Portable generators can allow you to continue your daily life during a power outage. Depending on how powerful the generator is, you could power your entire house or at least the essentials.
What Is a Portable Generator?
A portable generator is a device that uses fuel to provide temporary energy to your home. What type of fuel it takes depends on the generator model. Most models take either gasoline or diesel, and some are able to use either type of fuel. You may also need to mix a particular type of engine oil with the fuel in order for the generator to operate. Check the product description to know what type of oil you need.
Portable generators have an outlet on the device that you use to connect to a sub-panel of your home. You could also plug electrical tools and appliances into the sockets on the device.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Portable Generator?
The benefits of having a portable generator are many, including:
- Less expensive
- Easy to move
- Can be set up by yourself
- Smaller
- Possible to use while camping
What Should You Look for in a Portable Generator
Electric start is a good feature to look for in a portable generator because it’s easier to turn on the device. You press a button to turn it on rather than yanking a handle. If someone in your household isn’t strong, then they might not be able to start a model that relies on pull starting.
A fuel gauge is helpful because you need to let the generator cool down once it runs out of fuel before turning it back on. You can estimate how many more hours you can get out of the runtime when the device has a fuel gauge. Some models even give you an estimate in hours.
When the generator is too low on oil, damage can occur to the engine. To always have peace of mind your generator won’t break if you accidentally put too little oil inside, you should choose a model that automatically shuts off when it’s low on oil.
Some models have an alternative fuel capacity, which means they can operate with more than one fuel source. This isn’t an essential, but it’s nice to have. Models with this feature are usually called dual fuel.
To sum it up, you want:
- Adequate starting and running wants
- A fuel gauge
- Low-oil shutoff
- Electric start
The Top 5 Portable Generators
Here are our top picks for portable generators.
Champion 200966 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Champion 200966 Description and Specifications
Champion is an affordable brand that manufactures a wide range of generators from 1,200 watts to 12,000 watts. The Champion 200966 is a 3,500-watt generator that can run for up to 14 hours before needing a fuel refill. It can take gasoline or propane. The device is easy to start with a rocker switch and comes with the necessary battery for electric start. You can monitor the run-time hours, voltage, and frequency. This generator features Volt Guard to protect it from voltage spikes. On gasoline, the generator can handle 4,375 starting watts and 3,500 running watts. On propane, the generator has 3,950 starting watts and 3,150 running watts.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 208cc |
| Amperage | 29.1A @ 120V (Gas), 26.3A @ 120V (Propane) |
| Running Watts | 3500 (Gas), 3150 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 4375 (Gas), 3950 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 4.7 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 14 hours (Gas), 10.5 hours (Propane) |
| Dimensions | 24.7″ x 25″ x 22.2″ |
| Weight | 123 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 68 dBA |
| Certifications | EPA Certified, CARB Compliant |
| Warranty | 3-years parts |
Why the Champion 200966 Is Great
This Champion generator is versatile, easy to use, and powerful. You can use propane with it if you’re in a situation in which you run out of gasoline. Some generators are slower to start in cold weather. This Champion generator features cold start technology for fast starting even in cold temperatures. We also love that the model displays your fuel level, voltage, and amps for monitoring its performance.
