Tiny houses are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, flexibility, and eco-friendliness. However, living in a tiny house requires certain adjustments, including finding the best generator to power appliances and electronics. A generator is an essential component of a tiny house, as it provides electricity when there is no access to the grid.
When looking for the best generator for a tiny house, there are several critical factors to consider. One of the most important is the size of the generator, as it needs to be compact enough to fit in a small space but also powerful enough to supply electricity to all the necessary appliances. Another factor to consider is the noise level, as a loud generator can be disruptive to the peaceful environment of a tiny house. Additionally, fuel efficiency and runtime are crucial factors to consider, especially if you live in a remote location where refueling may be challenging.
After researching and testing several generators, we have identified the ones that are the best fit for a tiny house. These generators are compact, quiet, fuel-efficient, and have a long runtime. With our guide, you can find the perfect generator for your tiny house and enjoy the benefits of off-grid living without sacrificing your comfort.
Top pick
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This generator is perfect for those who need a reliable power source for their tiny house. It’s powerful enough to handle heavy loads, and the dual fuel technology gives you the freedom to choose the best fuel source for your needs.
The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets, making it easy to connect your appliances and devices.
Editor’s choice
PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
Overall, the PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator is a great choice for those who need a lightweight and portable option for their tiny house.
With its easy-to-use features and reliable performance, it’s a great investment for anyone who needs power on the go.
Best Generators for Tiny House
When it comes to living in a tiny house, having a reliable generator can be a game-changer. Whether you’re off-grid or just looking for a backup power source, a generator can provide the electricity you need to power your appliances and electronics. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best generators for tiny houses. We’ve researched and tested a variety of models to bring you our top picks, so you can find the perfect generator for your tiny home.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a powerful generator for your tiny house that can handle heavy loads, the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great option. It’s powered by a 500cc OHV Duromax Engine, and it can run on either propane or gasoline.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
This generator is perfect for those who need a reliable power source for their tiny house. It’s powerful enough to handle heavy loads, and the dual fuel technology gives you the freedom to choose the best fuel source for your needs. The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets, making it easy to connect your appliances and devices.
Pros
- Dual fuel technology gives you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
- Plenty of power with 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts.
- The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 234 pounds, which makes it difficult to move around.
- It can be quite noisy when running, which could be a problem if you have close neighbors.
- The generator is quite expensive, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is easy to use and maintain, and it’s EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states. However, it is quite heavy and can be noisy when running, which may be a problem for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable generator for your tiny house, the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is definitely worth considering.
PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
This generator is perfect for those who need a lightweight and portable option for their tiny house. With its ultralight design and easy-to-use features, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to power their home without the hassle of a larger generator.
PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
The PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator is a great choice for those who need a lightweight and portable option for their tiny house. With its easy-to-use features and reliable performance, it’s a great investment for anyone who needs power on the go.
Pros
- The 2-stroke engine includes a single-cylinder forced air cooling system and a recoil start, making it easy to get started and use.
- The generator includes (1) 120V household outlet and (1) 12V DC output, providing clean power for phones, notebooks, and other sensitive equipment.
- The 1.1-gallon tank can operate for 5 hours on a 50% load, making it a great option for those who need power for extended periods of time.
Cons
- The generator is not as powerful as some other options on the market, making it less suitable for larger appliances or power needs.
- The generator may be louder than some other options, which could be a concern for those who need to use it in quiet environments.
- The generator may require more frequent refueling than some other options, due to its smaller tank size.
EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER Pro
The EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER Pro is a great option for those looking for a portable and reliable power source for their tiny house.
EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER Pro
The RIVER Pro is a durable, dust, and water-resistant generator that can be used for a wide range of appliances. The built-in 600W inverter lets you power some devices up to 1800W with the X-Boost mode on, which lets you power about 80% of essential devices like kitchen appliances and DIY tools. The EcoFlow 160W Solar Panel has a high conversion efficiency of 21-22% and can be combined with an EcoFlow Power station to enjoy improved solar charging in cold and cloudy environments.
Pros
- The RIVER Pro can power up to 10 devices simultaneously with multiple outlet options, including 3 pure sine wave AC outlets.
- It offers up to 720Wh power and it weighs just 16.8lbs, which makes it a portable power station for adventure on the go.
- The patented EcoFlow X-Stream technology enables you to charge the RIVER Pro from 0-80% within one hour and offers a full charge in just 1.6 hours.
Cons
- The total rated wattage of the AC outlets should be under 600W (surge 1200W).
- The X-Boost mode works with only some devices up to 1800W, so a full test on a case-by-case basis is recommended to see if the X-Boost feature can work with your appliances.
- The price point may be a bit high for some consumers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and portable power source for your tiny house, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER Pro is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing a generator for your tiny house, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important features to look for:
Power Output
The power output of a generator is measured in watts. You will want to choose a generator that can provide enough power to meet your needs. Consider the appliances and electronics you will be using and their power requirements. It’s better to choose a generator with a higher wattage than you need to ensure it can handle all your devices.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on various fuels, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages. Gasoline generators are generally less expensive, but they require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Propane generators are more expensive upfront, but they are more fuel-efficient and have a longer lifespan. Diesel generators are the most expensive, but they are the most fuel-efficient and have the longest lifespan.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, which can be a problem if you are living in a tiny house. Look for a generator with a low noise level, measured in decibels (dB). Generally, the lower the dB rating, the quieter the generator.
Portability
If you plan to move your tiny house frequently, you will want a generator that is easy to transport. Look for a generator that is lightweight and has wheels or a handle for easy maneuverability.
Run Time
The run time of a generator refers to how long it can operate on a single tank of fuel. Look for a generator with a long run time to avoid having to refuel frequently.
Price
Generators can vary widely in price, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Consider the features you need and choose the best generator you can afford. Keep in mind that a higher-priced generator may be more fuel-efficient and have a longer lifespan, which can save you money in the long run.
Overall, choosing the best generator for your tiny house requires careful consideration of your power needs, fuel preferences, noise level requirements, portability needs, run time, and budget. By taking these factors into account, you can find a generator that will provide reliable power for your tiny home.