Labor Day Generator Sales 2024: Save 48% on Portable Powerhouses

These versatile devices can transform camping adventures and make a power outage more comfortable.

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It seems like yesterday that summer was just beginning. And here we are, suddenly nearing fall. The warm days aren’t over yet, but Labor Day signals the unofficial changing of the seasons, which means it’s time to stock up on autumn essentials. In addition to camping gear and outdoor power tools, it's a good time to add a portable generator or power station to your toolkit.

Fall and winter weather can wreak havoc on infrastructure. The best portable generators and power stations can provide comfort, connectivity, and peace of mind when an emergency occurs. And thanks to Labor Day sales, you can save yourself money now, then keep your lights on, medical devices powered, and appliances running when the grid goes offline. Retailers like Amazon and Lowe’s are offering up to 20 percent off portable generators and power stations, allowing you to spend hundreds of dollars less.

Not sure what kind generator you need? A portable generator relies on gas or propane to run and is ideal for home backup, farmers’ markets, and construction sites. A portable power station is a safer and more eco-friendly option that you can recharge through an outlet or via solar power. These models are generally small and easy to transport, making them ideal for camping or road trips. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, tailgating at your team’s stadium, or weathering a storm, a portable generator or power station is a worthwhile investment as you bolster your emergency preparedness kit.

The Explorer 1000 offers the best mix of size and power, with an output of 1,000 watts and eight ports. With that kind of power, you’d think the generator would be big and bulky, but it’s actually relatively small, weighing just 22 pounds. Like other Jackery power stations, it has a sturdy handle to carry easily. It also supports multiple recharging methods, including AC, solar, and USB-C. According to Jackery, the Explorer 1000 can power 90 percent of home appliances, making it a reliable option when the power goes out.

If you want more power without sacrificing portability, the Explorer 500 is an excellent choice. It weighs 13.3 pounds yet boasts a power output of 500 watts, allowing you to charge seven devices simultaneously.

Like the Explorer 300 Plus, the Explorer 500 is easy to carry thanks to its sturdy handle. For extended camping trips, you can connect one of Jackery’s solar panels, giving you the perfect off-grid power solution. The discount is available after applying the on-page coupon.

The EcoFlow River 2 is one of the smaller power stations on this list. Weighing only 7.7 pounds, it’s designed to be taken on the road and outdoor adventures. It has a built-in handle and is roughly the size of a small lunch box, so it’s easy to fit into a packed car. Despite its size, it features an output of up to 600 watts and can run six essential appliances simultaneously.

Portable power stations aren’t just for camping. The EcoFlow River 2 Pro is perfect for emergency backup, with the ability to power up to 11 devices simultaneously. It has four AC outlets on the front, making it easy to power everything from medical equipment to your preferred laptop. Conveniently, the River 2 Pro can be recharged in as little as 70 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime between uses.

In addition to being compact, lightweight, and offering 350 watts of output power, we like the Yeti 300 because it has an IPX4 rating for water resistance. It also has a protective mud flap and can handle extreme temperatures, so you can rely on it when it’s really hot or cold. Like other portable power stations, the Yeti 300 can be charged in multiple ways, including via a solar panel.

The Yeti 500 is a more powerful version of the Yeti 300. It’s an excellent option if you need to charge more stuff while camping, like lights, portable coffee maker, or personal electronics.

It only weighs 17 pounds, and thanks to its built-in handle, the Yeti 500 is easy to transport. You can recharge the power station in about 85 minutes through a wall outlet, or you can connect a solar panel and be back online in about 6 hours.

Portable generators are generally big and bulky, but this Champion model is compact and relatively lightweight. What sets it apart beyond its compact design is its inverter technology, which provides clean, stable energy for sensitive electronics like medical equipment. It also supports a parallel kit, allowing you to connect another 2,500-watt Champion inverter generator for double the output power. While it’s not as light as portable power stations, the Champion weighs less than 40 pounds, so it’s still light enough to transport.

The Westinghouse WGen9500cc is designed to provide comprehensive backup for all your major appliances. It delivers 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, providing far more power than many of the other generators on sale. It has a push-button electric start and can run for up to 12 hours thanks to its robust 6.6-gallon fuel tank.

