Best Portable Generators for DIYers
A portable generator keeps the fridge cold and the sump running through an outage. Inverter models are quiet and clean for electronics; dual-fuel adds propane flexibility; size it to the watts you must run.
What to look for
- ·Add up the running and starting watts of what you must power (fridge, sump, furnace fan) and buy 20 to 30% more headroom.
- ·Inverter generators are quiet and produce clean power safe for electronics; dual-fuel models run on gas or propane for flexibility.
- ·Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Use it outside, away from windows, with a transfer switch or interlock for home circuits.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator | Editor's pick | $1,000 to $1,300 | Quiet, clean power for electronics |
| Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel | Editor's pick | $900 to $1,200 | Whole-essentials home backup |
| Generac GP6500 Portable Generator | Editor's pick | $800 to $1,100 | Reliable essentials backup |
| Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter | Best value | $600 to $900 | Value inverter backup |
| Champion 4500W Dual-Fuel Inverter | Best value | $500 to $800 | Value dual-fuel inverter |
| DuroMax XP4850EH Dual-Fuel | Best value | $450 to $650 | Value watts for tools and backup |
| WEN 56235i Inverter Generator | Budget pick | $300 to $450 | Light, portable budget power |
| Champion 2500W Inverter | Budget pick | $400 to $550 | Small backup on a budget |
| Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter | Budget pick | $400 to $550 | Light electronics on a budget |
Editor's pick
Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
$1,000 to $1,300
A compact, famously quiet and reliable inverter for sensitive electronics, RVs, and light backup. The benchmark for quality and resale, if not for raw output.
Best for: Quiet, clean power for electronics
Typically available at Home Depot, Honda dealers.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual-Fuel
$900 to $1,200
A strong dual-fuel home-backup generator that ran fridges, AC, sump pumps, and lighting with stable power. The pick for serious outage coverage.
Best for: Whole-essentials home backup
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Generac GP6500 Portable Generator
$800 to $1,100
A dependable mid-size generator from the home-backup leader, with enough power for essential circuits. A solid, widely supported backup workhorse.
Best for: Reliable essentials backup
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Best value
Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter
$600 to $900
A popular inverter that balances quiet, clean power with enough output for a fridge and several circuits, plus electric start. A strong value for backup and recreation.
Best for: Value inverter backup
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Champion 4500W Dual-Fuel Inverter
$500 to $800
A quiet dual-fuel inverter with good output and a strong warranty at a value price. Flexible fuel and clean power for electronics and backup.
Best for: Value dual-fuel inverter
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
DuroMax XP4850EH Dual-Fuel
$450 to $650
An affordable dual-fuel conventional generator with plenty of output for tools and basic backup. A rugged value when you want watts per dollar over quiet.
Best for: Value watts for tools and backup
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Budget pick
WEN 56235i Inverter Generator
$300 to $450
A light, quiet budget inverter for camping, tailgating, and powering a few essentials. Limited output, but clean power at the lowest entry price.
Best for: Light, portable budget power
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Champion 2500W Inverter
$400 to $550
A compact, affordable inverter for small backup needs and recreation, with clean power for electronics. A good budget entry to inverter power.
Best for: Small backup on a budget
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter
$400 to $550
A quiet, light budget inverter that is easy to carry and parallels with a second unit for more power. A practical low-cost pick for electronics.
Best for: Light electronics on a budget
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Frequently asked
What size generator do I need for my house?+
Add up the running watts of essentials (fridge ~700W, sump ~800W, furnace fan ~600W, lights and electronics) plus the surge watts of motors that start. Most homes get by on a 5,000 to 9,500 watt unit for essentials; whole-home backup needs more and a transfer switch.
Inverter or conventional generator?+
Inverter generators produce cleaner, more stable power that is safe for sensitive electronics, and they run quieter and more efficiently. Conventional generators are cheaper per watt and fine for tools, pumps, and basic backup. For home backup with electronics, inverter is the safer pick.
What is a dual-fuel generator?+
Dual-fuel units run on gasoline or propane. Propane stores indefinitely and burns cleaner, while gas is easy to find and gives a bit more power. The flexibility is valuable in an extended outage when one fuel runs short.
How do I connect a generator to my house safely?+
Use a transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by an electrician, never a suicide cord into an outlet, which can backfeed and kill a lineman. Run the generator outdoors, far from windows, to keep deadly carbon monoxide out.
How long can a portable generator run?+
Most run 8 to 12 hours on a tank at half load, and inverter and propane setups can stretch longer in eco mode. Plan fuel storage accordingly, and let the unit cool before refueling.