Imagine a sudden storm knocks out your power. The lights go out, the fridge stops humming, and your phone battery is almost dead. How long can you truly manage without electricity? For many families, losing power means losing comfort, security, and connection.
Choosing the right portable home generator can feel like a maze. You face tough questions: How much power do I really need? Which fuel type is best? And how do I avoid buying a machine that’s too loud or too small? These decisions impact your family’s safety and budget.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essential generator features, explain wattage simply, and offer clear tips for finding the perfect match for your home. You will learn to compare models like a pro and buy with confidence.
Ready to secure your home’s power supply? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about portable home generators.
Top Portable Home Generator Recommendations
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Switch between gasoline (4750 surge watts, 3800 running watt) and propane (4350 surge, 3500 running) with the simple turn of the selection dial
- Voltage easily goes from 120V to 240V, perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- Electric start powers the 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key
- 4-gallon tank provides up to 11 hours of half load run time
- Includes two 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V/240V NEMA 30A twist lock (L14-30R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a wheel and handle kit, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a 2-year warranty
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Keep your family safe with 5600 starting watts and 4500 running watts of power
- Electric start functionality turns the 224cc engine on with the press of a switch
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- 4.3-gallon gas tank provide up to 12.5 hours of half-load run time
- Includes a wheel kit, two standard 120V 5-20R 20-amp outlets, one RV-ready 120V 30-amp TT-30R outlet, one transfer-switch-ready 120V 30-amp NEMA L5-30R twist lock receptacle, and a three-year limited warranty
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- This popular model can operate a wide variety of appliances, making it perfect for portable use at home, camping, on the job site, or much more. Reliable Power is now at your fingertips with Honda's Inverted Generators.
- So quiet, your neighbors will thank you. The EU2200i operates at 48 to 57 dBA, which is less noise than a normal conversation. This makes it ideal for camping, supplemental RV power and any other activity that requires quiet operation.
- Add a second EU2200i for additional power. Two identical models can be paralleled with an optional cable or cord for up to 4400 watts of power, or time-consuming applications.
- Thanks to our exclusive Eco-Throttle System, the EU2200i offers great fuel efficiency. Runs 4.0 to 9.6 hours on a single tank, depending on the load. This makes it the ideal choice for overnight power, or long-time applications.
- Honda's inverter technology means stable, clean power in a smaller, lighter package. The precision of Honda's inverter technology ensures our inverter generators produce power that is as reliable as the power you get from your outlets at home.
- Gasoline: 5300 Running Watts & 6500 Peak Watts; Propane: 4800 Running Watts & 5800 Peak Watts; 4.7 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge; Up to 14.5 Hours of Run Time with 120/240V Volt Selector Switch
- Features One 5–20R 120V 20V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30A Receptacle, and One Transfer Switch Ready L14-30R 30A Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with Oil, an Oil Funnel, Propane Hose, Tool Kit, Wheel Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 274 CC Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 - 4400 peak watts and 3400 running watts, perfect for RV camping and home backup
- 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 - Includes 2*120V AC ports, 1*12V DC port, 1*RV port
- 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲: Runs for up to 14 hours at 25% load with ECO mode, 2 gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge, allows you to check fuel levels at a glance, keeping you prepared
- 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞: Under 72 dBA from 23FT away, this generator provides steady power for your home during a power outage or RV nights
- 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Only 56lbs, easy to move around
Your Essential Guide to Buying a Portable Home Generator
A portable home generator is a fantastic tool. It keeps your lights on and your fridge cold when the power goes out. Choosing the right one can feel tricky. This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a generator much more useful. Pay close attention to these:
Power Output (Wattage)
- Starting Watts: This is the big burst of power needed to start things like refrigerators or air conditioners.
- Running Watts: This is the steady power the generator provides while running.
Figure out what you absolutely need to run. A small fridge and a few lights need less power than a whole house setup.
Fuel Type
Generators run on different fuels. Each has pros and cons:
- Gasoline: Easy to find, but fuel can go bad over time.
- Propane (LPG): Stores well for long periods, often cleaner burning.
- Dual Fuel: Offers flexibility—use gas or propane. This is very popular.
Runtime and Fuel Tank Size
How long can the generator run on one tank of fuel? Bigger tanks mean fewer trips to refill, especially important during long outages.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
Generators are loud. Look for models labeled “Inverter” or those with good sound-dampening enclosures. Lower dB numbers mean a quieter machine. Neighbors will thank you!
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used directly affect how long your generator lasts and how reliable it is.
Engine and Alternator
A strong engine is the heart of the machine. Look for reputable brands known for quality engines. The alternator generates the electricity; copper windings are generally better than aluminum for long-term efficiency.
Frame and Enclosure
Most good generators use a sturdy steel frame. This protects the internal parts from bumps and weather. A powder-coated finish helps prevent rust.
Key Factors That Improve Quality
- Inverter technology provides cleaner, more stable power, which is safer for sensitive electronics like computers.
- Automatic voltage regulation (AVR) keeps the output steady.
- Generators with a low-oil shutoff feature protect the engine from damage if the oil gets too low.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap plastic components break easily.
- Generators without adequate cooling vents can overheat and fail.
- Unbranded or unknown engine parts often mean poor long-term support.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the generator shapes your best choice.
Camping and Tailgating
For these uses, portability and quiet operation are key. Small inverter generators are perfect. They are lightweight and sip fuel slowly.
Home Backup (Emergency Use)
If you need to run essentials like a furnace fan, a sump pump, or the refrigerator, you need more running watts. These units are often heavier but provide the necessary muscle.
Ease of Use
Check the starting method. Pull-start is common, but electric start is much easier, especially for older users or when you are tired after an emergency.
Good placement of outlets makes plugging in gear simple. Clear, easy-to-read fuel gauges are also very helpful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable Home Generators
Q: What is the difference between a conventional generator and an inverter generator?
A: A conventional generator makes “dirty” power that can harm sensitive electronics. An inverter generator cleans up the electricity, making it safe for laptops and TVs.
Q: How many watts do I actually need for my home?
A: Start by listing your absolute must-haves (like the fridge and a few lights). Look up the starting watts for those items and add them up. Add 20% extra for safety.
Q: Can I run my generator in the garage?
A: Absolutely not. Generators create deadly carbon monoxide gas. Always run them outside, far away from windows and doors.
Q: How often should I change the oil?
A: Check the manual, but generally, change the oil after the first 5–10 hours of use, and then every 50 to 100 hours after that, depending on how hard you run it.
Q: What is “dual fuel”?
A: Dual fuel means the generator can run on either gasoline or liquid propane (LPG). This gives you options if one fuel source is unavailable.
Q: How do I store gasoline safely for generator use?
A: Use a fuel stabilizer in the gasoline. Store the fuel in approved containers in a cool, dry area away from the generator itself.
Q: Are portable generators quiet enough for apartment use?
A: Most standard portable generators are too loud for close apartment living. Look specifically for inverter models under 60 dB if you plan to use one near other people.
Q: What does “surge” or “starting watts” mean?
A: Surge watts is the extra power needed for a brief moment when a motor-driven appliance, like a well pump or AC unit, first turns on.
Q: Should I buy a generator with wheels?
A: If the generator weighs over 100 pounds, yes. Wheels make moving a heavy unit much easier when you need to position it outside.
Q: Can I plug my generator directly into my house electrical panel?
A: No, not safely. You must use a transfer switch installed by an electrician. This prevents “backfeeding,” which sends power out onto the utility lines and endangers utility workers.