Lights On, Exhaust Outside: Best Portable Generator Options for Outages, 2,350 to 12,500 Watts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t change our recommendations or the price you pay.

The best portable generator for an outage is one sized for the loads you actually need, fitted with the outlets your setup uses, and run far enough from the house that its exhaust stays outside. A small inverter can keep a fridge, phones and a few lights going. A big open-frame unit with a 30-amp twist-lock outlet can feed a transfer switch an electrician has installed.

We compared six gasoline-engine generators, all sold by Amazon.com and in stock when we checked, from a 39-pound WEN inverter to a 231-pound Champion tri-fuel unit. For each, we quote the starting and running watts, fuel types, outlets and warranty as the listing gives them, and we say plainly when a listing doesn’t mention a carbon monoxide (CO) shutoff.

One rule comes before any model choice: a generator never runs inside your home, garage or basement. The safety section below covers placement, CO alarms and why backfeeding through a wall outlet is dangerous.

Our Top Portable Generator Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv 6,500-Watt Dual Fuel: Best Overall

Westinghouse’s WGen5300DFcv is an open-frame portable generator that runs on gasoline or propane. On gas, the listing gives 5,300 running watts and 6,500 peak watts; on propane, 4,800 running and 5,800 peak. A 274cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve drives it, and a 4.7-gallon tank with a fuel gauge is rated for up to 14.5 hours of run time.

For outage use, the outlet panel matters most. It carries a 5-20R household duplex, an RV-ready TT-30R 30-amp receptacle and a transfer-switch-ready L14-30R 30-amp twist-lock, all with rubber covers. A 120/240V selector switch lets the L14-30R deliver 240 volts to a transfer switch or interlock that a licensed electrician has installed, so you aren’t running a tangle of cords through a window.

Westinghouse lists automatic low-oil and carbon monoxide (CO) shutdown on the engine, and says the generator is EPA compliant. The box includes oil, an oil funnel, a propane hose, a tool kit, a wheel kit and a user’s manual, with minimal assembly required. The company notes that units are functionally tested at the factory and may carry a little residual oil or fuel odor.

It suits a household that wants to run a fridge, freezer, furnace blower and some lights through a transfer switch during a winter or summer outage, with propane as a backup fuel that stores well. At a listed 135.6 pounds, it relies on the wheel kit to move around.

Why we like it

• L14-30R transfer-switch outlet
• CO shutdown listed
• Gas or propane

Watch out for

The listing never says it has electric start, so plan for a pull cord, and it is heavy at 135.6 pounds.

Check Price on Amazon →

2. Westinghouse iGen5000 Inverter Generator: Best Inverter for Home and RV

Westinghouse’s iGen5000 is an enclosed inverter generator rated for 5,000 peak watts and 3,900 rated watts on gasoline. Inverters produce cleaner power than a basic open-frame engine, and Westinghouse lists less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD), the figure buyers check before plugging in laptops, TVs or other sensitive electronics.

Day to day, the feature list leans toward convenience. A key fob starts it remotely, and you can also use the electric start or a recoil cord. A telescoping handle and wheels help you roll it out of the shed, and a rotating LED data center shows fuel level, power output, remaining run time, voltage output and lifetime hours, which helps you plan refueling during a long outage.

Westinghouse says it runs as low as 52 dBA and for up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon tank, with an “Economy Mode” to stretch fuel. The outlet panel has a 5-20R household duplex, an RV-ready TT-30R 30-amp outlet and two USB ports, and the title notes it is parallel capable. The listing calls it EPA compliant and gives a 3-year limited service, labor and parts coverage.

It suits households that want to run essentials through heavy-duty extension cords with less noise, and RV owners who need a TT-30R outlet at the campground. At a listed 104.7 pounds, the wheels earn their keep.

Why we like it

• Remote start fob
• Run-time display
• Clean power under 3% THD

Watch out for

There’s no 240V twist-lock outlet for a transfer switch, and the listing doesn’t mention a CO shutoff.

Check Price on Amazon →

3. Champion 12,500-Watt Tri Fuel Generator: Best Large Tri-Fuel Backup

Champion’s tri-fuel home backup generator runs on natural gas, propane or gasoline, and ships with both natural gas and propane hoses so it can run on any of the three out of the box. On gasoline, the listing gives 12,500 starting watts and 10,000 running watts; on propane, 11,250 and 9,000; on natural gas, 10,000 and 8,000.

A 500cc Champion engine powers it, and electric start works from a rocker switch with the battery included. Champion’s Intelligauge display tracks voltage, frequency, session run time and total run time, which helps with oil-change intervals. The listing also names the CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff system, and says engine oil is included.

Natural gas is the reason to look here. A home with a gas line can, with the right connection installed by a professional, avoid hauling gas cans through a multi-day outage, though natural gas gives the lowest output of the three fuels. The listing’s feature bullets don’t name the outlet types, so confirm the panel matches your transfer switch or interlock before you buy.

