Best Quiet Portable Generator Reviews

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So, you are planning to buy the best quiet portable generator but do not know how to find one? Well, the following quiet portable generator reviews could be all you need to find one great generator. However, looking for a quiet but portable generator is not as easy as it looks. You may find a good portable generator, for instance, but it could be the noisiest in the neighborhood. You may as well spot a cheap and great quality machine, but can you be sure it is not a fuel guzzler?

Most generators operate with decibels of between 47DBa and 76DBa. However, there are times a 47dba machine could make more noise than the 76DBa machine depending on the environment they work in, the loads they power and their internal mechanics. That’s not a big deal though, especially if you could find a generator with the construction and performance abilities of the following reviewed machines.

• Powerhouse Inverter
• Wattage: 1600 running/2000 starting
• Running time: 8.5 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
• Engine: 80cc
• Noise level: 52 dBA
• Outlets: 2- 120V AC 20A and 1- 120V AC 30A
• Dimensions: 19.6 x 11.25 x 17.9
• Weight: 52 lbs
• Other: low oil shutdown, recoil start, less than 1.5% total harmonic distortion, parallel ready

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• Champion Power Equipment 73536i
• Wattage: 1700 running/2000 starting
• Running time: 9.5 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 1 gallons
• Engine: 80cc single-cylinder OHV
• Noise level: 53 dBA
• Outlets: 2- 120V 20A (5-20R) and also includes 12V DC for charging batteries
• Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 19
• Weight: 48 lbs
• Other: CARB Compliant, parallel ready, less than 3% total harmonic distortion, low oil shut-off sensor

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• Yamaha EF2000iSv2
• Wattage: 1600 running/2000 starting
• Running time: 10.5 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
• Engine: 79cc OHV, air-cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke
• Noise level: 51.5 dBA
• Outlets: 2- 120V AC and 1- DC — 8A 12V for charging batteries
• Dimensions: 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9
• Weight: 44.1 lbs
• Other: EPA & CARB compliant, Smart Throttle, spark arrestor, Oil Watch Warning system

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• Champion Power Equipment 75531i
• Wattage: 2800 running/3100 starting
• Running time: 8 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Engine: 171cc single cylinder, 4-stroke OHV
• Noise level: 58 dBA
• Outlets: 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household, 12V DC outlets
• Dimensions: 19.7 x 18.5 x 24.2
• Weight: 99 lbs
• Other: EPA+CARB certified, less than 3% total harmonic distortion, USDA approved spark arrestor, Low oil shut-off sensor, recoil start

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• Champion Power Equipment 75537i
• Wattage: 2800 running/3100 starting
• Running time: 8 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Engine: 171cc single-cylinder OHV
• Noise level: 58 dBA
• Outlets: 120V 30A RV, two 120V 20A household and 12V DC
• Dimensions: 17.5 x 18.5 x 27
• Weight: 95 lbs
• Other: EPA+CARB certified, less than 3% total harmonic distortion, USDA approved spark arrestor, Low oil shut-off sensor, wireless remote start

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• Honda EU2000I
• Wattage: 1600 running/2000 starting
• Running time: 8.1 hours at ¼ load
• Fuel: gas
• Fuel tank capacity: 0.95 gallons
• Engine: 98.5cc
• Noise level: 53 dBA
• Outlets: 20A 125V Duplex, 12V, 96W (8A)
• Dimensions: 20.2 x 11.4 x 16.7
• Weight: 45.6 lbs
• Other: recoil start, co-Throttle System, parallel ready, USDA-qualified spark arrestor, low oil shut down

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Top 6 Quietest Portable Generators

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Quiet Portable Generator

The Yamaha EF2000iSv2, with a noise block sound reduction system and a 357cc engine looks like the perfect portable generators for average homes. The small 44.1 pound machine is also built to produce clean power while all the same economizing on fuel. Continue reading however to learn more about the machine’s construction and performance capabilities.

• Power Output – The considerably high rated machine features a 1600watt engine with the ability to reach 2000watts at its peak power. It also features an advanced programming technology that makes it 357cc OHV engine perform consistently well even when handling a wide variety of applications.
• Quiet Operation – If a quiet operator is all you need, this generator could be your perfect deal. It features a patented Yamaha muffle that makes it operate at a low noise level of between 51.5 to 61Dba.
• Features a smart Throttle to regulate engine performance – The generator features a throttle system that senses the engine’s rpm control and regulates its speed according to the load it is powering. This, in turn, promotes great efficiency while reducing noise pollution.
• Impression Features – The Yamaha machine features a gasoline petcock that let’s empty its gasoline tank once it is done serving you. This, in turn, helps you save the fuel in a way that you could still use when you need to run the generator once again. In addition, the machine features a fuel gauge to help you know when to refill it again.
• Supplies clean power – The Yamaha generator features an inverter that helps supply clean and high quality power that you could use to power sensitive electronics and devices such as laptops and Smartphones.
• Features multiple accessories – The generator is impressive with its many accessories such as an RV adapter kit, a tachometer, an appliance load tester and power cables.
• Lightweight and Compact – The generator is quite light at 44 pounds, plus it is compact and small enough to ease on storage and enhance easy transportation.

