A Complete Guide To The Best Portable Generators For Storm Season

While hurricanes are no joke -- despite the amazing memes that stem from Floridians throwing (literal) hurricane parties -- winter storms are now upon us, and the threat of power outages remain high as we see record snow and ice in some areas. In our latest storm guide series, we are outlining everything you need to know when it comes to power preparedness, including:

• How to choose the right generator (and our top picks)
• Best flashlights, lighters, batteries, storm radios and other necessities
• Best portable air conditioners: A complete guide on how to select the right one for you

In this particular article, we're deep-diving into generators - what types serve which purpose, how to determine what wattage you need, and our picks for some of the best rated portable generators on the market today. For more information on preparing your home for winter, be sure to check out our Winter Safety videos

Types Of Generators And Its Purpose

From small to large, cheap to expensive, most generators will fall into a few main types, and your overall needs and budget will determine which one you purchase.

1. Portable generators

Easily maneuvered with wheels, a portable generator can provide smaller amounts of electricity to an outdoor event (like camping), or provide emergency power during a blackout event or storm. A portable generator may not be able to support your entire home, but can provide enough power for certain appliances when used in rotation.

Caution: Do not use generators inside your home or garage or near doors, windows or vents, as they emit carbon dioxide, which can become lethal to humans if inhaled.

Pros:

• Portable and cheaper than whole house generator
• Best for camping, powering tools and appliances

Cons:

• Requires larger quantities of gasoline

2. Whole house generators

Whole house generators are the most costly investment (usually thousands of dollars), these generators can provide backup for your entire home during a storm if you get the right wattage. These types of generators would need to be hardwired to your home, and will cost the most money.

3. Inverter generators

Inverter generators, a smaller and slightly less noisy version of a portable generator, will adjust its engine speed to match the power demand. This means they should also use less fuel versus a traditional generator. These are ideal for camping, RVing, and other outdoor or off-grid activities.

4. Dual fuel generators

A dual fuel generator is designed to operate on two fuel types, the most common pairing being propane and gasoline, though some can also be used with diesel and natural gas. You can turn on both simultaneously, or use one fuel source. It means you won't be restricted to just one type of fuel, and has been recommended for those running large appliances or living off the grid.

Most Common Generator Fuel Types

1. Gasoline

Gasoline is often the main choice for generator shoppers because of its relatively low cost and easy purchase availability. Gasoline will usually have a shelf life of one year or less, and you'll want to invest in a couple of gas containers. Gasoline will be hard to get during severe weather events. Our storm prep emergency supplies article covers some popular gas container options.

2. Diesel

Diesel is considered safer to store, so although flammable, it has a lower risk for igniting and may have a longer shelf life. However, diesel generators are louder, and their emissions are greater. Diesel can last for six months to one year when properly stored.

3. Propane

Available as liquid or vapor propane, it is clean burning and most commonly used in inverter generators. It can be stored long-term, since liquid propane does not deteriorate, according to The Home Depot. Propane is one of the most versatile options because of its use in cold weather environments, and may be easier to find after a severe weather event compared to gasoline.

4. Solar

Using clean energy, portable generators using solar power often come with solar panels to increase the power output, and can usually run indoors because there are no emissions. However, it is one of the lower power options when compared to other generators, and is dependent on the sun for energy when no AC or car outlet is available.

5. Battery

Battery usage is most often seen in inverter and solar generators, which are quieter to run and safer to use indoors. Just like solar generators, though, it can take a longer time to charge and have lower power outputs.

How Much Wattage Does My Generator Need To Have?

After you've selected your preferred generator type and fuel option, you'll need to calculate how much total wattage it needs to run the number of appliances you expect to operate. This is especially important to have planned ahead of a severe weather event or blackout, which could cause you to lose power for a number of days.

1. Inventory your must-have items

Consider fans, refrigerators, coffee makers, hot plates, etc. If you can't find the wattage on the appliance, if the unit lists amperes (amps), you can do a calculation to find the wattage.

