Best Portable Home Generators Buyers Guide

There are two basic types of generators: portable and standby units. We’ve focused on the portable power generators in this guide because they’re affordable solutions perfect for the average homeowner. The Honda EU2200iTAG is our top pick because it's so quiet and powerful, thanks to inverter technology. It's on the pricier end, but it's totally worth it.

Our generator recommendations are all gas generators, producing low to medium amounts of wattage that’ll keep the average home humming.

Prefer solar power? Check out our solar generator buyer's guide.

Honda indicates this generator operates for eight hours on one tank of fuel and has a low-oil shutoff feature. It also comes with Honda’s standard three-year warranty and is California Clean Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant.

Quiet generator

Reviews claim this is an extremely quiet generator, and manufacturer specifications indicate the noise level is similar to that of a normal conversation. As we discussed previously, inverters make generators more fuel-efficient and quieter in general.

Good for camping or emergencies

This portable inverter generator isn’t going to power your whole home. Many customers say they use these for RVs, to supply backup power to essential appliances during an outage, or to power a sump pump after a house flood. Know that it old-fashioned cord pull, like a lawnmower, rather than an electric start. But it’s still easy to use and doesn’t require much muscle.

Buyer beware though—this one is heavy, and the wheel kit is an additional cost. It’s also not CARB compliant, and at 69 dB (the second-loudest on our list), you may want to opt for some earplugs.

This model is a bargain, no doubt about it. It’s a generator that focuses on the power and leaves the fancy stuff behind.

Heavy and not fuel efficient

At 3,300 running watts, you’ll be able to supply most of your major appliances and keep things humming along. A word of warning: even with tank that's almost four times larger, this model still manages to blow through fuel in about 12 hours. And at 95 pounds, this generator is nearly twice what the top three models weigh. You’re going to need that wheel kit for sure.

For comparison, the DuroStar runs for eight hours on a four-gallon tank at half load, while this Westinghouse generator gives you 16 hours (and over double the wattage) on a 6.6-gallon tank. While it’s hard to argue with specs like that, your bank account might not agree. This beast will set you back almost $1,000.

High wattage

With its high wattage, you can power up a small home, including an air conditioner and a full army of appliances. Once generators get this size, they’re loud. The decibels on this model are much louder than the smaller generators on our list. Your ears will be glad that this thing comes with a remote start feature.

Gas and propane generator

The WGen7500DF has the largest fuel tank on our list, which helps it run for long periods—especially at lower power loads. We like that it can run on propane, which gives it more longevity when connected to a huge tank, but propane's efficiency is a little lower than gasoline's. But it's a good thing this comes with wheels. This generator is 192 pounds, so don’t expect to heft it up stairs by yourself anytime soon.

You’ll get similar wattage in this compact, quiet unit but a little less fuel efficiency. The WEN produces 9.4 hours of power, is EPA III and CARB compliant to save your conscience and the environment, and comes with a two-year warranty. This unit is quieter than the Yamaha generator on the specs sheet, but actual customer reviews indicate it may be a bit louder in practice.

Again, its wattage isn’t going to be enough to run anything but the essentials, so make sure you understand your power needs before you buy. The WEN costs less upfront, but over time, the Honda may be a better value since this guzzles more gas. Do the math to ensure your bargain buy is the steal you think it is.

Before you buy, it’s good to break down exactly what to look for in a generator. We’ll highlight several key factors that were part of our decision-making process to help you become a more informed consumer, but if you’d like to skip to the details on our recommended models, you can do that here.

When it comes to generators, the amount of power produced is the primary consideration. You’ll want to look for a good fit between how much wattage a unit generates versus how much you need. Obviously, more wattage is ideal, but if you want to get away on the cheap, consider a model that just does the essentials.

Be careful when evaluating wattage on the product packaging, however. While many generators include the maximum wattage in the model name, they produce a little less wattage under a significant load. We’ve included the correct wattage in our tables and product reviews for generators operating under quarter loads.

