It doesn't look like much, and it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that you may have come to expect from a more premium branded product - but the most important thing (whether it works or not) has definitely been figured out.

We took a closer look at the GEN1250 by trialling it ourselves. Our findings have been included below.

Blue Max GEN1250 Specifications & Features

Blue Max GEN1250 1,250 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas-Powered Generator List Price: $139.99

Power Output
Via the 2 horsepower engine, you'll be provided with a modest 1,250 watts of power from this generator. That's certainly not enough to cover the entire house if there is a power cut - however it will provide you with reliable power to a single, or multiple small appliances.

The generator is also smaller overall than many other similarly spec'd home generators. The dimensions for this model are 14.4 x 17.1 x 14.7 inches, in the order or height, length, and width.

Engine Details
The Blue Max GEN1250 gets its power from the 2 cycle, 2 horsepower engine. Unfortunately, this engine does not meet the highly strict CARB criteria, and therefore cannot be purchased from California.

Despite this, the engine produces clean energy with a series of internal filters - which should keep the neighbors happy as well. Thinking of the neighbors - they'll be kept happy with the noise level also - which is just 65dB.

The gas tank on this machine holds only 1 gallon - but this should be enough to last for 6 hours when running the machine on 50% power.

Onboard Technology
Because of the nature of the Blue Max GEN1250, you won't find many technological revolutions on this model. This is simply because 1,250 watt home generator is not the right product for trialling new and innovate things out on.

Despite this, buyers will probably appreciate the clean output of the machine. There is very little exhaust produced by the GEN1250 - and most of the harmful fumes / particles that are omitted are immediately captured again by the onboard filters.

Our Rating of Blue Max GEN1250 Gas Powered Generator
The Blue Max GEN1250 gets 4 stars from us. Buyers will need to be fully aware of the 1,250 watt power level - and will have to be sure that they are buying it for the right reasons to avoid disappointment - i.e. not expecting to run the entire house off it.

With a price tag under $200 though - the GEN1250 does provide good value for money - and is sure to be around for the long term with its sturdy and durable construction materials.

We got our hands on an All Power America APG3014 and put it to the test. Our findings below may be enough to challenge your perspective on price vs performance.

All Power America APG3014 Specifications & Features

All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $179.50 You save: $20.49 (10%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days   Eligible for free shipping! 4 new from $179.50  1 used from $700.00

Power Output
The All Power America APG3014 power generator is capable of creating 1,400 watts of continuous energy, and providing a surge value of 2,000 watts.

This is impressive for its size - as the APG3014 measures in at 8.5 x 14.2 x 15.4 inches. This means that can be carried almost anywhere - including for camping trips, in the RV, and even in the back of the car.

Whilst 2,000 watts is not enough to run all of the normal appliances in your household, you should be able to get by with this generator for a few days at a time - by switching each appliance in and out of the source.

Engine Details
The APG3014 sports a 3 horsepower, four stroke engine - which allows for 9.5 hours of run time at a 50% load. Compared to other similar generators, this is an exceptional performance specification. Unfortunately, the engine is Non-CARB compliant, meaning that it does not meet the strict regulations for sale in California.

Engine noise measures in at 68 dB - which is not bad, given the generator's design.

Onboard Technology
As you would expect, the All Power America APG3014 does not provide much in the way of advanced technology. The price of the item means that many of the novelty extras have been excluded from this model - and as such, the only technological focus is on safety.

Inclusive Warranty
One thing to note about this product which may set it apart from others however is that the entire machine is covered by an all-inclusive warranty - and is serviceable at any of the All Power America outlets across the USA.

Our Rating of All Power America APG3014 Gas Powered Portable Generator

In our opinion, the All Power America APG3014 presents exceptional value for money. The generator is by far one of the most competitively priced on the market, and consumers will no doubt be reassured by the All Power America warranty - which comes as standard when buying this model.

Furthermore, the product looks good, performs well, and does indeed live up to its promised 2,000 watt power output.

All in all, we give this product a 4.5 star rating - mainly due to the value for money aspect. The product doesn't pack enough to totally blow us away - but for mainstream use - you can definitely make do with the APG3014.

Consumers who likes products which are easy to wheel around will fall in love with this generator, as will those who are looking for a high power output - without totally breaking the bank.

And with a 4.5 star rating from previous and current users, the onus is on us to see exactly where the DuroMax XP4400E has gone right, and discover any areas where we think they have gone wrong.

