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For thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other emergencies, a generator provides a home backup for power outages. It’s also useful for other extra power needs, such as during a camping or tailgating trip, or doing a home improvement project. However, purchasing a portable generator comes with a big price tag. High-end portable generators can cost between $800-$1,500, while smaller models can still set you back several hundred.
That’s why it’s essential to choose the portable generator that’s best for your needs. To help you find the best option for you, we looked at over 100 portable generator models and analyzed hundreds of customer and professional reviews. Overall, our top pick is the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment, which provides a heavy-duty design with a high wattage level and the ability to charge multiple devices at once. Read our buying guide below for more of our top picks, and be sure to check out our guide to buying generators to learn important information on buying the right generator for your home.
Top 4 Portable Generators
- Best Overall: Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
- Best Basic Generator: DuroStar Portable Generator
- Biggest Fuel Tank: Generac Portable Generator
- Most Compact Gas Generator: Honda Portable Inverter Generator
Compare Top Portable Generators
| Product | Power Source | Fuel Tank Size | Wattage | Run Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator | Gas | 6.6 gallons | 7,500 | 11 hours | 196 pounds |
| DuroStar Portable Generator | Gas | 3.9 gallons | 3,300 | 12 hours | 94 pounds |
| Generac Portable Generator | Gas | 7.9 gallons | 6,500 | 10.5 hours | 177 pounds |
| Honda Portable Inverter Generator | Gas | 0.95 gallons | 2,200 | 9.6 hours | 46.5 pounds |
| Product | Power Source | Fuel Tank Size | Wattage | Run Time | Weight |
Terms to Know for Portable Generators
- Fuel Tank Size: Generators with a larger fuel tank will be able to charge devices for longer before they need to be refilled.
- Wattage: The wattage of a generator measures it’s overall power level, indicating what type of devices it can hold a charge for, and how many devices can be charged at once.
Best Overall
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
- $849
- $899
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners seeking a heavy-duty portable generator that can run appliances through the night.
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 6.6-gallon fuel tank
- 7,500 running watts
- 11-hour runtime
- 196 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What Are People Saying About the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator?
Customers who liked this generator said it was well-designed, came with easy-to-understand instructions, and ran for hours. However, unhappy customers had difficulty getting the machine to move with the wheels, and others claimed the unit did not work with gas, only propane.
“I’ve had this Generator for six years now, and I have been very pleased with it. Use it for power outages in New Hampshire and it’s always worked for me when needed. One fill-up lasts a long time, and powers most things in my house: fridges, freezer, forced hot air heat, lights, computer, Wi-Fii, and a bunch of misc things around the house. Easy to start.” — Sean via Amazon
“Works perfectly on propane! Added two gallons of ethanol-free gas, opened the valve, and the motor did not start. The choke actuates, but it just cranks. I see gas flowing past the filter, but it’s either not getting to the carb or something else is not working. The engine fires and runs in gasoline mode with a shot of starting fluid, but it then dies, so it’s a fuel problem. Opened a case with Westinghouse.” — jimf909 via Amazon
Best Basic Generator
DuroStar Portable Generator
- $399
- $479.99
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers seeking a medium-powered generator that can provide temporary support when needed.
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 3.9-gallon fuel tank
- 3,300 running watts
- 12-hour runtime
- 94 pounds
- One-year warranty
What Are People Saying About the DuroStar Portable Generator?
Positive reviews said this generator was durable, holding up for many years. Customers also found it to be easy to store and move. However, those who gave it negative reviews claimed it was difficult to start up and others claimed it was very loud.
“…Then we just had Hurricane Ian (2022). I lost power for four days. This generator was great. It started with little trouble and ran for 3 days straight. It had no problem powering my refrigerator, fans, phones, TV, DVD player, and washing machine… really a lifesaver! I was surprised by the fuel economy. It would run for an entire day on about 3 gallons of gas. The tank is big, so you can fill it up only once or twice a day. —GDCFlorida via Amazon
“After about two uses, the throttle basically gave up on me when I tried to start it. It’s fine once I get it running,, but in order to start it I have to manually hold the throttle down with my finger. That’s almost a deal breaker for me. Also, it doesn’t come with wheels. In my younger years, it was a pain, but I could move it without killing myself. Now, not so much. Do yourself a favor and get the wheels.” —Box Hill Crew via Amazon
Biggest Fuel Tank
Generac Portable Generator
- $1,179
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers who want a large fuel tank that can power multiple devices for hours on end.
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 7.9-gallon fuel tank
- 6,500 running watts
- 10.5-hour runtime
- 177 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What Are People Saying About the Generac Portable Generator?
Satisfied customers found this generator made from quality materials, easy to assemble, and simple to operate. However, some customers said its fuel tank was prone to gas and oil leaks.
“Great quality portable generator. Very dependable brand. This generator is replacing a 28-year-old Generac generator that still runs great. The new generator is quieter than the older unit. It has a larger fuel tank. It starts on the first pull. I highly recommend Generac portable generators.” — John Morse via Amazon
“This generator was perfect for our needs. It kept everything on as if grid power was available. In each of those long run times, it sipped gas. It only used about 7-8 gallons fuel in about 22 hours run time. One item of note is the generator is loud. Let your neighbors know you’ll be running it during the daytime hours. Be mindful of local noise ordinances.” — nick via Amazon
Most Compact Gas Generator
Honda Portable Inverter Generator
- $999
- $1,299.99
- 23% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance quiet gas generator that’s compact and easy to use.
