For thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other emergencies, a generator provides a home backup for power outages. However, purchasing a portable generator comes with a big price tag. High-end portable generators can cost between $800 and $1,500, while smaller models can still set you back several hundred.
That’s why it’s essential to choose the portable generator that best suits your needs. To help you find the best option, we reviewed over 100 portable generator models and analyzed hundreds of customer and professional reviews.
For most homeowners, our top pick is the Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment model, which provides a heavy-duty design with a high wattage level and the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
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 6 Portable Generators
- Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator: Best Overall
- DuroStar Portable Generator: Best Basic Generator
- Generac Portable Generator: Biggest Fuel Tank
- Honda Portable Inverter Generator: Most Compact Gas Generator
- WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator: Best Quiet Model
- EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station: Best Lightweight
Compare Top Portable Generators
| Product | Power Source | Fuel Tank Size | Wattage | Run Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable GeneratorCheck Price | Gas | 6.6 gallons | 7,500 | 11 hours | 196 pounds |
DuroStar Portable GeneratorCheck Price | Gas | Not listed | 3,500 | 14 hours | 126 pounds |
Generac Portable GeneratorCheck Price | Gas | 7.9 gallons | 6,500 | 10.5 hours | 177 pounds |
Honda Portable Inverter GeneratorCheck Price | Gas | 0.95 gallons | 2,200 | 9.6 hours | 46.5 pounds |
WEN Super Quiet Inverter GeneratorCheck Price | Gas | 1 gallon | 2,350 | 10.5 hours | 39 pounds |
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power StationCheck Price | Electric | N/A | 720 | 1 hour | 16.8 pounds |
Portable Generator Terminology
- Fuel tank size: Generators with larger fuel tanks can charge devices for longer before they need to be refilled.
- Wattage: A generator’s wattage measures its 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
Good for: Homeowners seeking a heavy-duty portable generator that can run appliances through the night.
Though expensive and heavy, this portable generator is built to last. It has a hardened steel frame with a foam handle and never-flat wheels. This 7,500-watt generator engine works with a 6.6-gallon fuel tank to run powerful devices and appliances for up to 11 hours on a single tank.
Pros and Cons of Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment Portable Generator
- Shuts off automatically when the oil level is low
- Has a convenient remote start function to turn it on from inside your home
- Comes with several accessories, including an oil funnel and battery charger
- Weighs nearly 200 pounds
- Can arrive with residual oil or fuel odor because it’s tested in a lab
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 6.6-gallon fuel tank
- 7,500 running watts
- 11-hour runtime
- 196 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What People Are 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.
Best Basic Generator
DuroStar Portable Generator
Good for: Customers seeking a medium-powered generator that can provide temporary support when needed.
This generator offers 3,500 watts of power at an affordable price and features a carbon monoxide alert that automatically shuts the machine off if CO is detected. From tools for a home improvement project to appliances during a blackout, this model can support your machines and devices for up to 14 hours.
Pros and Cons of DuroStar Portable Generator
- Can handle powerful items, including refrigerators and other appliances
- Has a built-in multimeter to measure the voltage output
- Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board Cons
- May not have enough power to run an air conditioner
- Some people felt assembly instructions were unclear
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 3,500 running watts
- 14-hour run time
- 126 pounds
- Five-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The DuroStar Portable Generator
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its durable design and easy startup, noting that it started on the first or second pull. Several others also commented on how quiet the operation was, noting they could barely hear it running. While many were pleased with its performance, opinions were mixed on how loud it is, and some reviewers had difficulty with assembly.
Biggest Fuel Tank
Generac Portable Generator
Good for: Customers who want a large fuel tank that can power multiple devices for hours on end.
This powerful generator has a nearly eight-gallon fuel tank that provides 6,500 watts of power for over 10 hours. Though it weighs close to 180 pounds, you can move it around your yard, home, and garage using its two wheels and handles.
