When you live in a climate that fluctuates from low to high or vice versa, power outages can be very difficult. Because of this, having a backup power source would be preferable so that you can have an uninterrupted supply of electricity and prevent any unease. The power supply is also required when working on a project or anything else crucial that needs electricity; this is when the generator comes into play to save the day.
For everybody who wants a consistent supply of power nowadays, the generator has become essential. There are many different types of generators in the market; i.e. generators powered by gas, and diesel, as well as by patrol or even solar generators.
There are two different types of generators: heavy duty and permanently installed, while the other is portable and lightweight and can be moved around.
Today, we’re going to discuss portable diesel generators, which are very common for anyone who needs to have a reliable power source when they’re on the go. Because they are more affordable and cost-effective than the alternatives and require little maintenance, people prefer portable diesel generators.
Here we have a list of 5 best portable diesel generators along with the features and pros and cons:
Best Diesel Generators – Quick Comparison
1. Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt – Best Whole House Generator
Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt Inverter Generator is an excellent generator with having very high efficiency rate. The company is known for manufacturing a variety of budget-friendly and user-friendly generators. Compared to a conventional 4000-watt generator, the Champion 4000-watt Digital Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator is 20% lighter and 50% quieter. That is beyond amazing.
Economy Mode Function: In addition to being 20% lighter and 50% quieter than a typical Champion 3300-watt generator, the Champion Economy Mode function also conserves fuel and prolongs engine life. It is made especially for RVs, tailgating, and home backup.
Run time: It can have Up to 17 hours of continuous use at 4000 starting watts and 3300 running watts on gasoline.
Multiple outlets: It also accompanies an RV Two 120V 20A household outlets with clean power (less than 3% THD), a 120V 30A RV adapter, and a 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapters. Parallel Kit: With the optional Parallel Kit, you may connect up to two inverters or digital hybrids of 2800 watts or more to increase your power output.
Warranty: It accompanies a 3-year limited warranty as well as lifelong technical assistance from qualified professionals.
Specifications
| Brand | Champion Power Equipment |
| Wattage | 4000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline + Diesel |
| Item Weight | 81.6 Pounds |
Verdict
I have closely tested this affordable generator. Overall, this one is an excellent generator and can run refrigerator, tv, A.C and other small appliances.
2. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator – best small diesel generator
More Power supply: With 3,300 running watts and 4,000 peak watts, this device has enough power to handle large loads like a refrigerator, lights, a home air conditioner, and power tools with high amperage.
Strong Engine: The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that has enough strength to perform a variety of tasks, including powering heavy-duty power equipment and high-voltage appliances.
Low oil shutdown: safeguards your investment by turning the generator off automatically when it detects low oil.
Power Panel: The power panel comes with two 120V home outlets and one 120V 30A twist lock outlet for maximum compatibility with your applications. A voltmeter is also included on the panel to measure the voltage output.
Approved by: All DuroStar generators are approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board), and they adhere to tight regulations to make sure that they are as environmentally friendly as possible.
Specifications
| Brand | DuroStar |
| Wattage | 4000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Item Weight | 94 Pounds |
Verdict
Overall this is a very good generator, and works excellently. The only drawback of this generator is that it produces high noise.
3. A-iPower Portable Inverter Generator – Best Diesel generator
When it comes to cheap inverter generator options for camping, A-iPower is another wonderful name to look at. A-iPower is one of the distinguished names in the field of generators. They have been serving this world for more than 30 years. This generator is also the epitome of their excellence.
Lightweight: One of the most intriguing things about this inverter generator is that it weighs only 50 pounds and is so small in size that you won’t ever feel uncomfortable taking it on travels. It is very easy to carry it and to take it everywhere with you.
Heavy engine: Despite its modest size, the 79cc engine on this generator offers up to 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts, which is rather impressive for this small generator.
Run time: In fact, the vibrations and sounds are limited, so running is not at all uncomfortable. With a tank size of 1.1 gallons, it has an approximate runtime of 7 hours on half-load.
Ports: The runtime is on the lower side when compared to other generators, but in our opinion, it is not a deal breaker. The 120VAC 20A Household outlet, 120VAC 30A L5-30R Locking outlet, 12VDC 8.3A Adapter Plug, and 5V USB port are all included as outlets with this generator. Additionally ideal for delicate electronic gadgets is this machine. You won’t harm your TV or the battery in your phone.
Quiet generator: It also operates silently. There is 58 dB of noise present. That is about the same volume as a normal home refrigerator. For the majority of uses, it ought to be quiet enough.
Specifications
| Brand | A-iPower |
| Wattage | 2000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline + Diesel |
| Item Weight | 50 Pounds |
Verdict
The generator is NOT the type you can work on easily. Cannot get the carburetor to service. You MUST use SeaFoam gas treatment to keep it clean.
4. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Inverter Generator – best generator for RV
This amazing inverter generator is part of WEN’s new generation of power equipment. You probably won’t be able to identify the key distinctions between the 56235iX and the 56200i if you don’t have much knowledge of portable generators.
Double Strength: you can connect any two WEN inverter generators using a WEN Parallel Kit to boost the overall wattage available from the parallel kit and the specific outlets on either linked generator. This feature is especially best for homes. For instance, in times of power outage, I have connected this generator to another big compatible generator. Truly, was a blessing for me at that time.
