The best solution to a temporary home back-up would be a portable diesel generator. When you lay a comparison between propane, gas-powered, and diesel engines, you will find more advantages in diesel-powered generators. They provide more fuel efficiency, longer runtime, more power, and more efficient.
While you are powering heavy appliances you can rely on the energy of a diesel generator to supply ample power costing you less than other fuels. Another reason for you to choose a diesel generator is its easy maintenance.
With all these benefits on the go, it’s not easy to find a reliable portable diesel generator without giving a thorough filter search.
Table of Contents
Best Portable Diesel Generator Reviews
The market has a huge number of portable generators that can cloud your decision. With the choices in sizes, performances, and prices it becomes a hurdle to get the ideal diesel generator to cater to your needs. The best diesel generator that’s portable for you is out there, you just need a keen eye to see it.
Here is a comprehensive list of the top five gas generators to provide more clarity to your purchase.
1. Rainier R2200i Super Quiet Portable Diesel Generator – Best Overall Diesel Generator
Whether it is outdoor fun or back-up power for home, the Rainier R2200i portable diesel generator is totally reliable to give you uninterrupted hours of power.
This is perfect for events where you need a double power supply. Its parallel capability feature allows the pairing of two generators. You might be worried about transporting two generators for outdoor activities, but this compact portable generator, weighing 44 lbs is easy to carry and store for their lightweight and small size.
A pocket-friendly feature called ‘eco mode’ allows maximum fuel efficiency while adjusting to the current demand of the devices you are using. Once you engage the eco mode, the motor lowers its idle speed automatically thereby saving wear and tear of the generator engine.
As the name suggests, your neighbors and nature can enjoy current without the usual noise of a generator. The R2200i generates a low volume of 52 dBA (unit of sound) which is perfect for parks and closed neighborhoods.
Pros
- Maximum fuel efficiency
- Compact and light to carry
- Very quiet
Cons
- Messy oil refill
- Unpleasant exhaust odor
See This Generator in Action!
2. Champion 4000 Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter – The Runner Up
Combine innovation with advanced technology and you get the Champion DH series inverter. It’s an efficient generator that weighs 20% lighter and produces 50 % less noise than a traditional 3500 Watts generator.
To extend your engine life and save fuel, all you need to do is turn on the ‘Economy Mode’. With the parallel-ready feature, you can connect up to two inverters with an electrical output of 2800 Watts and higher.
The advanced technology feature includes the ‘Quick Touch Panel’ that allows easy access to controls. The Economy Mode provides yet another great feature that monitors power consumption while reducing electrical load.
It is safe to say that the Champion inverter is a good buy for those who are in search of a quiet, light, and fuel-efficient generator.
Pros
- Longer run time
- Quick touch panel for easy controls
- Economy mode is pocket-friendly
Cons
- Heavy engine
- Loud operation
3. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Generator – Best Budget Portable Diesel Generator
Add yet another great diesel generator to your shopping list that weighs 46 lbs making it easy to carry around for picnics, camping, and travel. It’s completely safe to run sensitive electronic devices like phones, laptops, TVs, etc. because the inverter gives sine wave power.
The A-iPower generator produces almost no noise at 58 decibels. One great feature worth mentioning is its ‘Low Idle’ technology that provides extended run time.
The inverter also has a built-in fuel gauge that reminds you when to refuel. It’s a handy generator that is easy to control with a spark plug and gas gauge on top.
It is a well-engineered product for light and sensitive devices and for higher-powered devices you can them parallel with another generator.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Light to carry around
- Good value for money
Cons
- Does not run a normal/medium size camper
- Does not start easy
4. Westinghouse WGEN9500DF Portable Generator
Make some space in your shopping cart for the high-performing Westinghouse WGen portable generator. With a powerful 457cc OHV four-stroke engine, it has a run time that lasts up to 12 hours. It is great to support major appliances like refrigerators and ACs at the same time.
It has an easy electric start where you just have to push a button and start it. For a hassle-free engine start from a distance up to 260 ft, you can use the remote start key fob.
If you need to switch from gasoline to propane, you can easily switch fuel sources even when the inverter is operating.
When you need a home power backup, you can connect the WGen portable generator to power your home appliances with its transfer switch-ready L14-30R and L14-50R. This heavy-duty engine has the caliber to power up your refrigerator, air conditioner and any entertainment units at home that demand a high power supply.
Though the inverter can be a bit heavy with the steel frame, it gives the engine more security from external damage and easy handling as well.
Pros
- Powerful enough to support heavy appliances
- Comes with a remote key to start the engine
- You can switch from gas to propane even when it is operating
Cons
- It is heavy
- Loud operation
5. Duromax New XP12000E Generator
Here is an ideal portable generator to power up your small and big appliances, both at home and outdoor. Its powerful 457cc engine provides a great backup for large appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators.
