Sometimes you need just a little extra power to keep things running. Perhaps at a tailgate, campsite, RV park, or when the power goes out. In that case having the best 2000 watt generator can make a world of a difference!
2000 Watts is a smaller generator, normally meaning more affordable, smaller in size, less noisy, and lower price point. It also means that inverter generators are plentiful options.
Check out some of the top reviewed 2000 watt generators perfect to provide that extra power when you need it the most!
OUR TOP PICK
WEN 56200i 2000 Watt Inverter Generator
Quiet and lightweight, the WEN 56200i is perfect for powering small appliances on the go.
This generator comes with all the bells and whistles, is highly rated, and is reasonably priced! A perfect option for anyone looking for the perfect small portable generator.
- Fuel Tank / Runtime: The WEN56200i has a 1.0 gallon fuel tank capacity with a half-load run time of around 9 hours.
- Sound Level: A very quiet 52 dB at half load. You will hardly hear this gem!
- Features: The WEN56200i features clean energy free of voltage spikes and drops without making all of the noise of a regular generator. This generator limits total harmonic distortion making it safe enough to run laptops, cellphones, monitors, tablets and other vulnerable electronics.
The panel comes equipped with two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one 5V USB port.
Maximize fuel economy with the Eco-Mode Throttle – allowing the generator’s motor to automatically adjust its fuel consumption as items are plugged and unplugged from the panel, preventing the usage of unnecessary gasoline.
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Warranty: 2 Year
- Portability: Large top carry handle
Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Generator
Another great quiet and lightweight option, the Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Generator is perfect for emergency backup or recreational use.
Similar to the WEN 56200i, the Westinghouse iGen2200 generator is basically tied as far as bells and whistles, ratings, and price. It may be slightly ahead due to a few pounds lighter and a slightly larger fuel tank and run time.
- Fuel Tank / Runtime: The Westington iGen2200 has a 1.2 gallon fuel tank capacity with a half-load run time of around 12 hours – a bit more than the competition.
- Sound Level: A very quiet 52 dB at half load – comparable to a normal conversation.
- Features: The iGen2200 features clean energy output ideal for powers sensitive electronics like plasma/LCD televisions, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
The iGen2200 is engineered to automatically adjust its engine speed to produce only the amount of power needed for enhanced fuel efficiency. The iGen2200 has built-in safety features including low oil shutdown and overload protection.
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Portability: Large top carry handle
BEST VALUE
Westinghouse iGen2600 Inverter Generator
A bit more powerful than the iGen2200, the Westinghouse iGen2600 Inverter Generator is perfect for those who favor the Westinghouse name, but need a little more power.
- Fuel Tank / Runtime: The Westington iGen2600 has a 1.0 gallon fuel tank capacity with a half-load run time of around 10 hours.
- Sound Level: A very quiet 52 dB at half load – comparable to a normal conversation.
- Features: With 2200 running watts, the iGen2600 has a bit more power than the others. The iGen2600 features clean energy output ideal for powers sensitive electronics like plasma/LCD televisions, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
The generator is engineered to automatically adjust its engine speed to produce only the amount of power needed for enhanced fuel efficiency. The generator has built-in safety features including low oil shutdown and overload protection.
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Portability: Large top carry handle
RUNNER UP
Pulsar G2319N 2,300 Watt Inverter Generator
The Pulsar G2319N is the perfect inverter generator for those looking for that extra jolt. At 2,300 peak watts, this unit is just slightly ahead of peers in terms of power production.
However it is a bit less efficient on fuel consumption.
Consider this a great portable option for those needing that extra bit of surge power.
- Fuel Tank / Runtime: The Pulsar G2319N has a 1.2 gallon fuel tank capacity with a half-load run time of around 6 hours.
- Sound Level: A quiet 59 dB at half load.
- Features: The Pulsar G2319N is perfect for outdoor power & entertainment use. Features like the dual 120V outlets, 12V ‘cigarette’ outlet, & Direct connect USB port provide you with pure, safe electrical power perfect for cellular devices, laptops, & other mobile devices.
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Portability: Large top carry handle
RUNNER UP
A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
The 2000 watt generator from A-iPower is an excellent model that offers 1600 watts of clean and safe power to your appliances. You can charge your appliances without worrying that they’re going to be overpowered and damaged.
Even the most sensitive devices will be safe to charge off of this generator!
If you’re thinking about taking your generator on holiday, you won’t be disappointed with how portable and lightweight the A-iPower generator is. With a total weight of only 46 pounds, your weight allowance won’t be compromised too much and it is easy to carry around with you.
The dimensions measure in at 22 x 13 x 20 inches, indicating that the generator is not too large that it will take too much of your room away. This makes the generator perfect for storing in your trunk or RV while not in use without wasting a lot of space.
The runtime is around 5 to 6 hours, so you won’t be having to refuel too often. Remember that this is with continuous use, so if you’re going to be using it sporadically the runtime will last even longer than this.
What’s more, the generator runs at only 58 decibels of noise! That means that this generator is quieter to run than a lively conversation.
So, you won’t be disturbed by the running of your generator. What’s more, your neighbors won’t be either.
Pros
- Won’t damage your sensitive appliances.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Small enough to store away without any issues.
- Very quiet to run.
Cons
- A few customers found it difficult to start the generator.
Best 2000 Watt Generator Buying Guide
Before you rush into purchasing a 2000 watt generator for your travels, you need to make sure that it is the correct model for you.
The power of a generator is not the only factor that you should be concerned about, there are plenty of other features that should be considered as well.
Read our buyers guide below and have a think about how each of the features described will affect you and what you want to use your generator for.