It suits larger homes, well pumps and households that want to run more circuits at once. At a listed 231 pounds and 29 x 28.5 x 25.8 inches, it’s a machine you park in one spot rather than carry. Champion backs it with a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Why we like it

• Runs on natural gas
• CO Shield shutoff
• 10,000 running watts on gas

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t spell out the outlets, and at 231 pounds it needs a permanent outdoor spot well away from the house.

Check Price on Amazon →

4. Champion 4000-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter: Best Dual Fuel Inverter

Champion’s 4000-watt dual fuel inverter runs on gasoline or propane right out of the box. The listing gives 4,000 starting watts and 3,000 running watts on gasoline, with up to 10 hours of run time, and 2,700 running watts with up to 25 hours on propane. Like the brand’s big tri-fuel unit, it carries Champion’s CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.

Champion rates it at 64 dBA from 23 feet, and says the 120V 20A household duplex (5-20R) delivers clean electricity at less than 3% THD. A 120V 25A TT-30R outlet serves RVs, and there’s a 12V automotive-style outlet plus parallel outlets. With an optional parallel kit, sold separately, it can link to another parallel-ready Champion inverter or power station for more output.

In an outage, that output covers essentials rather than a whole house: a refrigerator, a furnace blower, lights and device charging through heavy-duty outdoor extension cords. Propane’s long stated run time is useful when gas stations lose power too, and propane tanks store more easily than gasoline. The listing gives its weight as 51.8 pounds.

It suits households and RV owners who want inverter-quiet operation, two fuel options and a CO shutoff in a unit one person can move. Champion includes a 3-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.

Why we like it

• Propane run time up to 25 hours
• CO Shield listed
• Under 52 lb

Watch out for

At 3,000 running watts on gas, it handles essentials only, and it has no 240V outlet for a transfer switch.

Check Price on Amazon →

5. WEN 56235i 2,350-Watt Inverter: Best Lightweight Inverter

WEN’s 56235i is a compact gasoline inverter generator rated at 2,350 surge watts and 1,900 rated watts. WEN calls it “super quiet” and says the operation is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation, citing the US Department of Health and Human Services, though the listing doesn’t give a decibel figure.

Its main draw is size. The listing gives a weight of 39 pounds and dimensions of 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.5 inches, so it fits on a garage shelf (for storage only, never running) and can be carried out to the yard by one adult. WEN describes the output as clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics such as phones, tablets, televisions and computers.

A fuel shutoff lets you run the carburetor dry before storage, which WEN says maximizes the generator’s lifespan, a helpful habit for a unit that might sit for months between storms. The panel has two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and two 5V USB ports, and WEN includes a two-year warranty.

It suits renters, condo owners and small households that need to keep a refrigerator cold, charge phones and run a lamp or two through an outage, plus anyone who wants a light inverter for camping or tailgating. Check your appliances’ starting watts before you count on it for anything bigger.

Why we like it

• 39-pound carry weight
• Fuel shutoff for storage
• USB and 12V outlets

Watch out for

At 1,900 rated watts, it won’t run a well pump or central air, and the listing doesn’t mention a CO shutoff.

Check Price on Amazon →

6. WEN DF475T 4,750-Watt Dual Fuel: Best Value 240V Dual Fuel

WEN’s DF475T is an open-frame dual fuel generator that switches between gasoline and propane with a selection dial. The listing gives 4,750 surge watts and 3,800 running watts on gas, and 4,350 surge and 3,500 running on propane, from a 224cc 4-stroke OHV engine with key-turn electric start.

The voltage switches from 120V to 240V, which WEN says is perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup. That 240V output comes through a NEMA L14-30R 30-amp twist-lock, the plug a generator cord uses to feed an inlet box and transfer switch. Two 120V GFCI outlets (5-20R) and a 12V DC cigarette-lighter-style plug cover direct connections.

A 4-gallon tank is rated for up to 11 hours at half load. The box includes a bottle of oil, a wheel and handle kit and a 47-inch LPG connection hose, so you can hook up a standard propane tank. The warranty field on the listing is empty, but the feature bullet says WEN includes a 2-year warranty.

It suits homeowners who want the 240V twist-lock setup without paying for a larger unit, and who plan to run a fridge, furnace fan, sump pump and lights through a transfer switch. At a listed 105.8 pounds, the included wheels make it manageable for one person on flat ground.

Why we like it

• L14-30R at 240V
• Electric start
• GFCI household outlets

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t mention a CO shutoff, and its color field oddly reads “CARB Compliant,” so treat compliance as not stated.

Check Price on Amazon →

How We Chose the Best Portable Generators

We read each generator’s Amazon listing, specs and sales rank and quoted only what the listings say:

• Output: starting (peak or surge) and running (rated) watts, per fuel, as the brand states them.
• Fuel: gasoline only, dual fuel (gas and propane) or tri-fuel (adding natural gas).
• Outlets: whether there is an L14-30R twist-lock for a transfer switch, a TT-30R RV outlet, GFCI or USB.
• CO shutoff: named only where the listing names it (Westinghouse CO shutdown, Champion CO Shield).
• Warranty and compliance: the warranty field and any EPA statement, exactly as listed.
• Availability: every pick was in stock and sold by Amazon.com when we checked. Battery power stations are covered in our portable power station guide.

