Off-grid power for outdoor activities and events can be difficult, especially when access to reliable electricity is limited. Fortunately, there are now many portable power solutions available like portable power station, solar generator, conventional generator and among the standard backup generator, one of the most popular options is a suitcase generator.
What are suitcase generators? As the name implies, suitcase style generators are small and compact generators that are very portable and easy to transport.
They are designed to offer dependable power in situations where access to power is limited, such as camping vacations, outdoor activities, and emergency scenarios. Suitcase inverter generators are versatile, which is one of their main benefits.
They can power a variety of devices and appliances, including lights, fans, coffee makers, toasters, smartphones, and laptops, making them a perfect purchase for those who want to travel or participate in outdoor sports.
In this article, we’ll look at 80+ best suitcase generators currently available, including top-rated models from Honda, Yamaha, Westinghouse, WEN, and many other well-known generator brands.
We’ll go over their features such as power output, fuel efficiency, noise level, and other features like as automatic shut-off and low-oil alarms, advantages, and disadvantages, and present a thorough suitcase generator comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Don’t let outdoor or camping experiences be ruined by power outages or remote areas. With a suitcase generator for camping, you’ll have the backup power you need to enjoy your time off the grid. Check out our reviews of the best suitcase generators on the market to start enjoying reliable, portable power now, whether you’re tailgating, RVing, or camping!
No time to read. Just want to know the best suitcase generators. Here are the generators we recommend:
- Best suitcase generator: WEN 56235i
- Best cheap suitcase generator: A-iPower SUA2300i, Westinghouse iGen2500
- Quietest suitcase generator: Honda EU2200i, Honda EU1000i
- Best portable suitcase generator: Champion 200950
- Best RV suitcase generators: Pulsar PGD40iSCO, Yamaha EF2200iS
- Best electric start suitcase generator: Genmax GM2800iAE
- Remote start suitcase generator: Genmax GM2800iAE
- Best 3000w suitcase generator: Westinghouse WH3700iXLTc
- Most durable suitcase generator: Honda EU2200i
Top 10 Best Suitcase Generators
Product | Model & Features | Price |
 | WEN 56235i Suitcase Style Inverter Generator
| |
 | Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Suitcase Generator
| |
 | Champion 200950 Compact Inverter Generator
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 | A-iPower SUA2300i Portable Quiet Suitcase Generator
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 | Pulsar PGD40iSCO Small Electric Generator
| |
 | Honda EU2200i Suitcase Generator
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 | Genmax GM2800iAE Remote Start Suitcase Generator
| |
 | Honda EU1000i Silent Lightweight generator
| |
 | Yamaha EF2200iS Inverter Suitcase Generator
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 | Westinghouse WH3700iXLTc Backup Energy Generators
|
Portable Suitcase Generator – Detailed Reviews
1. WEN 56235i – 1900W /2350W Suitcase Inverter Generator
Best 13000 Watt Dual Fuel Generator
Key Features
The WEN-56235i is a gas-powered small suitcase generator with inverter capability. It has a recoil start and a 79 cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It has an operating power of 1,900 W and a surge wattage of 2,350 W. The generator uses 0.165 gal/kWh of fuel and can run for 7 hours at 50% load and 10.5 hours at 25% load. It has two 5V USB ports, one 120V 20A duplex outlet, and one 12V 8A DC outlet. The generator is CARB and EPA certified and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Overall, the WEN-56235i is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact suitcase camping generator or other outdoor activities. Its parallel capabilities and inverter technology make it a versatile and efficient solution, while its low noise level and fuel efficiency increase its appeal. However, due to the lack of an RV compatible feature and the limited number of outlets, it may not be the best option for everyone.
Pros
Cons
2. Westinghouse iGen2200 – 1800W /2200W Inverter Suitcase Generator
Westinghouse Suitcase Generator
Key Features
The Westinghouse-iGEN2500 is a portable suitcase generator powered by a 98 cc Westinghouse OHV 4-stroke engine. The rated output is 2,200 W, and the surge output is 2,500 W.
This generator is portable and lightweight, weighing only 46.3 pounds, making it ideal for camping and tailgating. It is one of the quietest generators in its class, with a noise level of 52 dBA. The Westinghouse-iGEN2500 meets CARB and EPA requirements and comes with a 3-year warranty.
In summary, the Westinghouse-iGEN2500 is a compact, lightweight, and quiet inverter generator suitable for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. Its inverter technology ensures safe operation with sensitive electronics, and its parallel capability enables increased power output when necessary.
