Over the fall and winter of 2020–2021, we spent weeks researching generators and tested four that we thought were best for grab-and-go power. Although these generators are not large enough to power an entire house, you can use one to keep the essentials running in an emergency by using some clever power management. These portable generators are perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities because of their small size.

It became evident to us that the Honda EU2200i was the best generator in the 2,200-watt range after we tested four others. The Honda generator was the quietest, lightest, and most powerful one we tested; it even outperformed its stated specs by powering tools and appliances that overtaxed the other generators. Its superior Honda engine, which is noticeably bigger than those of the other generators we tested, is what sets it apart. The EU2200i was the only generator we tested that started on the first pull of the cord each and every time we used it, whereas starting a gas engine can be frustrating and might deter someone from purchasing a generator alone. Additionally, you can easily manage (and maximise) the operation of the generator during a storm from the comfort of your home thanks to a Bluetooth-connected app that lets you easily monitor the Honda's power output. Few generators have this relatively recent feature. Like all of our recommendations, the EU2200i has an internal carbon monoxide detector that will turn off the generator if the level of the deadly gas rises, which can happen if the generator is operating in a closed space. (And for that reason you shouldn't operate one of these inside or even with the garage doors open.)

Honda portable generators enjoy a stellar reputation and are acknowledged as the industry's gold standard; however, this quality comes at a price. Usually costing over $1,000, the EU2200i is $400 more expensive than other gas options. But this is the device we would rely on if we had to endure a storm-related power outage or power a coffee maker while camping.

We also like the Ryobi RYi2322VNM Bluetooth inverter generator if the Honda EU2200i is too expensive or if you prioritise user-friendly features. Its engine is smaller than that of the Honda, so it’s not as robust, but in our tests it performed as well as any of the other non-Honda generators. What sets it apart from the other models we tested, including the EU2200i, is how easy to understand its Bluetooth app is. The Ryobi app not only tracks power usage, as the Honda app does, but also shows the fuel level at any given moment and an estimate of how much time remains while the generator is running at the current load. The app also lets you switch into and out of eco mode (which helps with fuel efficiency), and it can restart the generator if the machine overloads. Topping things off, the RYi2322VNM has wheels and a telescoping handle (as on a piece of luggage) that make moving it around a yard easy.

With extreme weather getting more and more unpredictable and hurricane seasons lasting longer, we’ve noticed that portable inverter generators are often in short supply. If our top two picks are not available, we also like the DeWalt DXGNI2200 2,200-watt inverter generator. It has a carbon monoxide detection feature like the others, which we think is crucial. In our tests, the DeWalt performed similarly to the Ryobi in terms of performance, but managing the available power is more difficult due to the absence of an app. Although it's true that all of the models we tested are fairly muffled, DeWalt has described this model as being "ultra quiet," and in our tests, the Honda EU2200i still made the least amount of noise.

With none of the drawbacks of a gas engine, the Ego Power+ Nexus Portable Power Station PST3042 provides power comparable to that of the Honda EU2200i. It needs hardly any maintenance, barely makes any noise, and produces no exhaust, so you can use it indoors. That makes it perfect for doing projects around the house or garage, or for hosting backyard entertainment. It excels in intermittent work—we were able to use a circular saw for a day's worth of cuts on a single charge—but its drawbacks become apparent in continuous, high-draw applications like running a space heater because the batteries deplete too quickly. The batteries can take up to eight hours to fully recharge. Despite these drawbacks, the Ego is still a great power source with a user-friendly interface that allows you to extend your power supply. Due to the convenience of battery power vs gas throughout our actual testing, we consistently chose this option over the others. If you live in a place where there are frequently brief power outages, it can be useful, but you must pay strict attention to the battery life. The Power+ Nexus is even more alluring if you've already invested in Ego batteries by purchasing the company's lawn equipment, as all of the batteries are compatible.