The World of Portable Generators with Expert Reviews

Portable generators are one of the best alternatives when you lose power. If you face power outages regularly, want to run a job site, or need to be prepared to use emergency power, then you should consider having a portable generator. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly sure how a portable generator works, as we’ll go over everything you need to know.

They’re simple and easy to use, and they offer a variety of options to power everything from your power tools to your refrigerator. However, before choosing a portable generator, you’ll need to consider many important factors and be aware of the relevant safety considerations.

Critical Safety Warning: All portable generators must be operated outdoors only, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use generators indoors, in garages, basements, or any enclosed spaces. Additional safety considerations include only adding fuel when the generator is turned off and completely cooled down, and making sure the generator is protected from rain and moisture with a proper generator cover or canopy (never operate in wet conditions without protection).

We have put together this guide to help you make a decision. So let’s get started with what you need to know about generators.

Types of Generators

You will find three basic types of generators available in the market. Despite their differences, these generators all require similar maintenance work to prolong their lifespan and use comparable fuel sources. These three types are:

Portable Generators

A portable generator is one that runs on gasoline, diesel, or propane and can be moved from place to place, such as from one job site to another or for camping and outdoor activities. It provides temporary electrical power whenever you need it. Due to its portability, this type of generator is one of the best to use in remote locations or for emergency backup power.

By using a combustion engine, it produces electric power through an alternator. Using a portable generator, you can run your refrigerator, freezer, TV, power tools, lights, and many other appliances. Portable generators typically range from 1,000 to 10,000+ watts in output capacity.

Inverter Generator

An inverter generator is a specialized type of portable generator that produces cleaner, more stable AC power using advanced inverter technology. This type of generator has been developed with the latest electronics to create less noise and consume less fuel compared to conventional generators.

An inverter generator is one of the best options if you want to safely power sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and medical devices. The pure sine wave output ensures stable voltage and frequency, just like the power from your household outlets. As an added bonus, these generators tend to be quite portable, compact, and significantly quieter than conventional generators (typically 48-60 dB vs 65-80+ dB for conventional models).

Standby Generators

A standby generator (also called a whole-house generator) is one that operates automatically to provide instant backup power when utility power fails. This type of generator can deliver continuous power protection for your entire home. They’re widely used in sectors where emergency power backup is critical, such as hospitals, data centers, and homes with medical equipment.

The generator uses liquid propane or natural gas to produce electricity and connects directly to your home’s electrical system through an automatic transfer switch. A standby generator is more costly compared to portable generators, both in terms of purchase price ($3,000-$15,000+) and professional installation costs ($3,000-$5,000+).

Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home

Finding out what size generator is right for your home is very important. There are some important considerations that you must take into account to find the right size for your needs. The first thing you should consider is under what conditions and how frequently you typically experience power outages at home. Determine which of the following scenarios most closely matches yours to choose the right generator:

Frequent Power Outages

If there are frequent power outages in your home or region (several times per year or more), then you should consider any of the types of generators shown below. This is also applicable to those who live in areas with severe weather conditions such as blizzards, hurricanes, or ice storms.

Recommended Options:

• Home Standby
• Large Inverter (5,000-7,000W)
• Large Portable (7,000-10,000W)

Any of the generators listed above will be a great solution for you because these generator models can power significant portions of your entire house, just be sure to get one with high enough output for your needs. Standby generators connect directly to the circuit breaker panel of your home through a transfer switch. Large portable generators require either a manual transfer switch or heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords. These generators are safe for your home and electrical appliances when properly installed and operated.

Occasional Power Outages

If you live in an area where power outages occur occasionally (once or twice per year), then you should consider any of the types of generators listed below. These generators provide reliable electric power for essential appliances during unexpected outages.

Recommended Options:

• Large Inverter (3,000-5,000W)
• Mid-Size Portable (3,500-5,000W)

Since you don’t face frequent power outages, you don’t need to invest in an expensive standby generator. Either of the generators listed above will give you plenty of backup power for essential appliances during occasional outages.

Rarely Lose Power

If you rarely experience power outages (once every few years or less), then you can consider any of the generators listed below. These generators will be quite useful in the event that you do have a power outage.