However, due to its limited number of outlets, recoil starting mechanism, and average fuel efficiency, it may not be the best option for everyone.
Pros
Cons
3. Champion 200950 – 1850W /2500W Compact Inverter Generator
Champion Suitcase Generator
Key Features
The Champion power equipment-200950 is a gasoline-powered inverter generator with parallel capability, allowing you to connect two units for increased power. It has a small footprint and weighs only 39 pounds, making it an excellent choice for camping and tailgating. It also has low noise levels of 53 dBA and a THD of less than 3%, ensuring that your sensitive electronics are powered by a quiet and stable source. This champion suitcase generator also includes a 3-year warranty as well as oil and funnel accessories.
Overall, the Champion-200950 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact generator for camping or tailgating. If you need more power or multiple AC outlets, you may need to look into other options.
Pros
Cons
4. A-iPower SUA2300i – 1800W /2300W Portable Quiet Suitcase Generator
Best Suitcase Generator for The Money
Key Features
The A-iPower-SUA2300i is a gas-powered inverter generator that can run in parallel with up to two other units, making it an excellent choice for those in need of extra power. This compact camping generator lightweight and portable, weighing only 50.7 pounds, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping, tailgating, or RVing.
The generator has a fuel efficiency of 0.188 gal/kWh, ensuring that it does not consume excessive amounts of fuel. It includes a variety of accessories, such as oil, a funnel, a tool kit, an RV adapter, battery charging cables, and parallel cables, making it simple to use and maintain. The A-iPower-SUA2300i also includes a three-year warranty, giving customers peace of mind when using it.
The A-iPower-SUA2300i is an excellent choice for the money for those looking for a portable and lightweight generator for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating. It is a good choice because of its inverter technology, parallel capability, fuel efficiency, and low noise level. However, for some customers, the lack of an RV Ready feature and limited RV outlets may be a disadvantage, and the low surge watts may not be sufficient for some high-powered devices.
Pros
Cons
5. Pulsar PGD40iSCO – 3200W /4000W Small Electric Generator
Key Features
The Pulsar-PGD40iSCO suitcase style generator is powered by a 145 cc Ducar OHV 4-stroke engine. It weighs 46 pounds and has a recoil starting mechanism. This generator can run in parallel, is RV-ready, and complies with CARB and EPA regulations. It has a fuel efficiency of 0.139 gal/kWh and produces 3,200 W of running power and 4,000 W of surge power.
The Pulsar-PGD40iSCO backup generator has low oil, overload, and output ready indicators, as well as one duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) and one 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet. It has a THD of 3% and a noise level of 59 dBA at the lowest level. It has a three-year warranty but no accessories are included.
The Pulsar-PGD40iSCO is a dependable and efficient unit that is ideal for camping and outdoor activities. Its inverter technology, parallel capability, and RV compatibility make it a versatile choice for those who require portable power.
Pros
Cons
6. Honda EU2200i – 1800W /2200W Suitcase Generator
Key Features
This lightweight and compact generator is ideal for camping, tailgating, and emergency backup. The Honda-EU2200i is one of the best portable generators available in comparison to suitcase generators for sale. It is one of the quietest generators on the market and has excellent fuel efficiency and inverter technology.
While it is more expensive than some other options, the quality and features make it worth the cost. Furthermore, the parallel capability feature is a plus for those who require more power output. Overall, the Honda-EU2200i is a top-notch generator for camping, tailgating, or emergency backup.
In comparison to other portable generators, the Honda-EU2200i is one of the best suitcase generators on the market. For those looking for a quiet and dependable source of electricity, its inverter technology, fuel capability, and parallel efficiency make it a top choice.
The lack of an RV-ready feature and the limited run time at 50% load are disadvantages, but its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for camping, tailgating, and outdoor festivals. Overall, the Honda-EU2200i is a durable and efficient generator that provides excellent value for money.
Pros
Cons
7. Genmax GM2800iAE – 2500W /2800W Remote Start Suitcase Generator
Key Features
The Genmax-GM2800iAE is an inverter generator that has parallel capability but does not include the cable. It is RV ready and powered by gasoline, with a fuel efficiency of 0.194 gal/kWh.
The engine is a 145 cc Dinking OHV 4-stroke, and it can be started with recoil, electric, or remote mechanisms. It has a voltage of AC: 120V 60 Hz and DC: 5V. The Genmax-GM2800iAE is our choice for the best electric start suitcase generator and remote start suitcase generator.