DuroMax XP4400E Specifications & Features

DuroMax XP4400E 4,400 Watt 7.0 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start List Price: $449.99 Sale Price: $399.99 You save: $50.00 (11%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours   Eligible for free shipping! 5 new from $399.99

Power Output
By just looking at the DuroMax XP4400E - you'll note that this isn't your standard generator. Offering a stunning 4,400 watts of continuous power - which is enough to power many of your home appliances at the same time, the DuroMax XP4400E is an excellent solution for those with larger households, or those with greater than usual power consumption.

It should be noted that whilst 4,400 watts is the maximum "surge" power - the output at maximum speed is 3,500 watts - so it pays to have a bit of excess charge left in the on board battery if you are going to be needing larger quantities of power at once.

Engine Details
The brains of the DuroMax XP4400E include a 6.5 horsepower, air cooled engine, which is capable of doing a number of things by itself. For example, when the oil level in the generator gets low - the XP4400E is intelligent enough to switch the machine off - instead of letting itself blow up like many other generators on the market.

For the technical few, you'll find a 3 prong outlet, a 120v/240v adapter, and an RPM computer which monitors engine revolutions to ensure consistent performance. All of this - and we haven't even got to the technology section of the review yet!

Onboard Technology
With all this praise for the product's intelligence, we shouldn't skip past the basic technological additions which point out the attention to details of the DuroMax XP4400E manufacturers.

No one likes to cart a heavy generator around the house - so the DuroMax XP4400E sports a build in trailer with wheels. No heavy lifting - ever again.

Additionally, unless you really know what you're doing when it comes to home generators, we should probably tell you that this model comes standard with an engine auto off switch, a volt meter, a circuit breaker, and multiple power outlets.

Our Rating of DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Generator
The fact that the DuroMax XP4400E is compliant with even the toughest energy efficiency standards is enough for us to be impressed with this product. However, putting this aside, we found a huge array of things to like on the XP4400E.

In the end, we couldn't resist giving this product a 5 star rating - as we would be proud to own one of these machines ourselves.

Furthermore, ETQ recently dropped the price of this generator, meaning that you now get a whopping 11 watts of power for every dollar spent on the machine.

ETQ TG72K12 Specifications & Features

ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt 13 HP 420cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start Sale Price: $849.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours   Eligible for free shipping! 8 new from Too low to display

Power Output
If you're a beginner when it comes to home generators, believe us when we say that 8,250 watts is a great deal of power. When you take the price of this machine in to consideration, you'll see just how good of a deal the ETQ TG72K12 really is.

Based on a full tank of gas, you can expect the ETQ TG72K12 to continue running for 10 and a half hours straight, without the need for refilling.

Engine Details
To provide such exceptional power output, the TG72K12 utilizes an onboard 13 horsepower motor, with a 4 stroke air cooled system. Technology is such that a low oil level will immediately cause the machine to power down - preventing damage to the internal mechanism.

You'll need 6.42 gallons of gas to fill the ETQ up - which is in line with many other models providing a similar power output.

As for engine noise, this model features many internal modifications from previous products which allows for noise to be kept under 70dB at all times.

Onboard Technology
The ETQ TG72K12 presents us with a few well deserved technological advances in critical areas. For example, the motor features an electronic start mechanism - so that at the touch of a button, you can have the generator up and running. No need to pull cords or battle with starter motors. No need to throttle the system before you attempt to start it.

Added safety is another welcomed feature of the ETQ TG72K12. Aside from the obvious low oil cut off, and the load sensors, this model bumps things up with a modified circuit breaker and the use of extremely heavy duty materials to ensure no degradation of the machine itself.

Our Rating of ETQ TG72K12 Gas Powered Generator
Overall, we give the ETQ TG72K12 a 4.5 star rating. Combining features with the price - you're in for a definite surprise. Considering that the average home requires just 5,000 to 7,000 watts to power essential appliances, the 8,250 on hand with the TG72K12 should be more than enough to meet your requirements.

It's not the prettiest machine - but it sure does the job. Therefore - we would highly recommend this product for larger homes with more necessary or essential appliances.

If you live in California, this product is unfortunately not for you, as it is not CARB compliant - and therefore won't be able to be shipped to you. However, for everyone else - read on to explore the results of our stringent testing on the Blue Max GEN4000B.

