10 Best 2000 Watt Generators in 2023 Reviews & Buying Guide

A 2000-watt generator is not a powerful unit that can give you enough electricity to run your entire home, but still, these generators provide enough power to run your essentials with ease. 

You cannot only use these generators during a power outage at home but also their small size and lightweight make them portable. So, they are equally useful for camping, tailgating, construction site, and small office setting. 

But purchasing a 2000-watt generator is not the easiest thing to do. There are many companies in the market that claim they have the best 2000-watt generators. So, in order to make the selection process easier for you, we have added the ten best generators with 2000 watt power in this article. Also, there is a buyer’s guide section where you will be able to know about the factors that you must consider before purchasing a 2000-watt generator. 

Best 2000-watt Generators

1. WEN 56200i 2000-watt Portable Inverter Generator – Overall Best

Weight and Warranty: This 56200i model from WEN is one of the best 2000 watt portable inverter generators available in the market. You can use it during power outages, at tailgates, and in-office settings. It is quite light in weight (48 pounds) and comes with a 2-year limited warranty. 

Portability: It is a compact designed unit having a convenient carrying handle for easy movement from one place to another. 

Power Output: It produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 running watts. This output power is enough to run different appliances without overload. 

Engine: A 79.7cc, 4-stroke OHV engine power it. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The generator can run non-stop for 6 hours at a 50% load on a 1-gallon fuel tank. 

THD Rating: The best thing about this generator is that it provides clean power to your appliances. It has a THD rating of less than 1.2% at 100% load. It means you can power your laptop, computer, TV, and other sensitive electronics without any fear.

Parallel Capable: Another appealing feature of this unit is that you can connect another generator with the WEN 56200i to generate more power when needed. But you must have the WEN 56421 parallel connection kit to do so. 

Eco Mode: Also, the unit doesn’t put a load on your pockets as it is a fuel-efficient product. Its Eco-mode saves your fuel as well as your money. 

Control Panel: Its control panel is very intuitive. There are two power outlets of 120V 20A. Also, there is a 5V USB port and one 12V DC outlet.   

Safety Features: If we talk about its safety features, there is a low-oil shutdown sensor that senses the lower oil levels and turns the engine off. Also, there is integrated overload protection that protects the generator and your appliances from damage. 

Noise Level: It is not a noisy unit, has a volume level of only 51 dBA from 22 feet. It is CARB compliant and an EPA III certified product. 

2. Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator – Best 2000-watt Generator under $700

Power Output: With 2500 starting watts and 2200 running watts, this iGen2500 from Westinghouse is all that you need to power your essential appliances during a power outage. You can also use it at campsites, tailgates, and construction sites. 

Engine: It comes with a 98cc, 3.4HP, 4-stroke OHV engine that is quite powerful. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit has a fuel tank capacity of 1 gallon that provides 10 hours of runtime at a 25% load. 

Noise Level: The engine works quietly to never disturb you and your neighbors during a power shutdown. It has a noise level of 52 dBA that makes it a perfect choice to power your recreational activities. 

THD Rating: Its advanced inverter technology ensures maximum fuel efficiency along with its Efficiency Mode. Also, with a THD rating of less than 3%, it becomes a reliable unit to power your sensitive electronics like smartphones, tablets, TV, and computers. 

Weight and Warranty: It weighs around 49 pounds and comes with a 3-year warranty. 

Portability: The generator also offers hassle-free transportation. Its lightweight and comfortable carrying handle make transportation and storage easy. 

Parallel Capable: You can also generate more power from the unit when you need extra anytime. The unit offers a parallel connectivity option through which you can link another Westinghouse iGen Series inverter generator to drive more power output. But to do this, you have to buy the Westinghouse Parallel cord separately. 

Control Panel: Its control panel is simple but gives you every detail of your generator’s operation. It has two 120V AC outlets and two USB ports. Other than the power outlets, there are low-oil and overload indicators. Also, there is an Efficiency mode button. But the most appealing thing about the control panel is the digital data center. It displays remaining runtime, fuel level, voltage, and power output. 

