Published on Monday, July 7, 2025

Picking the Best Generator For Your Needs

Running Watts

Running watts, also called rated or continuous watts, represent the power a generator can consistently produce over long periods. Think of it as the generator's everyday strength. This number is crucial because it tells you how many appliances and devices you can run simultaneously. To figure out your needs, add up the running watts of everything you plan to power. It's wise to choose a generator with a running wattage that's a bit higher than your total to avoid overworking the machine. For example, if your essentials add up to 3,000 watts, a generator with at least 3,500 running watts would be a comfortable choice.

You'll find the running watts for most appliances on their labels or in the owner's manual. Keep in mind that devices with motors, like refrigerators and air conditioners, require a lot more power to start up than they do to run continuously. That's where 'Starting Watts' come in, but for keeping things running smoothly, the running watts figure is your key number.

Fuel Type

Choosing the right fuel is a critical first step. Your decision here affects convenience, running costs, and how easily you can find fuel during a power outage. Think about what's most accessible and practical for you.

Each fuel source comes with its own set of pros and cons, from storage life to noise level. Below, we break down the most common types to help you decide.

Gasoline: This is the most common fuel for portable generators. It's easy to find and delivers strong power output. However, gasoline has a short shelf life—it can degrade in just a few months without a stabilizer. Storing large amounts safely can also be a challenge.
Propane: An excellent choice for emergency preparedness. Propane boasts a very long shelf life and can be stored indefinitely in common BBQ-style tanks. It burns cleaner than gasoline, which can lead to less engine wear over time, but it's slightly less energy-efficient.
Diesel: The go-to for large, powerful generators like home standby and commercial units. Diesel is highly fuel-efficient, offering longer runtimes and engine life. It's also less flammable than gasoline, but the engines are typically heavier and louder.
Natural Gas: The peak of convenience for home backup power. A standby generator can be hooked directly into your home's natural gas line, providing a nearly endless fuel supply. This is a true 'set it and forget it' solution that eliminates the need to refuel during an emergency.
Solar: The modern, clean-energy option. These are not traditional generators but are actually portable power stations or battery banks. They store electricity—gathered from solar panels or a wall outlet—to be used later. They are silent, emission-free, and safe for indoor use, but their runtime is limited by battery capacity and reliant on sunlight for recharging.
Dual-Fuel: Get the best of both worlds. Dual-fuel models offer great flexibility, typically running on gasoline and propane. This lets you use whichever fuel is more available or affordable. It's a popular feature that adds a layer of security to your power plan.
Tri-Fuel: The ultimate in fuel choice. Tri-fuel generators provide maximum versatility by running on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This combination ensures you can keep the power on using portable tanks or a continuous home fuel line, making you ready for almost any situation.

Features

Beyond just providing power, many generators come with features designed to make them safer, more convenient, and longer-lasting. Understanding these features will help you choose a model that truly fits your needs, whether you're dealing with a power outage or setting up camp.

Here are some of the most common features and what they mean for you:

