Skip advert
Advertisement

Portable generators

From providing workshop electricity to going on camping trips, portable generators are a useful buy. We test the best.

Now is the ideal time to invest in portable power, as the cost of generators continues to fall. Around £70 will get you a unit with the same kind of electrical muscle as plugging into the mains. This can transform working in a lock-up or remote workshop, thanks to the potential for lights, power tools and heaters.

There's a choice of two or four-stroke units with a range of power outputs, plus less weighty, more compact inverters. So, which will be the light of your life? We fired up eight to find out.

The test

It's not only about how much electricity each generator delivers, but the way this is supplied, as sharp spikes of power can damage sensitive electronic kit. To check this, we used a range of heaters and lights to take each unit up to its limit, and monitored the current.

We also checked how each device coped with a sudden spike of power needed for a drill. Ease of starting, checking and changing the oil, noise, running times between fill-ups and types of output were also considered.

Verdict

Wolf's 2300 from mail order specialist Screwfix Direct has a winning combination of price, output and performance, and secures the Best Buy. The unit's baby brother, the 950, is close on its heels, as it provides solid performance for a comparatively throwaway price. SIP's Medusa T1000 is the best all-rounder in the 900-1,000-watt category. It's far cheaper than the SDMO and Stephill units, but outperforms Wolf's similar 1200.

1 Wolf 2300
2 Wolf 950
3 SIP Medusa T1000

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,825 off RRP*Used from £12,700
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £9,568 off RRP*Used from £12,800
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,902
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Austin Arrow arrives as a retro roadster with electric power
Austin Arrow EV

New Austin Arrow arrives as a retro roadster with electric power

The dinky Austin Arrow EV promises huge fun despite a 20bhp motor
News
9 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025