Portable generators
A portable generator runs as long as you keep it fueled, which usually makes it the cheapest way through a long outage. It also has to run outside, away from the house. Our guides compare models on the makers' specs and link the safety rules from the CPSC and NFPA.
Buying guides
Ranked picks and head-to-head comparisons, from the makers' specs.
Best inverter generators for home backup
Seven inverter generators compared on starting watts for a fridge with the essentials on, hours per tank, noise, 240 V and price.
Quietest generators
Portable and standby generators ranked by the makers' decibel figures, with the load and distance behind each number.
Inverter vs conventional generator
One maker's inverter and conventional models compared on price per watt, noise, weight, power quality and 240 V.
Dual fuel vs gas generator
What the propane option costs, how many watts you lose on propane, and how each fuel keeps between outages.
Run it safely
Each guide links the CPSC, NFPA or manufacturer guidance it relies on.
Carbon monoxide safety
Outside only, at least 20 feet from the house, never in a garage, with CO alarms inside.
Running a generator in the rain
Why rain is a shock risk, and what the CPSC and manufacturers say about covers and cords.
Backfeeding and interlock kits
How a transfer switch or interlock kit connects a generator to the house safely, and why it needs a licensed electrician.
Models we track
Cheapest first. Prices change often, so each one shows its date.
| Model | Type | Running | Fuel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen3600DFv (opens in a new tab) | Conventional | 3,600 W | Gasoline or propane | $499 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse iGen2800c (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 2,200 W | Gasoline | $549 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse iGen2800DFc (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 2,200 W | Gasoline or propane | $599 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse WGen5300 (opens in a new tab) | Conventional | 5,300 W | Gasoline | $729 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse iGen4000c (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 3,300 W | Gasoline | $799 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse iGen4000DFc (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 3,300 W | Gasoline or propane | $859 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Champion 201319 (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 3,500 W | Gasoline or propane | $999 Norwall price, Oct 27, 2026 |
| Honda EU2200i (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 1,800 W | Gasoline | $1,199 Maker's list price, Oct 26, 2026 |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DFc EFI (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 3,900 W | Gasoline or propane | $1,399 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Westinghouse WGen9500DFc (opens in a new tab) | Conventional | 9,500 W | Gasoline or propane | $1,399 Westinghouse price, Oct 27, 2026, listed as out of stock |
| Honda EU3200i (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 2,600 W | Gasoline | $2,799 Maker's list price, Oct 27, 2026 |
| Honda EU7000iS (opens in a new tab) | Inverter | 5,500 W | Gasoline | $4,899 Maker's list price, Oct 27, 2026 |