The advanced DuroMax technology offers maximum power from the 120-volt receptors. It automatically shuts off the generator when the fuel is low, which is a great investment saver. Additionally, the inverter lowers the RPM when idle. This saves fuel and also reduces the noise.
The power panels have individual breakers that prevent overloading avoiding wear and tear of the engine.
Pros
- Can power both small and large appliances
- Automatically shuts off when fuel is low
- Long run time
Cons
- Heavy to carry around
- Runs on gas but not propane
Portable Generator Buying Guide
Portable Diesel generators are not just a want but a need for home and outdoor activities. With the number of choices in light, including their pros and cons, your decision to get your hands on the best portable generator got easier.
There are some factors you need to consider before you purchase an ideal diesel generator to suit your needs. Now diesel engines tend to be costlier for their power and fuel efficiency. There are many features and performances to examine before you go for one.
Take into account what you should go for and what to avoid, that will narrow down your choices to the product that will satisfy you.
Keeping in light the investment one puts on a diesel generator, here is a simple and helpful buyer’s guide to gain a better understanding of comparing products before you make a deal.
Run Time
Depending on the activities you are planning, it is vital to know the run time of the generator you are planning to buy. Most portable diesel generators have a run time between 10 to 20 hours.
The run time depends on how much percentage of fuel you have in the tank. Usually, a larger tank means a longer run time; however, the load will also affect the run time.
Power Output
Generators and inverters are intended to supply power to support certain appliances. When buying a diesel generator, consider what appliances you are going to generally use.
If you are buying a generator for lighting, charging phones, laptops, and TV, a diesel engine with moderate power output. Larger appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners may require engines with at least a power output of 9000 Watts.
Portability
The main purpose of a portable generator is whether you can transport the engine easily or not. Generally, we use portable generators for outdoor adventures and a lightweight generator is a basic requirement.
Heavy portable diesel inverters that support larger appliances are usually not easily carried single-handedly.
The dimensions of the generator should also be considered to see if it fits your truck or the back of your car.
Finally, be sure to purchase a portable diesel generator that comes with built-in wheels, if not it should have a wheel kit. Handles are equally important to transport heavy generators easily.
Portable Generator FAQ
Now that you have narrowed down your search, there may still be some doubts about the functions, features, and durability of the generator. Here are some frequently asked questions that may clarify some of the underlying doubts.
How Long Will a Portable Diesel Generator Run?
An accurate answer for this depends on how well you maintain your generator and it also depends on the load you are using on the engine.
If compared to a gasoline generator that lasts up to 10,000 hours, a diesel generator usually lasts up to approximately 30,000 hours.
How Do You Make a Diesel Generator Quieter?
There are many ways to make a diesel generator quiet and the most effective is using anti-vibration mounts (AVM) which limits the noise from the source itself. Placing them underneath the inverter removes vibrations which decrease noise transmission. You will get them in spring mounts, dampers, and rubber mounts.
Another effective method is the Acoustic barriers as they reflect the sound waves and reject noise beyond the barrier. This method involves lining the hard surfaces with materials that absorb sound.
The easiest way to minimize the noise of the diesel generator is to place it at a far distance from where you are. The long-distance helps the noise to spread over a great area further decreasing the acoustic intensity.
How Do You Hook Up a Portable Generator to a House?
There are mainly two ways to hook up your portable generator to your home, extension/gen cords, and transfer switches.
For the former, you need to take the generator outside, preferably 10 meters away from openings. Connect the generator to your indoor appliance either by running one gen cord from the generator to multiple appliances, or several extension cords from the generator to the appliances. After all, steps are completed, start the generator.
The latter method or transfer switch involves connecting the generator to the transfer switch through a gen cord. Start the generator which is placed outside and switch the main breakers in the transfer switch from line power to generator power. After this, turn on the circuits one at a time.
Find the Best Portable Generator That’s Right For You
Portable generators are a great option for reliable home and outdoor backup. It is evident that diesel engines produce more noise than other portable generators, and they are also heavier. But what makes diesel portable generators preferable is their superior fuel efficiency and longer run times. These two factors are enough if you are looking to save the budget and get reliable power backup.
Another positive factor to go for a diesel generator is that it has 20% more efficiency than other generators.
Most buyers usually go for cheaper generators that are less powerful than costly ones. But if you are looking for light power backup, that factor should work fine.
Our list of top five portable generators has been hand-picked from the vast choices in the market, aimed to narrow down your search for the ideal power backup supply. The pros and cons have been thoroughly researched to help you choose what you want in your diesel generator and what you want to avoid as well.
Jake is a tool guy – think Tim Allen from Home Improvement but with a much drier sense of humor. He lives in the great state of Ohio and plays the guitar on his downtime. He also spends his time writing on all things tools and DIY-related as this is his passion.