Blue Max GEN4000B Specifications & Features

Blue Max GEN4000B 4,000 Watt 6.5 HP 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Generator List Price: $349.99

Power Output
The Blue Max GEN4000B provides you with a decent 4,000 watts of maximum power - which is provided at 120V on an AC adapter. Those who live in California will be able to immediately see why this product is non-CARB compliant.

Despite the lack of regulation criteria, this power is generated in a relatively clean manner. The measured exhaust of the Blue Max GEN4000B is well below the required standards for a home / portable generator - and the engine details to follow will show you why.

Engine Details
Our Blue Max GEN4000B was relatively quiet in comparison to the other home generators we trialled lately. Whilst we couldn't see the interior of the engine compartment - we are told that there are "special" materials inside (we asked for the exact material but were quickly told that these couldn't be revealed) which provide extra sound muffling.

As for the engine itself, the GEN4000B features a 6.5 horsepower, air cooled motor, which is EPA approved, and has a fuel capacity of 3.96 gallons. With a shipping weight of just 100 pounds - this generator represents good value for money and is clearly sporting an efficient design.

Onboard Technology
Our opening statement for this review was possibly a bit misleading. In actual fact - you don't need a huge tug on the rope to get this generator started, but instead - a graceful pull of the start cord. Onboard engine starting assistance does the rest of the work for you - and uses a electronic based program to get the machine going without any additional hassle.

Furthermore, the usual safety features that you would expect from a Blue Max home generator are present, such as overload functions and automatic cut off switches. Whilst there is nothing revolutionary here - most bases are covered by decent and reliable technology.

Our Rating of Blue Max GEN4000B Gas Powered Generator
In our books, reliability is one of the keys to producing a good home generator. All the novelty extras in the world will not make up for a generator which consistently performs well, and starts every time.

Thankfully, the Blue Max GEN4000B is one of those machines that can be relied upon in even the most desperate of situations.

Having tested the GEN4000B in a number of different environments and circumstances - we award this generator 4.5 stars. At the current price, it's a genuine bargain - and one which is sure to be talked about each and every time you need to use the machine in the future.

Aiming for the top end of the market, and clearly investing in a lot of research before allowing this product to be publicly released - the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt Generator offers a huge array of features, and a promise of clever performance. But do these assurances stack up? We put the generator to the test.

Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt Generator Specifications & Features

Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt 6.5 KW Silent Diesel Generator **FREE SHIPPING** List Price: $2,399.99 Sale Price: $1,499.99 You save: $900.00 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days   Eligible for free shipping! 1 new from $1,499.99

Power Output
You can understand why Ramsond have targeted the top end of the market - simply by looking at the power output rating. Keeping in mind that a normal household requires 5000 to 7000 watts of electricity at any one time to run just the essential items - the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt delivers 6500 watts - putting it in the upper bracket of household performance.

Another way of saying this is that you are able to freely distribute 6.5kW of power to any appliances or machines you feel necessary - once the Ramsond Portable Elite is operational.

Engine Details
To produce the stellar 6.5kW figure, the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt boasts an 11hp engine, which equates to 418cc at maximum power. Despite this, the sound of the machine is by far one of the most talked about features.

When you see the word "silent" in the title of the product - many people would think that this was a huge over exaggeration. Indeed they are probably quite right - as if you were to interpret it literally, the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt is definitely not silent (no generator in the world has achieved this feat yet). However, it is extremely quiet - and absolutely no one would be able to guess that the generator was producing a full 6500 watts of electricity by its noise alone.

Onboard Technology
Most of the technology on the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt centers around the noise minimization - as discussed above. However Ramsond have certainly not stopped there. This model also features an automatic voltage regulator - which prevents overloading and controls the adjustable power output feature. Additionally, there is a heavy duty flywheel, a premium starter, and a fuel injection system.

Our Rating of Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt Silent Diesel Generator
It would be downright rude if we didn't give didn't give the Ramsond Portable Elite 6500 Watt Silent Diesel Generator a 5 star rating straight off the bat.

This is an incredible product - which innovations on every component imaginable. Consumers will not be able to fault Ramsond on anything here - and we think this should be the benchmark model for future testing. Of course - all of this is true - if you can afford it!

Of course - there are a number of instances where the ETQ TG1200 would beat any other generator. Namely - at work - where you are able to power tools without needing to clog up the main power board. We took the opportunity to have a more intimate experience with the TG1200 - and our findings are included below.