Every pick here lists for more than $175, so all six sit in our top price tier. Even the smallest gas inverter costs more than most home gadgets.

Portable Generator Buying Guide

Best Generator for Power Outage: Starting vs. Running Watts

Running watts are what a generator can supply continuously; starting (peak or surge) watts cover the brief jump when a motor kicks on. The American Red Cross advises adding up the wattage of what you want to run and choosing a generator with headroom, because some machines draw up to three times as much power when starting up. Size by running watts, then check that the starting figure covers your biggest motor, such as a fridge or sump pump.

Best Inverter Generator vs. Open Frame

Inverters, like the Westinghouse iGen5000, Champion 4000 and WEN 56235i, are enclosed and their listings stress clean power (under 3% THD where stated) and lower noise. Open-frame units, like the Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv, Champion tri-fuel and WEN DF475T, give more watts for the money and, in two of those listings, a 240V L14-30R outlet (Champion’s bullets don’t name its outlets). If you want to feed a transfer switch, check for that outlet first.

Best Dual Fuel Generator: Gas, Propane or Natural Gas

Dual fuel models run on gasoline or propane; propane stores longer and usually gives slightly fewer watts, as every dual fuel listing here shows. Champion’s tri-fuel unit also runs on natural gas, at its lowest listed output. Gasoline-only units, like the iGen5000 and WEN 56235i, keep things simple but mean storing fuel. The Red Cross says to store fuel in an approved safety can, outside living areas, and to check local limits with your fire department.

Best Quiet Generator

Westinghouse lists the iGen5000 at “as low as 52 dBA,” Champion lists its 4000-watt inverter at 64 dBA from 23 feet, and WEN compares the 56235i to normal conversation. Those figures aren’t measured the same way, so treat them as brand claims. The open-frame picks don’t list a noise figure.

Best Generator for Home Backup: Transfer Switch, Never Backfeed

The Red Cross says that if you want to connect a generator to your home’s wiring, you should have an electrician install a power transfer switch in line with the National Electrical Code and local codes. It also warns never to plug a generator into a wall outlet: that “backfeeding” puts utility workers, neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution. For the cord between the generator and an inlet box, see our generator cord guide.

Carbon Monoxide, Placement and Your Home

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a gas you can’t see or smell. These rules come from the agencies we read, not from the listings:

• Outdoors only, 20 feet out. Ready.gov says generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Never in a garage, even with the door open. The EPA says never to use a portable generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas, because deadly CO can build up and linger for hours after it shuts off. The Red Cross adds that opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup.
• Keep exhaust away from openings. The Red Cross says to keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could let CO indoors. Follow your owner’s manual for which way the exhaust should face.
• Install CO alarms. Ready.gov recommends working CO detectors on every level of your home. Our carbon monoxide detector guide compares plug-in and battery models.
• Keep it dry and let it cool. Ready.gov warns that touching a wet generator can cause shock, and to let it cool before refueling because spilled fuel can ignite.
• A CO shutoff is a backup, not a permission slip. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv and both Champions list one; the iGen5000 and WEN listings don’t mention one. None makes indoor use safe.
• Ask your agent about coverage. Whether a policy treats generator fire, fuel storage or a backfeed accident a certain way depends on your policy, so ask your agent. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best portable generator for most homes?

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is our overall pick. Its listing gives 5,300 running watts on gas, a transfer-switch-ready L14-30R outlet, a 120/240V selector, dual fuel operation, automatic CO shutdown and a 3-year limited warranty.

What is the best inverter generator?

For home and RV use, the Westinghouse iGen5000 lists 3,900 rated watts at less than 3% THD, remote start and up to 18 hours on a tank. For dual fuel and a CO shutoff, the Champion 4000-Watt inverter is the alternative; for the lightest option, the 39-pound WEN 56235i.

What is the best dual fuel generator for a transfer switch?

Look for a 240V L14-30R outlet. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv and WEN DF475T both list one with gasoline and propane operation. Have a licensed electrician install the transfer switch or interlock.

How far from the house should a generator be?

Ready.gov says at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages, always outdoors. Never run one in a garage, basement or crawlspace, and keep CO alarms on every level of the home.

Is a portable power station a better choice?

A battery power station makes no exhaust and can run indoors, but stores far less energy than a fueled generator. For phones, a CPAP or a small fridge, see our portable power station guide; for longer outages and bigger loads, a generator outdoors does more.

The Bottom Line

The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is the best portable generator for most outage plans: dual fuel, a 240V L14-30R outlet and a listed CO shutdown. The Westinghouse iGen5000 adds quiet inverter power and remote start, the Champion tri-fuel unit brings the most output and natural gas, and the Champion 4000-Watt inverter pairs dual fuel with CO Shield. For a light essentials unit, the WEN 56235i weighs 39 pounds, and the WEN DF475T is the value route to a 240V twist-lock. Whichever you choose, run it outside, 20 feet from the house, with CO alarms inside.

Wondering how your policy would treat an outage, a generator fire or spoiled food? Ask your agent: call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or schedule a free coverage review.