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A generator’s a blessing during a power cut. We’ve gathered up the best bargains.
Zarrin Ahmed Deals and Updates Writer
Zarrin Ahmed is a Deals and Commerce writer at CNET. She loves helping people find great deals on products they can’t live without, things they want, and things they never knew they needed. After graduating from UConn with a Journalism and English degree, Zarrin has been a reporter for newspapers and other publications. Her work has been featured on Reuters, Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network, ADP ReThink Quarterly, UPI, The BVI Beacon, Wareham Week, The Daily Campus and more.
As the weather gets hotter, not just during summertime but in general, it’s important to have some form of backup to keep yourself cool and keep your appliances up and running. A generator can come in really handy — and even be a lifesaver if you need to keep medical equipment powered up or medicine refrigerated. Even if you don’t fall into that category, if you’ve often dealt with extended power outages, then having a generator around could be a good idea.
There are a wide variety of generators out there, ranging from compact solar-powered models that are great for small devices to massive standby generators designed to provide power for your whole house. To help you find the best model for your needs at a great price, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals on small, midsize and large generators. We’ll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often for the lowest prices available.
Small generators
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With a 500-watt capacity, this lightweight power generator is a good option to use for short trips or have in your car for emergencies and backup. It has two AC outlets and four USB outlets, including a 60W PD USB-C. It also has a DC port. Though it won’t run something like a hair dryer, you’ll be able to charge your phone up to 44 times or run a mini-fridge for 11 hours. Just remember to click on the coupon before leaving the page to get an extra $113 off.
- GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator, 2,000W: $330 (save $50)
- PowerSmart 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator: $370 (save $80)
- Craftsman C0010250 2,500-Watt Gas Portable Generator: $562 (save $70)
Midsize generators
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With 3,300 watts of power generation, this is a good generator for camping, RVs and even home use if you live in a place that’s prone to short power cuts. It’s relatively quiet at 60 decibels, has an Eco Mode feature and is EPA compliant, which is a big plus given that it uses gas. It also comes with two AC outlets, one DC, and two USB ports. There’s a direct $50 discount for the Genmax.
- GENMAX Inverter Generator, 6000W open frame Gas Powered: $650 (save $150)
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4500 Peak Watt: $879 (save $220)
- Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel, Electric Start: $1,233 (save $126)
- GENMAX Inverter Generator, 6000W Dual Fuel with Remote/Electric Start: $1,459 (save $200)
Large generators
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If you’re looking for a durable standby generator, check out this backup machine. It can keep appliances like air conditioners and stoves working, and it comes with a five-year limited warranty and a 200-amp switch.
- WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator: $790 (save $109)
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator: $1,149 (save $200)
- Duromax XP12000EH 12,000W portable dual fuel generator: $1,199 (save $200)
- All Power 9,000W portable dual fuel generator: $1,016 (save $85)
- Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator: $3,623 (save $376)
Solar-powered generators
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This compact Jackery power station earned a spot on our list of the best solar generators of 2023 thanks to its affordability, and right now you can pick it up for even less. At lighter than seven pounds, it’s easy to take just about anywhere, and with its 240Wh capacity, it still has enough juice to charge your phone up to 24 times or your camera battery around 10 times.
Though this generator doesn’t come with a solar panel, it’s compatible with this portable 100W SolarSaga panel, which is $50 off.
- Solar Power Bank phone charger: $29 (save $15)
- Bluetti 268 watt-hour portable power station: $198 (save $101)
- AlphaESS 1036 watt-hour portable power station: $599 (save $100)
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