Recommended Options:

• Mid-Sized Inverter (2,000-3,000W)
• Recreational Inverter (1,000-2,000W)

You can either choose a mid-size generator or go for a recreational inverter generator because both of these models are capable of offering the backup power you’ll need for essential items during rare outages. The smaller size also makes them perfect for camping, tailgating, and outdoor activities.

Calculating Home Generator Wattage Needs

You’ve frequently asked us how to calculate home generator wattage. In this section, we are going to provide the easiest way to calculate your generator wattage needs. Although we’ve already covered scenario-based recommendations in the previous section, let’s focus on the specific wattage calculation method so that you will be completely certain about your power requirements.

Step-by-Step Wattage Calculation:

Step 1: List Your Essential Appliances Make a list of all appliances and devices you want to run simultaneously during a power outage.

Step 2: Find Starting and Running Watts The first step when calculating your home generator wattage is to determine both the starting watts (surge power) and running watts (continuous power) for each appliance. Motor-driven appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and pumps require 2-3x more power to start than to run.

Step 3: Calculate Total Requirements After that, you’ll need to add up all the running watts for everything you’ll operate simultaneously, then add the highest single starting wattage from your list. Finally, add a 10-20% safety buffer.

Formula:

Required Generator Watts = (Total Running Watts) + (Highest Starting Watts) + (20% Buffer)

Common Appliance Wattage Guide:

Example Calculation:

Items to power: Refrigerator, freezer, 10 LED lights, TV, internet router

• Refrigerator: 700W running, 2,100W starting
• Freezer: 600W running, 1,800W starting
• LED lights: 100W running, 100W starting
• TV: 200W running, 200W starting
• Internet router: 50W running, 50W starting

Calculation:

• Total running: 700 + 600 + 100 + 200 + 50 = 1,650W
• Highest starting: 2,100W (refrigerator)
• Subtotal: 1,650 + 2,100 = 3,750W
• Add 20% buffer: 3,750 × 1.20 = 4,500W needed

Result: You need a generator rated for at least 4,500 watts.

You can easily calculate the wattage of your appliances and find detailed charts here: Generator Sizing Charts PDF

Inverter vs. Conventional Generators – Feature Comparisons

Though both inverter generators and conventional generators provide backup power, there are significant differences between the two. Here, we will go over these key differences:

Technology Used

Inverter generators use advanced electronic circuitry to convert raw power into clean, stable electricity. The power goes through three stages: high-frequency AC, then DC, and finally converts back to stable pure sine wave AC – the same quality as household outlet power.

Conventional generators produce AC power directly from the alternator without electronic conditioning. While reliable and powerful, the output quality can vary with engine speed.

Key Difference: Inverter technology produces cleaner, more stable power through advanced electronics, while conventional generators produce power directly with simpler technology. Both are safe for appropriate applications when used correctly.

Type of Current Produced

One of the main differences between an inverter and a conventional generator is the type of current they produce.

Inverter generators go through 3 stages: high-frequency AC, then DC, and finally convert back to a stable, clean pure sine wave AC electricity supply – identical to utility power.

Conventional generators produce AC power directly from the alternator, resulting in a modified sine wave with potential voltage and frequency variations.

Impact: Pure sine wave (inverter) is safe for all electronics. Modified sine wave (conventional) works fine for basic appliances but may not be ideal for sensitive electronics like computers and medical devices.

Sine Wave Quality

An inverter generator produces a pure sine wave that is a great source of safe and clean electricity, identical to your household outlets. This smooth, consistent power is safe for:

• Computers and laptops
• Smartphones and tablets
• Medical equipment
• Variable-speed tools
• High-end audio/video equipment

A conventional generator delivers a modified sine wave which works well for most appliances but may cause issues with sensitive electronics during extended use. Best for:

• Lights and heaters
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Basic power tools
• Standard appliances

Power Output and Fuel Efficiency

Power Output: In terms of maximum power capacity, conventional generators typically stand ahead of inverters. Conventional generators are available in larger sizes (5,000-15,000+ watts) at lower cost per watt, making them better for whole-home backup or running multiple high-wattage appliances.