ETQ TG1200 Gas Powered Portable Generator Specifications & Features

ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator List Price: $139.99

Power Output
As we have already mentioned, the ETQ TG1200 offers us a fairly modest power output of approximately 1,000 watts at continuous operational load. When necessary however, the machine can bump that up to 1,200 - and this is considered the specified surge quantity.

Whilst ETQ always do their best to create a green and environment friendly home generator, this product does not meet the CARB requirements - and is therefore not available for sale in California.

Engine Details
Under the hood, the ETQ TG1200 sports a 2 stroke, air cooled engine - which is stunningly quiet. At maximum production, the loudest sound you will hear will be less than 65dB. This is not bad - and will be acceptable enough to run in even the most upmarket neighborhood.

The engine has room for a single gallon of gas at any one time - and whilst this may seem like a small amount - you can crank the machine in to action for 5.5 hours without having to refuel.

Onboard Technology
As you would expect with any product from ETQ - some of the latest technological advances have been incorporated in to this product. Let's go through just a few of them.

Firstly, there's the total harmonic distortion reliever - which numbs down the electrical distortion to an amazing 6% maximum. This probably won't mean a lot to those who live outside of the electronic realm - but believe us, it's impressive, and it ultimately means that your appliances will be kept safe from surges and random power waves whilst in operation.

Secondly, the ETQ TG1200 features a number of different adapters and sockets - inbuilt and sourced of the single 120 volt connection. This is useful when it comes to running many different types of appliances off this machine.

Finally, whilst it's not a technological feature - it's worth nothing that you will get a free 1 year manufacturer's warranty on this product - as standard when buying the machine.

Our Rating of ETQ TG1200 Gas Powered Portable Generator
We have traditionally ranked ETQ products up there in the high 4 - 5 star range due to this ability to perform in even the harshest of environments. This product is not different. We were genuinely impressed with the ability of the ETQ TG1200 to perform and product reliable power, whilst being so light and quiet.

Therefore - we are proud to award another 5 star rating to this ETQ product, and highly recommend it to consumers who are looking for a well built, well thought out, and well backed home generator product.

What it is capable of doing however - and moreover, what it is ultimately designed to do - is provide much needed reserve power when out camping, holidaying, hunting, or enjoying time at the beach. Thankfully - if this is the scenario where you plan to utilize the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt, you won't be disappointed.

CMT Industrial 1000 Watt Generator Specifications & Features

1200 Watt Portable Generator List Price: $207.79 Sale Price: $139.99 You save: $67.80 (33%) Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days   Eligible for free shipping! 1 new from $139.99

Power Output
This version of the CMT Industrial product line features a power output of 1,000 watts - which is almost at the very bottom of the pile if we were ranking all products by this feature.

1,000 watts is probably enough to run a computer and a hair dryer at the same time - and even this may be pushing it. For workplaces though - if you are looking to power a single tool whilst off site - 1,000 watts is almost sure to be a perfect figure.

Engine Details
The power in the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt Generator is generated from the 63cc engine - which produces 2 horsepower at maximum cycle. Not stunningly impressive by any means, but the key here is that the engine does its job - and acts in a reliable manner - i.e. it's not going to break down very easily.

The petrol tank on the CMT Industrial 1000 holds just 1 gallon of petrol - but this should be enough to last you for a good 4.5 hours at 50% load.

Onboard Technology
When it comes to reporting back on the technological features of the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt generator - you probably wouldn't expect too much in the way of sophistication. And that's good, because in reality, you don't get a whole lot with this model.

There are a few things which are worth noting however. Firstly, the weight of the generator is just 50 pounds - which makes it light enough to cart around wherever you go.

Secondly, there are a number of built in, fail safe mechanisms to ensure that oil levels don't suddenly cause the machine to explode - or the power load on the device doesn't exceed the designated maximum.

All in all - technological sophistication is not the strong suit of the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt Generator - and therefore you should probably look elsewhere if this is the most important aspect of a home generator product.

Our Rating of CMT Industrial 1000 Watt Generator
To conclude, there really is nothing much more to add about the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt. This is a solid generator, capable of producing a reliable power output when you are in need of it. We would recommend it to working tradesmen, or those who need portable power when they go away on holiday/leisure activities.

As for our star rating - well, the CMT Industrial 1000 Watt gets 4 stars from us for producing a solid and reliable product.

For those reasons - you are probably here reading this review. Today, we're going to take a look at the ETQ TG32P12 - which is a gas powered portable generator capable of producing generous amounts of electricity when needed.

