As one of the most essential purchases in your detailing business, a generator is one of the purchases that can truly take your business to the next level.
After doing research and weighing factors like portability, noise level, affordability, and efficiency, I’ll share 5 of the best generators for detailing, followed by a few top picks for detailers on a budget.
My top overall choices
Honda EU2220i 2200-Watt Inverter Generator
Why I recommend it
It’s made well, portable, popular in detailing…and quiet compared to others
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This one tops the list for a few different reasons. For one, it’s among the most portable on the list, perfect for the needs of most detailers. The EB line was designed for industrial use, but is pretty similar to the EU line.
Pros
- Low noise – one of the quietest units around
- GXR120 Commercial Grade Honda engine
- Lightweight – weighs less than 47 pounds
- Fuel efficient – 8+ hours on one gallon of gas
- Inverter generator – perfect for powering sensitive equipment like computers
- Multipurpose – great for emergencies
Cons
- More expensive than others
- 2200 watts, 120V rating may not be ideal for powering
Champion 3500-Watt Portable Generator
Why I recommend it
Affordable and powerful enough for detailing tools. Starts easily.
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This one made by Champion is a solid choice by a reputable generator brand. Marketed as portable, it has a 12-hour run time which should last all-day
In terms of affordability, this one is ideal for someone just starting out, since it costs significantly less than others. It can be a little noisy like most in this class, but still a solid option for most beginners.
Pros
- Rugged design and trusted brand
- Easy to start and set up
- Lightweight – weighs less than 47 pounds
- 12+ hours on a single tank
- Great for mounting, or purchase optional neverflat wheels
Cons
- Only 1 120V standard outlet
- Noisier than some in this category
- Not mandatory, but fuel filter sold separately
Champion 2000-watt Inverter Generator
Why I recommend it
Quiet and affordable for inverter generators, ideal for occasional power needs
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This particular Champion unit produces 1,600 watts of continuous output, 2,000 maximum, and is a great portable option at less than 50 pounds. This one features two 120V outlets and one 12V, and should be enough to power smaller tools (like an orbital buffer). If you are running large compressors or vacs, then you will want something a little larger.
If you need a portable generator, the Champion unit is still smaller than the Honda EU2200, and many say this line (including larger units) gives the industry-standard Honda units a run for their money. It also runs on propane or gas.
Pros
- Parallel-ready
- Super portable design
- Lightweight – only 44 pounds
- Ideal for water pumps and smaller electronics
Cons
- Noisier than advertised
- May not be sufficient for larger vacs
- Dial markings may make it difficult to start with propane
Pulsar 3500-Watt Portable Generator
Why I recommend it
Super-powerful and affordable for beginners
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This portable unit is a great budget option with 3,000 running/3,500 peak watts. This one features two 120V outlets and one 12V, and should be enough to power at least one major appliance, and most tools you will use as a detailer.
This one is ideal if you’re just starting out, since it costs significantly less than other generators far less powerful. It can be a little noisy like most in this class, but a workhorse for sure.
Pros
- Great value for the money
- Easy to start and set up
- 12 hours of a single tank
- Multipurpose – also great for camping
- Neverflat wheels and folding handle
Cons
- Some have said oil needs to be topped off for optimal use
- Powered by gas only
- May not be able to power all appliances (120V max)
Briggs & Statton 6500-Watt Inverter Generator
Why I recommend it
Durable and powerful enough for a large detailing business
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This one by Briggs & Stratton is among the most powerful I’m recommending, and ideal for teams of around 2 people that will be simultaneously powering a vac or amp. The B&S brand is known for reliability and serviceability which makes it a good long-term option.
For the power, you can’t beat it for around $1,000 AND you’re getting an inverter generator. If a larger Honda unit is a bit out of your price range, this Briggs and Straton make a solid alternative.
Pros
- High output wattage
- Relatively uiet for its size
- Lightweight
- 14-hour runtime
Cons
- Electric starter can be finicky at times
- Users report the need to manually start on occasion
Considerations to keep in mind
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a generator for detailing, but probably the number one factor is the type of equipment you will be powering. If you will be powering large vacuums or compressors, just make sure you have a generator capable of powering it.
If you are on a budget, brand names may not be as big of a deal if you only expect to spend $300 or less, but anything in the $700+ range, I would highly suggest looking into a reputable brand name like Honda, Champion, DuroMax, Pulsar, or Yahama.
Here are some basic considerations to keep in mind before purchasing:
- Run time – Will your generator be on for more than 8 hours per day?
- Rated Watts – how many watts to expect when running continuously
- Maximum output watts (surge watts) – Maximum power produced to start certain equipment
- Portability – will you be leaving it in a van/trailer or moving it around?
- Weight – How much weight can your trailer/rig support?
- CARB (California Air Resources Board) or EPA Compliance
- Ability to parallel (link together)
- Fuel type options (gasoline, propane, or natural gas)
- Noise – Do certain office parks/cities have certain noise level ordinances?
Top budget generators to consider for detailing
As always, you get what you pay for, and a quality generator is a purchase that you won’t have to worry about fixing. However, if you are on a tighter budget, here are a few models $500 and under to consider (ranked by size):
- Champion 4,375-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator (click to view specs on Amazon)
- DuroStar DS4000S, 3300-Watt Generator (click to view specs on Amazon)
- Genmax 2,200-Watt Quiet Power Inverter Generator (click to view specs on Amazon)
- WEN 2000-Watt Portable Carb Compliant Inverter Generator (click to view specs on Amazon)
- Westinghouse 4,650-Watt Dual Fuel Generator (click to view specs on Amazon)
Looking to build a skid mount for your rig? Check out this post where I cover the components you need to build one.