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Powerhorse Portable Inverter Generator

The Powerhorse portable generator is an affordable yet high rated machine. It features a great design and a powerful engine that could provide all the power you would need during a small camping event. It could also work efficiently well to support your home’s main electronics, plus it saves on fuel as you will note below.

• Compact and light design – The Powerhorse inverter generator is small and light, to enable you to store it properly in your car and lift it around whenever you need it. On average, it weighs 52.2 pounds while it measures 20.7*19.4*12.1 inches. In addition, the small portable generator features a comfortable to hold handle.
• Reliable and Clean Power – The generator achieves a less than 1.5% total harmonic distortion which enables you to power all the sensitive electronics in your house before normal power is restored. Again, the generator comes with a 100% copper wound heads to ensure that it can operate for weeks without overheating. The copper-wound heads are also more powerful than aluminum designed heads, as they won’t corrode.
• Can work with another generator in tandem – In case the 1600watt worth of power the machine it produces cannot serve your needs, you can always buy a similar machine and tap on the power both generators can produce.
• Impression Features – The generator comes with low oil shut down function to start with. Again, it features an easily removable side panel for easy oil refill.
• Easy to maintain – The generator’s design, which features a smart control panel and compact design is easy to maintain. The oil refill feature is also ideally located at the top so that you can empty the reservoir and keep your generator dry for easy startup next time you need it.

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Champion Power Equipment 73536i

The Champion Power 73536i is one of the quietest portable generators in the market today. On average, the machine will produce 51decibels of noise, which is far much lower than the 65-71 decibels most other generators produce. The Champion model is also light at 48 pounds, while it is considerably compact for easy storage and transportation. Continue reading all the same to learn more about its performance details.

• Powerful OHV engine – The Champion’s engine is an 800 cc OHV engine with the capability to produce 1700watts of power and a maximum of 2000watts. This power is definitely not the most reliable whole house needs, but it is enough to run some of your major appliances before normal power is restored. It could also supply the power you need for a camping experience.
• Long run time – The generator could run for a continuous 10 hours while on a full tank, which is certainly more time than most inverter generators can handle. Note however that the generator would have to be at 25% load, for it to run that long.
• Low Noise – At 53 decibels of noise, the generator is definitely appropriate for any occasion where you don’t need noise. The 53 decibels it produces are also lower than the noise produced in a normal conversation, and as such can’t disrupt your event.
• Multiple Outlets – The Champion power has two main outlets, a 120V duplex outlet and a 12v DC outlet. In addition, the machine features an overload protection function, so that it remains undamaged in case you overload it by mistake.
• Impression Details-Features low oil shut down feature to help protect the engine. In addition, the Champion power machine does feature a 2 year warranty.
• Great Design – The Champion power generator is undoubtedly beautiful. It is square shaped to start with, plus it is finished with a stylish control panel and frames on all controls for enhanced protection.

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Champion Power Equipment 75521i

The Champion Power Equipment 75521i is one of the most stylish inverter generators in the market today. In fact, most Champion inverter machines are stylish, only that this particular model looks more elegant with its beautiful never flat wheels and a great control panel. When it comes to performance, on the other hand, the generator beats most of its competitors fair and square. Read below, however, to see its exact features and decide if it worth investing in.

• Powerful Engine – Features a 171cc Champion engine that produces up to 3100watts worth of power. On average, however, the generator produces 2800 running watts, which is ideally enough power to handle your home’s major electronics for up to 8 hours while on a full engine. For small use power needs, however, the generator could run longer.
• Quiet and Reliable – The Champion Power produces 58 decibels of noise despite having one of the most powerful engines from an inverter generator. On the other hand, the generator produces reliable and clean power that you could use on your most sensitive electronics. To be specific actually, the generator has less than 3% distortion on power produced, meaning any of our smart devices refrigerators could be powered without the fear of damaging them.
• Multiple Outlets – The generator features a 120V 30A outlet for an RV, two 12-v 20A household outlets and a 12v DC outlet to help you power several appliances whenever you want to.
• Great Compact Design – The Champion is, by all means, one of the most stylish inverter generators out there. It is also compact and easy to transport as it comes with a wheel kit and has handles that make pushing it around feel effortless. And while a bit heavy at 88 pounds, the generator is absolutely sturdy and could fit any surfaces you place it on.
• Features a 2 year warranty.