Watt = Volt × Amps

OR

Amps = Watt / Volt

2. Calculate your total wattage

You'll need to know both running watts and starting watts.

• Running (Rated) Watts: Running watts refer to the continuous energy needed to keep your devices running
• Additional Starting (Surge) Watts: Starting watts refer to the extra watts needed for the first few seconds that it takes to power up motor-driven devices.

Here's a handy wattage worksheet for general tools and appliances:

3. Calculating your generator size

Once you know the highest and starting watts, you'll need to total the running wants + add the highest single starting watts.

You'll need a generator that can handle that amount without using 100% of its wattage, because generators should be sized to 110% of the load (but most ideally run between 50-80% of their capacity).

Average Generator Wattage Size Guide

You may see generator sizes displayed as watts or kilowatts (kW). A kilowatt is 1,000 watts (W), and represents the measurement for the rate of power an electrical device uses. So for example, 20,000 watts = 20 kW. A reminder that for the total wattage, you really want to run it at only 50-80% of the total wattage it is capable of producing (so a generator with 3,000 watts should be operating at 1,5000-2,400 watts max).

• 1,000-10,000 watts (1-10 kW): Capable of running electricity through a few rooms, operating a refrigerator, lights, fan, phone chargers, etc. A 10,000-watt generator is enough to handle small, regular appliances in the event of power outages. This is the most common size range bracket for portable generators.
• 15,000-22,000 watts (15-22 kW): If you want to power a moderately sized home, this size would allow you to run most appliances, A/C units, sump pumps and others.
• 22,000-32,000 watts (22-32 kW): This is for large homes that could also handle electric ovens, hot water heaters, HVAC units and major appliances. By the time you get to this watt size, you're looking at whole house generators and not portable generators.

Top Portable Generators Of 2025

We'll dive into the details for each of our picks in the section below, but here's a quick breakout by size and type of generator.

Here's our top picks for:

• General-purpose dual fuel home backup generator: Westinghouse 12,500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
• Small-capacity generator: Honda EU2200iTAN 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with CO-Minder
• Large-capacity home backup generator: DuroMax XP 12,000 Watt Gas/Propane Powered Portable Generator
• Budget generator: Champion Power Equipment 4375-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator
• RV generator: Pulsar Products GD400BN, 4000W Dual Fuel & Parallel Capability
• Solar-powered generator: EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh with 220W Solar Panel
• Battery power station: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

1. Best General-Purpose Dual Fuel Generator: Westinghouse 12,500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator

Shop It: Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart

Lowest Price: $999 at Amazon and Walmart

Amazon Rating: 4.7-stars; 23,000+ ratings

Fuel: Gas or Propane | Peak Wattage: 11,400-12,000 | Running Wattage: 8,500-9,500 | Weight: 212 lbs.

Outlets: 4 | Noise: lowest 74 dBA | Runtime (50% load): up to 7 hours (propane), 12 hours (gasoline)

Pros:

• Flexible fuel sources
• Automatic low-oil shutdown
• VFT display with real-time voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
• Remote and push-button starting options
• Outlets: (2) 120V 20-amp, (1) 120/240V 30-amp (1) 120/240V 50-amp; all with rubber outlet covers
• 3-year limited service, labor, and parts coverage

Cons:

• Noisy
• Heavy

As our general-purpose pick, you can't beat the Westinghouse 12,500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator thanks to its easy remote-start, manageable price point, power and fuel options. This heavy-duty generator is a top choice for anyone looking for an emergency generator or backup power. It can power portable air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, radios, lights, coffee makers, and other general household appliances when used in rotation.

While not quite as efficient using propane versus gas, propane is usually slightly cheaper to buy in bulk, so many reviewers liked the dual-option when it becomes a hassle to store gasoline. The weight of this beast is no joke, though - you'll need someone to help you if you're loading it into a truck, so portability will be limited.