Low Oil Shutoff: This is a must-have engine-saving feature. A sensor monitors the oil level and automatically shuts down the generator if it gets too low, preventing catastrophic engine damage. Don't buy a generator without it.
Overload Protection: Think of this as a circuit breaker for your generator. If you try to draw more power than the generator can handle, it will trip a breaker instead of frying its internal components or your connected devices.
Fuel Gauge: A simple but crucial feature. A visual gauge lets you see how much fuel you have left at a glance, so you're not left guessing when you'll need to refuel.
Pure Sine Wave Output: This feature is critical for modern electronics. It produces 'clean power' that is stable and safe for sensitive devices like laptops, smartphones, TVs, and medical equipment. Generators without this (which produce a modified sine wave) can damage these electronics.
Parallel Ready: This gives you a power upgrade path. 'Parallel ready' means you can link two compatible generators together with a special cable to double your available power. It offers flexibility—use one for small jobs, or link them up for bigger needs.
CO Shutdown Sensor: A vital safety feature. This sensor detects the buildup of dangerous, odorless carbon monoxide gas in the area and automatically shuts the generator off. It's an essential feature for protecting your family.
Hour Meter: Just like the odometer in your car, an hour meter tracks the generator's total runtime. This is incredibly useful for keeping up with scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements, to keep your unit in top shape.
App Control: A modern convenience, some generators can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. An app can let you monitor fuel levels, power output, and runtime, and in some cases, even remotely start or stop the generator.
Weatherproof: While no generator should be run directly in the rain, weatherproof models include features like covered outlets (GFCI protected) and more durable construction to better withstand jobsite dust and damp conditions.
CARB Compliant: CARB stands for the California Air Resources Board. A CARB-compliant generator meets stricter air quality and emission standards. This makes it more environmentally friendly and means it's legal for sale and use in all 50 states, including California.
Transfer Switch Ready: This means the generator is equipped with a specific heavy-duty outlet (usually a 120V/240V twist-lock receptacle) designed to connect directly to your home's circuit panel via a manual transfer switch. This is the safest and most efficient way to use a portable generator for home backup.

Starters

Getting your generator up and running should be hassle-free. The starter type determines how you'll do that, ranging from effortless to a bit more hands-on.

Electric Starter: This is the easiest method. Just like starting a car, you simply push a button or turn a key. It's incredibly convenient, especially in bad weather, but relies on a small onboard battery that needs to be kept charged.
Recoil Starter: This is the classic pull-cord. It's a reliable, no-frills method that doesn't depend on a battery. However, it requires a bit of physical strength and can sometimes take a few pulls to get the engine going.
Remote Electric Starter: For ultimate convenience, some generators come with a wireless remote fob. This allows you to start or stop the generator from a distance, so you don't have to go outside in the middle of a storm.
Automatic Starter: Primarily found on standby generators, this system detects a power outage and automatically starts the generator for you, whether you're home or away. It then switches off automatically once utility power is restored, providing truly seamless backup power.

Types

Choosing the right type of generator is the most critical first step. This determines how you'll use it, where you can use it, and what you can power with it. Each type is designed for different scenarios, from keeping your whole house running to just charging your phone at a campsite.

Standby Generators: Think of a standby generator as a permanent insurance policy against power outages. It's professionally installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical panel and a fuel source like natural gas or propane. When the power goes out, it automatically kicks on within seconds, restoring power to your entire home or just the essential circuits you've chosen. They require professional installation but offer seamless, hassle-free backup power.
Inverter Generators: These are the modern, quiet choice for portable power. Inverters are prized for producing 'clean power' (a pure sine wave), which is crucial for safely running sensitive electronics like laptops, TVs, and smartphones. They are also significantly quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional models because their engine speed adjusts to the power demand. This makes them perfect for camping, RVing, and tailgating where noise levels matter.
Conventional Portable Generators: This is the classic, no-frills workhorse. Conventional generators offer a lot of power for a lower price. They are built around a simple engine and alternator, making them reliable for running power tools on a jobsite or powering essential appliances like a refrigerator and sump pump during an outage. The trade-offs are that they are quite loud and their power isn't as 'clean' as an inverter's, so you should be cautious about plugging in sensitive electronics directly.
Power Stations: Often called solar generators, these are essentially large, portable battery packs. They provide silent, emission-free power, making them the only type you can safely use indoors. You recharge them from a wall outlet or with compatible solar panels (sold separately). While they don't offer the sheer power of a gas generator, they are perfect for charging personal electronics, running small appliances, and providing emergency power for medical devices like a CPAP machine.