In terms of power output, the Genmax-GM2800iAE has running watts of 2,500 W and surge watts of 2,800 W when powered by gas. It has a runtime at 25% load of 10 hours, but the runtime at 50% load is unspecified.
The generator has one duplex 120V 20A (5-20R) AC outlet and one 120V 30A (TT-30R) AC outlet. Additionally, it has two 5V USB-A DC outlets. The Genmax-GM2800iAE is a suitable option for those looking for a portable generator with good power output, parallel capability, and fuel efficiency. It is ideal for RVing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
However, users should be aware of the noise level and additional cost for the parallel capability cable. Overall, it is a quality product that delivers excellent performance for its size and weight.
Pros
Cons
8. Honda EU1000i – 900W /1000W Silent Lightweight generator
Key Features
The Honda-EU1000i is a gas-powered inverter generator that weighs 28.7 pounds and has a compact size, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating.
The Honda-EU1000i is an excellent choice for those who need a portable generator for small power needs such as camping, tailgating, or outdoor festivals.
It is a top contender among compact generators due to its inverter technology, fuel efficiency, and quiet operation. However, its limited power output and lack of RV-ready features may not make it the best option for everyone.
Pros
Cons
9. Yamaha EF2200iS – 1800W /2200W Inverter Suitcase Generator
Key Features
The Yamaha-EF2200iS is a gas-powered luggage style inverter generator with parallel capability that can produce up to 2,200 surge watts and 1,800 running watts of power. This lightweight generator is RV-ready, fuel-efficient, and compact in design. It has a quiet noise level of 57 dBA, making it one of the quietest suitcase generators available. It also has low oil and overload indicators and a 3-year warranty.
The Yamaha-EF2200iS is a top-notch suitcase generator that provides efficient and dependable power for various outdoor activities such as camping, tailgating, and RVing. Despite its high price, its advanced features such as inverter technology and parallel capability make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a durable and high-performing generator.
Pros
Cons
10. Westinghouse WH3700iXLTc – 3000W /3700W Backup Energy Generators
Key Features
The Westinghouse-WH3700iXLTc is a powerful and efficient gas-powered 3000w suitcase generator with a 150 cc OHV 4-stroke engine that produces 3,000 running watts and 3,700 surge watts. Its inverter technology and parallel capability make it an excellent choice for powering multiple devices, and it includes a variety of outlets such as 1x Duplex 120V 20A, 1x 120V 30A, and 2x 5V USB ports.
Overall, the Westinghouse-WH3700iXLTc is a durable and effective generator that is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, from tailgating to festivals. Although the lack of an RV-ready outlet and higher inverter noise level may be disadvantages for some users, its parallel technology and inverter capability make it a top choice for those looking for a portable and dependable source of power.
Pros
Cons
Suitcase Generator – Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cons suitcase generator for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. This article will discuss five tips to help you choose the right generator.
- Size and Wattage: What you want to power should determine the size and wattage of the suitcase generator you select. Calculate the wattage of everything you intend to power with your generator, including appliances that consume more electricity when they are turned on than when they are turned off, such as air conditioners and refrigerators. This will give you an idea of the size of the generator you’ll need.
- Decibel rating: It’s critical to consider how loud your generator is while it’s running. Pick one that is as quiet as possible, ideally between 50 and 75 decibels. Remember that all generators produce noise, which increases wattage output. Look for generators with a maximum sound level of 75 decibels.
- Run time: Knowing how much energy a suitcase generator can generate and how long it can operate on a single tank of fuel is critical. Frequently, the running time is 25% or 50% of its load. If you buy a generator for emergency power, make sure it has the largest fuel tank possible. This ensures that you do not run out of energy during extended power outages.
- Automatic carbon monoxide (CO) shutoff: This critical safety feature shuts down a generator’s engine immediately if a built-in carbon monoxide (CO) sensor detects lethal gas levels above specified thresholds. Look for marketing terms like ‘CO guard,’ ‘CO protect,’ ‘CO detect,’ ‘CO shield,’ or ‘CO sense.’ Another option is to look for the following certifications on the packaging: ‘ANSI/UL2201 Certified for Carbon Monoxide Safety’ or ‘ANSI/PGMA G300 Certified Safety & Performance.’
- A transfer switch securely connects a suitcase generator to your circuit panel using a single cable. Use a transfer switch to power entire circuits in your home without the use of extension cables. This means that overhead lights, well pumps, and water heaters can run without being plugged in. A transfer switch is much more convenient than using extension cords, which can be dangerous.
Suitcase Generator: Comparison Data
List of 80+ suitcase style generators we compared
Suitcase style generators comparison bar graph
What Size Suitcase Generator You Need?
