Choosing the wrong generator is expensive and frustrating. Too small and it won't run what you need. Too large and you're wasting money and fuel. This guide helps you find exactly what your home requires — and avoid the most common mistakes.
Understanding Generator Types
Portable
The most common choice. Runs on gasoline, requires manual setup and refueling. Good for powering essential circuits.
Inverter
Produces clean, stable power safe for electronics. Quieter, more fuel-efficient, and lighter than conventional portables.
Dual Fuel
Runs on gasoline OR propane. Propane stores indefinitely — huge advantage when gas stations run out after a storm.
Standby
Permanently installed, starts automatically within seconds of a power outage. Runs on natural gas or propane indefinitely.
What Size Generator Do You Need?
Generator size is measured in watts. You need to add up the wattage of everything you want to run simultaneously. Here's a practical guide:
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 150–400W | 800–1,200W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200W | 3,600W |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 800W | 2,000W |
| Well pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000W | 2,100W |
| Lights (10 x LED) | 100W | 100W |
| Phone/laptop chargers | 200W | 200W |
| CPAP machine | 30–60W | 30–60W |
| Typical essential load | ~3,500W | ~7,000W |
Essential Only
Refrigerator, lights, phone charging, and a fan. No AC. Minimal comfort but keeps food safe and devices charged.
Comfortable Living
Everything above plus a window AC unit and sump pump. Handles most homes' essential needs during an extended outage.
Whole Home
Central AC, electric range, and everything else. Usually requires a transfer switch and professional installation.
Our Top Generator Picks
These are the generators we recommend most based on reliability, value, and real-world performance during extended outages.
Best Portable Generators
Portable generators are the right choice for most homeowners. They're affordable, easy to store, and provide enough power to keep essentials running during an outage.
WEN 56200i 2000W Inverter Generator
Quiet, lightweight, and fuel-efficient. Great for essential charging and small appliances. Ideal for apartments or as a backup to a larger unit.
Champion 3500W Portable Generator
Reliable workhorse at a fair price. Handles refrigerator, sump pump, and lights simultaneously. Easy electric start.
Generac GP6500 6,500W Generator
6,500 running watts handles most home essentials including a window AC. PowerRush technology provides extra starting power.
Best Inverter Generators
Inverter generators produce clean, stable power — safe for phones, laptops, and medical equipment. They're quieter and more fuel-efficient than conventional portables.
Honda EU2200i 2,200W Inverter
The gold standard. Incredibly quiet (48–57 dB), runs 8+ hours on 1 gallon. Honda reliability means it starts every time. Worth every penny.
Yamaha EF2200iS 2,200W Inverter
Honda's closest competitor. Equally quiet and reliable. Smart Throttle automatically adjusts engine speed to match load — extends run time significantly.
WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000W
Best budget inverter generator. Clean power for electronics at half the price of Honda. Runs 6 hours on 1 gallon at 50% load.
Best Dual Fuel Generators
Dual fuel generators run on gasoline OR propane. In a hurricane, when gas stations are closed or have hour-long lines, propane from your grill tank keeps you running.
Champion 7,500W Dual Fuel Generator
The best all-around dual fuel generator. 7,500W on gas, 6,750W on propane. Electric start, low-oil shutoff, runs 8 hrs at 50% load.
DuroMax XP5500EH Dual Fuel
5,500W at a great price. Quieter than most at this wattage. EPA and CARB compliant — ships to all 50 states.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel
9,500W peak power handles central AC and whole-home essentials. Remote start key fob included. Best for larger homes.
Standby Generators
A standby generator is a permanent installation connected to your home's electrical panel and natural gas or propane line. It detects a power outage and starts automatically — usually within 10–30 seconds — without any action from you.
Standby generators are the right choice if you have medical equipment, a home office, or live in an area with frequent or extended outages. They require licensed electrical and gas installation and typically cost $5,000–$15,000 all-in.
Generac 7043 22kW Air-Cooled Standby Generator
22kW powers a large home completely. WiFi monitoring via Generac Mobile Link app. Runs on natural gas or LP. Professional installation required.
Generac 7172 11kW Air-Cooled Standby Generator
Right-sized for most homes up to 2,500 sq ft. Quieter than larger units. Includes automatic transfer switch. Most popular residential standby.
Finding a Qualified Installer
Standby generator installation requires a licensed electrician and gas plumber. Use Generac's dealer locator or HomeAdvisor to find certified installers in your area. Always get at least three quotes — installation costs range from $1,500 to $5,000+ depending on your panel setup and gas line distance.
Find a Generac Dealer →Generator Safety
- Never run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, or carport — even with the door open
- Position at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent
- Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home
- Point the exhaust away from your home and neighbors
- Never refuel while running — let it cool for 15 minutes first
- Use a transfer switch or interlock kit — never backfeed into your panel
- Store fuel safely in approved containers, away from the generator
Kidde Nighthawk CO Detector
Install one on every level of your home when running a generator. Battery backup means it works even during a power outage.
Reliance Controls 31410CRK Transfer Switch Kit
Safe, code-compliant way to connect your generator to your home's circuits. Much safer than extension cords for whole-home use.
Free Generator Buying Checklist
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