Certifications: The generator is also EPA and CARB certified. Also, it features a spark arrestor that meets the USFS standards. This certification allows you to use the generator in parks and forests. 

3. Honda EU2200i Gas Power Portable Inverter Generator – Small Tank Size

Weight and Warranty: This EU2200i model from Honda is another good quality inverter generator that you can purchase to power your appliances at home or the campsite. It weighs around 47 pounds and is backed by a 3-year warranty. 

Engine: The unit is featured with a 121cc Honda GXR120 engine. 

Power Output: It produces 2200 surge watts and 1800 rated watts. The inverter technology of Honda ensures clean and reliable power. All of your sensitive electronics and other home appliances are safe. They get the same reliable power as you receive from your home outlets. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With 0.95 gallons fuel tank capacity, it offers 4 to 9.6 hours of runtime, depending on the load. Its Eco-throttle system ensures great fuel efficiency.   

Noise Level: If we focus on its noise level, then it ranges from 48 dBA to 57 dBA. This volume range makes it ideal to use at homes and camping. 

Parallel Capable: You are allowed to connect another EU2200i to generate more power when needed. 

Control Panel: If we focus on its power outlets, then there are two 120V 15A AC outlets and a 12V 8.3A outlet for battery charging only. Also, you have oil alert and overload alarms. 

Safety Features: You have a fuel shutoff valve that allows the engine to run without fuel to prevent stale gas related problems. Also, the unit is featured with an advanced ventilation system that keeps the engine and other important components cool during operation. 

4. Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Gas Powered Inverter Generator – Best 2000-watt Generator under $400

Weight and Warranty: This Pulsar PG2000iSN inverter generator comes with an only 1-year limited warranty and weighs 47 pounds.  It is also a CARB compliant product. 

Power Output: Its stable sine wave technology ensures clean and reliable power to protect your sensitive electronics from being damaged. The maximum output power it can produce is 2000 watts, and its running power is 1600 watts. 

Engine: The unit is featured with an 80cc single cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit runs for more than 8 hours at 50% load on 1.2 gallons fuel tank. 

Noise Level: The generator is ideal to use at outdoor parties as it features Quiet Inverter technology. Its volume level is only 59 dBA from a distance of 10 feet. 

Parallel Capable: If one PG2000iSN unit’s power is insufficient for you, you can link another one to generate more power to meet your needs. The parallel operation outlets on the control panel allow you to do so, but you need special cables for this. 

Control Panel: The control panel has different power outlets. Two outlets are of 120V 13A, one is the 5V DC USB port, and the last one is the 12V DC outlet. Other than the power outlets, you have an economy switch for fuel-efficiency. There are also a low-oil indicator, and overload indication, and an operation indicator. 

Start System: The unit comes with a recoil start system that requires less pulling power to turn the generator on.  

5. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter – Lowest Engine Displacement

Power Output: With 2000 surge watts and 1600 running watts, this Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is ideal to use at home, tailgates, and office settings. 

Engine: The unit features a 79cc OHV engine. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: With a fuel tank size of 1.2 gallons, its engine runs for more than 10 hours non-stop at a 25% load. 

Noise Level: It runs quietly to keep you and your neighbors happy during a power outage. It has a decibel rating range of 51.5 dBA to 61 dBA.  

Smart Throttle System: The secret behind this fuel efficiency and low noise level is the smart throttle that changes the speed of the engine according to the load applied. 

Inverter Technology with PWD: The inverter system of Yamaha features PMW (Pulse Width Modulation) that ensures voltage and frequency stability. 

New Controller System: Its new controller has advanced programming that is far superior as compared to the programming of the previous model EF2000iS. Now, you will be able to power more applications. 

Parallel Capable: You also have the option of generating more power by using the parallel connectivity feature. With this feature, you can link another generator to get more output power. You can also connect a previous model EF2000iS with this generator in parallel. 