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Champion Power Equipment 75537i

If you have no problem paying more to get a stylish and powerful generator, check the Champion power 75537i out. It weighs 95 pounds and measures 27*18.5*17.5 inches on average but has got an absolutely elegant design. The machine also features a pair of wheels for easy movement and has a compact construction that promises to live for long. When it comes to power, the Champion model will run some of your major appliances efficiently until normal power is restored. Continue reading however and see some of the unique features that make it a top portable generator.

• Powerful and Reliable Engine – The Champion machine comes with a 171cc engine with 3% THD for clean and reliable power. On the other hand, this engine supplies up to 2800 running watts for about 8 hours to help you keep your home’s lights on, your air conditioner on or run an event during a camping adventure.
• Stylish Compact Design – As earlier stated, the Champion power model is appealing. It may be small and less powerful than standby machines, but it is definitely better looking than most other generators. Its compact nature, on the other hand, makes it a great companion for travelers and RV owners, as it will easily fit in any RV. Still, the top rated comes with a pair of sturdy wheels for easy movements and two great handles for comfortable push and pulling.
• Multiple Outlets – The generator features an RV ready 120V 30A outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets, and 12V DC outlets.
• Wireless Remote for Easy Control – The generator can be controlled while 80 feet away with a remote. This works conveniently well, especially where you have to place it a distance away to minimize noise production. The machine is not a huge noise emitter though as it produces only 58decibels.

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Honda EU2000I Ultra Quiet Portable Generator

The Honda EU2000I is one of the top quiet portable generators at the moment. It is hugely advertised, and with its good ratings in multiple reviews, the generator looks worth investing in. In terms of size, the Honda machine is quite small. It measures 20.1*16.8*11.4 inches and weighs 47 pounds for easy transportation. On the other hand, the generator is advertised as a great option for someone in search of an RV or camping generator. However, it is probably more important to view its main details before you can decide to buy or write it off.

• Light and Compact – As already mentioned, the Honda EU2000I is a generator you could hold with one hand and move it around the compound. You could also place it in a great quality bag or keep it at your car’s trunk while you go camping or boating.
• Output – With its small size, the Honda machine could deliver up to 2000 watts worth of power. However, the machine runs on 1600watts, which is still powerful enough to keep some of your home’s lights on and still power your smart devices. At a camping event, however, the generator could run several P.A systems and electronics for up to 8 hours while on a 25% load.
• Super Quiet and Reliable – The generator operates at 59 decibels of noise while on a relatively heavy load. However, the machine could run even more silently while on a quarter load. This, in turn, makes it a great companion for any outdoor activities where noise is of paramount importance.
• Easy to Maintain – The generator has an easily accessible oil refill, servicing filters and compact design for easy cleaning. In addition, the machine features a low oil shut down feature and an overload protection function to make sure it remains operational for as long as possible.

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Quietest Portable Generators Comparison Table

Noise Level and the Decibel Scale

A decibel, or simply DBA, is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. With generators in particular, decibels can range from 0DBa to 100DBA. The noise level in the generator, in turn, increases as the DBA scale increases. However, the decibel scale is a bit more complex than what most people assume. To start with, decibels could also measure voltage level, pressure level, intensity level or measured sound pressure.

But to make the decibel system clear, it is defined into different sections. When you say 50Dba for instance, it can then be understood as 50 decibels of audio transmission. The decibel scale is still complex, though, and this is mainly because our ears are super sensitive to noise. When you put two generators together for instance; one with 50DBA and another with 60Dba, you will probably hear the 60DBA machine produce twice as much noise as the 50 decibels generator. So, why does this happen? What does it mean to you as you plan to buy a generator?

In basic terms, every 10 decibels of noise represents a 100 times more powerful acoustic intensity. And since the ears are so sensitive to any form of noise, we interpret the small increase in noise increase as huge. As scientists note, however, the potential of a sound to damage or disrupt your work will mainly be affected by the intensity of the noise and not particularly because of its noise level. In the generator scenario, the noise intensity could only be harmful if the DBA scale is high and the distance between the machine and the people around is close. All in all, the DBA system is effective at helping people understand how much noise level they should tolerate from a generator. And as you would expect, the lower the noise level produced, the less annoyance, less noise related stress and better performance a generator tends to have.

Conclusion

While there are hundreds of portable generators out there, only a few of them are as quiet and effective as those highlighted in the quiet portable generator reviews featured above. Also, few machines out there could offer you great value for your money and still achieve the durability of the above reviewed machines. However, it is still important to re-evaluate your needs and expectations from a machine before you can settle on the best quiet portable generator according to your needs.