Protection of Electronic Devices: it produces pure, dependable power with a total harmonic distortion limit of less than 0.3% at no load and less than 1.2% at full load, making it safe enough to power tablets, laptops, and other delicate electronics.
Discreet Operation: its 79.7cc 4-stroke OV engine runs at a very low 53 dB at quarter load; comparable to a small engine which is about as quiet as a regular conversation and delivers quiet power wherever it’s needed.
Portable Design: It is simple to transport the generator from one place site to another thanks to its small size and carrying handle.
Also Read: WEN 56200i review
Specifications
| Brand | WEN |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline + Diesel |
| Item Weight | 48 Pounds |
Verdict
What I didn’t like was the eco mode it seemed to run a little strangely. Otherwise, this is the best generator for RV/Camping.
5. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator – best generator for home backup
The Duromax XP12000EH, sometimes known as “The Beast,” is a dual-fuel generator that was designed with toughness in mind. It produces 9500 watts of operating power and 12000 watts of starting power, allowing for the operation of many tools or pieces of equipment at once. People who are searching for a hybrid option can choose this generator.
Multiple outlets: While there are only two 3-prong outlets, three larger outlets can accommodate RV ports and twist-lock style plugs, allowing for the connection of large appliances or equipment.
Runtime: The 8.3-gallon tank offers up to 20 hours of operation on a 20lb propane tank and 10 hours of operation at 50% load on gasoline. You can continue using that amount of fuel without having to refuel for a few days.
Low oil pressure detector: Due to dual fuel technology, users have the option and flexibility to choose their preferred fuel. immediately turn off the generator when it detects low oil pressure to protect your investment.
Powerful engine: Powerful enough to handle heavy loads, including lights, a refrigerator, a home air conditioner, and high-amperage power tools. It has a starting wattage of 12,000 and a running wattage of 9,500.
Westinghouse 9500dfc generator is almost similar to this one and has a 12-hour run time. This generator is also quieter than the Duramax 12000EH generator having 4 powerful stroke engine.
Maximum power: Utilize each 120-volt outlet to its full potential with DuroMax MX2 technology. Select whether to run the generator at 240 and 120 volts simultaneously or at 120 volts with full power.
Specifications
| Brand | DuroMax |
| Wattage | 12000 watts |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Item Weight | 224 Pounds |
Verdict
This generator is overall a good generator having an excellently heavy engine. The only drawback is it takes work to operate.
Things to consider before buying a Diesel generator
Compared to gas or dual-fuel generators, portable diesel generators are much less common. Diesel engines are pricy, heavy, and geared more toward the agricultural market than toward residential use. However, for many preparedness enthusiasts, their longevity makes them worth the added expense.
Energy output
Energy is the main thing that compels you to make such an expensive purchase. Generators are rated based on the number of watts they can output at any given time, and they frequently also include a peak performance rating that indicates the greatest power they can output in brief bursts.
Add up the operating wattage of all the devices and appliances you anticipate powering to get an idea of how much juice you’ll need, then look for a generator that can provide that amount. For instance, a typical 5000–7500W generator will often be able to power most of the major appliances in your house.
Runtime
You don’t want to have to keep recharging your inverter generator if you anticipate using it for extended periods—for example, if you live in an area that experiences regular or lengthy power outages or if you need off-grid electricity all day. The size of a generator’s fuel tank and how effectively it operates affect runtimes. The typical runtime of an inverter generator is 5 to 6 hours, though some efficient types can extend that to almost a full day.
Fuel kind
Gas has the most power output, but it also has the highest noise and pollution levels. The output is slightly reduced in favor of quieter, cleaner operations using propane and natural gas. Solar generators can only be recharged when the sun is shining. They are emission-free and almost silent.
Weight and size
Different sizes and weights of inverter generators result in different levels of portability. Some are big and virtually stationary, thus they are made to be placed somewhere and left alone until they are needed. Others are more transportable because they are smaller, lighter, or have handles and wheels.
Reliability
If a generator fails when you need it, it is of little use. It might be challenging to tell whether something is made with reliable craftsmanship from a look or by reading a spec sheet.
Best Diesel Generators – FAQs
Conclusion
To sum up, there are a lot of considerations you need to make when selecting the best diesel generator. First, think about what you’ll use it for, such as camping excursions or emergency backup power. Consider how much energy you will require next. Consider the unit’s size and weight as well, to finish.
On our list of the top best diesel generators available, Champion Power Equipment 100302 4000-Watt is at the top. It is a compact, portable device ideal for use in longer power outages. Additionally, it is not too noisy, so you won’t have to be concerned about its usage.
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator is a fantastic alternative if you need additional power output, and RV enthusiasts will find it especially appealing. It has an amazing run time and fuel capacity.
Our choice for the best value is the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Generator. Despite being one of our more economical alternatives, this generator still has a strong watt output. You may buy with confidence knowing that the generator is covered by a 3-year warranty.
You now know which hurricane inverter generators we think are the best on the market. We are sure that one of these units will meet your needs, whether you’re searching for a lightweight, portable choice or something with a little more power.
