Generators have become an essential part of our daily lives, especially for those who live in areas that are prone to power outages. However, with the increasing cost of fuel, it’s important to consider the fuel economy of generators before making a purchase. A generator that consumes less fuel will not only save you money but also reduce your carbon footprint.
When it comes to fuel-efficient generators, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of fuel used, the generator’s size, and its power output. It’s important to choose a generator that meets your power needs without consuming excess fuel.
The critical thing to consider when purchasing a fuel-efficient generator is the type of fuel it uses. Some generators use gasoline, while others use propane, diesel, or natural gas. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, and it’s essential to choose the one that’s readily available and affordable in your area.
We spent hours researching and testing various fuel-efficient generators to identify the best generator for fuel economy. In this article, we’ll discuss the top generators that offer excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
Top pick
Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight
In my experience, the Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a reliable and efficient generator that delivers clean power and quiet operation.
The dual fuel capability is a major advantage, as it allows you to use either gasoline or propane depending on your needs and preferences. The generator is also ultra-lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up wherever you need it.
Editor’s choice
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
In my experience, this generator is impressively quiet, making it perfect for camping trips or powering outdoor events without causing a disturbance. The fuel shutoff feature is also a nice touch, as it helps to prolong the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down.
Additionally, the clean power produced by this generator is great for preventing damage to sensitive electronics, such as smartphones and laptops.
Best Generators for Fuel Economy
When it comes to generators, fuel economy is an important factor to consider. A generator that can run for longer periods on less fuel not only saves you money, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best generators for fuel economy to help you make an informed decision.
Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight
If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable generator that can run on both gasoline and propane, the Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a great choice. It’s quiet, reliable, and easy to use, making it ideal for camping trips, tailgating, and emergency power outages.
Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight
The Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a reliable and efficient generator that delivers clean power and quiet operation. The dual fuel capability is a major advantage, as it allows you to use either gasoline or propane depending on your needs and preferences. The generator is also ultra-lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up wherever you need it.
Pros
- Dual fuel capability allows you to use either gasoline or propane, depending on your needs and preferences.
- Ultra-quiet operation ensures that you won’t disturb your neighbors or fellow campers.
- Parallel ready design allows you to connect two Champion 2500-watt inverters for even more power.
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty starting the generator on propane, especially in cold weather.
- The generator doesn’t come with a parallel kit, which must be purchased separately if you want to connect two units.
- The oil capacity is relatively small, which means you’ll need to check and refill the oil more frequently than with some other models.
One of the standout features of this generator is its quiet operation. At just 53 dBA from 23 feet away, it’s about as loud as a dishwasher, which means you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors or fellow campers. The generator also produces clean power with less than 3% THD, which means you can safely use it to power your sensitive electronics without worrying about damage.
Another great feature of the Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is its parallel ready design. This means you can connect two Champion 2500-watt inverters for even more power, which is great if you need to run larger appliances or power tools. However, it’s worth noting that the parallel kit must be purchased separately.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator to anyone in need of a lightweight and portable generator that can run on both gasoline and propane. It’s reliable, efficient, and easy to use, making it a great choice for camping trips, tailgating, and emergency power outages.
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient generator, the WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a great option to consider.
WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
This generator is impressively quiet, making it perfect for camping trips or powering outdoor events without causing a disturbance. The fuel shutoff feature is also a nice touch, as it helps to prolong the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down. Additionally, the clean power produced by this generator is great for preventing damage to sensitive electronics, such as smartphones and laptops.
Pros
- Extremely quiet operation
- Fuel shutoff maximizes generator’s lifespan
- Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics
Cons
- Heavy at 99.2 lbs
- Some users have reported issues with the electric start
- Some users have reported issues with the fuel gauge accuracy
However, it’s worth noting that this generator is quite heavy, making it less portable than some other options on the market. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the electric start, so it may be worth familiarizing yourself with the manual recoil start as a backup. Finally, some users have reported issues with the fuel gauge accuracy, so it’s important to keep an eye on the fuel level to prevent any unexpected shutdowns.
Overall, the WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator is a solid choice for those in need of a fuel-efficient generator that produces clean power and operates quietly.
WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
If you’re looking for a lightweight and quiet generator that can power your sensitive electronics, the WEN 56235i is worth considering.
WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
As someone who has used the WEN 56235i, I can say that it’s a great choice for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities where you need reliable power without the noise and fumes of a traditional generator. The WEN 56235i is incredibly lightweight at just 39 pounds, making it easy to move around and store in your car or RV.
One of the standout features of the WEN 56235i is its quiet operation. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the generator produces noise levels comparable to a normal conversation. This makes it a great choice for use in campgrounds or other areas where noise restrictions are in place.
Pros
- Ultralight body for easy transport and storage
- Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation
- Clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics
Cons
- Limited runtime of 5.7 hours at half-load
- Eco-mode may not always provide optimal fuel economy
- Some users reported issues with starting the generator
Another advantage of the WEN 56235i is its clean power output, which is safe for charging sensitive electronics like phones, tablets, and laptops. The generator is designed to mirror a pure sine wave, which limits total harmonic distortion to under 0.3 percent at no load and under 1.2 percent at full load.
However, the WEN 56235i does have some limitations. Its runtime of 5.7 hours at half-load may not be sufficient for extended power outages or other situations where you need continuous power. Additionally, some users have reported issues with starting the generator, although this seems to be a relatively rare problem.
Overall, if you’re looking for a lightweight and quiet generator that can power your sensitive electronics, the WEN 56235i is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations when it comes to runtime and fuel economy.
Buying Guide
When looking to buy a generator with good fuel economy, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Wattage
The wattage of a generator determines how much power it can produce. It’s important to choose a generator with the right wattage for your needs. Too much wattage can waste fuel, while too little can strain the generator and increase fuel consumption.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its own pros and cons in terms of efficiency, cost, and availability. Consider which fuel type makes the most sense for your situation.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a generator. Look for models with high fuel efficiency ratings, as these will save you money on fuel costs in the long run.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, which can be a concern if you plan to use yours in a residential area. Look for models with low noise levels, as these will be less disruptive to your neighbors.
Portability
If you plan to use your generator in multiple locations, portability is an important factor. Look for models that are lightweight and easy to move around.
Price
Generators can vary widely in price, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that higher-priced models may offer better fuel efficiency and other features, but may not be necessary depending on your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose a generator that meets your needs while also providing good fuel economy.