While it provides plenty of power, it also weighs a substantial 209 pounds, making it an option strictly for your immediate property.

This solar-powered generator kit is ideal for backcountry camping, where traditional power sources won’t be accessible. The Jackery Explorer 300 is a compact power station that’s lightweight and easy to transport. Pair it with the included 100-watt solar panel, and you can go for extended periods without needing an outlet.

This kind of freedom means you can still power essential devices while harnessing the power of the sun. If the Explorer 300 does run out of juice, the solar panel can charge it in less than 5 hours, getting you back online before nightfall.

You can significantly boost your output capacity with this solar generator kit from Jackery. The main course is the Explorer 2000 Pro, which delivers 2,200 watts of output power, with a total of eight output ports. The 200-watt solar panel can juice the power station throughout the day, so you can have a sustained output for your essential devices.

The solar panel is IP67 water-resistant, so it should be fine if gets caught in a sudden downpour. Just remember to remove any dust and debris when the storm passes, so it can soak up those rays. You can apply an on-page coupon worth $700 on top of the automatic discount.

The EcoFlow River 2 Max is a formidable portable power station, and its potential is further enhanced by the included 160-watt solar panel. This combination creates a powerful solution for extended outdoor adventures. The solar panel boasts an IP68 rating, making it highly resistant to water and dust. The River 2 Max itself is capable of charging up to 11 devices simultaneously and can power a refrigerator for up to three hours. Together, these features ensure a reliable and versatile power source. On top of the automatic discount, you can apply a $150 on-page coupon for even better savings.

While not the largest home backup option available, the Explorer 2000 Pro excels as an emergency power solution. Its robust 2000-watt output allows it to safely run most home appliances, including medical equipment, lighting, refrigerators, and other big-ticket appliances. This versatility makes the Explorer 2000 Pro a reliable choice for maintaining power during emergencies. And for those times when you want power on the go, the Explorer 2000 Pro is a reliable road trip companion, offering solar panel compatibility and pass-through charging capabilities. You can apply a $700 coupon on top of the automatic discount.

When is Labor Day 2024?

Labor Day is the first Monday of September every year. Labor Day 2024 lands on Monday, September 2. In addition to sales on portable generators and power stations, the federal holiday gives us a three-day weekend to enjoy time off with friends and family.

When is a good time to buy a portable generator?

If you don’t own a portable generator or power station, you should buy one as soon as you can afford it. Our experts stress that having one before you actually need it is crucial for emergency preparedness. By purchasing one now, you’ll be able to endure unexpected power outages, allowing you to keep the lights on and the refrigerator running. In addition, you’ll avoid the stress of finding one when an emergency does happen. There’s always the possibility everything will be out of stock when the grid fails, leaving you without a reliable power source. It’s better to have a portable generator or power station and not need it than to need it and not have it.

What’s the difference between a portable generator and a power station?

Gas-powered portable generators provide high power output, making them ideal for running major appliances during outages. They’re also great at farmer’s markets and construction sites, providing crucial power when outlets aren’t nearby. Additionally, they’re reliable in any weather condition and can run continuously as long as fuel is available. However, these generators come with some drawbacks, including the need for regular maintenance and ongoing fuel costs. Most notably, they cannot be used indoors due to their harmful emissions, somewhat limiting their versatility.

Portable power stations offer a more eco-friendly alternative to gas generators, though they typically provide less power. These devices can be safely used indoors and require minimal maintenance—you only need to keep them charged. They support multiple recharging options, including AC, USB-C, car, and solar power. The solar charging capability makes them the ultimate off-grid companion. Power stations are also much more portable than gas generators, making them an excellent choice for camping, road trips, and other travel scenarios.

How much wattage do I need?

The easiest way to figure this out is to add up the wattage of each device you want to power, whether it’s a laptop, lamp, coffee machine, or fridge. This list has output options that range from 300 watts to nearly 20,000 watts. In general, generators under 500 watts should be enough for a few personal electronics, while those between 500 and 1,500 watts can handle essential appliances such as small refrigerators and medical equipment. For larger appliances or multiple high-wattage devices, consider generators above 1,500 watts. We recommend getting a generator that offers more capacity than you think you’ll need, that way you can avoid overloading and accommodate powering more devices.

Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.

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