Control Panel: If we talk about the power outlets, then it has a DC outlet and two 120V AC power outlets. 

Certifications: The unit is EPA and CARB compliant and features USFS certified spark arrestor. 

6. Sportsman GEN2000 Gas Powered Portable Generator – Highest Decibel Rating

Weight and Warranty: Another portable generator with 2000-watt output power is the Sportsman GEN2000. It weighs around 53 pounds and comes with an only 1-year limited warranty. 

Start System: It has a recoil start system that only needs a single pull to turn the engine on. You don’t need to put extra effort to start the generator. 

Engine: It is featured with a 2.6 HP, 87cc 4-stroke OHV engine. 

Power Output: It produces 2000 watts of peak power and 1400 watts of continuous power. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit has a fuel tank capacity of 1.2 gallons. With this fuel tank size, the engine can run continuously for 9 hours at 50% load. 

Noise Level: If we talk about its decibel rating, then it is less than 65 dBA. It is a bit higher, but from a distance of more than 20 feet, you can enjoy your outdoor events in a peaceful environment. 

Control Panel: Its control panel has two 120V AC household power outlets and a 12V DC 8A outlet for battery charging only. Also, there are circuit reset buttons and a power switch button. 

Safety Feature: The Sportsman GEN2000 also has a low-oil shutdown feature that shuts down the engine when the oil level goes seriously down.     

7. Champion 100148 Portable Inverter Generator – Best 2000-watt Generator under $600

Parallel Capable: This Champion portable inverter generator comes with a space-saving stackable design. It is a parallel-ready unit that can be easily linked with another 2000-watt inverter generator from Champion for 30A power. A few Champion units can be easily stacked on top of one another to generate more power. 

Engine: This generator is ideal for tailgating and camping. It is powered by an 80cc Champion engine. The unit is also featured with Cold Start Technology that turns the engine on in the first attempt during cold weather. 

Power Output: The unit produces 2000 surge watts and 1700 running watts. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: It has a fuel tank capacity of 1 gallon that offers 9.5 hours of run time at 25% load.  

Economy Mode and Noise Level: The best thing about this unit is its Smart Economy Mode. This economy mode saves your fuel and money and extends the life of the engine. It reduces the electrical load and provides noise-less operation with a noise level of 53 dBA from 23 feet.   

THD Rating: Another appealing feature is its THD rating that is less than 3%. You can safely use your laptops, computers, and smartphones through this generator. 

Control Panel: Its control panel is featured with two 120V 20A AC outlets and a 12V DC outlet. 

Safety Features: There is a low-oil shutoff sensor that shuts off the generator’s engine when the oil level goes down. 

Weight and Warranty: It is backed by a 3-year limited warranty and offers lifetime technical support for free. Also, it weighs 48 pounds.  

8. Westinghouse WH2200iXLT Portable Inverter Generator – Lightest 2000-watt Generator

Power Output: This portable inverter generator from Westinghouse is a compact but powerful machine that can produce a maximum power output of 2200 watts and 1800 continuous watts. 

THD Rating: It has a THD rating of less than 3% that is extremely suitable for powering sensitive electronics. Your laptop, phone, TV, and other sensitive electronic gadgets are in safe hands. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: Its fuel tank is 1.3 gallons, but its runtime is mind-blowing, thanks to its Efficiency Mode. Its 79cc engine runs for 13 hours at 25% load.   

Noise Level: The unit also offers a noise-free operation. With only a decibel rating of 52 dBA, you and your neighbors will easily sleep at night during a power outage. 

Parallel Capable: The generator also offers you to increase the power output by linking another Westinghouse WH2200iXLT in parallel. This option is quite useful when you need more power to keep your more appliances running. You can also connect iGen2500, iGen2200, and iGen1200 with this unit in parallel. But to connect any of these generators, you need the Westinghouse parallel cord. 

Control Panel: Its control panel is small but has two 120V AC power outlets and a 12V DC 8A outlet. Also, there is a low-oil indicator and an overload alarm.  

