This is our best 2000 watt generator review.
2000 watt generators are all we need as extra power for anything from outdoor parties to power outages.
I am an electrical engineer who has researched the best 2000-watt portable generator to help you find the best one for your needs.
And I found that Honda EU2200i is the best 2000-watt gas-powered portable inverter generator overall.
I liked the extra features provided by Honda EU2200i such as their exclusive My Generator App. Silent operation with Quiet Power Technology is the USP of Honda Engines.
For extra safety, we have a CO Minder feature that saves us from dangerous Carbon Monoxide levels.
Since 2000 watt generators serve a wide range of purposes. You might be willing to buy one for a purpose completely different from mine.
Also,
Are you ready to pay a few extra bucks for the extra features or you’re better off without them?
So, I have reviewed the few best available 2,000-watt generator options for you to choose from.
Let’s check them out together…
2000 Watt Inverter Generator – Reviews
I’ve reviewed the 5 best 2,000W generators I could find in the market.
Each generator in the list has splash lubrication that improves engine life. A low-oil level automatic shutdown feature and is a gas-powered portable generator.
#1: Honda EU2200i Generator – Best Choice
This generator uses a Honda GXR120 commercial series engine. This generator produces clean power ideal for sensitive electronics.
This engine delivers fuel-efficient, unmatched performance without compromising its portability of the engine.
A few features of the Honda EU2200i are:
1. Lower Noise: This generator produces around 48 DB of noise at quarter load with quiet power technology. This is a Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator.
2. Honda My Generator app & Bluetooth® capability: Exclusive App from Honda uses Bluetooth for remote operation and monitoring.
This makes using the Honda EU2200i hassle-free and safe.
3. CO Minder: This is an advanced CO (Carbon Mono-oxide) detection system. This shuts down the generator as soon as CO levels reach a certain level.
4. Fuel Shutoff: This feature allows the engine to run continuously unless most of the fuel clears from the carburetor. This removes stale oil issues and is very useful if your generator is not used for a longer time.
5. Extra Power: The new Honda EU2200i generates extra 200 watts i.e. 2200 watts of peak power without much increase in price and size. This is an 1800-watt gas-powered generator.
6. Run time: It can run approx 8 hrs at 25% load with less than one-gallon fuel tank capacity i.e. 0.95 gals.
7. Easy Start every time: Honda’s automatic mechanical decompression system reduces the effort needed for a recoil start.
8. Electronic Circuit Breaker: This protects the generator from overload conditions. Overload is one of the major reasons for generator failures.
9. Warranty: Honda EU2200i covers its generator from top to bottom with a 3-year warranty. They have a nationwide network of service centers.
This is a gas-powered & parallel-ready inverter generator. It has USDA qualified spark arrestor (also called muffler). This generator has 120V-20A Duplex Outlets & a 12V DC outlet.
Product Dimensions (inches) : 20/11.4/16.7 (L/B/H)
This generator weighs 47.4 lbs.
You can also check our in-depth review of the Honda EU2200i generator.
This generator is the quietest of all with exceptional features. Such as apps for Operation, Bluetooth connectivity, and extra power with lower size and weight.
You cannot use this generator as a full backup power source for emergency power supply in your home. You will need bigger guns for that.
This might be a little expensive as compared to other generators on the list but will be worth it.
So this is for anyone who won’t mind extra features for a reasonable price. This generator is like a portable power station for your power tools.
#2: Generac GP2200i Generator – Economic
This inverter generator uses a Generac OHV 80cc 4-stroke engine with TruePower™ Technology. This generates the clean power (pure sine wave) required for sensitive electronic appliances.
Yeah! Electronic appliances are sensitive too. 😅
The top features of Generac GP2200i portable inverter generator are :
1. Lower Noise: Compact design along with eco throttle reduces noise level to a great extent. These are neighbor-friendly generators.
2. Economy mode: This has an economy mode switch that adjusts engine speed. This lowers fuel consumption that saves fuel and supports quiet operation.
3. Integrated Knob: This helps in operation i.e. run, choke & off all integrated into a knob.
4. USB Ports: USB ports (5V) in this generator might come in handy and are useful on many occasions.
5. Starting Power (Power rating): On starting this generator produces a maximum power of 2000 watts (also called surge watts ). And then 1700 watts while running (also called rated watts).