According to a copy of the manual, it can function in temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also pair it with a smart switch outlet, which is sold separately, and it can support 30A and 50A transfer switches.

Reviewers largely agree that assembly was a breeze, the remote start is incredibly helpful, and a number of them agree they are “impressed with the purchase.” One reviewer had some helpful tips to increase the longevity of your generator, such as how to make sure it doesn't overheat (ventilation is key), the batteries should be charged to keep the push button start activated, and taking care of the engine with some extra treatments in the gas to keep it clean.

For complaints, customer service was heavily criticized when it came to providing any help during troubleshooting or facilitating returns. Others noted they had some electrical issues, and it's pretty noisy.

2. Best Small-Capacity Generator: Honda EU2200iTAN 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator with CO-Minder

Shop It: Amazon, NorthernTool.com, The Home Depot

Lowest Price: $1,099 at NorthernTool.com; $1,199 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.8-stars; 800+ ratings

Fuel: Gas | Peak Wattage: 2,200 | Running Wattage: 1,800 | Weight: 47 lbs.

Outlets: 2 | Noise: 48-57 dBA | Runtime: up to 3.2 hours (rated load), 8 hours (25% load)

Pros:

• Comes with app and Bluetooth connectivity
• Great portability for camping, RV, tailgating, home back-up and other activities
• Eco-Throttle™ system for fuel efficiency that modifies engine to run only as fast as needed for a given load
• Co-Minder™ carbon monoxide gas detection and auto-shut off
• Outlets: (2) 120V 20-amp
• Parallel connection allows for pairing with other Honda models

Cons:

• No fuel gauge
• Can be hard to start

Whether you need to power a small fridge or freezer, run a window AC or a couple of lights, this Honda 2200-Watt Portable Inverter Generator can get the job done. It's lightweight compared to some of the heavy hitters on this list. You will need to buy oil separately.

According to users, this generator “runs like a champ”, and the app is intuitive. Another reviewer needed it after a hurricane when they lost power for 10 hours. They said, “This little guy cranked right up and never missed a beat. It was much quieter than my neighbors generators, and it powered my fridge and freezer effortlessly. It did all of this on about a gallon of gas.”

One reviewer raved, “I just lived through a destructive, once-in-a-century ice storm,” going on to mention their subdivision was without power for eight days. “This workhorse generator powered my fridge, deep freezer, mini fridge, a few LED lamps…charged phones and ran a space heater non-stop (except to refuel) for that entire eight day period of time. I was able to swap out the air fryer and microwave when needed.”

A few complaints were around the recoil start being difficult, it can clog, and some thought the Bluetooth connectivity could be spotty.

3. Best Large-Capacity Home Backup Generator: DuroMax XP 12,000 Watt Gas/Propane Powered Portable Generator

Shop It: Amazon, The Home Depot

Lowest Price: $1,599 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.5-stars; 450+ ratings

Fuel: Gas or Propane | Peak Wattage: 11,400-12,000 | Running Wattage: 9,025-9,500 | Weight: 222 lbs.

Outlets: 7 | Noise: 72-84 dBA | Runtime (50% load): up to 7 hours (propane), 9 hours (gasoline)

Pros:

• Flexible fuel sources
• Push button start or recoil start
• CO sensor and low oil shutdown
• Digital display for voltage, frequency, total hours run, hours until maintenance
• Outlets: (4) 120V 20-amp, (1) 120V 30-amp, (1) 120/240V 30-amp, (1) 120/240V 50-amp

• Loud
• A little more expensive than some competitors
• Potential spark plug issue with propane option

Due to its power, quality and sizable running wattage, the DuroMax XP12000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator is one of our top picks when it comes to large-capacity needs. With its push-button start (especially for those of us who struggle with the recoil start), fully loaded power outlet panel, carbon monoxide alerts and general power performance, the DuroMax generator is called “impressive” and “very capable” by reviewers.

