The Best Portable Generators

To learn more about generators, we spoke with a number of experts:

• Chris Mullins, president of Power Monitors, a designer and manufacturer of power-quality monitors, assisted us with the finer points of assessing power quality, specifically the concept of total harmonic distortion (THD) and how that pertains to generators. Mullins is an active member of several IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards groups, and he has authored over 70 whitepapers on many power-quality topics. We found his knowledge of electrical concepts to be comprehensive, impressive, and encyclopedic.
• We also spoke with representatives of two prominent generator manufacturers, Honda and Generac: David Bush, Honda’s senior marketing strategist for general-purpose engines and industrial products, and Jake Thomas, then director of global services at Generac. In both interviews we focused on generators as a general category, but we also discussed each company’s line of products.
• For our most recent update, we interviewed a number of people who are familiar with emergency preparedness, and we found out how people utilize their generators in an emergency. This included Stephanie Fox, with the American Red Cross; the Clean Energy Group’s Marriele Mango; Jamey Durham, director for the bureau of prevention, promotion and support at the Alabama Department of Public Health; Grant Brown, city employee in Gulf Shores, Alabama; Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon, an organization that connects veteran volunteers with opportunities to help after emergencies; and Denise Grab, energy law and policy project director for the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the UCLA School of Law.
• In addition, reporter Jacob Flannick scouted Asheville, North Carolina, in the days following Hurricane Helene to interview those who were affected and find out about the portable generators they were using to get through the aftermath of the storm. He learned which generators they owned, the reasons they decided to buy them, and any complaints or praise they had about their models.
• For some of the more practical elements of our evaluation, I drew on my own experience as a long-time generator owner. I live in rural New Hampshire, where winter-storm power outages are a common event. I use my Generac GP8000E for longer outages, but for shorter ones — less than a day — I can often get by with just my Ego Power+ Nexus Escape. Through this, I’ve gained firsthand knowledge of the common frustrations involved with owning a generator. I also tested smaller generators for a previous version of this guide, and I have spent extensive time overloading 2,000-watt models from Honda, Ryobi, and Generac, among others.

The number of weather-related power outages has risen steadily over the past 25 years. According to the United States Census Bureau, about one in four households were without power at some point in the previous year. The loss of electricity might sound like a minor nuisance, and in many cases it is. But a lack of power can quickly cause issues, including frozen pipes or people overheating, and it can be a real problem if you store medication in the fridge or rely on an electrical device, like a CPAP machine. After Hurricane Helene, in 2024, many thousands of people in western North Carolina were left without power for more than two weeks.

A properly sized generator can maintain your use of a heater, an air conditioner, a fridge, a fan, a phone, or a freezer. Our recommendations span generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller models that can power a few items off of extension cords to larger ones that can be hooked directly into your electrical panel (for a more-seamless and complete powering situation). We focused on portable generators, models that can be stored in a garage, basement, or shed, and that can be carried or wheeled out when needed. We do not yet cover larger models, called standby generators, which are permanently installed next to your home, provide whole-house power, and automatically kick on when the power goes out.

Depending on a portable generator’s size, you should expect to spend anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, and that’s just for the generator. Additional costs can include extension cords, a cover for the generator, gas cans, and fuel. Also, if you decide to connect your generator to your panel, remember to add in the cost of hiring an electrician.

If you don’t want to deal with gas, and your powering needs are on the lighter side, we recommend using a portable power station. These battery units can provide power to keep phones and flashlights charged and small appliances running. They eliminate many of the inconveniences of gas generators, namely the maintenance and fuel. And they can be used indoors, so you can haul them from room to room, as needed. Additionally, these units can be charged through a solar setup (or via a generator). It’s ideal to have both a power station and a generator, but it’s also pricey. We’ve found when they’re given only one option, people with the space and outdoor access to store and operate traditional fuel-based generators tend to prefer the runtime, speed of refueling, and overall power for the price that they provide.

