Our top pick: Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator (Quiet camping power)
Picking a generator for a refrigerator starts with matching the appliance's running load to the generator's rated running output.
This roundup compares inverter and conventional portable generators by output, noise, run time, portability and outlet layout.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
- Westinghouse 4650 Conventional Portable Generator
- Westinghouse iGen5000DFc Dual Fuel Inverter
- Champion 4000W Lightweight RV-Ready Inverter
- PowerSmart 4400W Dual Fuel Blackout Inverter
- WEN 56360i Lightweight RV-Ready Inverter
- Pulsar PGD40ISCO Parallel-Ready Inverter
- Pulsar PG2200BiS Compact Dual Fuel Inverter
- PowerSmart 3800W Dual Fuel Home Inverter
- Champion 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter
- Start with running watts
- Weigh noise against output
- Check fuel type and run time
- Match outlets to your plan
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
More Details on Our Top Picks
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
It is described for camping and supplemental RV power.
The My Generator app offers remote operation and monitoring over Bluetooth.
CO-MINDER monitors carbon monoxide levels and automatically shuts the generator down.
The listing says it is not available in the state of California.
Westinghouse 4650 Conventional Portable Generator
It lists 3600 running watts and 4650 peak watts with a fuel gauge on the 4 gallon tank.
The engine is listed with automatic low oil and carbon monoxide (CO) shutdown.
Starting is by recoil pull according to the listing.
Westinghouse iGen5000DFc Dual Fuel Inverter
The digital display shows fuel level, power and voltage output, remaining run time and lifetime hours.
Inverter technology adjusts engine speed to match power demand, according to the listing.
The parallel kit for doubling output is sold separately.
Champion 4000W Lightweight RV-Ready Inverter
It lists 4000 starting watts, 3000 running watts and up to 10 hours of run time.
The household duplex outlet is listed with less than 3% THD.
The parallel kit is optional and pairs with another 4000-watt Champion inverter.
PowerSmart 4400W Dual Fuel Blackout Inverter
It lists 3600 running watts on gasoline and 3300 running watts on LPG, with fridges and TVs named as example loads.
The control panel adds an Eco-mode alongside its outlets.
The listing gives a 2-year limited warranty.
WEN 56360i Lightweight RV-Ready Inverter
It lists 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts from a 149cc engine.
A fuel shutoff uses up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down.
Rated output is listed at 2900 watts, below the 3600 surge figure.
Pulsar PGD40ISCO Parallel-Ready Inverter
It provides 4,000 peak watts and 3,200 rated watts of power.
The listing cites emergency power, RV use, sensitive electronics and air conditioning units up to 13,500 BTU.
Run time is listed as 4 hrs at half load on a 1 gallon tank.
Pulsar PG2200BiS Compact Dual Fuel Inverter
Output figures are listed separately for gas and LPG.
Outlets are two 120V 15A AC receptacles plus a 5V USB port.
PowerSmart 3800W Dual Fuel Home Inverter
It lists 3300 running watts on gasoline and 3100 running watts on propane.
The listing gives a 2-year limited warranty.
Champion 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter
It lists up to 14 hours on gasoline and up to 21 hours on propane.
An EZ Start Dial simplifies startup.
The parallel kit is sold separately.
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a 3.5 kVA generator carry?
Compare the combined running watts of your appliances with the generator's rated running output rather than relying on a single size label.
Among the listed models, the PowerSmart 3800 Watt unit lists 3300 running watts on gasoline.
What portable generators to stay away from?
Be cautious with any model whose listing leaves out running watts, outlet types or safety shutoffs.
What is the best home backup power station?
This roundup covers fuel-powered generators rather than battery power stations.
For fuel-powered home backup here, the PowerSmart 4400 Watt dual fuel model is listed for fridges, TVs and other household appliances during blackouts.
Category verdict
The Westinghouse iGen5000DFc is the pick for dual fuel RV or home backup, with remote start and a digital display.
The Honda EU2200i suits quieter camping use, listing 48 to 57 dB(A) and Bluetooth app monitoring.
The Champion 4500 pairs electric start with long listed run times on gasoline or propane.