Imagine this: The lights suddenly go out. A storm rages outside, and your whole neighborhood is dark. You feel that familiar jolt of worry. In today’s world, losing power can stop everything—from charging phones to keeping food cold. How do you keep your home running smoothly when the grid fails?
Choosing the right portable home generator feels overwhelming. There are so many types, sizes, and features! You might worry about noise, fuel type, or if the generator can even power your essential appliances like your refrigerator or furnace. Finding the perfect balance between power, portability, and price is tricky business.
Don’t sweat the technical jargon anymore. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know to pick a generator that fits your family’s needs perfectly. By the end, you will feel confident knowing you have reliable backup power ready for any emergency.
Let’s dive in and explore the best portable power solutions available right now.
Top Portable Home Generators 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
- 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
- 13,000 Watts of Reliable Power for Home Power Backup – Keep your home, job site, or RV powered during storms and outages with dual fuel capability and a heavy-duty build.
- Dual Fuel Technology – Gasoline or Propane – Choose between gasoline for maximum power or propane for longer run times and cleaner emissions, ensuring fuel flexibility in any emergency.
- CO Alert for Enhanced Safety – Advanced carbon monoxide detection automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous levels are detected, protecting your family from harmful fumes.
- Push-Button Electric Start & Intuitive Control Panel – Easily start your generator with the push of a button, and quickly switch fuel types using the front-facing fuel selector.
- Transfer Switch-Ready with 50-Amp Outlet – Power your entire home by connecting directly to a transfer switch, thanks to the 50A heavy-duty outlet.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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
- Switch between gasoline (11,000 surge watts, 8,300 running watt) and propane (9,500 surge, 7,500 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 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key
- 6.6-gallon tank provides up to 8.5 hours of half load run time
- Includes four 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R), a 120V 30A twist lock outlet (L5-30R), a 120V/240V 50A outlet (NEMA 14-50R), a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug, a bottle of oil, a 47-inch LPG connection hose, and a two-year warranty
The Ultimate Portable Home Generator Buying Guide
A portable home generator is a lifesaver when the power goes out. It keeps your fridge running and your lights on. Choosing the right one can feel tricky. This guide makes it simple. We cover what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important features first. They determine how useful the generator will be for your home.
1. Power Output (Wattage)
- Starting Watts (Surge): This is the big burst of power needed to start large appliances like air conditioners or well pumps. Look for a higher number here.
- Running Watts (Continuous): This is the steady power the generator provides while running. Calculate the total running watts of everything you need to power at once.
2. Fuel Type
Generators run on different fuels. Each has pros and cons:
- Gasoline: Easy to find. It offers good power but can degrade over time if stored.
- Propane (LPG): Stores much longer than gas. It often burns cleaner.
- Dual Fuel/Tri-Fuel: These are very flexible. They let you switch between gas and propane, which is great for emergencies.
3. Run Time and Fuel Tank Size
A larger fuel tank means longer running time before you must refuel. Check the run time listed at 50% load. This tells you how long you can expect it to last on a full tank.
4. Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
Generators are loud. If you live close to neighbors, look for models labeled “Inverter” or “Quiet.” Lower decibel numbers mean quieter operation. Anything under 60 dB is considered quiet for a generator.
Important Materials and Durability
The quality of materials directly impacts how long your generator lasts.
Engine Quality
A robust engine is key. Look for engines with low oil shut-off features. This protects the engine if the oil level gets too low. Cast iron cylinder sleeves usually mean better durability than aluminum.
Frame and Housing
The frame must be sturdy steel. It protects the inner components from rain, dust, and bumps during transport. Weather-resistant coatings prevent rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
These details separate a good generator from a great one.
Quality Boosters
- Inverter Technology: Inverter generators produce “cleaner” electricity. This smooth power is safe for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and modern refrigerators.
- Electric Start: Pushing a pull cord in the cold is hard. Electric start buttons make starting much easier for everyone.
- CO Safety Shutoff: This essential safety feature automatically turns the generator off if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide build up.
Quality Reducers
- Open-Frame Design (for some uses): While often cheaper, open-frame generators are louder and less protected from the elements than fully enclosed models.
- Low-Quality Wiring: Cheap wiring can fail quickly under heavy load or heat. Read reviews to confirm the internal components are reliable.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and where you will use the generator.
Camping and Tailgating
For recreational use, prioritize small size, light weight, and quiet operation (Inverter models are best here). You usually only need to run lights, charge phones, and maybe a small cooler.
Home Backup Power
For emergencies, you need more power. Focus on higher running watts and dual-fuel capability. You must place these units far away from windows and doors due to exhaust fumes.
Job Sites
Durability and portability are most important. Look for heavy-duty frames and multiple outlet types (like 240V for bigger tools).
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable Home Generators
Q: What is the difference between a generator and an inverter?
A: A traditional generator makes power that can sometimes “spike.” An inverter generator cleans this power up first. Clean power is safer for your sensitive electronics.
Q: How far away from my house should I place a running generator?
A: Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home. Make sure the exhaust is pointing away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Q: Do I need a special transfer switch to use a generator?
A: Yes, for safely running your home’s built-in circuits (like the furnace or well pump), you need a manual transfer switch installed by an electrician. This prevents “backfeeding” power onto utility lines.
Q: How long can I run a generator continuously?
A: Most quality generators can run for 6 to 12 hours on one tank at a 50% load. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for continuous running time.
Q: What is “Surge Wattage”?
A: Surge wattage is the extra power needed for a moment when an appliance first turns on. Motors, like those in refrigerators, need this surge power.
Q: Can I use a generator during a rainstorm?
A: You must protect the generator from rain and snow. Never run it uncovered in the rain. Use a proper generator tent or canopy designed for safe operation.
Q: How often should I change the oil?
A: Check your manual, but generally, you change the oil after the first 5 hours of use (the “break-in” period). After that, change it every 50 to 100 hours of running time.
Q: What is the easiest fuel to store long-term?
A: Propane (LPG) is the easiest to store. It does not go bad over time like gasoline does.
Q: If I only run one item, like a freezer, do I need a big generator?
A: You still need enough starting watts for the freezer. Check the surge rating for your freezer, and buy a generator that meets that minimum starting requirement plus a small buffer.
Q: Are portable generators street legal for long trips?
A: Yes, portable generators are generally fine to transport. However, never run them inside a vehicle, trailer, or garage, even with the door open.