Generators come in a remarkable number of sizes and price ranges (but remember that “loud,” “heavy,” and “expensive” are generally accurate descriptions across the board). In our research, we’ve found that with generators, people tend to underestimate their power and runtime needs, so sizing up is usually a sensible approach. Our picks are roughly divided into the following wattage ranges:

The level of performance most people generally expect from a generator is about 4,000 running watts. This is the wattage size of our top picks. Looking at a variety of wattage calculators and wattage charts, we can get a more detailed sense of a generator’s capability. A 4,000-watt generator should be able to handle the basics — lights, chargers, coffee makers, and toasters. It should also be able to run a couple of appliances at a time, like a fridge and a freezer. But you need to be careful about adding on larger items (say, a window AC unit), and you’ll hit limits when you run multiple appliances simultaneously. Good generators at this size start at about $1,000. Some of them are able to connect to your breaker panel, so you can route the power directly to your house, rather than having to rely on extension cords.

Truly portable, lighter-duty options top out at about 3,000 running watts. These generators can handle smaller items and maybe one appliance at a time. They’re more portable and easier to lift in and out of a vehicle, but with generators of this size, it’s usually not ideal to try to back things up via your home’s breaker panel. The models we recommend typically start at around $600 to $700. If you need less than 3,000 watts, we recommend looking into a portable power station.

To power appliances and more, look for 7,000 running watts and higher. A generator with this kind of power can handle multiple appliances at once and can be viewed as a whole-house solution. However, if you’re running a large central-air system or any other always-on, high-draw appliances, you may need to go even larger. For the most seamless power, it makes sense to hook these generators into your electrical panel. These models get up into the $2,000 range, and while many are technically portable, they can be large and very heavy.

For integrated home backup options, consult with an electrician. If you are planning to hook your generator up to your electrical panel, we recommend that you speak with an electrician before purchasing a generator. Installation costs can be prohibitive, especially if you have a finished basement and the panel is far from where you want to place the generator. What installers can and can’t facilitate in your home could have an impact on which generator you get. An electrician can also help you find a generator that will specifically fit your needs.

How to figure out which size generator you should get. To get a sense of the generator size you need, we suggest first understanding the wattage draw of your most commonly used electronic devices. A wattage calculator, like this one provided by Lowes or Electric Generators Direct (or a wattage worksheet, like this one offered by Electric Generators Direct) can help you understand how well a generator can accommodate your desired appliance combo. Keep in mind that you can get a smaller generator as long as you stagger the use of high-draw items. For instance, you may only want to plug in your freezer for 30 minutes every few hours, which frees up power for the rest of the time.

Know that generators come with two wattage numbers attached to them, one slightly larger than the other. The smaller number represents the running watts; this is the amount of power the generator can produce on a consistent basis once it’s up and running. The larger number represents the starting watts, also called the peak watts or surge watts; this is the amount of power the generator can provide in short bursts in order to handle the initial energy surge that occurs when certain items are powered up. This surge is what is happening in some homes when an appliance, such as a fridge, kicks on and the lights dim for a moment.

After researching and testing generators and speaking with experts, we think the best models are closed-frame, dual-fuel inverter models with CO detection and backing from an established company.

We sought dual-fuel generators, which provide versatility and options. Dual-fuel generators can be run on regular gasoline or liquid propane. Manufacturers typically state that their dual-fuel generators get roughly 400 to 700 more watts run on gas than on propane. So gas provides more generator capabilities, but it’s nice to have propane as a backup power source (especially if you have a propane grill and the accompanying tank). A dual-fuel model usually costs only $100 to $200 more than a gas-only generator of similar wattage, so spending more is definitely worth it for the versatility a dual-fuel generator offers: You can store liquid propane indefinitely (whereas gas requires a fuel stabilizer), and if gas supplies are scarce during a disaster, it may be crucial to have a spare propane tank on hand. Propane does not expire, but the tanks themselves must be requalified every five or 10 years to ensure their integrity, so small tanks should be periodically replaced. Tri-fuel generators, which can also run on natural gas, are less common options, and they fell outside the scope of our search.

We limited our hunt to inverter generators for electronics, noise, and scalability. Regular, non-inverter generators create AC power, and its fluctuations can damage electronics. Inverter generators create that AC power, convert it to DC, and then change it back to AC — a process that produces a far less distorted signal. So the generator can safely power sensitive electronics, like computers, TVs, and some furnace controls, without harming them. Inverter models are also quiet, relatively speaking, and they offer scalable power: Two 3,900-watt generators linked together, for example, behave like a single 7,800-watt generator. To make this connection, you’ll need a parallel kit, which is usually sold separately. Being able to double up generators is a nice option, but it does bring the added responsibility of maintaining two engines instead of just one.

