The Best Tailgating Generators, According To Our Testing

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Keep the slow cooker on and your devices charged during game day.

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer who specializes in reviewing furniture, kitchen appliances, gardening tools, travel accessories, and more. Her work can be found in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Trip Advisor, Travel + Leisure, INSIDER, and more.

In This Article

Southern Living / Russell Kilgore

For serious tailgaters, bringing a portable generator to the stadium parking lot is essential to keep the grills sizzling and sound systems on blast all day long. Whether you’re a low-key tailgater who wants a generator to keep phones and speakers charged, or a die-hard fan who gets up early to set up a grill, TV, fans, and slow cooker, the right generator can make or break game day.

The most important consideration? Portability. “The dimensions should be such that it can easily fit in the trunk of a car or the back of an SUV without taking up too much space,” says Jason Brady.

After all, you don’t want to lug around a 200-pound generator along with everything else. The sweet spot is a compact generator that weighs around 50 pounds and provides enough power for everything you need to keep everyone happy.

Jason Brady is owner and CEO of Above + Beyond Service Company located in Edmond and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

To determine the best tailgating generators to bring to the next game, we’ve tested units from popular brands, evaluating them on type, fuel type, size and weight, noise level, and safety.

At the base of every great tailgate experience is a portable generator that acts as a reliable power source for all the appliances used. It makes it easy to cook, keep food hot and drinks cool, charge laptops, phones, and cameras, plus provide all the power needed for TVs, lights, and more. Simply put: no generator, no tailgate.

Lightweight

Portable

Runs smoothly

Inverter technology

Quiet

Small gas tank

Limited run times

The WEN 56203i has advanced inverter technology that makes it fuel-efficient and also light enough to carry around by hand, making it a shoo-in to supply power for your next tailgate party. Despite its portability, the generator is powerful and can double as a backup generator for the home.

Setting it up was straightforward—in our tests, the motor quickly kicked in with two pulls of the starter cord, then ran smooth like a top for the rest of the time. According to the manufacturer, you get about seven hours of runtime, although we didn’t test it out for that long.

We saw that the generator’s 2,000 starting watts provided plenty of power for us to run a full-sized refrigerator, a couple of lamps, and charge our phones. But, if you need more power, it has a parallel connection that lets you hook up multiple units simultaneously.

A funnel is included to make it easier to prevent gas splashing while you pour. While we wouldn’t say it’s the quietest generator, at 51 decibels, you can still have a conversation when it’s running. We hardly heard it during testing, so we don’t think it will disturb fellow tailgaters.

Just note that the limited fuel capacity (about a gallon of gas) and small power output will mean that run times are typically shorter, especially if you have a lot of appliances to run.

Fuel Type: Gas | Wattage: 2,000 watts | Weight: 39 pounds | Dimensions: ‎17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches

Battery-operated

Can be charged with a car charger or wall outlet

Minimum maintenance

Runs silently

No gas or fumes

Solar panel option

No app

If you’re only going as far as charging your phone, laptop, or speaker, you’ll be better off going for something small like the Anker 521. This portable power station is ideal for those who don’t want to deal with fuel, maintenance, or clean-up that comes with the territory of owning a fuel generator. It’s also a nice option for those who don’t plan on spending the entire day at the event.

Since it’s battery-operated, there is no need to worry about gas or fumes. You can charge it by plugging it into a wall outlet or with a car charger. It took us four hours to fully charge it, so it’s probably a good idea to charge it well before you go out. One of its biggest advantages is that it runs silently, so we guarantee it won’t get on your nerves when it’s on.

Keep in mind that it can’t be used with appliances that require more than 300 watts of power—you’ll have to bring a second generator for big items like an electric grill or microwave. And although it has a digital display, it doesn’t come with an app, so you can’t control it remotely. It would have been nice if a solar panel was included, but there is an option to buy it separately on Amazon or directly from Anker’s website.

Fuel Type: AC/DC/USB, battery, solar | Wattage: 600 watts | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.33 x 5.67 inches

Powerful

Good for large appliances

Battery-operated

Solar panel option

Advanced features

Compact

Doesn’t turn on and off remotely

Expensive

No IP rating for added weather protection

After testing out the Delta 2 Max, we thought it was a fantastic all-around power solution for those who need a power supply for heavy-duty appliances. It’s battery-operated and features a large battery that’s great for tailgating and powerful enough for home use.

We tested it on a variety of devices including a pellet smoker, a fan, and a camera charger. We also wanted to see how much it could handle by charging a 55-inch television, a Dyson air purifier, and a MacBook Pro at the same time. The result? We had no issues at all, and it proved itself to be a reliable power source for all of our devices.

We also liked that it’s small, so you can easily fit it at the back of your vehicle. Just be aware that it is quite heavy at 50 pounds, so you might need someone else to help load or unload it from your vehicle.

It comes with an app and a quick start guide. But, the downside is that you can’t turn the generator on and off with the app. There is also a more detailed instruction manual inside the app that explains the more advanced features it has.

You can charge it with a wall outlet, a car outlet, or a solar panel (available separately for purchase), although we found that the fastest way is via a power outlet. It took us only an hour and a half to fully charge it. If the weather is good, the solar panel is a good backup charging option that takes under three minutes to set up.

While this generator is expensive, it has so many advanced features which make it well worth the price. Our only criticism is that it lacks an IP64 rating, which would give it an extra layer of protection from rain or dust.