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 0.95-gallon fuel tank
- 2,200 running watts
- 9.6-hour runtime
- 46.5 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What Are People Saying About the Honda Portable Inverter Generator?
Many customers left positive reviews, stating that the generator was easy to use, operated quietly, and supported several devices simultaneously. However, those who left negative reviews said it was often difficult to start.
“…The extra 200 watts doesn’t sound like much, but when you live at a higher elevation like I do, about 5100 ft, it’s helpful, particularly when you need to power electric heaters in addition to electronics. When they say this unit is “super quiet”, they aren’t kidding. …If a quiet generator is important in your environment, you won’t go wrong with this one.” — TCS via Amazon
“I bought this generator mainly as a backup power supply for power outages, and occasionally for running power tools in my barn. I’ve come to dread the process of getting it started. I know all the advice is “drain gas, use gas stabilizer, etc), but it sure seems like Honda should design the generator to easily accommodate this type of occasional use without a lot of extra work. II would not buy this product again.” —Greg Ames via Amazon
Buying Guide to Portable Generators
Before deciding on which portable generator makes the most sense for your home, there are a few critical factors you’ll need to consider. Starting off, examine the fuel source to determine if you prefer a traditional gas model, or an electric start or solar generator. Once you’ve made that determination, you should think about what devices you want charged and ensure you’re finding a portable generator that has enough strength to power those devices.
Once you’ve decided on fuel source and power level, you can also consider other factors such as noise level, portability and size, and number of outlets to help you make your purchasing decision. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best portable generator for you.
What the different types of fuel sources of a portable generator?
Many portable generators run on gasoline. Though powerful, these generators have inherent risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. They’re also heavy, expensive, and loud.
For an alternative type of generator, consider solar generators, which run on solar panels, or electric generators. They’re lighter, quieter, cheaper, and better for the environment but not as powerful. You can also utilize a dual-fuel generator, which can run on either gasoline or liquified petroleum gas for added flexibility.
A very small number of generators also run on natural gas, although some propane-powered models can be converted to also run on natural gas.
What is the typical noise level for a portable generator?
The average conversation is spoken at 60 decibels. Solar and electric generators produce around this much noise. Gas generators are louder, producing 70–100 decibels on average. We recommend wearing ear protection if you will be next to your gas generator for an extended period.
How many outlets does the standard portable generator have?
Portable generators have various outlets to accommodate your appliances, devices, and tools. You commonly see between two and 10 total USB ports, wall outlets, or cigarette lighters on a generator.
How heavy are portable generators?
There’s no point in purchasing a portable generator if you can’t load it in your car or move it around your home. Solar and electric generators typically weigh under 10 pounds and feature a built-in carrying handle. Gas generators weigh anywhere from 50 to 300 pounds, so they’re often on wheels.
How is power determined in a portable generator?
The wattage of a generator tells you how much power it has. There are two wattage ratings manufacturers provide—peak and running. Peak wattage measures the initial surge of power when the generator is first turned on. Running wattage measures the generator’s power level the rest of the time. Running wattage is a better indicator of power. Most portable gas generators produce 4,000-10,000 watts. Solar and electric generators produce less, usually around 1,000-2,000 watts. Check the specific specs of each model to compare the peak and running watt output.
To determine how much power you need, you can add up the power consumption of the appliances you need charged and see if the generator supports it. To get that number, calculate the wattage of each device by multiplying the voltage by the amperage (often abbreviated to amps) needed to run a specific appliance, such as a washer/dryer, refrigerator, or air conditioner.
How To Use a Portable Gas Generator
Using a portable gas generator may be a foreign concept to you. However, by following the included instructions and considering the below tips, you’ll be able to power your home in case of an emergency or your campsite on the go.
Don’t use the generator inside.
Don’t ever have gas generator run indoors or in a closed garage, as it releases deadly carbon monoxide. Once it’s off, store it in your garage or shed to protect it from the elements. For added safety, look for a generator with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff.
Don’t back feed power into your home.
Backfeeding refers to the practice of plugging your generator directly into an outlet in your home. It’s dangerous and often illegal because it causes unfiltered electricity to flow through circuits, which can electrocute workers on nearby power lines or overload your devices and appliances. Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch to use your generator around your home.
Let the generator cool before refilling it.
Filling a hot generator with fuel is dangerous because the gas could ignite. Though it slows down your project, let the tank cool completely before refilling it and returning to work.
Maintain an adequate fuel supply.
Keep enough gas and oil on hand to use and maintain your generator. This ensures that you’re prepared in case of a power outage. You may also want to consider having a backup generator on hand in case you need to power extra devices.
Keep the generator dry.
Water and electricity don’t mix. Don’t use your generator in rainy conditions or when your hands are wet. Also, be sure to bring it inside if your area is expecting bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Generators
How does a portable generator work?
The generator’s engine uses the supplied fuel to turn the alternator. This produces energy as electricity, which is harnessed through the generator’s outlets.
How much is a portable generator?
Most portable generators range from $200 to over $1,000. It’s difficult to find a cheap generator without compromising quality. Although it’s certainly an investment, a portable generator still costs less than a permanent one, which starts at $4,000.
How many watts does a generator need to power a house?
It depends on the appliances and fixtures you have around your home. To get a sense of the needed power, get the peak wattage for each device and fixture you wish to run. For example, if you’re looking to power kitchen appliances with a combined peak wattage of 4,000 watts, you’ll need a portable generator with a power output of at least that. You may find that portable generators don’t provide enough power to turn on all of your most important appliances. If that is the cause you may want to consider a whole-home generator instead.
How We Selected the Best Portable Generators
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of generators with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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