Inverter generators typically range from 1,000-7,000 watts but can be connected in parallel for more power.

Fuel Efficiency: In terms of fuel efficiency, inverter generators stand significantly ahead of conventional generators. Inverters use Eco-throttle technology that automatically adjusts engine speed to match the electrical load, consuming 25-50% less fuel. This means inverter generators are more fuel-efficient and run longer on the same tank size.

Portability

Inverter generators are comparatively smaller in size and lighter in weight than traditional generators producing similar wattage. That’s why inverter generators are more portable than conventional ones.

You will find that inverter generators are compact and lightweight (typically 40-90 lbs for 2,000-4,000W models), with built-in carrying handles. This gives you the benefit of greater portability – easy for one person to carry and transport.

Conventional generators are bulkier and heavier (typically 100-250 lbs for similar wattage), often requiring wheels and two people to move. Better suited for stationary use.

Fuel Tank Size

The fuel tank on an inverter generator is typically smaller than that of a conventional generator. Conventional generators come with bigger fuel tanks (3-8 gallons) because they run at constant RPM regardless of load, consuming fuel continuously.

It should be noted that the significantly better fuel efficiency of inverter generators (25-50% better) more than makes up for the smaller fuel tank size (0.9-2 gallons). Inverters often run just as long or longer than conventional generators despite smaller tanks.

Noise Level

If you compare the noise level between these two, you will see that an inverter generator produces significantly less noise compared to a conventional generator.

Inverter generators operate at 48-60 dB at rated load:

• Quieter than normal conversation
• Eco-throttle further reduces noise at light loads
• Suitable for campgrounds and residential areas
• Won’t disturb neighbors

Conventional generators operate at 65-80+ dB at rated load:

• Noticeably loud, similar to a vacuum cleaner
• Constant noise level regardless of load
• May disturb neighbors or violate noise ordinances
• Not suitable for quiet camping areas

Parallel Connections

It is possible to connect many inverter generators in parallel using an optional parallel cable kit. This allows you to connect two identical units together to double your available power (e.g., two 2,000W units = 4,000W total). Great for expandability and flexibility.

Traditional generators typically cannot be connected in parallel – each unit must operate independently with no option to combine power. Thus, if you’re interested in connecting generators in parallel for more power, the inverter generator is the clear winner.

Emissions and Environmental Impact

Inverter generators produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional generators due to:

• Variable engine speed that adjusts to load
• Better fuel efficiency means less fuel burned
• CARB compliant in all 50 states including California
• EPA certified with cleaner combustion

Conventional generators produce more emissions because:

• Constant RPM operation regardless of load
• Less efficient fuel consumption
• Still EPA certified but higher emissions overall
• May not be CARB compliant in California without modifications

This means that inverters are more environmentally friendly, which explains why many people prefer to use an inverter rather than a traditional generator when environmental impact is a concern.

Quick Comparison Summary

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, we were able to provide you with all the information you need to find the right generator for you. We’ve explained every aspect of portable generators so that you will have a better experience while selecting and running your generator.

Quick Decision Guide:

Choose an Inverter Generator if you:

• Need quiet operation (camping, neighborhoods)
• Want to power sensitive electronics safely
• Value fuel efficiency and lower operating costs
• Need portability and light weight
• Want parallel capability for expansion

Choose a Conventional Generator if you:

• Need maximum power (7,000W+)
• Have a limited budget but need high wattage
• Primarily power basic appliances
• Use it stationary for home backup
• Want the best watts-per-dollar ratio

Choose a Standby Generator if you:

• Experience frequent, extended outages
• Need automatic power restoration
• Want whole-home backup
• Have medical equipment needs
• Can invest $6,000-$20,000 installed

Essential Safety Reminders:

⚠️ NEVER operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces ⚠️ Always maintain 20+ feet distance from buildings ⚠️ Only refuel when engine is off and completely cool ⚠️ Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords only ⚠️ Never backfeed power without proper transfer switch ⚠️ Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home ⚠️ Perform regular maintenance per manufacturer schedule