Portable gasoline generators do one job: dependable power where the grid is weak, distant, or down. That covers home backup, construction tools, pumps, food trucks, events, and equipment rental. This guide compares ten configurations we build and ship, organized by application. It is a specification comparison, not a hands-on review, so you can match a unit to the loads you actually run and then request exact datasheets from our export team.
Comparison at a glance
| Configuration | Engine | Rated output | Starting | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0kW silent inverter | 4-stroke OHV | 2.0kW | Recoil | Home essentials |
| 3.0kW open-frame | 4-stroke OHV | 3.0kW | Recoil | Entry backup |
| 5.0kW open-frame, AVR | 168F class | 5.0kW | Recoil | Home backup plus tools |
| 6.5kW OHV | 170F class | 6.5kW | Recoil | Jobsite standard |
| 8.0kW | 188F class | 8.0kW | Electric and recoil | Multi-tool crews |
| 10kW large-frame | 190F/192F class | 10kW | Electric and recoil | Shops, larger homes |
| Honda GX200 OEM | Honda GX200 | 2.8-3.5kW | Recoil | Brand-conscious buyers |
| Honda GX390 OEM | Honda GX390 | 6.5-8.0kW | Electric and recoil | Premium jobsite |
| 120/240V 60Hz | EPA/CARB certified | 3.0-8.0kW | Per model | North America |
| OEM/ODM private label | Per spec | Per spec | Per spec | Distributors |
1. Home backup: 2.0kW to 5.0kW
1. 2.0kW silent inverter generator
Small, quiet, and light. Runs lighting, routers, phone chargers, and a small refrigerator with stable voltage. Inverter output keeps frequency tight, which matters for anything with a circuit board. It will not start most compressors or well pumps, so position it for essentials, not heavy tools.
2. 3.0kW open-frame generator
The entry-level workhorse. Runs a fridge, several lights, a fan, and a charger together. Open-frame construction is louder but cheaper per watt, which suits buyers who care about price first and noise second.
3. 5.0kW open-frame generator with AVR
Adds automatic voltage regulation to protect whatever is plugged in. Handles a fridge plus a small power tool or a 0.75kW water pump. A common pick for essential home backup in markets with frequent short outages, and the smallest unit we recommend when a pump is part of the load.
2. Jobsite power: 6.5kW to 8.0kW
4. 6.5kW single-cylinder OHV generator
The jobsite standard. Starts a 1.5kW compressor or a circular saw with headroom, and runs a mixer and lights at the same time. 168F and 170F class OHV engines are cheap to service, and parts are stocked almost everywhere, which keeps a rental or dealer repair cost predictable.
5. 8.0kW generator with electric start
Electric start with recoil backup. Runs a welder, a larger pump, or several tools off one frame. The higher output suits crews running multiple loads from a single unit rather than dragging two smaller ones around the site.
3. Heavy loads and Honda OEM units
6. 10kW large-frame generator
For a small shop, a larger home, or a catering setup. 190F and 192F class engines deliver enough for a well pump, refrigerator, and air conditioner cycling together when sized correctly. The larger tank and frame add weight, so treat it as semi-portable.
7. Honda GX200 OEM portable generator
For buyers whose customers ask for the Honda name. The GX200 platform pairs with a 2.8 to 3.5kW alternator and carries the engine branding your market recognizes. It costs more than a generic OHV unit and sells for more, which is the point.
8. Honda GX390 OEM generator
The GX390 platform supports 6.5 to 8.0kW builds. Longer engine life and strong resale recognition make it the choice for rental fleets and premium jobsite work in markets that value the badge.
4. Market-specific and OEM builds
9. Dual-voltage 120/240V 60Hz, EPA and CARB certified
Configured for North America and markets that follow US standards. EPA and CARB certification plus 60Hz output are non-negotiable there; we build, label, and document to match, and we handle the certification paperwork before the container leaves.
10. OEM/ODM private-label generator
For distributors and importers, the generator itself is the product. Frame color, tank size, outlets, decals, and packaging follow your spec. Minimum order and lead time are set by configuration, and mixed containers let you combine generators with pumps and engines in one shipment.
5. How to choose a portable gasoline generator
Size for running and starting load
Add the running watts of everything that may operate together, then account for the largest starting surge from a pump, compressor, fridge, or tool. Do not read model numbers as power ratings: a 6.5 in a model name is not 6.5 kilowatts.
Check voltage, frequency, and outlets
Confirm whether the application needs 120V, 120/240V, or 230V. A 50Hz unit is not interchangeable with a 60Hz one. Also check outlet amperage, because a high generator rating is wasted if the power cannot leave through the right receptacle.
Compare runtime under load
Runtime at 75% load matters more to professional users than quarter-load figures. Compare only when load percentage, fuel type, and tank capacity are stated, and watch for brands quoting runtime at idle.
Confirm certification for your market
CE, EPA, CARB, and EURO-V each apply to different regions. Confirm the unit carries the marks your customs and dealers require before committing to a container, not after it has landed.
Safety note
Run fuel-powered generators outdoors only, with exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and vents. A portable generator must never connect to household wiring without an approved transfer switch or interlock installed to local code. Automatic CO shutdown is a backup, not a substitute for placement.
Get datasheets and a quote
Every configuration above is built to order with the output, outlets, voltage, and branding your market needs. Browse our gasoline generators and gasoline engines, then tell our export team the loads you run, the voltage and frequency you need, and your target order size. We will return exact specifications, certification documents, and factory pricing.