We sought closed-frame generators for their (relatively) quiet operation. Generators are loud — horribly loud. To manage noise levels, start by choosing an inverter generator. These models typically have an eco mode, which ramps the engine up and down, depending on the load. And they’re not running full bore all the time, so they’re also more fuel-efficient. A closed-frame generator has an engine that’s enclosed, typically in an insulated shell that’s designed to further reduce the ambient sound. It helps.

We evaluated noise claims, keeping an eye on inconsistency. Generator manufacturers often quote decibel numbers for their models. But because there’s no standardized way to take these readings — and manufacturers seem to take them differently — we can’t get too granular. Generally, decibel numbers are taken at a distance of 22 to 25 feet, with the generator at a 25% load. But through our research, we can draw certain conclusions, including that closed-frame inverter generators are significantly quieter than their open-frame, non-inverter counterparts. For example, our closed-frame top pick, the Westinghouse iGen 5000DFc, has a rating of 52 dB(A), while the slightly smaller, open-frame Westinghouse WGen3600DFc has a rating of 68 dB(A). The decibel scale is not linear (a rating of 50 is one-quarter as loud as a rating of 70), so this turns out to be a significant noise difference. Sounds at or below 70 dB(A) are considered safe. All of our picks fall in a range between 52 and 64 dB(A), so they are a comparatively quiet bunch.

We wanted models with the added safety of CO detection. Many new generators have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector that shuts down the generator if the saturation of CO from the generator’s exhaust becomes too high. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, roughly 85 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators. Seven of the 15 deaths that occurred in Louisiana due to 2020’s Hurricane Laura can be attributed to CO poisoning from portable generators. Even when this safety feature is present on a generator, it’s important to understand that dangers from CO remain. For instance, if a generator is situated directly outside an open window, the sensor is unlikely to detect any buildup, even though the gas may be infiltrating the home.

We narrowed our search to models from established generator manufacturers. These companies typically have better warranties and better service networks, and their replacement parts tend to be more readily available. Inexpensive inverter generators from brands we’ve never heard of can be intriguing. But after testing we conducted some years ago, we’ve moved away from generators from these lesser-known brands in favor of those from leading brands.

In our testing, we found that models from more-obscure brands tended to be of lower quality and were harder to find. They also tended to be bulkier, had broken parts, and sounded rougher. When you’re making such a significant investment, you shouldn’t have to take those risks.

These features add up to pricier generators, but we think they’re well worth the investment. The generators we’re recommending are not the least expensive models out there. In fact, there are a number of features we recommended, like the inverter, that add hundreds of dollars to the cost of the unit. But we believe these add-ons are worth the cost in the long run. These features make the generator quieter, more efficient, and easier to use. If you find yourself in an emergency situation that is already stressful, these additional features can greatly enhance the experience and make your life (and your neighbors lives) easier.

Not all of our picks are CARB-compliant. To be sold in California, a generator must comply with that state’s stricter emissions laws, set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). But even if you’re not in California, you may want to consider CARB compliance to keep your air quality as healthy as possible. “Certainly, if you’re going to be operating generators around your household and in your community, you want them to be as clean as possible for you and your family,” said Denise Grab, energy law and policy project director for the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the UCLA School of Law.

As a result of living in rural New England and working construction at various areas in the East Coast and the South, we’re lifelong generator users. Although we’ve spent hours testing generators in the past, we have not yet tested our current recommendations. Our previous round of testing (which was extensive but became outdated) informed a lot of what we currently believe to be true about generators. We intend to test these 2025 recommendations firsthand. And until we can orchestrate that, we are confident enough in our research and experience to present these options as generators we’d buy if we were shopping today.

In prior years, we’ve considered smaller classes of generators. And we’ve tested their upper limits by hooking up space heaters, circular saws, fans, and vacuums. For each model, we took decibel readings at various distances, changed the oil, and pull-started it.

Following those checks, we spent the majority of our testing just using the generators. We added and removed wattage, intentionally overloaded the generators, and checked to see how easily they started with a cold engine. We also looked at the engine setup and how easy it would be to drain the oil and change the spark plug. User friendliness played a big role: Were the gauges simple to read, and were the instructions clear? We also looked at portability, moving the generators from place to place and hoisting them onto a truck tailgate.