Quick Guide:

For whole-home, automatic backup: Standby Generator
For camping, RVs, and sensitive electronics: Inverter Generator
For job sites and budget-friendly home essentials: Conventional Portable Generator
For indoor use, silent operation, and small devices: Power Station

Outlets

The outlets on a generator, called receptacles, determine what you can plug into it. Matching the generator's outlets to the plugs of your appliances and tools is crucial. You can use heavy-duty extension cords, but having the right built-in receptacle is always safer and more convenient.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you'll find:

120V 20A (5-20R): This looks very similar to a standard household outlet but has a T-shaped slot on one side. It’s designed for standard home appliances and tools that draw a bit more power, like a heavy-duty circular saw or a high-wattage microwave. Regular 120V plugs fit perfectly fine.
120V 30A (TT-30R): This is the standard RV outlet. If you have a travel trailer or motorhome with a 30-amp service, you need this receptacle to power your rig without any adapters. It has a distinct three-prong, angled design.
120V/240V 30A (L14-30R): This is a powerful four-prong locking outlet that provides both 120-volt and 240-volt power. The 'L' in its name stands for 'locking'—you twist the plug to secure it, preventing accidental disconnection. This is a key outlet for home backup, as it's the most common type used to connect a generator to a manual transfer switch, allowing you to power things like a well pump, furnace blower, or electric water heater.
120V/240V 50A (14-50R): This is the heavy-hitter. It’s a four-prong outlet that delivers the highest power output on most portable generators. It's essential for running very large RVs with dual air conditioners or for connecting to a home transfer switch to power a significant portion of your house simultaneously.
USB-A: The familiar, rectangular USB port you've used for years. Perfect for charging smartphones, power banks, headlamps, and other small electronics directly from the generator's control panel.
USB-C: The newer, smaller, oval-shaped USB port. It generally offers faster charging speeds for modern devices like new smartphones, tablets, and even some laptops.
12V DC: Often called a 'cigarette lighter port,' this is the same type of outlet you find in your car. It's useful for powering 12-volt accessories like tire inflators, small coolers, or specific automotive tools directly.

Brands

Choosing a generator brand can feel like picking a car brand—some are known for luxury and reliability, others for raw power, and some for innovative new technology. Your choice often comes down to what you need the generator for and how much you're willing to invest. Here’s a look at the major players and what they're known for.

Traditional & Inverter Generator Brands

These brands are the mainstays for gas-powered portable and standby generators.

Honda: Often considered the gold standard for portable generators, especially their inverter models (like the popular EU series). Honda has a stellar reputation for building incredibly reliable, quiet, and fuel-efficient engines. They are a top pick for camping, RVing, and tailgating. While they come with a premium price tag, owners often say the longevity and hassle-free operation are worth it.
Generac: If Honda is the king of portable power, Generac is the undisputed leader in home standby generators. They specialize in systems that automatically turn on when your power goes out. They also offer a wide range of powerful portable models built for home backup and jobsites. Their reputation is built on providing powerful and robust solutions for keeping your entire home running.
Westinghouse: A historic brand that offers a huge range of generators, Westinghouse is known for packing its models with features for the price. You'll often find their generators with push-button start, remote start, and dual-fuel capabilities at a competitive price point. They are a popular choice for homeowners looking for powerful backup solutions without the premium cost of a Honda.
Champion: Champion has built a strong reputation for producing reliable generators that offer great value. They are particularly known for their dual-fuel technology, allowing you to switch between gasoline and propane easily. With free lifetime technical support and a solid warranty, Champion is a go-to for RV owners, homeowners, and those who want flexibility and dependability.

Portable Power Station Brands

These brands lead the charge in the world of battery-powered generators, perfect for silent, fume-free power.

EcoFlow: Known for its innovative and powerful designs, EcoFlow has made a name for itself with some of the fastest-charging power stations on the market. Their DELTA and RIVER series are popular for everything from emergency home backup to off-grid living. They focus on creating a modular ecosystem, where you can add extra batteries to expand your capacity as your needs grow.
Jackery: One of the most recognizable names in portable power, Jackery is synonymous with camping and outdoor adventure. Their Explorer series is known for being user-friendly, lightweight, and reliable. Paired with their SolarSaga solar panels, Jackery power stations are a simple, grab-and-go solution for keeping your devices charged when you're off the grid.
Bluetti: Bluetti has gained a loyal following by focusing on long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries and high-power outputs. Models like the AC200P and AC300 are powerful enough to serve as serious home backup systems, not just for camping trips. They are a strong competitor to EcoFlow, often praised for their durable build quality and expandable battery options.