6. Run time: With a 1.2 gal fuel tank capacity, it can run approx 10 hrs at 25% load.
7. Warranty: Generac GP2200i includes a 1-year commercial & 2 years residential warranty.
Additionally, this generator is parallel-ready.
This means it allows you to connect 2 Generac GP2200i generators to generate twice the power. You can connect 2 generators using a parallel kit.
This has 20A Duplex & 12V DC outlets. This is a gas-powered engine.
Product Dimensions (inches) : 19.7/11.4/17.9 (L/B/H)
This lightweight (46.6 lbs) and compact design generator make it best for anyone out for camping, outdoor get-togethers, etc.
#3: Pulsar G2319N Generator – Highest Surge
This generator uses a single-cylinder, 4-stroke 80cc OHV engine with inverter technology.
Inverter technology provides low harmonic distortions ideal for sensitive & vulnerable electronic appliances. This prevents electronic devices from any power surges.
The best features of the Pulsar G2319N portable inverter generator are :
1. Lower Noise: This generator produces around 59 DB operation noise at 25% load. This level of sound is only audible at a distance of less than 10m.
2. Integrated Knob: This also has an integrated knob for hassle-free operation.
3. USB Port: This generator has a 5V USB port.
4. Starting Power: This generator produces 2300 watts of peak power. And then 1800 watts running.
5. Run time: With a 1.18 gal tank capacity, it can run approx 9.5 hrs at 25% load.
6. Warranty: Pulsar G2319N includes 1 year commercial/residential warranty.
Pulsar G2319N is also parallel-ready and gas-powered. This has a 12V DC and 15A duplex outlet.
Product Dimensions (inches) : 19.7/11.22/17.1 (L/B/H)
This generator is 47 lbs and is great for anyone planning to tailgate and camping.
#4: WEN 56200i Generator – Clean Power
This inverter generator uses a 79.7 Cc 4-Stroke OHV engine.
WEN 56200i generates clean power and limits total harmonic distortion (THD) to 0.3% no load and 1.2% full load. This reduces the chances of power surges to a minimum.
Features of the WEN 56200i portable inverter generator are :
1. Lower Noise: This generator produces around 53 DB at Quarter load. This noise level will be like a normal conversation.
2. Eco mode: This mode allows the motor to adjust the engine speed. This in turn lowers fuel consumption that saves fuel and supports the quiet operation.
3. Switch 3 in 1: This helps in operation i.e. run, choke & off.
4. USB Port: A 5V USB port is available.
5. Starting Power: WEN 56200i produces 2000 surge watts (watts of peak power) and 1600 rated watts (Output power).
6. Run time: With a 1.19 gal tank capacity, it can run approx 9 hrs at 25% load.
7. Warranty: WEN 56200i includes 2 years warranty.
WEN 56200i is also gas-powered & parallel-ready. This has a 12V DC and 15A duplex outlet.
Product Dimensions (inches): 18/11/18 (L/B/H)
This generator is lightweight (48 lbs) and easy to carry.
This generator is great for all portable power needs such as camping, construction sites, tailgating, etc.
#5: Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Generator – Allrounder
This inverter generator uses a champion 4-stroke 80cc engine. This engine generates reliable & clean energy with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 3%.
Features for Champion 2000W generator are :
1. Lower Noise: This generator produces around 53 DB of noise at quarter load.
2. Smart Eco mode: This mode is for quieter operation, extended engine life, and better fuel economy.
3. EZ Start dial & Digital Power Panel: This helps in operation i.e. run, choke, off, etc all integrated into a dial. Digital power panel power output, fuel level, runtime, etc for better operation and maintenance.
4. USB Ports: This generator has dual-port USB outlets of 5V each.
5. Starting Power: This 1600-watt gas-powered generator produces 2000 peak watts of power in starting.
6. Run time: With a 1.1 gal tank capacity, it can run approx 11 hrs at 25% load. It has a fuel fill assist LED to help you fill the tank in the dark. This is the highest fuel efficiency any gas-powered portable generator has.
7. Cold start technology: This ensures a quick start in cold weather conditions.
8. Warranty: Champion Power Equipment includes a 3-year limited warranty.
This is a parallel-ready inverter generator. It has a 20A 120V Duplex AC outlet & 12V DC outlets.
Product Dimensions (inches) : 17.3/11.2/17.5 (L/B/H)
This generator weighs 38.6 lbs.
Champion Power Equipment also has a dual fuel portable generator with the same specs – Champion 100402 2000-Watt Dual Fuel.
