We've researched the latest portable generators, asked the experts, and sifted through thousands of specs, features and user reviews to find the best portable generators around.
To check out other options too, head to the best overall portable generator in our DeWALT DXGNR7000 review, or you can find the best portable generator for camping in our Champion Power 75531i review.
Here's everything you need to know about the Ford FG2200iS.
Ford FG2200iS: What you need to know
The Ford FG2200iS is a gasoline-powered inverter generator that runs relatively quietly at 59 dB. Thanks to the inverter, it delivers a clean sign wave of power so you can use it with sensitive electronics, like laptops. There are two 120 volt power outlets, a 12 volt car charger and one USB port to connect appliances to.
The rugged case and carrying handle means you can take it outside quite easily, making it ideal for camping trips since it weighs only 50lbs. If 2,200 watts of starting power isn’t enough, you can run two units in parallel for 4,400 starting watts of power.
Ford FG2200iS: Price
One of the best things about the Ford FG2200iS is that you can pick one up for a really competitive price. If you're looking to spend under a thousand dollars for a generator, then the FG2200iS is hard to beat on price. Home Depot, for instance, regularly sells the Ford FG2200iS for around $721.56.
Ford FG2200iS: Features
Running Watts: 2000
Starting Wattage: 2200
Engine type: OEM Branded
Fuel: Gasoline
Tank capacity: 1.18 Gallons
Run time: 6 hours at 1/2 load
Weight: 50lbs
CA (CARB) Compliant: Yes
Warranty: Two years
Volume: 59dB
The Ford FG2200iS is a neat, compact, portable generator. To keep weight down there’s no electric starter motor, so it relies on a pull cord to start up. Some people aren’t a fan of pull cord generators, so it’s something to consider. The generator itself runs off gasoline, which you fill via an inlet in the top of the unit.
There’s an inverter built into the Ford FG2200iS, so you’ll be able to use it to power sensitive electronics like laptops and phones as well as bigger appliances.
The control panel at the front of the Ford gives you everything in one place. There are two 120V power outlets, a USB port and a 12V charger. The on/off and choke settings are all contained in a single dial, which makes life easy. Also built into the unit is a circuit breaker overload and an LED indicator that warns you of any overload or low oil. We would have liked to have had a fuel gauge, but there isn’t one.
Ford FG2200iS: Performance
It’s surprising what sort of appliances you can power with the small Ford FG2200iS. 2,200 watts of starting power and 2,000 watts of running power is enough to operate a fridge, lights, TV and more. And because the model contains an inverter you'll have no problem charging devices like laptops and phones.
At 1.18 gallons, the fuel tank of the FG2200iS is relatively small, which means you might not be able to power your appliances overnight, unless you’re just using 25% of the power of the device, in which case it will see you through till morning. If you need more performance you should either look for a bigger generator, or you could take advantage of the parallel capabilities of the FG2200iS and run two units in parallel, connected by a cable, which puts the starting wattage up to 4,4000 watts.
The Ford FG2200iS isn’t silent by any means, but at 59 dB it’s very quiet compared to other 2,000 watt generators on the market.
Ford FG2200iS: User reviews
Customers consistently approve of the FG2200iS’s light, compact build and also how quiet it is. People put the noise level as being only slightly higher than a Honda engine. Being so light is a constant hit with customers who take the generator on camping trips.
One Amazon user pointed out that he had to use most of the supplied oil, so don’t forget to keep the oil levels topped up. This is fairly typical of all gasoline-powered generators though.
Nobody reported any problems with the device not powering the type of appliances you’d expect it to, with the exception of a microwave, however these can be particularly power hungry devices.
Should you buy the Ford FG2200iS?
If you don’t mind a gasoline-powered generator and a pull cord starter then the Ford FG2200iS is a solid performer that has proved popular with the public, and it’s at a killer price point. The power it produces is smooth and continuous so you’ll have no problem charging today’s sensitive electronics. More modern generators offer electric starters, bigger gas tanks and more features but the weight and size of the FG2200iS means it's hard to beat even a few years after it was first released.
Alternatives to the Ford FG2200iS
If you want a really quiet inverter generator then consider the Honda EU3000is Handi. It doesn't have the most advanced features, but its Honda motor is the chief selling point and it's super quiet for a gasoline-powered generator.
If you're looking for something a bit more powerful to use in the workplace then consider the DeWALT DXGNR7000, which is a powerful 7,000 watt generator with 4 x 120 volt power outlets. It'll handle much bigger jobs with ease! It doesn't have an inverter built in.
If you just need a generator to power smaller electronics then consider the Yeti 400 from Gaol Zero. It's less powerful, but powered by a lithium battery so it's virtually silent when running. You can also charge it using Goal Zero solar panels.