Use Case

Choosing the right generator starts with knowing exactly what you need it for. A model that's perfect for a camping trip will likely be a poor choice for backing up your entire home during an outage. Here’s a breakdown of common uses to help you find the right match.

Home Backup: When the power goes out, a home backup generator keeps your essentials running, like the refrigerator, lights, sump pump, and HVAC system. For this, you'll need a generator with significant power output.
- Standby Generators: These are the ultimate solution. They are permanently installed and turn on automatically when the power fails, so you don't have to lift a finger.
- Large Portable Generators: A more budget-friendly option, these can power several key appliances. Look for models with 5,000 watts or more, and consider one that is transfer switch ready to safely connect to your home's electrical panel.
RV Ready: If you're powering a recreational vehicle, you'll want an 'RV Ready' generator. This isn't just a marketing term—it means the generator comes equipped with the specific 120V 30A (TT-30R) outlet that most RVs use. Inverter generators are extremely popular for this purpose because they are quiet and provide stable, clean power for sensitive electronics like laptops and TVs.
Camping & Tailgating: For camping or powering a tailgate party, your priorities are portability and low noise. You need something you can easily carry from your car and that won't disturb your neighbors.
Look for small, lightweight inverter generators or portable power stations under 3,000 watts. Their quiet operation is a huge plus in campgrounds and crowded parking lots.
Jobsite & Commercial: Construction sites and commercial applications demand durability and raw power. These generators need to withstand rough conditions and run high-demand power tools all day.
Look for conventional generators with a rugged steel frame, high wattage output (especially starting watts for power tools), and GFCI-protected outlets for safety. An hour meter is also a key feature to keep track of maintenance schedules.

Starting Watts

Think of starting watts as the initial burst of energy your generator needs to get an appliance up and running. Many devices, especially those with electric motors like a refrigerator, air conditioner, or a circular saw, require a significant jolt of power to start up—often two to three times more than what they need to run continuously. This initial power demand is the starting wattage, sometimes called surge wattage.

Why does this matter to you? Because if your generator's starting wattage isn't high enough, it simply won't be able to start your most demanding appliances, even if it has enough power to run them. When shopping, you need to identify the starting watt requirement of the largest item you plan to power. Your generator's starting watt rating must be higher than that single highest requirement. It's arguably the most critical number to consider, as it determines what you can and cannot power from the get-go.

Runtime (50% Load)

Runtime at 50% Load tells you how long a generator can run on a single tank of fuel or a full battery charge when it's operating at half of its rated power capacity. This is a standardized metric, making it easier to compare the fuel efficiency and battery endurance of different models under the same conditions.

Think of it as the MPG rating for a car; it gives you a baseline for performance. For example, if a generator has a running power of 4,000 watts, its 50% load runtime is measured with a consistent 2,000-watt draw. Keep in mind, your actual runtime will vary. If you power more devices (a higher load), the runtime will be shorter. If you power fewer devices (a lower load), it will run longer.

A longer runtime is crucial for convenience, especially during extended power outages or for overnight use while camping. It means you'll spend less time refueling the generator or looking for a place to recharge your power station.

Noise

A generator's noise level, measured in decibels (dBA), is one of the most important factors for your own comfort and for keeping peace with your neighbors or fellow campers. A lower dBA rating means a quieter generator. However, the numbers can be deceiving, as a small increase in decibels represents a big jump in audible noise.