Pros and Cons of Generac Portable Generator
- Has a durable steel construction
- Has wheels and handles for transportation
- Uses co-sense technology to protect against carbon monoxide
- Operates at a loud volume because of its gas fuel source
- Increases the electrical current when you first start it
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 7.9-gallon fuel tank
- 6,500 running watts
- 10.5-hour runtime
- 177 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What People Are 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.
Most Compact Gas Generator
Honda Portable Inverter Generator
Good for: Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance quiet gas generator that’s compact and easy to use.
This inverter generator produces less noise than the average conversation, making it a viable option for those sensitive to noise, who live close to their neighbors, or who are near the engine when it’s on. Its noise level, combined with its compact frame, makes it unlike other gas generators that are heavy and loud.
Pros and Cons of Honda Portable Inverter Generator
- Runs quietly between 48 and 57 decibels
- Can connect it to a second generator for double the power
- Runs for up to 10 hours despite its small fuel tank
- Powers a limited number of devices and appliances
- Requires special cables to use the parallel operation outlets
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 People Are 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.
Best Quiet Model
WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator
Good for: Homeowners seeking a lightweight, quiet generator that provides medium wattage.
Producing only 51 decibels at a quarter load, this generator is among the quietest on the market. It features a surge wattage of 2,350 watts, perfect for charging devices like laptops, tablets, cell phones, and TVs. It is also lightweight at just 39 pounds, so you can easily bring it with you when traveling or camping.
Pros and Cons of WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator
- Comes with an eco-mode feature that allows the motor to automatically adjust fuel consumption
- Features a fuel shutoff feature that maximizes the generator’s lifespan
- Comes with two three-prong 120V receptacles, a 12V DC receptacle, and 5V USB ports
- Lacks the overall wattage of some other portable generators
- Lacks the overall wattage of some other portable generators
Key Features
- Gas power source
- 2,350 running watts
- 10.5-hour run time
- 39 pounds
- Two-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The WEN Super Quiet Inverter Generator
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its durable design and easy startup, noting that it started on the first or second pull. Several others also commented on how quiet the operation was, noting they could barely hear it running. However, there were some others who claimed it only worked with certain types of gas, and others were let down by its power level, saying it failed to run items like a portable heater or a microwave.
Best Lightweight
EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
Good for: Customers looking for a lightweight generator that is easy to bring with them on the go.
If you are looking for a lightweight generator that is easy to carry around while traveling, RVing, or hiking, this model may be the perfect fit. It weighs just 16.8 pounds and can power devices up to 1,800 watts. This handy generator also has the ability to charge up to 10 devices at once with a variety of outlet options, and it can recharge up to 80% in just one hour.
Pros and Cons of EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
- Can be controlled via smartphone through the EcoFlow app
- Charging capacity can double when connected to a River Pro extra battery (sold separately)
- Can work with solar panels, which will charge device in 4–8 hours
- Lacks power compared to other generators in this review
- LCD display can be hard to see in sunlight
Key Features
- Electric power source
- 720 running watts
- One-hour runtime
- 16.8 pounds
- Two-year warranty
What People Are Saying About The EF ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its fast charging time, three AC power ports, and ability to charge with solar panels. Others liked its lightweight, easily portable design. However, those who left more mixed reviews of this generator felt that the included smartphone app was difficult to connect to, and others said that it failed to reach the capacity listed in the product description.
Portable Generator Buying Guide
Before deciding on which portable generator makes the most sense for your home, there are a few critical factors you’ll need to consider. Examine the fuel source to determine if you prefer a traditional gas model, an electric start, or a solar generator.
Once you’ve made that determination, you should think about what devices you want to be 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 types of fuel do portable generators use?
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 also be converted to 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 for 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 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.
Portable Generator Safety Tips
Using a portable generator may be a foreign concept to you. However, by following the instructions and considering the tips below, you’ll be able to power your home or your campsite on the go in case of an emergency.
Don’t use gas generators 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 electric 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 gas generators cool before refilling their fuel tanks.
Filling a hot gas-powered 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 gas generator. This ensures that you’re prepared in case of a power outage. You may also want to consider having a backup generator handy 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.
Portable Generator FAQs
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.
Our Methodology
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 DIYers 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.