Fuel Type: Battery, solar | Wattage: 2400 watts | Weight: 50 pounds | Dimensions: 9.7 x 20 x 12.2 inches

We highly recommend the WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator because it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. It’s also an inverter generator that produces 2,000 watts, which can power your items for the entire day. If you’re looking for a smaller, more budget-friendly option, consider the 600-watt Anker 521 Portable Power Station which doesn’t pack as much power as others but is good for smaller tailgates.

To find which generators were best for tailgating, we tested a variety of portable generators including electric, gas, solar, and battery models over a two-week period. We evaluated each based on set-up, performance, ease of use, portability, and value.

First, we checked each one to see how easy it was to set up. We looked at factors like the clarity of the instruction guide, and what was included in the process. For battery-powered generator models, we checked how long they took to charge. We also assessed how easy it was to start the generator, and the starter type (manual, pull-start, electric-start, remote-start) used.

Next, we evaluated portability. Was it easy to transport? Did it feel heavy? Did it have built-in handles or wheels? Ease of use was another key factor. We wanted to see if maintenance was necessary, and how easy it was to add fuel and clean its parts. If there was an app, we examined various features that make operation easier.

Then, we analyzed performance to see if the generators were truly efficient. We also checked out safety features and how well they worked. We also assessed noise levels by seeing if we could have a conversation over the noise and if the noise was distracting or bothersome.

Finally, we evaluated the generators in terms of value. We answered questions such as what we liked best about the portable generator, what features we would change and was it worth the price.

Southern Living / Nellah McGough

For Brady, the best types of generators for tailgating are those that are portable, relatively quiet, and offer enough power to meet your specific needs. “Inverter and dual-fuel generators are some of the most popular options,” he says.

The reason he says this is that inverter generators are usually smaller and lighter than traditional portable generators, which makes them easier to carry to any tailgating event. Additionally, they are also quieter and more fuel-efficient compared to regular portable generators. The only downside with inverters is that they cost more.

The other type of generator you’ll see near a tailgate parking lot is a dual-fuel type. This generator runs on both gas and propane, which gives you the choice of the kind of fuel you want to use.

Another option is to use a solar generator, which runs on solar power. These generators require no fuel, so they’re safer and easier to use, plus are much quieter than traditional generators. The only downside is that they’re typically more expensive, but will save you money in the long run on fuel.

Most portable generators that are used for tailgating run on fuels such as propane, gas, or diesel. You can also opt for generators that use eco-friendly sources such as rechargeable batteries or the sun instead.

There are also dual-fuel generators that can run on gas and propane. Propane is considered to be a clean-burning fuel that lasts longer than gas and diesel, so it could be beneficial to have a generator that uses both types.

Choosing the right tailgating generator boils down to what you want out of it. If you’re hosting a large tailgate, you’ll want a larger (but not too large) generator that can power small appliances like a slow cooker, mini fridge, or portable cooler. If it’s a smaller, more casual tailgate, you can go for something smaller that will charge speakers or a few phones.

Brady says that no matter what, you need to look for a generator that has a compact and space-saving design. “A suitable weight for a tailgating generator would be in the range of 30 to 80 pounds. This weight range strikes a balance between portability and power output, and allows for relatively easy transportation by one or two people.” Finally, you want to pick a generator that comes with convenient handles or built-in wheels, which makes transportation smooth and easy.

Brady says that a generator with a noise level of around 50 to 70 decibels at a normal operating load is generally considered acceptable. “To give you an idea of how loud this might be, a normal conversation is around 60 decibels, while a vacuum cleaner is approximately 70 decibels,” he explains. Gas generators tend to be the loudest, while solar generators are the quietest.

If noise is a major concern for you, opt for a quiet generator like the Anker 521 Portable Power Station or the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max.

“A generator for tailgating is considered safe when it's equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets to protect against electrical shocks,” says Brady. “It also should have low emissions to minimize environmental impact. In addition, the generator should have sturdy feet or anti-vibration features to ensure stable placement during operation.”

To keep safe, always use a generator in a well-ventilated place to prevent carbon monoxide from building up. Also, you should follow all guidelines and instructions stated in the user manual.

Portable generators are ideal for tailgating because they can run anywhere from eight to 18 hours, and have enough power for grills, fridges, entertainment systems, and more. But, if your tailgate is small, and you don’t plan on grilling, we recommend getting a battery-powered option that’s less powerful but ideal for charging electronic devices and small appliances. These devices can last for up to a weekend (in the case of the Anker), but this fluctuates depending on what you’re charging.

Southern Living / Russell Kilgore

Smaller units like the Anker on our list are great for smaller tailgates where you just need to charge speakers, phones, and other small electronic devices. If you’re hosting a larger tailgate, though, you should look for a generator with at least 1,500 wattage, which can handle smaller appliances like slow cookers, coolers, and even TVs.

If you want your generator to power your tailgate events for many seasons, maintenance and proper care are key. Your generator’s lifespan also depends on how much you use it. Brady says that “a well-maintained generator can last anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 hours of operation.” Also, battery-powered types tend to last longer compared to gasoline generators.

According to Brady, portable generators can range from $200 to $1,500 or more, with inverter generators generally costing more. Prices for inverter generators typically start around $500 and can go up to $3,000 or more, depending on the power capacity and brand. Solar generators are also more expensive, especially when the solar panels aren’t included in the initial purchase. The generators on our list range from about $200-$2,100, with the average around $1,000.

Nor’Adila Hepburn is a writer based in North Carolina who specializes in writing buying guides in the home, lifestyle, and travel niches. To determine the best tailgating generators, we tested select generator models, including gas and battery-powered options, over a two-week period. Nor’Adila also spoke to Jason Brady, owner and CEO of Above + Beyond Service Company located in Edmond, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City, for expert tips on buying the best tailgating generators for your event.