a lot of power. The huge benefit of these models is not requiring any fuel - they're powered by rechargeable batteries. Of course you'll need to charge them before use which is done either with a regular wall outlet, or solar panels if you're outdoors.

Below are our favorite small and lightweight solar generators. All three of these brands produce a number of models with different power outputs, plenty of USB ports, and an easy to use control panel. The can all be charged with an optional solar panel as well.

1. EcoFlow River Max 2 - This model falls in the middle of the EcoFlow solar power station range. It offers great value for money in a small and lightweight package. EcoFlow are always one of our go-to brands in this category.

2. Bluetti EB55 - a great mid-range power station from Bluetti, one of our favorite brands in the solar generator/power device market. Slightly cheaper than the Jacker with a little less power, but Bluetti do have much more powerful options too at a higher cost.

3. Jackery Explorer 1000 - we covered this one earlier in the list but this is one of the most popular portable devices for a reason. We highly recommend checking it out.

Looking for other generators in the solar category? We also love the Cummins Onan PS1000, Firman Zero E, and of course everything else that both Bluetti and EcoFlow manufacture.

Frequently asked questions about small power generators

When buying a portable generator, you’ll likely have some questions about what models are best for certain purposes.

In this frequently asked questions section, we’ve taken some of the questions we get asked the most and compiled several simple answers that’ll give you what you need to know. Many people are searching for great small generators which are fuel efficient, and parallel capable generator models at the same time.

Hopefully these questions will help you choose the best small generator for you and your individual needs.

What is the smallest generator that can power a house?

For a house emergency where the power goes out for an extended period of time, it is recommended to have a 5,000-watt generator that’ll allow you to have power for multiple appliances for up to 8 to 10 hours.

While a smaller generator can get the job done at around 3,500 watts, you’ll be able to power fewer appliances due to its lower power output.

This is one of the best lightweight portable generator models and lightweight portable generators on the market.

What is the smallest most powerful portable generator?

One of the smallest portable generator models on the market today is the Firman W03383 3650/3300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator with remote start.

It has everything you need to power multiple devices, pieces of equipment, hardware, space heaters, electronic devices, and even appliances. Due to its small profile and lightweight design, you can carry around this generator and have power available wherever you need it on the go.

This is one of the smallest quietest generator that can be used as a portable home generator reliably.

What is the smallest generator?

Honda makes the smallest generator commonly used for use at home or on camping trips. Genmax, Champion, and Jackery also make great models. We recommend looking into Honda in particular if you want something small, lightweight, and very quiet.

Who makes the lightest generator?

Honda makes the lightest generator included on our recommended list. That's the smallest traditional generator we've looked at, but the smallest device overall is the Jackery 1000. That is however a portable power station which doesn't use fuel rather than a generator in the traditional sense of the word.

How long can you continuously run a small generator?

You can run continuously run a small generator from 6-18 hours. The run time does however depend heavily on the model you're using, the fuel source, how it is being used, and other factors. You'll need to check the specific recommendations and spec sheet for your exact model as there is no accurate general answer to this question. Most will however run comfortable for at least eight hours.

What is the average cost of a small generator?

The average cost of a small generator is $400 - $1000. There are of course models cheaper than this, and more expensive ones. Cost depends on the feature set and power output for the most part.

What is the smallest 1000 watt generator?

The smallest 1000 watt generator is the Honda EU1000I. That is the smallest model we chose to feature in this list based on customer feedback, reliability, and value for money.

What is the smallest 2000 watt generator?

The smallest 2000 watt generator is the WEN 56203i Super Quiet Inverter. This is the smallest 2000W model we chose to feature in the list.

What is the smallest generator made in the USA?

You have quite a few options here. Check out our specific guide to USA made generators for a rundown of all the brands which fit this criteria.