During an eight-day power outage after a winter storm, we periodically cycled the generator on to keep fridges and freezers running and the heat just high enough to keep the pipes from freezing. We also used a little battery inverter to handle smaller tasks, like charging phones.

Top pick

Versatile and quiet, with lots of power for the price

Westinghouse iGen5000DFc 3900 Watt Inverter Generator

This generator runs on either propane or gas, and it’s big enough to power the basics and then some. It comes with a great set of features, like a remote start, closed frame, inverter, and CO detector.

$999 from Amazon

$999 from Walmart

If you’re seeking an all-around generator for emergency or recreational use, we recommend the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc 3900 Watt Inverter Generator. This dual-fuel model has enough power to keep the essentials going, and it can be run on gas or propane. The iGen5000DFc has several important convenience features, notably including the remote start, which is absent on most models in this price and wattage range. This generator is not available for sale in California.

It offers a lot of power. When it’s powered by gas, the iGen5000DFc produces 5,000 starting watts and 3,900 running watts. When it’s powered by propane, those numbers are reduced to 4,500 starting watts and 3,500 running watts. Even at the lower propane numbers, this generator provides enough power for the bare essentials and even many appliances, but probably not enough for a big-draw item, like a whole-house AC system or a clothes dryer. Overall, we think this model offers enough power to get most people through a multiday outage. Electric Generators Direct links to a useful worksheet that will help you determine whether the iGen5000DFc offers enough power for your needs.

A larger gas tank provides a longer runtime. The iGen5000DFc has a 3.4-gallon gas tank, which is larger than tanks on most generators with similar wattage numbers. This added fuel equates to a longer-than-average runtime of up to 18 hours at a 25% load, according to Westinghouse.

The iGen5000DFc can run on gas or propane. This is a dual-fuel generator, so it offers flexibility in case of an emergency. It creates more power when it’s run on gas. Yet there are times when propane may be the more convenient option, especially if you already have a gas grill and a propane tank.

It has a remote start. A push-button electric start is a fairly standard feature (and it’s found on all of our recommendations). But the Westinghouse also has a remote start; this is a key fob, just like the remote start on a car. Generators are often called into use during inclement weather, so a remote start could spare you a few trips out in the rain.

It has all of the benefits of an inverter generator. Like other inverter generators, the iGen5000DFc produces power that is safe for delicate electronics. It also has an eco mode, so it ramps power output up and down, depending on the current need. As a result, this model is quieter, especially at lower draws, and it’s more fuel-efficient. And the iGen5000DFc has a closed frame, which further reduces the noise level.

We’ll say it again, this model is quiet. The iGen5000DFc has a noise-level rating of 52 dB(A). While there is no standardized way to take these readings, it’s worth noting that this decibel level is among the lowest of those for models we looked at. These readings are typically taken at around 23 feet, with a 25% load on the generator, so if you’re closer to the unit, or it’s running at a higher load, it’s going to get louder. Yet looking at the trends among models, we feel confident saying this is a comparatively quiet generator.

It may make sense to hook it up to an electrical panel. Given its ability to handle appliances, this generator can be hooked up to a panel. That makes it much easier to power a fridge or freezer, or any other appliance where the outlet is difficult to access with an extension cord. If this is the route you’re planning, we recommend speaking to an electrician before purchasing a generator.

It’s heavy but maneuverable. With no gas, the iGen5000DFc weighs a little over 100 pounds; this is about average for a generator of this size. Two top handles, located at the front and the back, make this weight manageable. This generator also has a luggage-style handle that telescopes out of the front.

It is a popular model with great reviews. We take the reviews at major retailers with a grain of salt. However, it’s notable that the iGEN5000DFc and the nearly identical Westinghouse iGEN 5000DF (the same generator, minus the CO detection) have consistently stellar reviews across a variety of retailers. When it comes to generator reviews overall, not many models have this kind of consistency — especially considering how many reviews the iGen5000DFc has.

