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Keep the slow cooker on and your devices charged during game day.
Credit:Southern Living / Russell Kilgore
The most important consideration?
After all, you dont want to lug around a 200-pound generator along with everything else.
Why Tailgate With a Generator?
Credit: Amazon
Simply put: no generator, no tailgate.
Despite its portability, the generator is powerful and can double as abackup generator for the home.
A funnel is included to make it easier to prevent gas splashing while you pour.
The WEN 56203i includes a funnel that kept gas from splashing.Credit: Southern Living / Nellah McGough
We hardly heard it during testing, so we dont think it will disturb fellow tailgaters.
Its also a nice option for those who dont plan on spending the entire day at the event.
Since its battery-operated, there is no need to worry about gas or fumes.
you might charge it by plugging it into a wall outlet or with a car charger.
Its battery-operated and features a large battery thats great for tailgating and powerful enough for home use.
We tested it on a variety of devices includinga pellet smoker, a fan, and a camera charger.
It comes with an app and a quick start guide.
But, the downside is that you cant 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.
It took us only an hour and a half to fully charge it.
While this generator is expensive, it has so many advanced features which make it well worth the price.
Its also an inverter generator that produces 2,000 watts, which can power your items for the entire day.
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.
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.
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.
Credit: Amazon
Finally, we evaluated the generators in terms of value.
Inverter and dual-fuel generators are some of the most popular options, he says.
Additionally, they are also quieter and more fuel-efficient compared to regular portable generators.
The Anker 521 Powerhouse kept a variety of electronics charged for hours at a time, including phones, laptops, TVs, and a sewing machine.Credit: Southern Living / Jeanne Clayton
The only downside with inverters is that they cost more.
The other pop in of generator youll see near a tailgate parking lot is a dual-fuel pop in.
Another option is to use a solar generator, which runs on solar power.
you could 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.
Size & Weight
Choosing the right tailgating generator boils down to what you want out of it.
A suitable weight for a tailgating generator would be in the range of 30 to 80 pounds.
Gas generators tend to be the loudest, while solar generators are the quietest.
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.
Questions and Answers
What wattage is best for a tailgating generator?
How long do generators last?
Your generators 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.
How much should you expect to spend on a generator?
Solar generators are also more expensive, especially when the solar panels arent included in the initial purchase.
The generators on our list range from about $200-$2,100, with the average around $1,000.
Credit: Amazon
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max was small enough to fit inside the back of a vehicle, although it was quite heavy at 50 pounds.Credit: Southern Living / Russell Kilgore
We tested each generator on a variety of devices, including lamps, grills, fans, TVs, phones, laptops, and more.Credit:Southern Living / Nellah McGough
The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max connects to an app where you can see the remaining charge time on the generator.Credit:Southern Living / Russell Kilgore