Pros
- Dual fuel
- Intelligauge
- Electric start
- Comes with battery
- Cover and wheel kit included
- Volt Guard
- Cold start technology
Cons
- Could have more watts
- Loud
Champion 200966 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Champion 200966 3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Additional Resources
Westinghouse WGen7500 7500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
Westinghouse WGen7500 Description and Specifications
The Westinghouse WGen7500 features electric start, low-oil shutoff, a fuel gauge, and GFCI outlets. It comes with a wireless remote key fob that you can use to turn it on and off without needing to press the button on the generator. At 7,500 watts, it can power several appliances and electronics in your home. The hardened steel frame features roll bars for extra protection. It’s also fitted with never-flat wheels and a foam grip handle. All Westinghouse generators are factory tested before they are sold, so you might notice a slight fuel odor when you get your generator. This doesn’t mean that it was used.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke |
| Engine Displacement | 420cc |
| Amperage | 62A @120V |
| Running Watts | 7,500 |
| Peak Watts | 9,500 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Tank Capacity | 6.6 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 11 hours |
| Dimensions | 27.2″ x 26.1″ x 26″ |
| Weight | 196 pounds |
| Noise Level | 72dBA |
| Certifications | CARB-Compliant |
| Warranty | 3-years limited |
Why the Westinghouse WGen7500 Is Great
This Westinghouse generator is powerful and equipped with safety features. You will also know how much fuel you have left thanks to the fuel gauge. The VFT display even estimates how many runtime hours are remaining. This is a durable and dependable generator from a trusted brand. Customers describe it as a luxury generator at an affordable price.
Pros
- High power output
- RV-ready
- Low oil shutoff
- Durable engine
- Digital hour meter
- Long running time
Cons
- Tends to be loud
- Relatively heavy steel construction
Westinghouse WGen7500 7500-Watt Gasoline Portable Generator
DuroMax XP11500EH 11500-Watt Dual Fuel Hybrid Portable Generator
DuroMax XP11500EH Description and Specifications
The DuroMax XP11500EH is a dual-fuel generator with 100% all-copper windings, an all-metal construction and Surge Arrest. It’s also EPA and CARB certified. Surge Arrest protects the generator from overloads and power surges. There is a fully featured power panel, including two 120V household GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, one 240V 50A outlet and one 240V 30A outlet. The fuel tank is double that of small portable generators at 8.3 gallons.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-Cycle Air-Cooled Spark-Ignition |
| Engine Displacement | 224 lbs. |
| Amperage | 75A @ 120V (Gas), 71.25A @ 120V (Propane) |
| Running Watts | 9,000 (Gas), 8,550 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 11,500 (Gas), 10,925 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 8.3 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 8 hours (Gas), 6 hours (Propane) |
| Dimensions | 29″ x 30″ x 26″ |
| Weight | 224 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 72 dB |
| Certifications | EPA Certified, CARB Certified |
| Warranty | 3-years parts |
Why the DuroMax XP11500EH Is Great
Quality generators often have an all-metal construction and 100% all-copper windings like this model. It also has important safety features to protect both you and the device. This generator can handle heavy loads and is built to last.
Pros
- Dual fuel
- Can handle heavy loads
- Durable
- 100% all-copper windings
- Surge Arrest
Cons
- Lower runtime than other models
- Heavy
DuroMax XP11500EH 11500-Watt Dual Fuel Hybrid Portable Generator
Additional Resources
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i Description and Specifications
The Honda EU2200i is a 2,200-watt inverter generator that operates at 48–57 dBA. It’s one of the quieter portable generators on this list. You could power a refrigerator, microwave or coffee pot with this model, although probably not at the same time depending on the energy demands of your appliances. The Honda EU2200i is equipped with low-oil shutoff, a circuit breaker and fuel shutoff to help protect it.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, OHC |
| Engine Displacement | 121cc |
| Amperage | 18.3A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 1,800 |
| Peak Watts | 2,200 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
| Tank Capacity | .95 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 8.1 hours @ 25% load |
| Dimensions | 20″ x 11.4″ x 16.7″ |
| Weight | 47.4 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 57 dBA |
| Certifications | ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 |
| Warranty | 3-years |
Why the Honda EU2200i Is Great