The cost is on a par with that of similar models. The iGen5000DFc is roughly $1,000. And in our research we’ve found this price is in line with the prices for other dual-fuel generators of a similar wattage, and most of them lack the remote start.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Sorry, Californians, this generator can’t be sold in your state. For those seeking a small to midsize generator for emergency power purposes, the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc is really the complete package. The one major drawback: It’s not CARB-compliant, so it can’t be sold in California. Oftentimes a generator will have a 49-state version and a CARB-compliant version, but that’s not the case here. Our runner-up pick does have a CARB-compliant version.

Runner-up

A reliable, midrange dual-fuel model available nationwide

Generac iQ5200 DF 3900 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator (CARB)

Generac has a strong reputation, and this newer CARB-compliant, dual-fuel model compares well to our top pick. However, it lacks the remote start and usually costs a bit more.

$1,149 from Amazon

$1,149 from Walmart

If the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc is not available, or you live in California, we also like the Generac iQ5200 DF 3900 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator (CARB). On paper, this generator is very similar to our top pick — slightly better in some areas and not as good in others — and it should provide ample power during an outage. The iQ5200 is a 2025 model, and it includes some improved design elements. But this means the generator does not yet have an established track record, as our top pick does. We will be closely monitoring the feedback this generator receives as it comes in.

It’s a lot like the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc. The Generac generator is a dual-fuel, closed-frame inverter, with a CO detection system. It weighs about the same, the engine is almost the same size, and it has an electric start. In many ways, these two machines are very comparable.

The Generac has slightly higher starting watts. One area where the Generac edges out the Westinghouse is in its starting watts. The two machines have the same level of running watts (3,900 watts on gas and 3,500 watts on propane). But the Generac model’s starting watts are 5,200 watts and 4,700 watts — 200 watts more than the Westinghouse generator’s starting watts, in both cases. This may not sound like a lot, but it could be the difference between having to unplug certain items as others are starting up.

The Generac model has some other nice touches. In addition to the added starting watts, the Generac also distinguishes itself from the Westinghouse with an upward-facing readout, so you won’t have to bend down as far to check the fuel or power. It also has USB-A and USB-C ports (the Westinghouse has USB-A only). Finally, the folding handle looks more substantial and easier to use than the one on the Westinghouse generator.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It does not have a remote start. The remote start is one of the Westinghouse model’s standout features, and the Generac iQ5200 does not have one. So to get the Generac model started, you need to be standing next to it, possibly in the rain or sleet or snow. The good news is that this generator, like all of our picks, has an electric start. So at least you won’t have to deal with a pull cord.

It has a shorter runtime than the Westinghouse model. With a full tank of gas and running a 25% load, the Generac should run for 15 hours, while the Westinghouse can run for 18. This is partly due to the Generac’s slightly smaller gas tank.

This is a new model. This Generac generator was officially released in early 2025, so there is not yet a lot of feedback on it. Given the stats, Generac’s overall track record, and our own experiences with its generators (I’ve been using an earlier version of the Generac GP8000E for well over a decade), we’re confident in recommending this model. That said, we will closely monitor feedback on the model as it becomes available, and we’ll update this guide accordingly.

Upgrade pick

A luxe generator

Honda U7000iSNAND 5500 Watt Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator

More powerful than our top pick, this gas-only generator has a Bluetooth app that manages power use and improves the overall experience. Honda generators are known for their excellent quality and reliability.

$4,799 from Amazon

$4,799 from The Home Depot

If you’re seeking the ultimate generator experience, and you’re willing to pay for it, we see no better option than the Honda U7000iSNAND 5500 Watt Electric Start Portable Inverter Generator. This generator — backed by the unparalleled Honda name — produces enough power for appliances. And it has an accompanying Bluetooth app, a luxury that very few companies offer. Through the app, you can accurately monitor your power usage, to fully maximize the generator’s available wattage. This eliminates the guessing game of trying to not overload the generator. We previously tested a Honda with this feature, and it completely changed how we approached our power usage. If you plan to use this machine regularly, for a long time, and you’re not concerned about the one major compromise we made in selecting it (that it runs on gasoline only, and is not dual-fuel), you’ll be happy with this reliable investment.

The Honda U7000iSNAND cranks out a lot of power. With 7,000 starting watts and 5,500 running watts, this generator can keep a lot of your house going. You should have no problem running multiple appliances, lights, and even some AC units, though bigger items may need to be added on one at a time. Due to the size of this generator, we recommend going through the process of doing a panel hookup, but make sure to consult an electrician first.