Manufacturers typically measure the noise level from a distance of about 23 feet (7 meters) and at a 25% or 50% load. This means the generator will be louder when you're standing right next to it or when it's powering more devices. The human ear perceives a 10-decibel increase as a doubling of loudness. So, a 70 dBA generator will sound twice as loud as a 60 dBA model.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:

50-60 dBA: This is the quiet range. It's comparable to a normal conversation or a running dishwasher. Inverter generators are almost always in this category, making them the undisputed champions for camping, RVing, and home use.
60-70 dBA: This is noticeably louder, similar to a vacuum cleaner or background city traffic. Many conventional portable generators operate in this range.
70-80+ dBA: This is very loud and can be disruptive, like the sound of a lawnmower. Generators in this range are typically reserved for jobsites where noise is less of a concern.

Our Recommendation: If you'll be using your generator for recreation or home backup, make a low dBA rating a top priority. Always check the noise regulations for your local area or any campsite you plan to visit, as many have strict limits (often below 60 dBA).

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh), is the most important spec for a portable power station. Think of it like the size of a gas tank. A higher Wh number means the battery holds more energy, allowing you to run your devices for longer or power more demanding appliances before the station needs to be recharged.

For example, a 1000Wh power station can deliver 1000 watts of power for one hour, 100 watts for ten hours, and so on. This is the key figure to consider when you're trying to figure out if a unit can handle your needs, whether it's for a weekend camping trip or as a backup during a power outage.

To put it in perspective, here’s a rough idea of what different capacities can handle:

200-500Wh: Ideal for personal electronics. Can recharge a smartphone 15-40 times, a laptop 3-8 times, or run a small portable fan for several hours. Perfect for a day trip or charging essentials.
1000-2000Wh: A great all-around capacity for weekend camping or short power outages. This can run a small portable fridge for a full day, power a TV for several hours, and keep all your personal devices charged with power to spare.
2000Wh+: This is home backup territory. These large-capacity units can run essential appliances like a full-size refrigerator, a sump pump, or medical equipment like a CPAP machine through the night. They are often expandable with extra batteries for even longer runtime.

When choosing, add up the wattage of the devices you plan to run and estimate for how long. This will give you a target Wh capacity to look for, ensuring you don't run out of juice when you need it most.

Portability

Getting your generator where it needs to be shouldn't be a workout. Portability features are designed to make moving your generator easier, whether it's from the garage to the backyard or to a remote campsite. The weight of the generator is the biggest factor in what kind of portability features you'll need.

For heavier and more powerful generators, a set of wheels is non-negotiable. These are typically rugged, never-flat wheels that can handle being rolled over grass, gravel, or pavement. Without wheels, moving a 100+ pound machine is a job for two or more people. In conjunction with wheels, you'll almost always find folding handles. These give you the leverage to lift one end of the generator and roll it like a wheelbarrow, and they conveniently fold down for more compact storage.

Smaller, lighter units, like inverter generators and power stations, often have built-in carrying handles. These can be single handles on top for a one-handed carry or dual handles for a balanced, two-handed grip. The design of the handle can make a real difference in how comfortable the generator is to transport, even for short distances.

Weight

A generator's weight is a crucial factor to consider, as it directly impacts its portability and how you'll be able to use it. You'll find a wide range of weights, from lightweight power stations under 50 pounds to heavy-duty standby generators that can weigh over 500 pounds. The right weight for you depends entirely on your intended use.

For activities like camping, tailgating, or any situation where you'll be frequently moving the generator, a lighter model is essential. Inverter generators and power stations are typically the best options here, with many models weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. These are often designed with carrying handles to make them easy to transport. For even lighter needs, some solar generators weigh as little as 10 to 30 pounds.

If you need more power for an RV or a job site, you'll be looking at larger portable generators. These can range from around 100 to over 250 pounds. While not as easily portable as their smaller counterparts, most generators in this weight class come equipped with wheels and folding handles to make moving them more manageable. The trade-off for the increased weight is a significant boost in power output.

For whole-home backup, a standby generator is the typical choice. These are permanent installations and are the heaviest of all, often starting at 400 pounds and going up from there, depending on the power output. Their weight isn't a concern for portability since they are not designed to be moved after installation. In summary, carefully consider how you plan to use your generator, as this will guide you to the appropriate weight and portability features for your needs.