Honda generators are a good choice when you’re looking for an inverter generator. This reliable brand has a long runtime and key safety features. On less than a gallon of fuel, the Honda EU2200i can run up to to 8.1 hours. We also like that this generator is much lighter than other models on this list. It only weighs 47.4 lbs.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to transport and store
- Durable and quiet
- Low harmonic distortion
- Low fuel shutdown alert
- Overload electronic circuit breaker and spark arrestor
Cons
- Higher price
- Missing fuel gauge
- No USB outlet
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt Gasoline Portable Inverter Generator
Additional Resources
WEN DF1100T 11000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
WEN DF1100T Description and Specifications
The WEN DF1100T is a dual-fuel generator that provides 8,300 running watts on gasoline and 7,500 running watts on propane. It features electric start, low-oil shutdown, a 6.6-gallon tank and a wheel kit. This WEN generator also supports 120V and 240V needs. It has CARB certification and a noise level of 72 dBA.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4-stroke, OHV |
| Engine Displacement | 457cc |
| Amperage | 70A @ 120V |
| Running Watts | 8,300 (Gas), 7,500 (Propane) |
| Peak Watts | 11,000 (Gas), 9,500 (Propane) |
| Fuel Type | Dual-Fuel |
| Tank Capacity | 6.6 gal. |
| Max. Runtime | 8.5 hours @ 50% load (Gas), 3 hours @ 50% load (Propane) |
| Dimensions | 27.3″ x 20.6″ x 21.9″ |
| Weight | 213.8 lbs. |
| Noise Level | 72 dBA |
| Certifications | CARB-Compliant |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Why the WEN DF1100T Is Great
We like that this generator offers versatility in fuel and voltage. It’s easy to use and equipped with important safety features. WEN generators also have quality construction. The brand is known for providing excellent customer service, so if you ever need assistance with your purchase, you can expect a smooth process.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Easy to move around
- Affordable
- Nationwide technical support
Cons
- 50A port doesn’t work well with right angle cables
- Does not support multiple starting mechanisms
How to Choose Which Portable Generator Is Best for You
There are a lot of quality portable generators available to choose from. Duromax generators are among the most durable although all of the items listed above are durable. If noise level is an important factor to you, consider choosing an inverter generator because it’s designed to be quieter than other generators. You can typically find inverter models among all of the major brands with the Honda EU2200i being one of the best.
To know how many watts you need in a portable generator, you should make a list of all appliances, electronics and lights you want to use during a power outage. Then, make a list of what’s important to have running at the same time to you. Go through your home checking the starting watts and running watts of each appliance or electronic on your list. Some items will have the same number of starting watts as running watts.
If you’re looking for a quality generator that’s environmentally friendly, you’ll want to browse inverter generators and Generac generators. Inverter generators cause lower emissions than other types of generators. Generac is a brand that sets itself apart by focusing on developing clean, energy-efficient and sustainable technology.
FAQs
Champion and Duromax are known for having excellent warranties. You receive free lifetime technical support and a three-year limited warranty with many Champion generators.
There are two ways to hook up a portable generator to your house. We recommend using a transfer switch because it’s the most convenient method. With a transfer switch, you connect the generator to a circuit panel. The other method is to connect each appliance to the generator. Never plug a generator into a wall socket because this is dangerous to do. Setup instructions may differ based on the model you have, so always follow the owner’s manual to safely use the device.
Generators release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can kill you. A generator indoors won’t have proper ventilation, not even if you leave the door and windows open. The carbon monoxide will still build up too much in your home. For your safety, you need to make sure the generator is at least 20 feet away from the house and outdoors. If the owner’s manual advises setting it up farther away, then follow those instructions.
You should only use what you need and turn off lights and unplug appliances once you’re done using them. A refrigerator, however, needs to be left plugged in to keep your food at a safe temperature. You could unplug the refrigerator while using the microwave, but remember to plug it back in once you’re done. If your generator delivers enough watts to handle both appliances, then you don’t need to unplug the fridge. You should also watch for warning signs of the generator becoming overloaded. Warning signs include flickering lights, flickering appliances and black soot near the generator.
No, you shouldn’t use an uncovered portable generator in the rain. As long as you put a generator canopy cover over it, then you can safely use it.