While 20,000 watts keeps an entire home functional, as little as 600 watts is enough power for a few lights and an appliance. SafeWise’s portable generator recommendations fall within the 2,000–7,000-watt range, ensuring you’ll be able to keep things like your fridge and essential lights fully functional.

Generators run off many different types of fuel depending on the size and model of the unit. Standby generators tend to use cleaner fuel options, such as natural gas or propane, while most portable generators run on traditional fuels like gasoline.

While gasoline is risky to store, it’s also the most commonly used fuel for portable generators because it’s easily accessible and relatively cheap. Solar generators employ technology that’s still developing and doesn’t produce much power yet, so they are best suited for smaller homes, like apartments.

These devices can be noisy, so many cities require that you get a permit to use a generator. SafeWise recommends checking into the ordinances in your area and securing a permit before you buy because we’re all about the better-safe-than-sorry approach. And keeping your neighbors from calling in a noise complaint.

Inverter generators are optimal for several reasons, including having engines with overhead valves or OHV, but let’s just cut through the techspeak and explain why. Inverters make a generator’s engine quieter, cleaner, and longer lasting. The downside? Inverter models are also more expensive.

We’d argue that the long-term gains you’ll reap over time in efficiency and durability make inverters worth the higher price tag. Most of our recommended models have inverters, so unless you desperately need to cut corners for financial reasons, don’t skimp on this feature.

We’ve chosen to focus on portable generators as a cost-effective approach to emergency power. However, a standby generator may be a better fit long term if you have a large home with extensive power needs or you experience frequent outages.

Pay attention as well to some hidden expenses that aren’t included with the generator, like wheels. Yes, you read that right; some portable models don’t come with wheels, so you have to buy them separately. It pays to read the fine print.

One of the best things you can do to cut costs is to plan ahead. Frequently, folks buy generators when an emergency occurs, so demand drives up prices. Purchasing a unit in the off season can save you a bundle and provide the security of knowing you won’t have to arm wrestle for one at your local hardware store during an emergency.

Whether you have a portable or a standby generator, you’ll want to consider having a professional install a transfer switch. These switches allow the generator to connect directly to your home’s electrical circuit board during a power outage. Do not, however, attempt a do-it-yourself approach on this. It’s absolutely something you need a professional to install not only for your personal safety, but also for the well-being of nearby utility workers who might inadvertently get zapped.

See Honda’s website for a more in-depth guide on how to properly connect your generator.

If you opt not to professionally install a transfer switch, you’ll need to connect your portable generator directly to your appliances via a heavy-duty extension cord. Stock up on extension cords and have some handy that can handle the wattage and go the distance.

Never use a generator indoors

One final, very important note about using your generator: Portables run on gas, and gas gives off carbon monoxide fumes that can be fatal. Never use your portable generator indoors. You need to run the unit at least 15 feet from your home, away from windows and doors, and in the open air where it can be properly ventilated. For more information about how to safely use your generator, see the Red Cross’s guide to operating a generator in an emergency.

We’d also recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector regardless, but especially if you plan to operate a generator.

To keep your portable running in tip-top condition and ready to power up during the next outage, follow the basic maintenance and safety tips below. And always consult the manufacturer’s detailed instructions and safety warnings before connecting and operating your generator.

• Keep ample fuel on hand.
• Change oil every 100 hours of use.
• Use fuel stabilizer.
• Run the lines dry seasonally.
• Use it at least once a month for twenty minutes.
• Wash or replace filters when visibly dirty.
• Store it out of the elements.

NEVER, NEVER run it indoors. Not even in your garage. Place it 15 feet away from your home and clear of any windows or doors before powering up.

Often, you don’t discover that you need a generator until it’s already too late. Plan ahead and invest now in a model that’ll provide all the safety and comfort of a functional home during the next emergency or power outage.

• Most (and Least) Risky States for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
• How Do I Create an Emergency Plan for My Family?
• How to Prepare Kids for Emergencies
• How to Prepare for an Earthquake
• How to Detect a Gas Leak in Your Home

1. John Hellerstedt, Texas Health and Human Services, "February 2021 Winter Storm-Related Deaths – Texas," December 31, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2022.