Portable Generators

Add up the running watts of everything you want to power, then add the startup surge of motor-driven items like fridges and pumps. A few essentials might need 2,000–3,000W; powering much of a home can take 7,500W or more. Always size above your total so you’re not maxing it out.

An inverter generator produces cleaner, more stable power that’s safe for sensitive electronics, and runs quieter and more fuel-efficiently — but costs more and usually outputs less. A conventional generator is cheaper and pushes more raw power, ideal for tools and heavy loads where power quality matters less.

No — never. Fuel-burning generators produce carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can be fatal. Always run them outdoors, well away from windows, doors, and vents, even in rain or cold. This is the single most important safety rule with any fuel generator.

Most run for the length of a fuel tank — often 8 to 12 hours at half load — then need refueling and periodic rest to cool and re-oil. Propane and dual-fuel units can run longer with larger tanks. Continuous multi-day operation requires refueling and maintenance breaks.

Gas is widely available and gives strong output but stores poorly. Propane stores almost indefinitely and burns cleaner, with slightly less power. Dual-fuel models run on either, giving you the most flexibility during shortages — which is why many people prefer them for backup.

Safely, the right way is a transfer switch or interlock kit installed by an electrician, which lets the generator power your home’s circuits without backfeeding the grid. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet (“backfeeding”) — it’s dangerous to you and utility workers and can damage your home.

Conventional models can be quite loud, similar to a lawnmower, while inverter generators run noticeably quieter. If you’ll use it for camping, tailgating, or in a neighborhood, check the decibel rating — quieter inverter models are worth the premium where noise matters.

Regular but simple: oil changes, air-filter checks, fresh or stabilized fuel, and periodic test runs so it starts when you need it. Letting old fuel sit is the most common cause of failure. A little upkeep keeps it reliable for years.

A portable generator burns fuel to make power and offers high, refuelable output, but it’s loud and must run outdoors. A power station is a quiet, fuel-free battery that’s safe indoors but has limited capacity. Many people keep a power station for everyday use and a generator for long, heavy outages.

A large one (7,500W+) can run most essential circuits — and sometimes more — through a transfer switch, though central air and electric heat may push its limits. For true whole-home coverage you size the generator to your peak load, or prioritize essential circuits during an outage.