Knowledge is power when it comes to purchasing important appliances such as a generator, so make sure to do your research!
Portability
If you’re looking for a 2000 watt generator, chances are that you want to use it while traveling. Perhaps you have a camping trip planned or you want to take your generator with you in your motorhome.
No matter what the occasion is, we’re betting that you don’t want to compromise your weight capacity thanks to a large and heavy generator.
The good news is that the majority of 2000 watt generators are rather lightweight already. Having said that, there are always fluctuations in the weight of the generators so make sure that you choose one that is lightweight enough for your needs.
Even if you’re not going to be taking it with you on holiday, portability is a great feature to have.
Size
Similar to portability, the size of the generator you choose is also a factor to consider. If you’re taking the generator away, you might have limited space to transport your generator along with you. For this reason, you need to be focused on the size of the generator.
2000 watts is a reasonable amount of power and can run a few small appliances while charging your devices. This means that the generator is not going to be small. However, it is not going to be as large as a 5000 or 10,000 watt alternative.
Always make sure that the generator that you’re going to purchase is the correct size for your needs. Some people have already created storage boxes or cages for their generators.
If your model is too large for this space, you’ll end up wasting more space than you can afford.
Outlets
A 2000 watt generator will be able to run a number of small appliances, such as light sources, heaters, and microwave ovens. They will have larger AC outlets, DC outlets, and perhaps even a USB outlet.
The AC outlets are used for small appliances, while the DC can be used as you would another DC outlet in your home. USBs are moreso used for charging small devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops.
The number of outlets your generator will depend on how much you need to run at one time. As the 2000W generator is one of the smaller models of generators, you can expect to only see one of each outlet. However, you might be able to find more so shop around.
Efficiency
How efficient your generator is will determine how often you need to refuel it. Not only will you avoid being without power while you’re refuelling, but you’ll also save money with an efficient generator – it’s a win win!
Look for a generator that gives you an impressive runtime with half a tank of gas. 4 to 6 hours is the minimum of what you’re looking for here. The more you’re planning to use your generator, the better efficiency you should be on the lookout for.
Charging Capabilities
How simple is it for you to charge your generator? Not all generators need charging, but ones with electric starts will need to be charged. Most of these models can be charged from the home, but this might be a little tricky if you’re on your holidays without another source of electricity.
It might be worth seeing whether or not you can find a solar charger for your generator if you’re taking it on holiday. Many travelers have found that a solar charger is much easier and more convenient than trying to find some electricity to borrow.
Safety Features
Generators are considered rather safe as a whole, but there are always risks if you’re using a gasoline powered generator.
You should look for a model that has a low oil shut off sensor and an overload protector. These ensure that your generator protects itself from overworking itself.
Once it senses that it’s in a compromising position, it will shut off to avoid any damage from occurring. This extends the lifetime of your generator.
Other generators might also have warning lights to indicate that something is wrong. Make sure that you keep an eye on these to avoid something bad from happening.
Price
Some people believe that purchasing the most expensive model of generator is the only sensible option, while others prefer to buy the cheapest generator on the market. However, neither of these options are the ones that we would advise you to look for.
Cheap generators are more likely to have faults and break prematurely. However, the most expensive option is not always the best and you could save money by opting for another model. So, we always recommend choosing a generator that is not too cheap but not too expensive either.
Warranty
Generators are not inexpensive, and we’ve already advised you not to get the cheapest model that you can find. So, you’re going to want to protect your investment as much as possible, right?
A warranty is an excellent way to guarantee that you can ask for your money back within a certain amount of time, should anything happen to your generator.
Warranties also show that the manufacturer believes in their product, so we think that you should always look for a good warranty with your generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you run on a 2000 watt generator?
You will be able to run an impressive amount with your 2000 watt generator – more than you might think! You could run a 500 watt freezer as well as one element of a stove.
Alternatively, you could run a 650 watt microwave with the freezer, and throw in some lights in there as well.
An electric range with all of the elements included will use the entire 2000 watt allowance, so you won’t be able to use anything else while the range is on. You can pair lots of different appliances together as long as you know how many watts they’ll need to run.
One thing to remember is that some appliances say that they require a number of watts, but they actually need more for maximum power. For example, if a microwave required 650 watts, you might be looking at 1000 watts instead to allow for the maximum power output.
Is a 2000 watt generator enough for RV?
It is advised that RV users travel with a generator from 2000 watts to 4000 watts. So, while a 2000 watt generator will work in your RV, it might leave you with a limited power supply. If you’re not going to be using much power at one time a 2000 watt generator might do you perfectly.
However, if you wanted to run larger appliances such as an air conditioning unit you might want to find a generator with a little more power up for grabs. Saying that, plenty of people have made do with a 2000 watt generator in their RV and not had an issue with it.
It’s up to you to determine whether you need more power than this. If you believe that you can use a smaller amount of power and want to save a bit of money on the generator and fuel, a 2000 watt generator will be perfect for your RV adventures.
Can a 2000 watt generator power a refrigerator?
Yes, you can run a medium-sized refrigerator on a 2000 watt generator. There are a few factors that might affect this, however.
For starters, the refrigerator needs to be energy star rated and it should use no more than 1200 watts of power for starting. This allows up to 800 watts of power to act as a buffer so that the generator isn’t unintentionally overworked.
It is unlikely that you’ll be able to use anything else on your generator while running a refrigerator, so you might want to consider if it is really necessary for your holiday.
While you might need a smaller refrigerator you don’t necessarily need a medium-sized model. Otherwise you won’t be able to run any other appliances on your trip.