Weight and Warranty: It is also a CARB certified product that comes with a 3-year warranty and weighs 43 pounds.  

9. Generac iQ2000 Gas Powered Inverter Generator – Best 2000-watt Generator under $800

Weight and Warranty: This Generac iQ2000 is a compact inverter generator weighing only 46 pounds and has a 3-year warranty.

Power Output: Its 80cc engine produces 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit gives almost 8 hours of runtime at a 25% load on 1.06 gallons fuel tank. 

Noise Level: The generator operates quietly having a decibel rating of only 53 dBA. With this noise level, you can use this generator at tailgates and camping as well as at home without disturbing others. 

Modes of Operation: It features three different modes of operation for fuel-saving and noise reduction. These three operational modes include; Turbo, Standard, and Economy. You can select anyone according to your needs and choice. 

Power Dial: There is also an integrated, unique power dial that features start, runs, and stops functions. 

Parallel Capable: You can also link another iQ2000 generator with this model to generate more power when needed. But you need to buy a parallel kit model 6877 to connect two Generac generators. 

Control Panel: The front-facing control panel has a fuel gauge and a PowerBar monitor that shows the wattage your generator is producing. Also, there are two 120V AC household outlets. 

10. Lifan Energy Storm ESI 2000i Gas Powered Portable Generator – Heaviest 2000-watt Generator

Weight and Warranty: This ESI 2000i from Lifan comes with a 3-year residential warranty and a 1-year commercial warranty. Also, it weighs around 80 pounds.  

Power Output: It produces 2200 surge watts and 2000 rated watts. 

Fuel Tank Size and Runtime: The unit has a fuel tank size of 0.92 gallons that offers 7 hours of runtime at 50% load. 

Noise Level: It also operates quietly with a noise level of 60 dBA from 23 feet. 

Engine: Its powerful 125cc 4-stroke OHV engine is the main center of attraction. 

THD Rating: The generator provides safe and clean power to your sensitive electronics like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Its THD rating is 2% that protects sensitive electronics from damage.  

Control Panel: Its control panel is simple, having two 120V AC receptacles. Also, there is a 12V DC socket. Moreover, there are indicator lights and an auto-idle switch. There is also a fuel shutoff valve through which you can protect your generator from facing stale gas-related issues. 

Buyer’s Guide

Before purchasing a 2000-watt generator, you must make sure that you are buying the right product according to your needs. But if you are not sure which of the things you must look at before purchasing a 2000-watt generator, then here we are going to highlight those. Take a look.

Inverter Generator vs. Conventional Generator

First of all, you need to decide whether you want an inverter generator or a conventional 2000-watt generator. If you don’t know the difference between them, then you must find that out.

The main difference between an inverter and a conventional generator is that conventional generators produce AC power and output it to the power outlets. But an inverter generator converts the produced AC power into DC and then back to AC to provide clean power to your appliances. You can freely use an inverter generator to power your sensitive electronics. The THD rating of these inverter generators remains less than 5%. 

So, if your only purpose is to power your home appliances and power tools, then you can go for a conventional generator. Otherwise, it is ideal to buy an inverter generator to provide clean power to your sensitive electronics as well as other appliances at home or during camping, tailgate parties, and other outdoor events. 

Another difference is that an inverter generator is less noisy as compared to the conventional one. Also, it produces lower emissions than what a conventional generator produces. But an inverter generator is much expensive than a traditional generator. 

Since, many people are going for the generators having built-in inverter technology to provide safe power to their smartphones, laptops, and computers along with powering their home appliances and power tools. That is why; manufacturers are adding inverter technology to their generators no matter how much power output they are capable of producing. Also, in the below-mentioned list, you will find most of the inverter generators than the conventional generators. 

Power Output

Since we are talking about the 2000-watt generators so here one thing, you must know that 2000-watt is the maximum power output these generators can produce. This starting power is there to power those appliances that are motor-driven. These appliances need more starting power than continuous power. Therefore, a starting power in a generator is always higher than the continuous power having a difference of a few hundred watts. 