This generator is an excellent option for anyone looking to use it in cold weather conditions. Also if you need a dual-fuel portable generator, then you should go for the dual-fuel version.
How to buy the best 2000-watt inverter Generator
If you are still confused, this buying guide is going to help you pick the best generator for you.
Step #1: Evaluate the Situation
A 2,000-watt inverter generator is not ideal as a backup power source for running all your electronic devices during a power outage.
Still, they have many implementations such as outdoor lighting, camping, Tailgating, etc.
So,
Evaluate your situation, What you need a generator for.
What are your actual power requirements?
What is your approx budget for the generator?
Would you pay extra for a generator with extra features which ease generator operation?
Once you have an answer for all these you are good to move to the next step.
Step #2: How much power do you need?
Considering we have a large number of options and choices to make when deciding what to run with the generator.
You can make the choice of removing non-essentials or a few devices that you might not need.
This will decrease the load on the generator as well as on your pocket. Keep in mind to add an extra 20% to the total load you are considering for any situation.
So, knowing your power needs will help you make the best choice.
Step #3: Pick the features you need
All top brand generators come loaded with features carefully designed for you. Still, everybody’s use case differs.
So there will be features that are necessary for you and some that can be an option. Including or excluding these features will have a major effect on your best choice.
I have included the most relevant & available features for a portable 2000-watt generator which you should look into.
Generator Mobile App
Honda has an exclusive app that connects with the generator and allows you to perform remote operations. You can also watch the output, runtime, etc with the app.
This feature is a must-have. It also makes operation safe and easy.
CO Minder
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a very dangerous gas. It causes dozens of deaths every year.
Generator Engines produce CO while running.
CO Minder monitors CO levels and shuts down the generator automatically in case CO levels increase. This ensures extra safety.
Noise Level
We all need a Super Quiet Portable inverter generator. Any regular generator can be disturbing for us and all around us.
So, look for generators with a silent operation feature.
Clean Power
Generators use Inverter Technology to generate clean power.
Clean Power is very healthy for all electronic and electric Appliances in your home.
Starting Power – Check Power Rating
All electronic devices have rated and surge wattage. Surge wattage is only needed to start the power tools and then they run on lower-rated wattage.
So, instead of buying a generator with rated watts above the required surge watts. Buying a generator with better surge watts to cover your surge needs will be pocket-friendly.
Lightweight & Compact design
A portable & lightweight generator is easy to carry and can fit in places with less space easily. A carrying handle, tool kit, etc make this easy.
So, if you are planning something that requires a lot of motion and you wanna try saving space. Look out for this feature.
Output DC/AC Outlets
Generators come with various outlet options like a 5V USB port. This might come in handy in many situations. Some other outlets available are Duplex Outlet and DC outlets.
Check the number of outlets and their specs to get exactly what you need.
Low-level fuel shut off
This monitors the oil level and shuts down the generator in case of low oil. This automatic shutdown saves the engine from any damage that might occur.
Fuel Efficiency (Runtime, Rated Power & Fuel Capacity)
A fuel-efficient generator gives a longer backup. It saves you cost in the long run.
You can calculate fuel efficiency by comparing runtime, power generated, and fuel capacity.
Overload protection
Tools that have motors for example an air compressor need 2 to 3 times peak watts to start. For example an air compressor, a window air conditioner, etc. This can overload the generator.
Generators use circuit breakers to prevent generators from overloading. This prevents the generator from incurring any damage.
Conclusion
A 2,000-watt generator is like a portable power station that can serve various needs.
They serve the additional power you need. It might be a campsite, a construction site, or an outdoor cookout.
Everyone’s needs are different. Compare the features and choose which generator is best for you.
With that said,
Honda EU2200i is an excellent choice for a quiet, hassle-free, efficient & reliable power generator.
Honda goes beyond to ensure users’ safety and an unmatched experience.
I am in love with how Honda uses technology to enhance their generators overall. Honda’s exclusive My Generator App is an example of the same. It comes with quiet power technology.
If you are looking for a backup power source with affordable prices. Our second choice Champion 2,000-Watt Generator can be the one for you.
Also if you are looking for a dual-fuel portable generator Champion power equipment has a dual-fuel variant.
Check out our review on the best 3500-watt generator if you need even more power.
All generators above are the best available modern inverter generators in the 2000-watt range. You can choose any one generator that suits your need for a backup power source.