The Top 10 Smallest Portable Generators

Portable generators come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The market is full of devices which range from such that can fit on your shelf, to those which require wheels to move around. But which are the smallest?

In this article, we will focus on the smallest portable generators currently on the market. After all, portability is the reason why most people are after portable generators in the first place, be it for the lack of space in their garage, to avoid the struggle of moving around a heavy device, or so that they can fit them in their car trunk. It makes sense to look for the smallest ones possible.

However, their small size comes at a price. Most significantly, the shrunken dimensions take their toll on the generator’s wattage, fuel capacity and the number and types of available outlets. In addition, they are not always all that cheaper than their larger counterparts. Sometimes even on the contrary, as it may be actually harder to fit a well working generator with all its parts into a small, portable casket.

Many small generators are inverter generators and vice versa, most inverter generators are small. Most people will benefit from inverter generators, as they can be used to directly power any device, including sensitive electronics, but you should keep in mind that they have an inherently higher price/wattage ratio.

With that said, even the smallest generators are well equipped to preform most recreational and hobbyist tasks. The demand for them is stunning – even you came to check them out! So here they are, the top 10 smallest portable generators currently on the market!

Top 10 Smallest Portable Generators

Generator	Wattage (running/starting)	Dimensions (inches)	Weight	Links
Lifan ESI 860i-CA	600 W/700 W	14 x 9 x 13	23 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Sportsman GEN1000i	800 W/1000 W	15.6 x 8 x 13.8	20.3 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Sportsman GEN1000	900 W/1000 W	14 x 12 x 12	38 lbs	Buy on eBay (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Pulsar PG1202S	850 W/1200 W	14.6 x 12.4 x 12.4	37.5 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Genmax GM1200i	1000 W/1200 W	16.5 x 9.5 x 15.7	25.3 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Yamaha EF1000iS	900 W/1000 W	17.7 x 9.4 x 14.9	27.9 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Honda EU1000i	900 W/1000 W	17.8 x 9.5 x 14.9	28.7 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
WEN 56125i	1000 W/1250 W	17 x 9 x 16.5	31.6 lbs	Buy on eBay (opens in a new tab)
ECHO EGi-1200	1000 W/1200 W	16 x 11 x 16	30 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Powermate PM1200i	1000 W/1200 W	18.3 x 10.3 x 15.7	33 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers

Zoom on the Smallest Portable Generators

Lifan ESI 860i-CA

Given its approximate dimensions of 14 x 9 x 13" and its light weight of 23 lbs, the Lifan ESI 860i-CA is the smallest of all the portable generators in our database. These small dimensions make it particularly well suited when you want to generate power on-the-go, bring it on a camping trip, or do some small DIY tasks.

The Lifan ESI 860i-CA's control panel

Its 40 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Lifan engine can deliver up to 600 running watts and 700 starting watts. It offers 3 hours of run time at 50% load, which is a relatively deceiving value, when compared to other units of similar power. However, this low runtime still is perfectly suitable if you find yourself in a short power outage or have a small job to do. Its noise emissions are average for its power, as its sound level at 23 feet can be as low as 58 dB (less noisy than a conversation at home).

Its control panel offers 1 AC outlet (NEMA 5-20R), as well as a 12V receptacle to let you conveniently charge your batteries. Because it's an inverter generator, its low THD (<2%) allows you to safely plug in any appliances with sensitive electronic components (laptops, mobile phones, etc.).

The unit is CARB-compliant (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). It can also be operated without any worries, as it features a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload.

The price of this model is average, when compared to similarly-powerful units.

Sportsman GEN1000i

The Sportsman GEN1000i is a fine example of modern, small scale, portable generator technology. Its 40 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine produces up to 800 running watts and 1000 starting watts, which is quite impressive, given its small dimensions of just 15.6 x 8 x 13.8" and 20.3 lbs weight. This combination of parameters makes it ideal if you want to generate electricity on-the-go, take it with you on a camping trip, or work on some small do-it-yourself tasks.

The Sportsman GEN1000i

The GEN1000i has a 6.3 hour runtime when measured at a 50% load, which is a relatively deceiving value. With that in mind, this runtime makes the GEN1000i a perfectly suitable solution for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid. The generator’s noise emissions are low, given its power. At 23 ft, its sound can be as low as 56 dB (less noisy than rainfall).

The control panel of this generator features 1 AC outlet (NEMA 5-20R), along with a USB port. Thus, you can directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices.

The Sportsman GEN1000i is an inverter generator with a THD <5%. As is the case with any other inverter generator, you can rely on it to safely power devices which are THD sensitive (phones, laptops, etc.).

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). Operating the unit is made trouble-less, thanks to a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload. As for its price, we find the Sportsman GEN1000i to be about what you’d expect from a device with these specs and power output.

