6 Best Generators Under $800 (Full Reviews)

For campers, tailgating, food trucks, or your RV; What are the best portable generators under $800?

There are numerous reasons why people either want or need a portable generator. Just about any tailgater, camper, or person with an RV either want a generator or already has one. But for obvious reasons, everyone wants their generator to produce high Wattage while remaining on the more affordable and reliable side.

Before the creation of portable generators, people thought owning one would be incredibly inconvenient. Luckily, owning a portable generator in today’s day in age is relatively convenient, portable, and affordable.

Without further ado, based on experience, reviews, research, and comparisons; we gathered a list of the best portable generators under $800.

In Short, Here Are The 6 Best Portable Generators Under $800: RV, Food Truck, Tailgating, Camping, Camping, Etc.

• All Power America APGG10000GL
• Westinghouse iGen4200 
• WEN 56380i Super Quiet
• Rainier R2200i 
• CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790
• Champion 100573 (3500-4000 Watts)

1. All Power America APGG10000GL (10,000-8,000 Watts)

First off, the All Power America APGG10000GL is a fantastic portable generator under $800. It produces a staggering 10,000 Watt peak and 8,000 Rated-Watts. The generator runs an impressive 11 hours straight on a half load. For convenient travel, it has wheels and two foldable handles. The gas tank can hold 8 gallons of gas, enabling much more extended usage. On the front, you will find a 120v twist-lock outlet, a 12V DC, four AC Duplex 120V outlets, and a 120/240V twist-lock outlet. 

The All Power America APGG10000GL has an effortless to use and reliable electric push start. It also has a manual recoil as well. With a self-noise of 76 decibels, it’s not too loud of a unit. However, some of the other inverter generators on this list are a bit quieter. The greatest strength of this unit is the wattage. Of every single portable generator below $800, the All Power America 10000 produces the highest Watts by far. We highly recommend it. 

Warning! Not able to be shipped to California.

Tech Specs & Details

• Watts: 10,000
• Wheels and handlebars
• 11 hour run-time on a half load
• EPA certified
• Gas Capacity: 8 gallons
• Electric push start
• Recoil
• Maintenance-free battery
• 420cc OHV air-cooled engine
• Self-noise: 76 dB

2. Westinghouse iGen4200 (4200 -3500 Watt) 

Next in line, the popular Westinghouse iGen4200 is yet another excellent choice under $800. This portable inverter generator is a hybrid with an open frame. The hybrid technology adds a unique element to its fuel efficiency. Thus, saving money in the long run. It is most fuel-efficient while the generator is in “Eco Mode.” It is both CARB and EPA compliant producing clean energy.

With the purchase, you receive a tool kit, oil funnel, oil, and a manual. This generator is popular among campers with its TT-30R outlet located in the front. It has a powerful 4-Stroke OHV engine that’s relatively easy to start. One of the things we really like about this unit is the incredibly high Wattage for the price. You get 3500 rated Watts with a 4200 peak Watt at only $620. It’s tough to find this high of Wattage at that price point.

Going back to the fuel efficiency, you will be very satisfied with the iGen4200. It gives you 18 hours of run time with 2.6 gallons of gas. The self-noise is relatively low as well at 62dBA. One of the downsides to this generator is the fact that it does not have wheels. Considering its weight at 82 pounds, it may be difficult to transport.

Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4200 portable inverter generator is an excellent choice. Running well below $800, it offers exceptionally high Wattage for the price.

Details & Tech Specs

• EPA compliant
• CARB Compliant
• TT-30R outlet
• 18 hours run time with 2.6 gallons of gas
• Self-noise: 62dBA

 3. WEN 56380i (3800-3400Watt)

The WEN 56380i is, rightfully so, one of the highest-rated and reviewed inverter generators below $800. With an incredible surge of 3800-Watts and 3400 rated Watts, this portable generator is extremely powerful. On the front, you will find an AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 5V USB port, two three-prong 120V receptacles, and a fuel display. Especially for its size, this generator is very quiet at 57dBA. Many say it’s even quieter than the famous Honda generator. Without any fuel, the generator is pretty heavy at 99 pounds. Fortunately, the wheels and extended travel handle make it significantly easier for travel. 

One of the things I like about this unit is it’s very reliable. Both the body and motor are robustly made and built to last. I also appreciate the electric start this generator offers. Another thing exciting about the WEN 56380i is the option to get it as an open frame at a much lower price.

Like many inverter generators, it provides a 30-Amp RV plug. Another essential feature is its Eco mode, which increases your fuel efficiency. Overall, the WEN 56380i is a dependable generator that will not let you down. We highly recommend it.

Details & Tech Specs

• EPA III
• CARB Compliant
• Clean power
• Watts: 3800 Start and 3400 run
• Self-noise: 57dBA
• Wheels
• Travel handle
• Recoil start
• 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine
• Closed frame

4. Rainier R2200i (2200-1800 Watts)

Next up, the Rainier R2200i is an astounding value portable generator running far below $800. While this generator is the most affordable on this list, it packs an enormous punch for the size. This inverter generator is extremely quiet and fuel-efficient. The self-noise goes as low as 52dBA, making it bearable to hold a conversation in its vicinity. It produces 2200 peak Watts and 1800 rated watts. On “Eco Mode,” this generator is exceptionally great on saving fuel. With only 1.3 gallons of fuel capacity, it produces 13 hours of run time.