ETQ TG32P12 Specifications & Features

ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator Sale Price: $399.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours   Eligible for free shipping! 2 new from $399.99

Power Output
The ETQ TG32P12 produces 3250 watts of power in real time, and is capable of supplying 4,000 watts of power when the machine has enough backlogged power to allow for a boost. This power is generated by a 7 horsepower motor, which runs solely on petrol.

Engine Details
This portable generator has a number of engine based features which makes it stand out from the rest of the crowd. For example, the ETQ TG32P12 includes automatic low oil shut down mechanisms - so that your generator doesn't explode if you forget to check the oil level at any particular time.

The ETQ TG32P12 has a gas capacity of 4 gallons - which is enough to provide 13 hours of continuous running time at a 2,000 watt power load.

Finally, the motor rings in at a relatively quiet 65 dB's when operating at full capacity - which probably won't please the neighbors too much - but won't keep the entire neighborhood awake at night either.

Onboard Technology
Safety is the number one feature of this power generator when it comes down to technology. Not many people can say that they are experts in the field of gas powered generators - and the manufacturer has acknowledged this.

Slots for oil, gas, and leads are all clearly labeled. A built in system prevents excess "THD" which stands for Total Harmonic Distortion. Too much of this will cause variations in power being supplied to your appliances at home, and could cause damage.

Finally, a sturdy, heavy duty construction ensures that the inner workings and mechanisms of this generator will be kept out of reach of anyone who may wander across the machine - preventing any chance of injury.

Our Rating of ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt Gas Powered Generator
The ETQ TG32P12 is definitely one of the top gas powered generators available for home use today. Many consumers agree with us on the prominent safety features which are present, and the generous 4,000 power output - despite the fact that the generator is relatively small.

Overall, we give the ETQ TG32P12 a 4.5 star rating. Some improvement to the design would be refreshing - as would a small boost to the fuel capacity. However, all of these things are simply thrown out the window when it comes to the 4,000 power output - which is truly a first class figure.

Given that the product has recently had its priced slashed; we decided to give it a go to test whether the new price correctly aligns it in the overall market for home based power producers. The results of these tests are included below.

Honeywell HW2000i Specifications & Features

Honeywell HW2000i 2,100 Watt 125cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) List Price: $830.00 Sale Price: $599.00 You save: $231.00 (28%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days   Eligible for free shipping! 3 new from $599.00

Power Output
The Honeywell HW2000i features a 4 stroke engine which is capable of producing 2000 watts of power at any one time. This is certainly not a "miracle" figure - but then again it's not at the bottom of the list either.

Obviously, you won't be able to power everything in your house with 2,000 watts - so therefore, you will need to limit power consumption if you are relying on the Honeywell HW2000i as your sole power source at any one time.

Engine Details
The HW2000i is powered by a 4 stroke, 125cc engine which is air cooled and weighs in at 58 pounds. The engine itself has a padded muffler - which prevents excess noise. During our tests, we recorded a noise - at full power - of just 61dB's.

The petrol tank allows for 1.5 gallons of gas to be loaded in to the Honeywell HW2000i at any one time - and this will be enough for 5 hours of run time at 1,000 watts generation.

Honeywell - the manufacturer - has pointed out that the engine is built with top quality materials which should give the model a very long lifetime. Obviously we couldn't test this - so we are hoping that it will be true.

Onboard Technology
The most prominent feature when it comes to technology on the Honeywell HW2000i is the energy efficiency. With a Smart Start system and indication lights offering low oil notifications, overload, and economy mode indications - you are hardly go wrong.

The economy mode basically just ramps down the performance of the generator - causing it to consume less petrol - but also causing a lower output. This is perfect for when you only need to power a single device from the generator - which requires less than 2,000 watts.

Our Rating of Honeywell HW2000i Portable Inverter Generator
We wouldn't recommend the Honeywell HW2000i if you are needing a generator solution for your entire household. Instead, this model is most suited for recreational use - such as when camping, tailgating, or RVing.

Assuming that you do use it for these latter purposes, the Honeywell HW2000i receives 4 stars from us. We felt that the manufacturer was holding back a bit with the power output, and even though the price has been significantly reduced - a small amount more could buy you something with enough energy to power most of your house. Overall though - this is a solid and sturdy generator, which will no doubt have a long life, and provide much needed power in a reliable fashion, when necessary.