Sportsman GEN1000

The Sportsman GEN1000 is another exquisitely small, 14 x 12 x 12" big, 38 lbs heavy, portable generator. It is powered by a 72 cc, 2-stroke engine, that can deliver up to 900 running watts and 1000 starting watts - values which are perfect for working on small do-it-yourself projects, generating power on-the-go, or your RV.

The Sportsman GEN1000

This output comes at a cost of some noise, which is fairly high, when considering other devices of similar wattages, 65 dB (just slightly more noisy than a normal conversation) when measured at 23 ft.

At a 50% load, this generator has a relatively deceiving 5-hour runtime, which remains perfectly suitable when you want to go tailgating or spend half a day working remotely on one of your projects. The GEN1000‘s control panel features 1 AC outlet (NEMA 5-20R).

Given its low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, the unit can be operated while keeping a real peace of mind. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

When compared to similarly powerful units, the Sportsman GEN1000 is cheaper than its peers.

Pulsar PG1202S

Next on our list of the smallest generators, at 14.6 x 12.4 x 12.4" and 37.5 lbs, is the Pulsar PG1202S. Its 72 cc, 2-stroke, Ducar engine produces up to 1200 starting watts and 850 running watts, which are the right values for anybody who desires to generate power on-the-go, wants to do some small DIY tasks, or needs additional power in their RV.

The Pulsar PG1202S

Pulsar PG1202S's power can be reaped for up to 8.5 hours, at a 50% load. This is a usual value, considering its power. Thus, the PG1202S is ideal if you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night.

As for its noise emissions, the PG1202S's rating is fairly high, when considering other devices of similar wattages. Its sound level at 23 feet is no less than 65 dB (just slightly more noisy than background music).

The PG1202S's power is fed through a control panel, which is equipped with 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), and also a 12V receptacle. This way, the PG1202S lets you conveniently charge your batteries.

On top of that, this generator is equipped with circuit breakers to prevent overload, providing you, the user, comfort and safety. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

As for its price, the Pulsar PG1202S is considered to be cheaper than its peers.

Genmax GM1200i

The fifth smallest portable generator in our database is the 16.5 x 9.5 x 15.7", 25.3 lbs, Genmax GM1200i. This little beauty delivers up to 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts, with its 57 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Dinking engine. It is a great device for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

The Genmax GM1200i

This power can be conveniently collected through the GM1200i's control panel, using its 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), or 2 USB ports, a suitable choice if you wish to directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices.

As some other generators on this list, the GM1200i is also parallel capable, meaning that it can be hooked up along with another compatible generator for additional power, and an inverter generator, with a THD which doesn’t top 3%, allowing you to power sensitive electronic devices directly (phones, laptops, etc.).

The Genmax GM1200i's runtime reaches up to 10 hours, if measured at a 25% load - a usual value given its specs, if you’d ask me. For illustration, this makes the GM1200i an ideal choice for running it throughout the night.

As any other portable generator, the Genmax GM1200i produces some noise when running. At 23 ft, its volume reaches a minimum of 58 dB (less noisy than a quiet suburb) – a sound level that can be considered standard for its power. The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California). And thanks to a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers to prevent overload, the unit can be operated safely even when you aren’t always around.

In conclusion, we rate the Genmax GM1200i's price average, considering its power.

Yamaha EF1000iS

Next on the chopping block is the Yamaha EF1000iS. Even this deep into our list, it still is surprisingly light and small, as it weighs just about 27.9 lbs and measures 17.7 x 9.4 x 14.9". Its 50 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Yamaha MZ50 engine delivers up to 900 running watts and 1000 starting watts. These values make the Yamaha EF1000iS fantastic for generating power on-the-go, bringing on a camping trip, or working on small scale DIY tasks.

The Yamaha EF1000iS

The Yamaha EF1000iS is an inverter generator, and has a low THD of <2.5%. It can therefore safely power devices with sensitive electronic components (phones, laptops, etc.).

When it comes to its autonomy, the Yamaha EF1000iS, at a 25% load, has a relatively impressive 11.9 hour runtime. For this reason, it is ideal when you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night. When measured at a distance of 23 feet, this generator’s output results in noise emissions which can be as low as 47 dB (less noisy than a library).

In addition, its control panel features 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-15R), plus a 12V receptacle, which can be useful for tasks such as charging your batteries.

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). To assure its safety of operation, it features a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload.

When considering its price, the Yamaha EF1000iS fits into the expensive price range, upon comparison with its similarly powerful peers.

Honda EU1000i

The seventh tiniest generator currently featured in our database is a special one. It is the 17.8 x 9.5 x 14.9" big, 28.7 lbs heavy, Honda EU1000i.

The Honda EU1000i

It is also an inverter generator, whose value of THD is <3%. Sensitive electronic accessories, such as phones or laptops, can be safely powered with this device. In addition, the EU1000i is also parallel capable, which means that it can be hooked up to a compatible generator to maximize its output.