So, having a 2000-watt generator doesn’t mean that it will give you a continuous 2000 watt power. If you need 2000 watts then a generator with 2200 or 2300 peak watts will help.   

But here it is necessary to find out which of the things you can power with a 200-watt generator? 

To know this, first, you have to make a list of those things that you will mostly need to run during a power outage or at a construction site, tailgate party, and a campsite. And then add their watts to make sure that you will easily power your required appliances with your 2000-watt generator. 

Fuel Tank Size and Run time

It is also necessary for you to consider the tank size and runtime of the generator. The size of the tank, as well as the engine’s fuel efficiency, will determine the runtime. Some 2000-watt generators that are not fuel-efficient fail to give to more run time as compared to those that are fuel-efficient. Also, a generator having good sized fuel tank will give more run time than a small-sized fuel tank. 

But the runtime also varies according to the load applied. At 25% load, your 2000-watt generator will offer a different runtime than at 50% and 100% load. 

So, before purchasing your ideal 2000-watt generator, focus on its tank size and fuel efficiency feature to get the best runtime. 

Noise Level

No one wants to buy a noisy generator, especially when you are buying a unit for home-usage. Noise pollution is a big problem, and we can contribute to reducing this pollution by purchasing a noise-free generator. 

But 2000-watt generators are much quieter than other units with higher wattage power. Also, an inverter generator produces less sound than a conventional generator. Moreover, some companies use different technologies to reduce sound levels. But still, you have to keep your focus on the decibel rating of your generator to get a quieter unit. 

Safety Features

After the noise level, you should focus on the safety features your generator offers. Most of the generators feature a low-oil shutoff sensor that senses lower levels of oil and turns off the engine to protect it from any harm. Other than this, overload protection is also there that prevents additional load on the engine. It turns off the generator when the maximum output power of the generator gets exceeded. 

Some of the modern generators have low-oil and overload warning lights to make you aware before something terrible happens.   

Portability

It is also necessary for you to check whether your selected generator is easy to transport or not. We have added most of the inverter generators in the list, so they are light in weight and easy to move around. But it is necessary for you to focus on the weight of the generator. Also, make sure that it has a comfortable carrying handle. 

Price

Price is another factor that needs your consideration before the purchase. Some people think that buying the most expensive unit is the only best option whereas some people think that buying the cheapest generator is the best thing to do. But not the most expensive is always the best, and not the cheapest one helps you to save money. 

Therefore, it is always beneficial to go for those units that are neither expensive nor cheap. 

Warranty

You should also check the warranty period of your generator. Some units only come with a 1-year limited warranty whereas some of the manufacturers offer a 3-year warranty. Other than this, some of the companies offer a different warranty period for commercial use and different warranty period for residential use. 

So, before purchasing a 2000-watt generator, check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. 

User Guide

In this section, you are going to learn how you can increase the life of your 2000-watt generator and what safety measures you should keep in mind when using the unit. 

First of all, you must check the oil levels and its viscosity and color after 15 days or so. Many people totally rely on the low-oil shutoff feature which is not a good thing to do always. It is recommended to keep your generator well-oiled to protect the engine from damage. 

If a new generator is in your hands, then you should change its oil after running it for 24 hours, and then after every 48 hours, change the oil to increase the life of the engine. 

Another thing that you can do to increase the life of your generator is never to wait for the tank to become entirely empty. Many people keep their generators running, and when they stop due to no gas then they add the gas again. This habit will affect the engine and its performance. Moreover, if you are going somewhere for a month or more, then you must not leave the gas inside the tank, if you keep it, you will face the stale gas related issues. 

Check out this video Guide for further assistance:

The generator used in the above video is Honda EU2200i, we’ve also added its review in our list, you can read more about it here.

Also, you must avoid refilling the gas in a hot generator. Wait for a few minutes, allow it to cool down fully, and then refill the tank to prevent damages to your generator. Also, you may get affected as well.