The 10 Best Portable House Generator Of 2024, Researched By Us
By, Katie FinnUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Of The Best: Westinghouse Generator
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF generator is designed to run on gasoline or propane (LPG) and is constructed of a durable cast iron sleeve and runs for up to 12 hours on a 6. 6 gallon (25 L) gas tank. Push-Button Electric Start makes starting the WGen9500DF effortless while the remote start key fob offers added ease from a distance, conveniently portable with an included set of heavy duty never-flat wheels and handle. Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: DuroMax XP4400E Generator
Plenty of Power, this unit can handle heavy loads,Powerful Engine provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs,MX2 Technology, Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low,The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications. Read Review
3. Best Efficient: Champion Power Equipment 100519 Generator
Get reliable power and stay connected to your sensitive electronics with the Champion Power Equipment 100519 Generator. Engineered for quiet technology and extended run time, this generator provides clean power at an economical cost. With its Advanced open frame inverter design, the generator provides continuous power even when the battery is very low, so you won't run out of juice in the middle of a storm. Read Review
4. Best Energy Efficient: WEN 56380i Generator
WEN 56380i Generator. The WEN 56380i is a generator designed to run quiet and efficiently. This EPA III and CARB Compliant Generator is designed to use up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down, maximizing its lifespan. The digital load and fuel display makes it easy to monitor your power consumption and make adjustments accordingly. Read Review
5. Best Easy To Assemble: Pulsar G12KBN Generator
The Pulsar G12KBN Generator is the perfect solution for you when electricity fails, whether it's a natural disaster or an emergency. Its dual fuel capability allows you to choose between gasoline and LPG fuel sources and comes with a portable, compact design. It also includes a low oil shut-off feature so the engine won't keep running if the oil supply is depleted. Read Review
Portable generators are a great way to get back up power when you need it, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters. But it’s not just natural disasters that can knock out your power. Blackouts and other service disruptions are becoming more and more common, even in areas that haven’t historically experienced problems with outage frequency.
And while generators are generally a secondary source of power, they can be indispensable in any home at any time. There are numerous different types of generators available for home use. The type of generator that best suits your needs depends on several different factors–including the amount of power you’ll need to run from it and the size of your home or property. In this blog post we will help you understand what makes one generator better than another for portable purposes and explain why having a backup generator is so important no matter where you live or how big your house is.
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the best portable house generator is Westinghouse Generator. It is the greatest choice for its high quality. If you're looking for another one, consider DuroMax XP4400E Generator.
RELATED: The market is filled with various models of smallest honda generator. But, picking the right one can be tricky. This is why you need to know what to look for when buying one.
Our Top Picks
Easy to install and start Socket with a rubber cover, safe for equipment and users The digital display shows necessary parameters, easy maintenance
It's pretty heavy and hard to lift
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)
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
Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
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
Easy to install Easy start The noise level is acceptable Affordable price
The wheels are a bit hard to move
Plenty of Power – With 4,400 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household GFCI outlets and 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries
Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs
Affordable price Change gasoline or propane flexibly Full clear instructions Easy start
No wheels, a bit difficult to move
Clean power and economy mode: confidently connect your sensitive electronics and save fuel
What's In The Box: Champion 6250 Watt Inverter, Flexible Oil Funnel, Wheel Kit, USB Adapter, Battery Charging Cables
Quiet technology and extended run time: 69 dba noise level is great for your next project or home backup, with 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts for up to 12.5 hours run time on gasoline
Intelligauge: Monitor voltage, frequency and operating hours with ease; Frequency: 60 Hz
Champion Support: includes 3-year limited Warranty with free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Advanced open frame inverter design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional Champion 5000-watt generator
Lightweight, easy to move There is a fuel-saving mode Low noise Easy to use
It leaks oil after using it for a while
Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, a digital load and fuel display, and a two-year warranty
Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops
Extremely quiet operation minimizes noise;, EPA III and CARB Compliant
Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down
Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb.Dimensions: 23.2" L x 18" W x 20.1" H | Weight: 99.2 lb
212cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts with a half-load runtime of up to 8.5 hours
Easy to start and use Convenient multi-socket design Can use both gasoline or propane, easy fuel conversion
It's quite heavy
Convenient drop-down handles and 10” never-flat wheels for added mobility and easy storage
The 457cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke, air cooled, OHV engine with electric start is protected by a durable powder coated frame
Includes propane hose & backed by a 1 Year limited
(4) 120V 20A AC outlets, (1) 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, (1) 120V/240V 50A outlet, (1) 12V DC output provide ample space for powering appliances, tools, and other devices
Dual fuel capability allows you to choose between gasoline & LPG fuel sources; great for emergency situations or natural disaster as LPG may be more readily available and easy to store
A 8 gallon fuel tank gives you up to 12 hours of continuous operation at half load when running on gasoline
12, 000 peak watts/ 9, 500 Rated watts (gasoline) & 10, 800 peak watts/ 8, 550 Rated watts (LPG)
Complete with low oil shut-off, 3-in-1 digital meter, and automatic voltage Regulation for less worry and hassle
Affordable price Less noisy Easy to use and install Powerful motor, powering home appliances
No power consumption meter
Power Panel – The power panel includes a selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 2 120V household outlets and 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter for measuring voltage output
Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
Complies with Emissions Standards – All DuroStar generators are both approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and CARB (California Air Resources Board) and follow strict guidelines to ensure our generators are as environmentally friendly as possible
Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
Easy to set up and get started Powerful, suitable for many electrical devices Safe for sensitive electronic devices such as phones, computers,..