The Honda EU1000i is powered by a 49.4 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Honda GXH50 engine and can deliver up to 1000 starting watts and 900 running watts. This wattage makes it ideal for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

It can keep running for up to 6.8 hours, when measured at a 25% load. All things considered, this runtime value is relatively deceiving, when compared to similarly powerful units. Nethertheless, the EU1000i's runtime makes it a perfectly suitable choice for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid.

Regarding noise emissions of the Honda EU1000i, we can consider them as low, given its power. When measured at a distance of 23 feet, the noise level can be as low as 42 dB (just slightly more noisy than bird calls).

The EU1000i and its functions are controlled by a dedicated control panel, which is equipped with 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-15R).

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). Honda EU1000i is overall a safe device to operate, thanks to its safety features, such as a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload.

As for pricing, the Honda EU1000i's price fits the expensive price range.

WEN 56125i

The WEN 56125i is the eighth of the smallest portable generators on this list, and in our highly curated database. It has the dimensions of 17 x 9 x 16.5", and a weight of 31.6 lbs.

The WEN 56125i's control panel

Inside is hidden a 60 cc, OHV 4-stroke, WEN engine, that delivers wattages of up to 1000 running watts and 1250 starting watts. The WEN 56125i is therefore a good choice for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks. Given its parallel capability, these values may be doubled by parallelly hooking it up to another, parallel capable generator.

The noise emissions of the WEN 56125i are low, considering its power output. They measure up to 51 dB (just slightly more noisy than a refrigerator) at 23 ft.

In addition, the WEN 56125i is an inverter generator with a THD of just below 1.2%, which is roughly what you would expect from similar devices. It can therefore be used to power all kinds of sensitive electronic devices, for example phones or laptops.

If measured at a 50% load, the WEN 56125i has a relatively deceiving 5 hour runtime. Given that duration, this generator is perfectly suitable whenever you want to go tailgating or spend half a day working remotely on one of your projects.

The 56125i‘s control panel features 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), and additionally 2 USB ports. Therefore, it is suitable for pluging-in your mobile phone and other portable devices directly.

Given its a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, you can operate this device without any unnecessary fear. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

The WEN 56125i is cheaper than its similarly powerful peers.

ECHO EGi-1200

The runner up to the final device on this list stands at 16 x 11 x 16" and weighs in at 30 lbs – still pretty small, even for a portable generator. It is the ECHO EGi-1200.

The ECHO EGi-1200

Its 60 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine can deliver the following wattages: 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts. With these wattages, this model is ideal for anyone who wants to generate power on-the-go, wants to bring it on a camping trip, or wants to do some small DIY tasks. And if these weren’t just good enough for you, with its parallel capability, they can be easily doubled by coupling it along with another parallel capable device!

The aforementioned power may be drained for up to 5.2 hours on a single tank, at a 50% load. This is a somewhat deceiving value for a generator of this power ouput. Thus, the ECHO EGi-1200 is perfectly suitable if you need to easily survive extended power outages or spend most of the day off-grid.

As is the case for some other devices on this list, the ECHO EGi-1200 is an inverter generator and accordingly can be used to safely power sensitive electronics, cell phones or laptops, with its THD <3%. In terms of its noise, we find its values fairly high, when considering other devices of similar wattages. EGi-1200's volume is no less than 64 dB when measured at a distance of 23 ft (just slightly more noisy than background music).

EGi-1200's power is harvested through its control panel, equipped with 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) and in addition also a 12V receptacle and 2 USB ports. It therefore allows you to comfortably conveniently charge your batteries and directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices.

To top this off, the unit is equipped with a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, providing us with a feeling of comfort and safety. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

Lastly, when compared to other portable generators of similar output, the ECHO EGi-1200's price should be considered average.

Powermate PM1200i

The last of the 10 smallest portable generators in our database is the Powermate PM1200i. Measuring 18.3 x 10.3 x 15.7" and weighing 33 lbs, this gem can produce up to 1200 starting watts and 1000 running watts. It is powered by a 54 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine and is overall a great device for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

The Powermate PM1200i

The PM1200i's power can be conveniently collected through its control panel, from its 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R).

Unsurprisingly, it is also an inverter generator, with a THD which stays right below 3%. You may therefore use the PM1200i to power sensitive electronic devices directly (phones, laptops, etc.).

The Powermate PM1200i's runtimes reach up to 7 hours, when they are measured at a 25% load. This is a somewhat deceiving value given the unit’s power. Despite that, the PM1200i is a perfectly suitable choice for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid.

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). In addition, with the aid of a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, the unit is operated safely even if you dare to take your eyes off it.

Summed up, the Powermate PM1200i's price is average, given its power.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of the smallest portable generators currently on the market. Even though they are far from the most powerful, or the longest running generators on the market, they are the most portable, which is what most look for in a portable generator in the first place.

We hope you’ve found here at least one or two generators which may suit you. If not, don’t worry! Whenever there’s a new one out, we’ll let you know by updating our list accordingly.