Best 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generators

2000 Watt portable inverter generators are very popular units, offering reliable power from rather compact devices at an acceptable weight.

While 2000 Watt inverter generators differ in features and specifications, finding the best one often depends on personal needs, requirements, but also a budget.

Updated: September 23, 2022.

On This Page:

• Intro to 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generators
• Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
• WEN 56235i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
• Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
• Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
• A-iPower SUA2300iV Portable Inverter Generator
• Most Popular 2000 Watt Generators  

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Intro to 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generators

2000 watts portable inverter generators are one of the most popular inverter generators classes - they are still rather compact and relatively lightweight and come at more-or-less acceptable prices, but they can also provide plenty of power over longer periods of time.

2000 watts generators are commonly used for camping, tailgating, fishing/hunting trips, and similar. Also, they are used in emergencies, powering various home appliances and making people's lives easier, while waiting for a mains power to show up again ...

When looking for a new 2000 watt portable inverter generator, choose according to your own needs and preferences - if You need a power generator on a regular basis, in that case perhaps it is better to invest in some more expensive unit that comes with two to three years commercial warranty. On the other hand, if You need a good inverter generator, but You will use it only occasionally, go for some cheaper model.

Note: Never, but really never operate any power generator in a closed area, no matter how good ventilation is or how many windows it has - power generators use internal combustion engines to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy which is then converted into electrical energy. In this process, power generators emit fumes that contain Carbon Monoxide (CO) which is an odorless and colorless gas that kills humans and animals quickly. Please, this is a serious warning!

If You do need a power source for indoor use, then You can't use power generators - instead of them, go for power stations based on the lightweight and powerful lithium-ion batteries.

Features and Specifications of 2000 Watts Portable Inverter Generators

Output Power: obviously, 2000W power generators must be able to provide 2000W of power. However, this definition is not that strict, so we have units in this class that have Running Watts below 2000W and Starting Watts above 2000W and some units that feature both Running and Starting Watts above 2000W. While having more power is generally better, it also leads to larger units with larger engines requiring more fuel, which often also cost more.

Warranty Terms: some power generators come with 1-2 years of limited warranty for residential use, while some units come with 3 or even more years of both commercial and residential warranties. Warranty terms often dictate the price - 3 years of commercial use can put a lot of strain on the power generator and such units must be very robust and durable.

Parallel Ready: while their output power is limited to ~2000W, parallel-ready inverter generators may be connected in parallel to provide more power. When connecting two units in parallel, be sure to connect ONLY the units that are compatible using OEM cables/kits. Also, connecting two units in parallel does NOT mean automatically that their output power is doubled - some models have additional limitations when connected in parallel.

Noise Levels: internal combustion engines create a lot of noise, which is reduced by mufflers and by other means. However, power generators can be rather noisy and annoying when operating, especially when operating for hours.

Good portable inverter generators should be very quiet units - around 50 dB or even less when operating at 25% of the nominal power is considered a good result.

Receptacles: Most 2000 watts power generators feature two 120V AC 5-20R ports, combined with usually two 5.0V USB ports and sometimes car 12V (or similar port). Rarely, one can find 120V AC 30A L5-30R or similar ports, because of a very simple reason - these generators can't provide 120V 30A of power.

But, when connected in parallel some models offer full power for the built-in 120V AC 30A L5-30R port(s) or such ports come with the parallel connection kits.

Fuel Tank Capacity: Most 2000W power generators feature a 1 gallon (~3.8 liters) tank allowing the units to operate usually 8-10 hours @25% of nominal power.

Of course, there are other important features and specifications one should look for when buying a new or used 2000 watts portable inverter generator, but that can be highly individual.

Here is the list of the top 5 2000 watts portable inverter generators with their features and specifications.

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Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Honda EU2200i is powered by a 121 cc Honda GXR120 gas engine, providing 1800 Running Watts and 2200 Starting Watts.

Physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 20.0 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches (~51 x 29 x 42.5 cm) and it weighs 46.5 pounds (~21.5 kg) with an empty gas tank. Honda EU2200i comes with a built-in handle, allowing one adult to carry it to shorter distances.