While this generator size wouldn't be enough to run your entire home (like a whole house generator is designed to do), many reviewers noted it was powerful enough for a refrigerator, lights, and other appliances. Others noted that as long as they were conservative with the power usage, they could get many hours of use even from one propane tank.

One complaint noted by multiple users, however, is that the spark plug that comes with the generator is not strong enough for propane (as one reviewer noted, it was suggested that they purchase a “NGK BPR6ES” plug), which seems like a pretty glaring fault. Others noted it is pretty loud, and that the battery should be monitored because the recoil start can be hard to manage (so you'll want to keep that electric button start charged up).

4. Best Budget Generator: Champion Power Equipment 4375-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator

Shop It: Amazon

Lowest Price: $469 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.5-stars; 500+ ratings

Fuel: Gas | Peak Wattage: 4,375 | Running Wattage: 3,500 | Weight: 103.4 lbs. | Outlets: 4

| Noise: 68 dBA | Runtime: up to 12 hours (25-50% load)

*Note: Other packages include Dual Fuel option and wheel kit for additional cost

Pros:

• Displays session, total run time, volts, and frequency
• Outlets: (2) 120V 20-amp, (1) 120V 30-amp locking outlet, (1) 120V 30-amp RV outlet
• Push-to-reset circuit breakers, low oil shut-off sensor
• Enough power to run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, according to company page
• Volt Guard™ surge protector

Cons:

• Base price doesn't come with wheels, handle or remote-start options
• Heavy to travel with

You can't beat the power to value ratio of the Champion Power Equipment 4375-Watt Portable Generator. It has a 4.8 gallon tank volume, so we might suggest grabbing a couple of the five-gallon gas containers we list in our Storm Prep guide. Many users noted the generator wheel kit was pretty easy to assemble, just popping on the wheels and front handle, adding oil, and giving it a test run. You'll have to purchase the oil separately.

While a smaller wattage size than some of the other products on our list, this is most ideal for those “just in case” emergency power scenarios or if you need a little extra boost when using tools and other electrical equipment. It does come in Dual Fuel options, so if you prefer to use propane versus a gas tank, that could be an option you may want to consider. They also have a remote-start version as well, which many reviewers liked, for just a little more money.

A helpful tip came from one of the reviewers that has used them during hurricane season - “It's good to know I have a generator I can depend on to run a medium-sized window air conditioner and some LED lights…Just make sure after you are done with it, you must run it until all the gas is gone! Do that, and it will start up the next time you need it. Also, I change the oil every 100 hours of use. With the hurricanes, that's about every five days.”

As for complaints, if you intended to use this as a camping generator, we might suggest looking at a different model - it's still pretty loud and your neighbors won't thank you for it. It's also going to be heavy to travel with, so maybe not particularly portable. A few also mentioned oil leaks, and without proper maintenance, its longevity was in question.

5. Best RV Generator: Pulsar Products GD400BN, 4000W Dual Fuel & Parallel Capability

Shop It: Amazon, Walmart

Lowest Price: $599 at Amazon and Walmart

Fuel: Gas or Propane | Peak Wattage: 3,600-4,000 | Running Wattage: 2,800-3,200 | Weight: 47.3 lbs.

Outlets: 2 | Noise: 50-68 dBA | Runtime (50% load): Up to 4.5 hours

Pros:

• Reasonably priced for the power
• 1 gallon fuel tank, or can be used with propane tank
• Safety features include low oil shutdown, overload indicator, and circuit breaker protection
• Parallel ready
• Outlets: (1) 120V 20-amp,(1) 120V 30-amp RV outlet
• CARB certified according to company

Cons:

• No fuel gauge, voltage meter, or hour meter
• Recoil start only - can be hard to start

The Pulsar GD400BN 4000W Dual Fuel Generator offers high wattage with only a fraction of the weight and size as other models, and that’s a win in our books. One colleague here at The Weather Channel has been on the hunt for an RV generator, and selected this exact product – they were very enthusiastic about its fuel options, price point, performance and value.

