Best Generator Under £100

The Draper 650W is the most straightforward petrol generator you can buy for under £100. It uses a simple 4-stroke engine that runs on unleaded petrol and produces 650W continuous power, enough for a fridge, a few lights, or a power tool. Owner reviews on Amazon highlight its reliability for occasional use, with many noting it starts on the first or second pull even after sitting for months.

Build quality is typical for this price point: a steel frame with rubber feet and basic control panel. The low oil shutdown is a welcome safety feature that prevents engine damage. At 12 kg it is not truly portable for hiking, but it is manageable for moving around a garage or campsite. The noise level is around 85 dB, so ear protection is recommended.

The Stanley 12V Power Pack is a different kind of generator: it stores energy in a lead-acid battery and provides 12V DC and USB power. It cannot run a fridge or power tool, but it is perfect for charging phones, running a 12V cooler, or powering LED lights. It also includes heavy-duty jump leads that can start a car with up to a 6-litre engine.

Owner reviews praise its build quality and reliability. The unit is compact at 5.5 kg and has a built-in LED light. The main limitation is the lack of a 230V inverter, so you cannot plug standard household appliances into it. It is recharged from a mains plug or via a 12V car socket. Best for camping, tailgating, or as an emergency phone charger.

The Sealey 800W Inverter converts 12V DC from a car or leisure battery into 230V AC. It provides 800W continuous power, enough to run a small fridge, power tools, or a TV. It is completely silent and produces no fumes, making it ideal for use inside a vehicle or tent. The modified sine wave output is fine for most devices but may cause issues with sensitive electronics.

Owner reviews note that it runs cool and has built-in overload protection. The unit is compact at 1.2 kg and includes a USB port for charging phones. The main downside is that it requires a separate 12V battery, which adds cost and weight. Best for car campers or van conversions who already have a leisure battery.

The Draper 150W Pure Sine Inverter is designed for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, CPAP machines, or camera chargers. Pure sine wave output is cleaner than modified sine, meaning no buzzing or interference. It is very small at 0.5 kg and plugs directly into a 12V car socket or clips to a battery.

Owner reviews highlight its reliability and clean power. The 150W limit means you cannot run power tools or fridges, but it is perfect for charging multiple devices simultaneously. It includes a USB port and a standard UK 3-pin socket. Best for road trips or as a backup for medical devices.

The Clarke 1000W Generator is the cheapest petrol generator on our list, offering 1000W peak power for under £100. It uses a 2-stroke engine, meaning you must mix oil with the petrol. It is louder and smokier than 4-stroke models, but it provides more power for the price. It can run a small fridge, lights, and a power tool simultaneously.

Owner reviews are mixed: many praise the value for money, while others note the engine can be hard to start when cold. The build quality is basic, with a thin steel frame and no low-oil shutdown. At 14 kg it is heavy but has a handle for transport. Best for users on a very tight budget who need maximum AC power.