Gas tank capacity is 0.95 gallons (~3.6 liters), which is enough fuel for 3.2 hours of operation at rated power (1800 watts) or 8.1 hours at 25% load (450 watts).

Receptacles (power outlets) include Duplex 120V 20A AC ports and 12V 100W (8.3A) DC port - DC port is unregulated and is intended for charging of lead-acid batteries.

Other features of Honda EU2200i include Eco-Throttle System (Eco Mode), Oil Alert LED, Overload Alarm LED, Output Indicator LED, Parallel Ready, etc.

When connecting in parallel, Honda EU2200i may be connected to any compatible Honda power generator, not just exactly the same Honda EU2200i model.

For example, if the Honda EU2200i is connected in parallel with Honda 2200IC ('C' standing for 'Companion'), they can be used for powering RVs - Honda EU2200IC doesn't feature 12V DC output, but it comes with one standard 120V AC outlet and one 120V 30 Amps outlet for RV applications.

Honda EU2200i is also one of the quietest portable inverter generators featuring noise levels of 57 dB @100% and only 48 dB @25% of nominal power.

If You are looking for a sturdy and reliable inverter generator in the 2000W class, and you don't mind paying somewhat extra more money, consider Honda EU2200i.

After all, it comes with both a 3-year residential and 3-year commercial warranty.

And no, it doesn't feature USB charging ports - maybe some future models will come with ports intended for charging of USB devices, but currently, Honda EU2200i does NOT feature USB charging ports.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

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WEN 56235i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

WEN 56235i is another rather compact and quiet portable inverter generator.

WEN 56235i is powered by a four-stroke 79cc OHV engine providing 1900 Running Watts and 2350 Starting Watts.

Physical dimensions are 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches (~44 x 29.2 x 45 cm) and it weighs 39 pounds (~17.7 kg) dry (empty tank).

Fuel tank capacity is 1.06 gallons (~4 liters), allowing the unit to operate up to 10.5 hours @25% load.

WEN 56235i is another very quiet unit, with a noise level of just 51 dB @25% nominal power (475 watts).

Output ports include one Duplex NEMA 5-20R port (AC 120V 15A), one 12V DC port, and two 5V USB ports (1A and 2.1A).

WEN 56235i is a parallel ready inverter generator, allowing two units to be connected in parallel - parallel connection kit provided by WEN also features one AC 120V 50A (NEMA 14-50R) and one AC 120V 30A (NEMA L5-30R) ports, suitable for RV applications.

Other features are typical features of high-end 2000W power generators, like fuel shutoff, eco-mode, indicator lights, automatic low-oil engine shutoff, etc.

WEN 56235i comes with a 2-year warranty.

If You are looking for a 2000W power generator and Honda EU2200i is slightly over your planned budget, consider this model.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check WEN 56235i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

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Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Westinghouse iGen2600 portable inverter generator is powered by a 98cc four-stroke, gas-powered, air-cooled, OHV engine rated at 3.4 HP, with the maximum speed of 4800 rpm.

Westinghouse iGen2600 is rated at 2200 Running Watts and 2600 Starting Watts.

Its physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 20 x 11.6 x 18.1 inches (508 x 295 x 460 mm) and it weighs 48 pounds (~22 kg) with no fuel (dry weight).

Fuel tank capacity is 1.0 gallons (~3.8 liters), which is enough for 10h of operation at 25% load (550 watts) and 8h at 50% load (1100 watts).

Noise levels are rather acceptable - just 52 dB @25% (550W) load, making it rather suitable for camping, tailgating and other uses.

Westinghouse iGen2600 power outlets include one Duplex 120V 20A AC 5-20R outlet, one 12V 8A DC outlet, and two USB 5.0 ports (1.0 and 2.1 Amps) - Westinghouse iGen2600 doesn't feature RV ready outlet.

All power outlets feature rubberized covers, but the unit should not be used when raining without a suitable cover.

