Best Portable Generators for Home Backup
The best portable generators for home backup: dual-fuel, inverter and high-output picks, plus sizing and CO safety tips.
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The short answer
For whole-home backup, most households should get a dual-fuel portable generator of roughly 7,000–10,000 running watts connected through a transfer switch or interlock. That’s enough to run a fridge, freezer, well pump or sump pump, furnace blower, lights and a few circuits. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF is our top pick in that class. If you need more, such as an electric range or central AC, step up to a larger unit like the DuroMax XP13000EH. If you only need essentials and want quiet, efficient running, an inverter like the Champion 4500-watt dual-fuel inverter is the better buy.
Safety first: portable generators produce deadly carbon monoxide. Run them outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with exhaust pointed away from doors and windows, never in a garage, even with the door open. Install battery-backed CO alarms inside.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Model | Class | Fuel | Best for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Westinghouse WGen9500DF | Large portable, about 9,500 running watts on gasoline | Gas / propane | Most of a typical home via transfer switch | Check price |
| Most power | DuroMax XP13000EH | Very large portable, 13,000 peak watts class | Gas / propane | Bigger homes, more 240V loads | Check price |
| Best inverter for essentials | Champion 4500W dual-fuel inverter | Mid-size inverter | Gas / propane | Fridge, lights, internet, quiet running | Check price |
| Best name-brand standby alternative | Generac GP8000E | Large portable, 8,000 starting watts class | Gas | Generac buyers, electric start | Check price |
| Quietest small backup | Honda EU2200i | Small inverter, 2,200 starting watts class | Gas | Fridge plus a few essentials | Check price |
Wattage classes reflect model naming. Running watts are lower than peak or starting watts, and propane output is typically lower than gasoline. Confirm exact ratings on the listing.
How we picked
We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews. For home backup, the most important factors are running watts (not just peak), dual-fuel capability, electric start, a 240V outlet (such as an L14-30R or 14-50R) for a transfer switch, CO safety shutoff, runtime per tank and noise.
1. Westinghouse WGen9500DF — Best overall
The WGen9500DF sits in the size class that covers most homes during an outage. It runs on gasoline or propane, has electric start and the 240V outlets needed to feed a transfer switch or interlock. Dual fuel matters in a storm: gasoline gets scarce and goes stale, while propane tanks store indefinitely.
Who it’s for: homeowners who want to keep the fridge, freezer, sump or well pump, furnace and several household circuits running.
Good to know: a generator this size is heavy. Plan where it will sit, at least 20 feet from the house, and how you’ll get it there.
Check the Westinghouse WGen9500DF on Amazon →
2. DuroMax XP13000EH — Most power
DuroMax’s XP13000EH is a popular high-output dual-fuel portable for larger homes. The extra headroom helps with well pumps, electric water heaters, and in some cases a smaller central AC (check the starting-watt requirement first).
Good to know: bigger generators burn more fuel. Plan how much gasoline or how many propane tanks you can store safely.
Check the DuroMax XP13000EH on Amazon →
3. Champion 4500-Watt Dual-Fuel Inverter — Best inverter for essentials
Inverter generators produce clean power that’s safe for electronics, run much quieter than open-frame units and throttle down at light loads to save fuel. Champion’s 4500-watt dual-fuel inverter handles the essentials (fridge, freezer, lights, internet, phone charging) and is easier to move and store.
Good to know: it won’t run 240V appliances or a whole-home transfer switch for large loads. Use it for a few critical circuits.
Check the Champion 4500W dual-fuel inverter on Amazon →
4. Generac GP8000E — Best name-brand alternative
Generac is the best-known home-backup brand. The GP8000E is a large gas portable with electric start, designed to pair with a manual transfer switch.
Check the Generac GP8000E on Amazon →
5. Honda EU2200i — Quietest small backup
The EU2200i has a strong reputation for reliability and quiet operation. On its own it covers a refrigerator plus a few lights and electronics. Two compatible units can run in parallel for more output.
Check the Honda EU2200i on Amazon →
Gas-free option for small loads
If you own EGO batteries, the EGO Power+ 400W portable inverter can run phone chargers, a router or a CPAP indoors with no fumes. It’s not a home generator, but it’s useful for essentials. See our power station guide for larger battery options.
Check the EGO Power+ 400W inverter on Amazon →
Sizing your generator
Add the running watts of what you must power, then make sure the generator can handle the largest starting surge. Typical approximate figures (check your appliance labels):
| Appliance | Approx. running watts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 700–800 | Starting surge is higher |
| Chest freezer | 500–700 | Starting surge is higher |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | About 1,000 | High surge |
| Well pump | 1,000–2,000+ | Often 240V, high surge |
| Furnace blower | 500–800 | Needs clean power for controls |
| Window AC | 500–1,500 | Varies by size |
| Lights, TV, internet | 200–500 | LED lighting draws little |
- Essentials only (fridge, lights, internet, phones): roughly 2,000–4,000 running watts.
- Essentials plus pump and furnace: roughly 5,000–7,500 running watts.
- Most of the house, without central AC or an electric range: roughly 7,500–10,000 running watts.
Fuel planning for a multi-day outage
Large portables can go through a lot of fuel over a full day under load, so plan your supply before the storm arrives. Store gasoline only in approved containers, away from the house, and add stabilizer. Propane is easier: 20-pound cylinders store safely outdoors for years, and you can keep several on hand. Running the generator in cycles, such as a couple of hours on, a couple off to cool the fridge and freezer, stretches your fuel considerably.
Buying and safety checklist
- Connect safely. Use a transfer switch or an interlock installed by a licensed electrician. Never backfeed through a dryer outlet. It can kill utility workers.
- CO shutoff. Choose a model with a CO-sensing auto-shutoff, and install battery-backed CO alarms inside. Shop CO alarms
- Dual fuel. Propane stores better than gasoline and is easier to get after storms.
- Electric start makes life easier, especially in cold weather.
- Fuel stabilizer and monthly runs keep a gas generator ready.
- Weather. Never run a generator in rain without a proper generator cover or tent designed for it.
FAQ
What size generator do I need to run a house?
Most homes can cover essentials with 5,000–7,500 running watts and most circuits, excluding central AC and electric cooking, with about 7,500–10,000 running watts. Add up your appliance wattages to confirm.
Can I plug a generator into a wall outlet?
No. Backfeeding through an outlet is illegal in many areas and can electrocute utility workers. Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician.
How far from the house should a generator be?
At least 20 feet, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents, and never in a garage or enclosed space.
Is a dual-fuel generator worth it?
For home backup, yes. Propane stores indefinitely and is easier to find after storms, while gasoline gives slightly more power. Dual fuel lets you use either.
Inverter or conventional generator for home backup?
Inverters are quieter, more fuel-efficient and safer for electronics but cost more per watt. Large conventional generators are the budget way to power most of a home.