It’s quiet, considering the size. The Honda has a noise-level rating of 52 to 60 dB(A), which is very quiet, especially considering the size of the machine. The similarly sized open-frame, non-inverter Champion 201085 has a rating of 74 dB(A), which is above what’s considered safe. But even the closed-frame inverter Champion 201532 has a db(A) of 64. The Honda’s noise level is similar to noise levels of other models we’ve used in the past: They’re quiet, and they also don’t sound like an unpleasant engine whining.

The app may alter your relationship with your generator. We tested Honda’s Bluetooth app on one of its other generators, and we couldn’t believe how much it changed our ideas about generators. It responds in real time with a precise reading of available power. As long as you’re in Bluetooth range, you can walk through your house and turn items on and off to see how much power they use. This makes it much easier to use all of the power available. Beyond that, the app records overall engine hours, and it shows service reminders about oil changes, filter cleanings, and spark-plug replacement. It indicates whether the eco mode is on or off, but there’s no way to control that function remotely.

Honda generators are known for their excellence. We did not test this specific model, but we’ve used Honda generators in the past, and we can confidently say they’re just better than the others. Our experience is that they always start on the first pull (this model also has an electric start), they’re easier to maintain, and they are significantly quieter than all of the models we’ve tested. Honda engines emit that wonderful sound that only high-quality engines can make — this sound is a symbol of fine tolerances, clean machining, and an overall thoughtfulness brought to the design process.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Honda generator is not a dual-fuel model, and it’s not available in California. Although we have a preference for dual-fuel models, we’re willing to make an exception for the Honda generator, considering everything else it has to offer. Also, there is no CARB-compliant model.

Oh, boy, it’s pricey. The Honda generator has a $4,500 price tag, which is far, far higher than the price of any other generator we considered. For context, the largest generator we recommend — the Champion 201175 7000 Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter Generator — offers 1,500 more running watts, and it’s about $1,800, so it’s less than half the price of the Honda generator. Given the steep price tag, the Honda is not for everyone. However, those who make the investment will receive a premium piece of equipment with a long track record of reliability, an ease-of-use not found in other generators, and all of the other minor touches that make an item go from good to great.

Best for…

Best for versatile portability but a bit less power

Champion 201050 4000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

This portable generator brings some key features to a model that’s smaller and lower in price and weight than our other picks. It’s a great option for recreational use and offers minimal home backup during an outage.

$1,127 from Amazon

If you’re looking for a small generator for recreational use or some minimal backup during an outage, we like the Champion 201050 4000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator. It has less power than the others, but it’s far lighter and easier to haul around. Because of its reduced power, we don’t recommend that you bother hooking it up to your panel (unless you plan on upgrading your generator at a later date). But this machine is a great option for powering the basics and possibly a small appliance or two (with the use of extension cords).

The Champion creates enough power for the bare essentials, but using it for appliances may take some maneuvering. The Champion has 4,000 starting watts and 3,000 running watts, so overall it offers about 1,000 fewer watts than our top pick. This is the smallest gas generator we recommend (for power needs under 2,000 watts, we recommend using a portable power station). At 3,000 watts, the Champion should be able to run most of the items in your home, but appliances may need to be run one at a time so you don’t overload the generator.

It makes sense to stick with extension cords. Like the other generators we recommend, this one can be hooked up to your electrical panel. Yet it’s small enough that you may find it easier and more cost-effective to just run items off of extension cords. If you do a panel setup, we recommend that you talk to an electrician before purchasing a generator.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s just a lot smaller. The engine is smaller, and the gas tank isn’t as large as those on our top picks. So this model will run for only 10 hours at a 25% load; this is quite a reduction from our top pick’s 18-hour runtime. The upside is that the Champion, at about 50 pounds, is about half the weight of the Westinghouse generator.

Best for…

Best for larger powering needs and home backup

Champion 201175 8500 Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

This large generator has all the right features, and it should be able to keep your whole house going during an outage.

