Best Portable Generators

Pros

• +9,500W running / 12,500W peak on gasoline — starts central AC units with a soft-start kit
• +Dual fuel: propane keeps you running when gas stations are down
• +Remote start fob plus push-button electric start

Cons

• −224 lb — two people or the wheel kit to move it
• −74 dBA is loud; this is not a campground machine

Pros

• +7,500W running on gas covers a typical home's essential circuits with margin
• +Dual fuel with Champion's simple fuel-selector dial
• +Electric start with included battery; reliable cold-weather starting

Cons

• −No 50A outlet — L14-30R (30A) is the biggest 240V connection
• −1.2-quart oil sump needs checking during long runs

Pros

• +Tri-fuel: gasoline, propane, or natural gas with the included hose kit
• +On natural gas, runtime is limited only by your utility — the standby-generator superpower at a portable price
• +10,500W running (gas) with 50A 14-50R outlet for whole-panel hookups

Cons

• −240 lb — position it once, near the gas line, and leave it there
• −NG derate is real: 8,500 running watts vs 10,500 on gasoline

Pros

• +10,500 running / 13,000 peak watts on gasoline — starts most central AC compressors
• +Dual fuel with large 8.3-gallon tank
• +50A (14-50R) plus 30A twist-lock outlets

Cons

• −234 lb and physically large — this is a two-person machine
• −Loud (mid-70s dBA) and noticeable fuel consumption at load

Pros

• +Genuinely useful 3,500 running watts at the category's lowest credible price
• +Dual fuel: runs on gasoline or a standard 20-lb propane cylinder
• +RV-ready TT-30R outlet plus 120V household outlets

Cons

• −Recoil start only
• −No 240V outlet: can't feed a standard transfer switch