According to reviewers, it can power air conditioners, even a microwave and a few lights in travel trailers with no hiccups. Many report preferring to use it with propane versus gas, with the propane tank extending the running hours versus the one gallon gas tank. Reviews are glowing about how lightweight it is for the power it puts out.

A couple of the reviewers offered a few tips about starting it with propane - while the manual recommends starting it on gas and switching to propane once it’s running, some had a lot of difficulty getting the propane option to fire up. Some suggested setting it to run versus the choke setting to get it to start - you’ll need a little patience coaxing it to life.

As for complaints, the inconsistency and struggle to start it is quite irritating. Others felt it was a hassle to keep it running, and there were a few complaints about oil leaking. Some also mentioned it was louder than they expected.

6. Best Solar-Powered Generator: EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh with 220W Solar Panel

Shop It: Amazon, EcoFlow.com

Lowest Price: $1,399 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.6-stars; 500+ ratings

Fuel: Electric and Solar | Peak Wattage: 2,048 | Running Wattage: 1,800-2,048 | Weight: 50 lbs. and 21 lb. solar panel

| Outlets: 15 | Noise: lowest 30 dBA | Runtime: Depends on usage

Pros:

• Company claims 10-year battery / charge and recharge 3,000 times before it lowers to 80% capacity
• Outlets: (2) USB-A output, (2) USB-A fast charging output, (2) USB-C output, (6) AC output sockets, (2) DC5521 outputs, (1) car outlet port
• Expandable capacity with other EcoFlow products
• Can be used indoor and outdoor
• Comes with: AC charging cable, car charging cable, 220W solar panel and cable, snap hooks, kickstand case
• EcoFlow app controls
• LiFePO4 battery has longer lifespan than traditional battery

Cons:

• Expensive
• Some customer service complaints
• Long solar charging time could make it a difficult stand-alone generator option

I debated heavily between the Ecoflow Delta 2 Max Solar Generator versus the Anker SOLIX C1000 (with solar panel) but ultimately chose the generator with more power, long battery lifespan and a stronger solar panel. If you don’t need quite as much wattage, I might also recommend checking out the Delta 2 package at EcoFlow (which also comes with an alternator charger and 110W solar panel for only $999)

This has been reviewed as one of the more powerful solar options on the market if you’re looking for a multi-outlet, battery and solar charging generator that can power small appliances and tools, and act as a Wi-Fi and electronics backup system if you experience frequent power flickers. It’s also going to be significantly quieter than a gas or propane generator, so if you’re an avid RVer, this is a powerful alternative you may want to consider.

Powering up: The EcoFlow Delta 2 Max 2048Wh will take approximately 9.3 hours to fully charge with a single 220W solar panel, or 1.1 hours (80% charge) using only AC charging, according to the company.

One reviewer called it a “great backup power station”, saying, “We have a lot of power outages in my area, and my main reason for the purchase was for backup power for our refrigerator and Wi-Fi modem and router. I tested it on our Samsung refrigerator, and could monitor the discharge rate and time. It worked beautifully, and will help us avoid losing a lot of food…in the future when there is a power outage.”

Another reviewer said, “The batteries fit well in my RV, which is a critical reason I chose this over the Delta Pro. With some 120mm fans in my semi-enclosed space, I am able to charge and use them without overheating.”

A couple reviewers mentioned that they would run the EcoFlow at night, and charge it with a gas generator during the day, so with more minimal outputs needed at night, it stretched out the hours it would work.

Some complaints were that the software could be buggy (dropping Wi-Fi access, for example), and that returning products could be a hassle, with customer service being difficult to reach. A few others mentioned it was heavier than expected, and less portable than other generator options.