Believe it or not, this compact unit is tough enough to power up an 11,000BTU air conditioner. It produces very clean power and is both EPA and CARB compliant. Another few great features are its overload protection and low oil alarms. These features help prolong the overall life of the R2200i. The compact design is incredibly convenient.

With a very low weight of 44 pounds, it is easily portable with its suitcase-like handlebar. In case you want to double your wattage, this generator allows parallel capabilities with other Rainier R2200i units. 

One of the only downsides I noticed about this generator is the lack of the TT-30R outlet. If you need a 30-amp RV plug, one of the other units on this list should be a great pick. Overall, the Rainier R2200i is an excellent bang for the buck portable inverter generator. It is currently priced well below $800. We highly recommend it. 

Tech Specs & Details

• Peak Watts: 2200
• Rated-Watts: 1800
• Inverter
• “Eco Mode” feature
• Recoil start
• Gas capacity: 1.3 gallons
• 13 hours of run time off a full tank
• EPA Compliant
• CARB Compliant
• 79cc OHV 4 Stroke Engine
• Weight: 44 pounds
• Parallel capabilities

5. CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 (7,200-5,750 Watts)

Another high Wattage portable generator, the CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 is a solid choice. This unit is currently priced below $800 with incredible ratings. The starting Watts is at 7200 while the rating Watts sits at 5750. It has a gas capacity of 8.5 gallons. On a full tank, you get 12 hours of run time on 50% load. Powered by the popular Briggs & Stratton 420cc Engine, this generator is incredibly tough.

The CRAFTSMAN is very user-friendly and effortless to start. In the front, you will find a 120/240V, 30A locking outlet, four 120V household outlets, and an on/off switch. An essential feature this generator offers is its CO detection technology.

Once the unit detects high levels of CO that could be damaging, it automatically shuts off. Coming with wheels and a convenient pull-up handle, it is very portable and makes it easy to travel. Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790 is a great portable generator below $800. It produces very high wattage for the price.

Tech Specs & Details

• Wheels
• 5750 Rated Watts
• 7200 Starting Watts
• Fuel capacity: 8.5 gallons gas
• 12 hour run time at 50% load
• 3-year limited warranty on chassis
• 2-year limited warranty on equipment and engine

6. Champion 100573 (4000-3500 Watts)

Running below $800, the Champion 100573 is an incredible bang for the buck portable generator. Coming with a remote, you have the option to start it up via wireless up to 80 feet away. It is an open frame inverter generator with a portable design. The wheels make it more convenient for travel. Not only is it naturally a more quiet generator since its an inverter, but Champion also uses quiet technology, cutting the noise in half. The average noise-level it produces is around 64 dBA. Especially for an open-frame, it is incredibly quiet.

The Champion 100573 comes with a 30-amp RV plug located on the front. This generator gives you an excessive amount of Wattage in comparison to the price. It starts with 4000-Watts and runs on 3500-Watts. The generator is both EPA certified and CARB compliant. Champion also offers an optional parallel kit that enables you to add an additional 2800-Watts or increase inverters. Like the previous generator, this system is able to run a 15,000 BTU air conditioner as well. 

The tank holds up to 2.9 gallons of gasoline. The only downside I noticed with the Champion 100573 had to do with the wireless remote. The start power button on the generator that must be pressed before starting the engine times out every 12 hours. While I don’t see a big issue with it, many people wished the start power button didn’t have a time limit. Overall, the Champion 100573 open frame inverter generator is an incredible bang for the buck for camping, tailgating, home backup, RV, etc.

Details & Tech Specs

• 4000-Watt starting- 3500-Watt running
• Volts 120
• EPA certified
• CARB compliant
• Eco-mode for better fuel efficiency
• 64-dBA noise level
• Floating-neutral generator
• Open frame inverter
• Wireless remote control start option
• Recoil start
• 30-Amp RV plug
• Clean power
• 3-year limited warranty
• Gas running Amps: 120V29.2A

Included Accessories

• USB adapter
• Oil funnel
• Battery charging cords

Quick Recap

Here Are The 6 Best Portable Generators Under $800

• All Power America APGG10000GL
• Westinghouse iGen4200 
• WEN 56380i Super Quiet
• Rainier R2200i 
• CRAFTSMAN CMXGGAS030790
• Champion 100573 (3500-4000 Watts)

What’s a portable generator?

A generator is a machine that turns mechanical energy into electricity. It’s used to power electronics portably. 

What’s a portable inverter generator?

An inverter generator is more energy-efficient and quieter than a standard generator. This is because the engine throttles in accordance with how much energy is needed rather than full-throttle consistently. 

How much does a portable generator cost?

While most generators hover between $450-$1400, you can find some generators as low as $100 and as high as $5000. 

How much does a generator weigh?

With a few exceptions, most generators weigh anywhere between 21-235 pounds. Keep in mind, the heavier generators usually have built-in wheels for easier mobility. 

How much does an inverter generator weigh?

Most inverter generators weigh anywhere between 21-115 pounds. 

When do generators come in handy?

Generators come in handy anytime you need portable electric power such as camping trips, tailgating, off-grid living, RV trips, etc. They’re also essential if your home loses electricity.