However, Westinghouse iGen2600 is a parallel ready power generator and if two units are paired with Westinghouse Inverter Generator Parallel Cord (Amazon link, link opens in the new window), they can provide enough power even for larger RVs and other similar loads via builtin two 120V AC NEMA 5-20R and one NEMA TT-30 power outlets.

Other features include eco-mode, indicator lights, Digital Data Center (remaining runtime, power output in kW, fuel level in liters, voltage, lifetime run hours), an optional Altitude Carburetor Kit, etc.

Also, Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with a 1-year limited commercial and 3-year limited residential warranty.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

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Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 portable inverter generator is another compact and relatively lightweight, 2000W power generator.

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is powered by a four-stroke, forced air-cooled, single-cylinder 79cc OHV engine, and is rated at 1600 Starting Watts and 2000 Running Watts.

Physical dimensions of the unit are 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9 inches (~49 x 28 x 45.5 cm) and it weighs 44.1 pounds (~20 kg) with no fuel.

Fuel tank capacity is 1.1 gallons (~4.16 liters) and ensures operation of up to 10.5 hours @25% load (400W).

Another very important feature of Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is noise levels - 61 dB @100% load and just 51.5 dB @25% load, making it suitable even for residential areas during emergencies.

Output ports include two 120V AC ports and a 12V 8A port - there is no USB charging ports.

Other features include fuel shutoff (fuel petcock), fuel gauge, Smart Throttle (variable speed, eco-mode), low oil engine shutoff, parallel ready, indicator lights, etc.

Yamaha EF2000iSv2 comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

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A-iPower SUA2300iV Portable Inverter Generator

A-iPower SUA2300iV is powered by a 79cc engine and is rated at 1800 Running Watts and 2300 Starting Watts.

Physical dimensions of the unit are 22.0 x 13.9 x 20.8 inches (~55 x 35.5 x 53 cm) and it weighs 50.7 pounds (~23 kg) - it is one of the heavier power generators in this list, but nonetheless, it can be carried around by a single adults using the built-in carrying handle.

But, A-iPower SUA2300iV also features a built-in telescopic handle and a pair of transport wheels - use the carrying handle to load and unload it, and use the telescopic handle and transport wheels to move it around.

Fuel tank capacity is 1.1 gallons (~4.16 liters), which is enough for up to 6.5 hours @50% load (900W).

A-iPower SUA2300iV is also rather a quiet unit, with noise levels of 52 dB @25% load, 58 dB@50% load, and 68 dB @75% load - it is good for camping and other similar activities, just be aware that this unit may be a little bit louder when providing more power than 40-50% of nominal load.

A-iPower SUA2300iV is a parallel ready power generator, with the power cables already included.

Output ports include one NEMA 120VAC 20A power outlet, one NEMA 120VAC 30A power outlet (L5-3OR Twist-Lock Outlet), one 12VDC 8.3A power outlet, and one USB 5.0 charging port.

A-iPower SUA2300iV comes with a Data Center that provides information like output volts, hours, frequency, and also features a power meter, and a fuel gauge.

A-iPower SUA2300iV comes with 3-year limited commercial/residential warranty.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check A-iPower SUA2300iV Portable Inverter Generator Amazon link (link opens in the new window).

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Most Popular 2000 Watt Generators

Power generators in this list are out top picks of units in this class - You may agree with us or not, it all depends on personal needs and requirements.

The following comparison chart lists many more 2000W portable inverter generators, with their most important features and specifications - if You don't like our top models for some reason, maybe You can find in this chart something that fits your needs:

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Long Story Short:  2000 watts power inverters range in features, output power, output ports, warranty terms, etc. and thus they also differ in price.

When choosing the right unit for your needs, always consider your own needs and preferences, but also plan ahead.

And when a new unit arrives, be sure to thoroughly read its Owner's Guide and especially pay attention to safety features/issues and the maintenance.

Modern power generators are relatively simple to use and maintain, but they are far from being maintenance-free units.

Again, never operate a power generator indoors - this cannot be stressed enough ...