7. Best Battery Power Station: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Shop It: Amazon, Jackery.com

Lowest Price: $259 plus additional $60 off coupon at Amazon

Fuel: Electric (solar optional) | Peak Wattage: 300 | Running Wattage: Under 300 | Weight: 7.1 lbs.

| Outlets: 6 | Noise: 36.4 dB | Runtime: Depends on usage

Pros:

• Can be charged in a little as two hours and up to 5 hours; can be charged via AC/wall outlet charging, car, solar, or USB-C
• Outlets: (2) AC outlets, (1) PD USB-C port, (1) USB-A ports, (1) Quick charge 3.0 output, (1) DC port
• Comes with AC charging cable and car charging cable
• Safe to use indoors

Cons:

• Not powerful enough for bigger appliances
• Shorter overall life cycle compared to other models - the lithium ion batteries have less life than the LiFePO4 batteries

You can’t get closer to five stars than this Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, especially if you’re looking for a small-but-mighty solar and battery-charged power station. This portable power station can support up to six smart devices at once, according to the company. It can charge and power electronics like drones, cameras, laptops, smartphones, lights, speakers, CPAP machines and and run smaller TVs.

A couple of items to note if you purchase this power station:

• Can only power or charge devices that operate at less than 300-watt, and the whole wattage should be under 300.
• Should not let power drop below 15% - manual says not to drain the battery
• Can be used in temperatures between 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cycle life: 80%+ capacity after 500 cycles, according to the company

This power station currently has 4.7-stars and over 8,300 ratings on Amazon, and 5-stars and 30+ reviews on the Jackery.com website. When it comes to reviewer feedback, customers appreciate the price point, performance, battery life and portability.

“This is a divine little box for off-grid living!” exclaimed one reviewer. They went on to say that the 300 is super portable, and has purchased three of them to charge devices, power the Wi-Fi and a laptop. The cable modem and Wi-Fi can last an entire day and night on one. One other reviewer mentioned it was even used for winter road trips to power a heated blanket when sleeping at rest stops.

“A reliable powerhouse for the great outdoors,” said another. “The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 has been an excellent addition to our camping gear. It’s a versatile, powerful, and convenient solution for powering up all of our essential gadgets. Whether it’s keeping our phones charged or adding the comfort of a fan in our tent, this device has been up to the task.”

As for complaints, one reviewer felt it wouldn’t properly power lights, multiple laptops or tools, which limited its overall usefulness. Others felt that the longevity wasn’t quite up to par, with the battery power draining over time and use.

How We Made Our Decision

Research

This particular guide took a lot of time to review due to the variety of fuel options, power sizes, intent for use, price point and more. One of our recommendations came from a colleague who had also done a large amount of research and selected the generator they intend to buy for the upcoming camping (and storm) season.

Fuel options

We wanted to propose a variety of fueling options for our generator selection, including battery and solar, gasoline, and propane as the most commonly used by shoppers. While we did consider a natural gas generator option (specifically, a Tri-fuel option), we ended up with other options instead.

Functionality

When pulling together our list of generators, we were looking at a few different performance criteria: Portability and weight, fuel types, wattage size, outlet options, noise levels, and runtime.

Price

Price point was one of our highlighted features in this roundup, and we searched to find the lowest possible price when offered by multiple retailers. Many generators can start as low as a couple hundred dollars, but when you get into some of the more high-tech, high-wattage options, you’ll see the price point jump to the thousands. We also chose not to include whole-house generators in this list, due to the price and installation process. Our goal was to offer the best portable generator option at the best price point.

Reviews

Reviews were highly important in this particular roundup without the extensive first-hand testing we would have liked to perform. We strive to highlight the unbiased pros and cons of each product based on user feedback and the feature list. If a product has few (or no) verified reviewers, or the complaints outweigh the purpose and price of the product, we won’t feature it in our lists. Portable generators have a lot of technical considerations, and we wanted even “beginner” generator users to be able to find exactly what they need to get any job done.

P​rices accurate and items in stock at time of publish.