best small portable generator

As soon as I took this PowerSmart 1200W portable generator out of the box, I was struck by how light and compact it feels. Weighing just under 38 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to carry around with its small handle which fits comfortably in your hand.

The sleek black and silver design gives it a modern look and the overall build feels sturdy despite its petite size.

The moment you hit the recoil starter, you notice how smoothly it starts up, thanks to the simple pull mechanism. The engine purrs quietly, which is a huge plus if you’re camping or doing outdoor activities where noise can be an issue.

Its small size makes it perfect for tight spaces, and I appreciate how it fits easily into a car trunk or a small storage nook.

Setting it up for use is straightforward. The single 120V household outlet and 12V DC plug are easy to access and use.

I tested powering some small tools and lights, and it handled those without any hiccups. The 1.1-gallon tank lasts around five hours at half load, which is decent for its size.

Just keep in mind, it’s not meant for appliances like AC units or refrigerators.

Overall, this generator is super quiet and super portable, making it a go-to for camping trips or emergency backup. Its compact design doesn’t just look good—it’s functional, too.

If you’re after a small, lightweight generator that’s easy to carry and reliable for smaller power needs, this one hits the mark.

You know that moment when you unbox a gadget and immediately wonder if it lives up to its promises? Well, I cracked open the BailiBatt Portable Power Station, and the first thing that caught my eye was how surprisingly lightweight it felt at just 4.6 pounds.

It’s compact enough to toss into a backpack without a second thought.

Handling it, I noticed the sturdy build and the sleek, minimal design. The LCD screen was straightforward, showing all the vital info at a glance—voltage, current, and remaining charge.

Plugging in my laptop and phone, I appreciated the dual 120V AC outlets, which provided smooth, stable power, even when running multiple devices. The 300W capacity means you can power a few essentials without worrying about overload.

Charging it up was simple with the included AC adapter. The battery’s 257Wh capacity gave me confidence it could handle outdoor trips or short-term home backups.

I tested the DC outputs with my camera gear, and everything ran quietly and efficiently. Plus, the built-in BMS system offers peace of mind; no overheating or voltage drops during extended use.

What really stands out is its versatility—perfect for camping, emergency power, or even powering small electronics at home. The only hiccup?

It doesn’t come with solar or car-charging cables, so you’ll need to buy those separately if you want eco-friendly options. But overall, it’s a reliable, portable power source that ticks most boxes for everyday use.

If you’re after a lightweight, stable, and easy-to-use power station, this one’s a solid choice—just keep in mind the limited charging accessories.

Instead of the usual bulky, noisy generators I’ve handled before, this PowerSmart 1200W model stands out with its surprisingly compact size and whisper-quiet operation. It feels almost like carrying a small cooler, thanks to its lightweight design and built-in handle, making it a breeze to haul around during camping trips or tailgate parties.

The moment I fired it up, I appreciated how smoothly it ran—almost silent compared to traditional generators. Its 120V household outlet and 12V DC output deliver clean power, perfect for charging phones, laptops, or sensitive gear without worry.

The 1.1-gallon tank isn’t huge, but five hours of runtime at half load is more than enough for a day outdoors.

Setting it up was straightforward; just mix gasoline with oil in a simple 50:1 ratio, no oil changes needed. The durable, compact design feels sturdy, and the handle makes portability effortless.

I also liked how easy it was to start, even in chilly weather, with minimal effort.

While it’s not meant for heavy power needs, its size and quiet operation make it ideal for camping, tailgating, or emergency use. The only downside I noticed was that its run time could be longer for larger setups, but for small devices and outdoor adventures, it hits the sweet spot.

Overall, this generator packs a punch in a tiny package, offering reliable, clean power with minimal noise—exactly what you want when you’re outdoors and away from the grid.