$1,562 from Amazon

$1,562 from The Home Depot

$1,594 from Lowe’s

If you’re looking for a whole-house solution, we like the Champion 201175 8500 Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter Generator. This one is capable of 7,000 watts of running power, so it can handle multiple appliances. Yet it is still a dual-fuel closed-frame inverter, and they are harder to find at higher wattages. With a generator of this size, it makes sense to get a panel hookup, to have the most seamless and comprehensive use of power.

It’s bigger and has a lot more power. The Champion 201175 generator offers 8,500 starting watts and 7,000 running watts, which should be enough to keep most whole homes going through an outage. This is enough power to run just about everything, but for the highest-draw items, like air conditioners, you may need to manage the power closely.

It’s not as portable. It’s no surprise that the Champion 201175 is a heavy generator, considering its power output. According to Champion, this model weighs 213 pounds, so it’s going to be tucked in the garage and rolled out for use, but that’s about it. Speaking from experience, I will say that larger generators can be very difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces, like lawns or gravel. It makes sense to plan where you’re going to use it and how you’re going to get it there.

You’ll want to consider connecting it to the house’s breaker panel. With a generator that can handle so many items at once, the best option is to have it wired directly into your panel. Because you’ll likely be powering so many items in different parts of your home, extension cords make less sense with generators of this size. Also, plugs are often located behind larger appliances, making the panel hookup even more essential. Before you purchase a generator, we recommend that you speak to an electrician about this, to be sure the work can be done at a cost that makes sense to you.

Top pick

The best gas can

No-Spill 1460 5 Gallon Gasoline Can

In our tests, this gas can’s spout was the easiest to operate by far, and it didn’t spill a drop when we were pouring.

$38 from Amazon

$45 from Walmart

Buy from Lowe’s

If you’re going to fuel your generator with gas, you should have a way to store it. We recommend the No-Spill 1460 5 Gallon Gasoline Can. In our tests, the No-Spill cans were the easiest to pour from and the least messy. In fact, we found it difficult to spill anything; in order to pour, you have to actively press the button. We also like the viewing slot, which makes it easy to see how much gas is left in the can, as opposed to shaking the can around and holding it up to the sun. But this 5-gallon can is about 30 pounds when filled, so if that’s too heavy, No-Spill also offers 2.5-gallon and 1.25-gallon sizes.

Your gas will go bad over time, so long-term supplies need to be preserved with an additive product. One option is Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer. Even if you do use a fuel stabilizer, you should rotate the gas out at least once a year — if not every season. When you’re done using your generator, you can use a transfer pump to return the gas to the can. Stagnant gas can clog the carburetor if it isn’t used or drained within two weeks, according to Champion.

Our initial criteria greatly reduced the number of generators that we could recommend. We eliminated non-inverter and open-frame models, and those lacking CO detection. And that took the vast majority of available generators out of the running — including popular models like the Generac GP3600, an open-frame generator that lacks the inverter.

Honda’s other closed-frame inverter generators are all highly regarded, and the EU2200i was a previous Wirecutter pick. With all of their excellence, these generators are typically three to four times the cost of comparable models from other respected manufacturers. We think the higher price tag makes sense for the larger U7000iSNAND generator because it can be hooked up to a house and offers more power. But the higher prices are harder to justify for the smaller models.

Champion, Westinghouse, DuroMax, and Generac are all quality brands, and they’re the ones we focused the majority of our research on. Each brand offers many options, running the full range of wattages and styles. The models we picked are the ones we believe offer the best performance and features. However, if your needs or budget differ, we recommend that you stick with these well-established and well-regarded companies.

Predator is a brand sold only at Harbor Freight. Its 5000 Watt Dual-Fuel SUPER QUIET Inverter Generator has similar specs to our top pick, but it has only a 90-day warranty, as opposed to the three-year Westinghouse warranty. The two models cost about the same.

For this update, we did not look at any generic Amazon brands. In our initial testing, we included one of these models, and the results were not good. The build quality was disappointing, and the generator had none of the finesse of the other generators we tested. And when it arrived, we had to force open the access panels because the holding clips had been installed in the wrong locations. As for its performance, the generator simply failed to measure up to the others. As a final indicator of its poor quality, the generator (and the company) completely disappeared from Amazon shortly afterward. Since this is an item that could play a crucial role in an already-stressful situation, we don’t think going with an unknown brand just to save a few dollars is worth the risk.

This article was edited by Jen Gushue and Harry Sawyers.