How to Pick a Tailgating Generator

The number one thing separating an amateur tailgater from a seasoned pro? Electricity! And for that, you’ll need an electric generator.

Why bother?

Because it amplifies the experience. And it doesn’t have to take much. Even a low-watt, solar-powered generator, which is completely quiet and requires no gas, will provide enough power for your most basic electrical enhancements, like charging phones and running your blender.

What makes the best tailgate generator?

Type. Get an inverter generator. It produces steady, clean power that won’t fry sensitive electronics. And since most every tailgating party includes sensitive equipment, such as TVs and phones, don’t take chances.
It would be nice to get the generator to your tailgate without having to call your squad to lift it. So consider the unit’s weight and ergonomics. If it’s heavy but has solid handles or, even better, wheels, then it will be easier to move around. Ensure the wheels match the ruggedness of your terrain.
No one wants to shout to hold a conversation. Look for ones that produce no more than 50 to 70 decibels, which is the magnitude of most conversations.
Fuel Efficiency. If the game you’re watching goes into double overtime, you’re going to need to get the most out of your generator’s fuel. This is another reason inverter generators are a great solution, as they adjust their engine output to meet load demand.

What difference does it make?

Here’s how your tailgating game could be if you invest in a proper electric generator.

Level 1: Advanced Tailgater

A traditionalist at heart who enjoys some of the basic conveniences that electricity provides.

As an Advanced Tailgater, you might prefer a charcoal grill, but you also want to supplement it with a pressure cooker. Or maybe, instead of buying ice, you like to bring an electric cooler for the soda and booze. Or you also might want a decent-sized TV for the viewing party, along with some phone chargers so everyone can post Instagram pics about their great tailgating party.

For you, we recommend a small inverter generator with an output of 1,000 to 2,200 watts. This should be plenty for a few of those gadgets that don’t use an electric motor. That way you still have the old-fashioned tailgating experience you live for, but with a few electrical enhancements.

Note: If you think your appliances will consistently be using more than 80% of your generator’s output, consider becoming an Expert Tailgater.

Level 2: Expert Tailgaters

Takes basic electrical needs for granted at their tailgates and expects the next level of convenience and entertainment.

We’re talking about things like a large TV, coffee maker, and kegerator, in addition to everything the Advanced Tailgater has. As great as charcoal-grilled food tastes, the Expert Tailgater goes with a pellet grill to maximize food flavor. Don’t forget about a powerful fan to keep everyone cool during those end-of-summer games.

For these types of uses, we recommend a medium inverter generator with an output anywhere between 3,000 to 5,000 watts.

Level 3: Ultimate Tailgaters

Tailgating isn’t a mere hobby, it’s a lifestyle. They set trends and define what it means to tailgate. Friends and family count the days until they have the honor and privilege to experience an Ultimate Tailgater’s party.

In addition to everything the Advanced and Expert Tailgaters use, the Ultimate Tailgater proudly adds extravagant items like an ice cream maker, margarita blender, and nacho cheese machine for a gluttonous day of unrestrained revelry. A speaker system blasting favorite party hits keeps their crew on their toes throughout the pre- and postgame.

Some will go a step further and bring out their entire RV for a mobile experience. They basically become food and beverage vendors at that point, offering everything you didn’t think you needed at a tailgate.

For the Ultimate Tailgater, we recommend 5,000 watts or more. Paralleling two smaller inverter generators for double the power works well too. If there’s an RV involved, there are inverter generators with RV outlets to keep things powered.

And now you know

As you can see, there’s no downside to adding a portable inverter generator to your tailgating game. From lights to TVs to far greater food and drink options, it elevates your tailgate. Even if you don’t want to aim for Ultimate Tailgater, a generator certainly heightens the experience for you and your party.

6 Portable Generator Options

Now that you’re hooked on how far a generator can elevate your tailgate experience, here’s a look at some of the choices out there.

Honda 3200-Watt Bluetooth Portable Inverter Generator

Many people swear by Honda’s reliability, and its EU3200i model is no exception to the trend. It’s so quiet, your neighbors will thank you. The EU3200i operates at 54 to 58 dB(A)—which is less noise than a normal conversation—so you won’t have to worry about it competing for dominance over your tailgate playlist. The unit comes with the CO-MINDER system, which automatically shuts down the generator if it detects carbon monoxide gas reaching unsafe levels, giving you added peace of mind.

Yoshino B2000 SST True Solid-State Portable Power Station

The evolution of portable power—utterly quiet and awesomely powerful. Weighing nearly half of its competitors’ hefty bulk, the B2000 SST makes high-output battery power more accessible than ever before, providing a continuous 2000-watts. The first-in-class solid-state battery is not only the lightest and most portable available, but also the safest. It’s got enough juice to power most household appliances, and then recharge from zero to 80% in under an hour.

YAMAHA EF2200iS 2200-Watt Inverter Generator

What’s cool about this generator is its Smart Throttle. The load-sensing RPM controller creates greater fuel efficiency and noise reduction by automatically adjusting engine speeds to match the load. The device runs up to 10.5 hours at ¼-rated load on a single tank of gas. The LED control panel makes it easy to check the status both day and night, featuring a multi-function display, as well as an illumination light that cascades over the entire control face of the unit for easier low light operation.

ECOFLOW Delta 2 Max 2400-Watt Solar Generator

We had to throw a wildcard into the mix. If you are an eco-warrior (or someone who likes getting the most out of a dollar), this solar generator could be your gem. Because solar generators don’t burn fossil fuel, they produce zero emissions and fumes, making them a clean replacement for gas generators. Built to last six times longer, the ECOFLOW will give you ten years of daily use until hitting 80% of its original capacity, thanks to its LFP battery providing over 3,000 cycles.

Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

You get the best of both worlds with the Champion Inverter generator, because it can run on both gas and propane. Looking for more power? Fill up the tank with gas. Hoping for a cleaner fuel? Go with propane to emit less carbon monoxide. The duality helps make this generator stand out, in addition to delivering a strong 2500-watt output and its ability to run up to 11.5 hours on a tank of gas and an outstanding 34 hours on propane.

WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

While it may seem like you’re trading power for compactness with the Wen generator, it’s an excellent option for people who prefer a more affordable and less bulky generator. It produces 2000 watts of energy, making it ideal for powering sensitive electronics like TVs, cell phones, and laptops. Since this generator is an inverter, it offers more stable power and is less likely to cause voltage fluctuations that can damage your appliances. (Isn’t that a relief!) At 48 pounds, you can carry it wherever you want to go and fit it in your trunk with lots of room to spare.