The operation is a bit noisy
With Gasoline : Peak Wattage - 12,000., Running Wattage - 9,500., Running Amperage at 120V - 79.17., Running Amperage at 240V - 39.58., Runtime at 25% Load - 19., Runtime at 50% Load - 8
Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
Engine Type: 4-Stroke
Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine.
Please read the detailed safety instructions in the manual before operating.
Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
With Propane : Peak Wattage - 11,400., Running Wattage - 9,025., Running Amperage at 120V - 75.21., Running Amperage at 240V - 37.6., Runtime at 25% Load - 14., Runtime at 50% Load - 7
All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 11 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge. Grounding System-Bonded Neutral
Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
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)
Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Your 8000-watt portable generator operates on natural gas, propane, or gasoline, plus natural gas and propane hoses are included so the unit is ready to run on any fuel right out of the box
Gasoline: 10,000 starting watts and 8000 running watts, propane: 9000 starting watts and 7200 running watts, natural gas: 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts and engine oil is included
Power up the 459cc Champion engine with the handy rocker switch, battery included. Gasoline Tank Material-Steel
Track voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time to monitor output and track maintenance intervals, plus the UL-recognized sensor uses an LED to indicate CO shutoff or fault
Outlets include: 2x5-20R Duplex GFCI (20A, 120V), 1xL14-30R (30A, 120/240V), 1x14-50R (50A, 120/240V), 1xMultifunction Port USB Ready Automotive Style Outlet (8.3A, 12V). All outlets include rubber covers for an additional layer of safety.
Complete with Electric Start capability allowing you to quickly, easily, and conveniently start up your generator whenever you need it
Powerful 459 cc OHV 4 stroke engine with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year
The A-iPower SUA12000 produces 12,000 starting watts with 9,000 running watts to power your tools at the construction site, camping ground, or home appliances
Large 7 gallon gasoline fuel tank provides average run time of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load
What to Look For in a best portable house generator?
Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best portable house generator, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best portable house generator. You are expected to count on our expertise in best portable house generator to make the right choice.
So now we move on to the significant factors related to best portable house generator you must keep in mind:
Size
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.
Warranties
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.
Wattage
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.
Fuel Source
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.
Type
Automatic Start
RELATED: Get the most fuel-efficient portable generator for your home with our list of the 10 most efficient models of 2024. Read More.
FAQs
Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?
No. The generator should not be used in enclosed areas or homes. The portable generators can only be run outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. As with all gasoline engines exhaust, generators contain poisonous carbon monoxide.
How Do You Safely Run A Home Generator?
A whole-home generator or standby generator must be connected to a switch. This disconnects your circuit panel and the electrical grid, allowing power to flow through the circuits from the generator.
You must manually start the power transfer for portable generators. These products have different safety requirements.
Can I Use The Generator During Inclement Weather?
Although you can use your generator in any weather or temperature, protect it from the elements whenever it is not being used to stop it from shorting out and rusting. It is not recommended to run the generator indoors.
Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?
Yes. It is important that the generator be correctly grounded in order to protect your safety. The generator must be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. Grounding is a subject matter that must be adhered to by all authorities, federal and state.
What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator?
You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines.
Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test
When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer.
Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.
Where Is The Best Place To Put Your Home Generator?
Natural gas generators do not produce as much fumes than natural gas ranges. Gasoline-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes, which is why it's important to select the ideal location. These are the reasons why utility companies and local codes often have specific requirements for placement.
A generator should generally be located at least 5ft from any windows or doors. While some generators are able to be mounted as close as 18inches from the house, it is still important that the generator is at least 5ft away from any air intake areas on the property.
It is not advisable to use portable generators in an indoor environment, such as a garage. This type of generator is best placed outdoors, away from windows and doors.
READ NEXT: The 7 Best Office Humidifier Of 2024, Tested By CampFireHQ
About Katie Finn