What size generator do you need? Follow the following instructions to find out how many of your home’s electrical devices you can safely run off of a single portable generator:
- Make a list of all the electronics in your home that you would like to keep running in the event of a power outage (listed below you can find estimates of the appliance wattages)
- Make a table with the running and starting wattage needs from their name tags
- Then sum up all of the operating watts required to run your appliances.
- Next, identify the appliances that requires the additional beginning watts.
- Then, add this to your overall wattage while running.
- Indicated by the final tally, this is the minimum number of beginning watts your generator must supply.
Here is an example of how to determine the wattage requirements
| Appliances | Rated Watts | Additional Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 22" LED Television | 17 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Laptop | 50 W | 0 W |
| LED Light Bulb (2) | 18 W | 0 W |
| 12,000 BTU Window AC | 3,250 W | 9,750 W |
| SUM | 4,035 W | 18,500 W |
| TOTAL | 22,535 W |
In the above illustration, we can see that the total running watts of our appliances comes to 4,035W.
In order to run all of these devices, though, we’d need a generator with a surge capacity of at least 18,500 watts.
Just remember that the wattage at which your home’s electric appliances operate may not be listed on their information labels. If that’s the case, you can use this calculation to get a rough idea of how many watts you’ll need to keep things running:
- W (or kW) = V (volts) × A (amperes) (A)
- Amperes (A) = Watts (W or kW) / Volts (V)
As a result, if you know the voltage and current requirements, you may calculate an approximation of the operating watts. Perhaps this equation, which illustrates Ohm’s law from your high school physics classes, can jog your memory.
There is an cheap equipment available called “load tester” that can help you figure out how many watts each of your appliances requires. You can skip all the complicated physics calculus and just grab one from Amazon.
If you want to know the exact wattage needs of each appliance or power equipment in your home, you’ll need to check them out one by one.
Here is a quick video how to measure the load of appliances
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Suitcase Generators
What exactly is a suitcase generator?
A suitcase generator is a small, portable generator that is designed to be compact and easy to carry, like a suitcase or briefcase. These generators typically have a watt output of 1,000 to 3,000 watts, making them excellent for powering small appliances and electrical gadgets.
What are the benefits of a suitcase generator?
Suitcase generators are highly portable, making them perfect for camping vacations, outdoor festivals, and other off-grid activities with limited access to reliable generator power. They are also usually quiet, fuel-efficient, and able to power a variety of devices and appliances.
How much power output do I need from my suitcase generator?
The amount of power output you require will be determined by the gadgets and appliances you intend to power. As a general rule, select a generator with a power output that is slightly greater than the total wattage of the gadgets you want to use.
How long will my suitcase generator run on a full tank of fuel?
The fuel efficiency, size of the fuel tank, and the gadgets you are powering will all affect how long your generator will run. Some suitcase generators may run for up to 13 hours on a full tank of fuel, while others may only run for as low as 6h.
How do I maintain my suitcase generator?
Regular maintenance tasks such as checking the oil level, cleaning the air filter, and inspecting the spark plug should be performed to keep your generator running properly. When not in use, keep your generator in a cool, dry location.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a suitcase generator?
Indeed, it is crucial to adhere to all safety precautions when utilizing a generator. This includes keeping the generator away from combustible objects, utilizing it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, and never using it indoors or in an enclosed place. Avoid touching the generator or its outlets while it is running, and always switch it off and let it cool.
What type of fuel do suitcase generators use?
Although certain types are designed to run on propane or natural gas, most suitcase generators run on gasoline. Because it is widely available and easy to pack, gasoline is the most commonly used fuel type for suitcase generators.
Are suitcase generators safe to use?
Suitcase generators can be harmful if not utilized appropriately, just like any other form of generator. When utilizing a generator, it is critical to thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to all safety measures. Generators, for example, should only be utilized outdoors in a well-ventilated location and never be used near flammable objects or in enclosed places.
Last Words
In conclusion, suitcase generators are ideal for a variety of occasions and events due to their compact size, portability, and low noise level. Consider the generator’s size, wattage, decibel rating, run time, automatic CO shutoff, and transfer switch capability when selecting the best generator for you. With thousands of alternatives, you’ll be able to discover a generator that suits your exact requirements.
Read Next:
- Best Quiet Generators < 60 dBA] – for RV | Home & Camping
- Longest Run Time Generators – 500+ Generators Reviewed
- 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Generators [500+ Generators Reviewed] – Gasoline | Dual Fuel | Inverter
