Generac GP3300i Portable Inverter Generator
On gasoline, it is rated for 2,500 running and 3,300 starting watts.
Best generator sets for the way you use them
If your emergency list is refrigeration, lights and a few verified loads, begin with the Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield. A 240-volt pump, a transfer switch or a wider home load calls for more output, and that points to the Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator. The matcher below screens the hard requirements first.
Quick picks
- Best generator for backing up a home
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
The catch: Plan for two people to lift the 230-pound frame, and for level roll-out storage.
See price & reviews on Amazon - Best generator to run on natural gas
Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
The catch: Plan for two people to lift the 230-pound frame, and for level roll-out storage.
See price & reviews on Amazon - Sensitive electronics: the best generator
GENMAX GM9000iEDC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
The catch: The enclosed inverter body does not stop it from being large.
See price & reviews on Amazon
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generator finder
What do you need from a generator?
Tap as many as apply. The list re-sorts as you go.
Total the loads and the biggest startup surgeEnter my measurements
Choose the equipment that has to run. Simultaneous running watts, the largest motor surge and 15 percent headroom are added up in the estimate.
WEN DF360iX
On gasoline, it is rated for 2,900 running and 3,600 starting watts.
Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator
On gasoline, it is rated for 3,000 running and 3,500 starting watts.
These appliance figures are rough planning numbers. Swap in the figure from each nameplate before you buy. Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage or near doors and windows.
Tap what applies to find your match
24 models listed. Champion 9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield is shown first.
Position 1
Champion, 201176
9000-Watt Tri-Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
On gasoline it delivers 7,250 running watts and 9,000 starting watts, and it also runs on propane and natural gas.
Best forget a 240V well pump started and keep a window air conditioner running
Why it suits you
- On gasoline its ratings are 7,250 running watts and 9,000 starting watts.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- Weighing 156.6 pounds, it has to be wheeled and moved with care.
- On natural gas it runs 1,375 watts lower than on gasoline, so size your load plan using the figures for whichever fuel you pick.
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Position 2
Westinghouse, WGen11500TFc
WGen11500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Gasoline output is 11,500 running watts and 14,500 starting watts, and propane and natural gas work as fuels too.
Best forstart up a 240V well pump and power a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- On gasoline it is rated at 11,500 running watts and 14,500 starting watts.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Plan for two people to lift the 230-pound frame, and for level roll-out storage.
- At 74 dBA, it is no quiet-campsite machine.
Position 3
Honda, EU2200ITAN
EU2200i Super Quiet Inverter Generator
Running output on gasoline is 1,800 watts, with 2,200 watts available for starting. It runs on gasoline.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights while staying light enough for one person to lift
Why it suits you
- It supplies 1,800 running watts and 2,200 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline is its fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- Expect gasoline as the only fuel, a recoil starter and 120V only.
- Its 1,800 running watts are enough for a refrigerator, lights, electronics and small appliances, but not for well pumps or whole-home circuits.
Position 4
WEN, DF680iX
DF680iX Quiet 6800-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Gasoline gives 5,100 running watts and 6,800 starting watts, and propane is the other fuel option.
Best forrun a window air conditioner, plus power an RV air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 5,100 running watts and 6,800 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- Moving it sensibly means using the wheels and telescoping handle, since at 94.8 pounds it is not a one-person lift.
- With 5,100 gasoline running watts and 30-amp outlets, it suits an RV or particular home circuits, but not a 50-amp whole-home load. Natural gas and remote start are also missing.
Position 5
Westinghouse, WGen9500TFc EFI
WGen9500TFc EFI Tri-Fuel Generator
Rated at 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline, it also accepts propane and natural gas.
Best forhandle the startup of a 240V well pump and run a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Because published output differs by fuel, the row for your chosen fuel is the one the tool should use.
- EFI makes it easier to live with, but it is still a heavy conventional generator.
Position 6
Generac, 7154
GP3300i Portable Inverter Generator
On gasoline it is rated for 2,500 running watts and 3,300 starting watts. It runs on gasoline.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights, and be light enough for one person to lift
Why it suits you
- It supplies 2,500 running watts and 3,300 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline is its fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- It has neither electric start nor a propane option.
- Only 2,500 running watts are available, which caps how many outage loads can run at once.
Position 7
Champion, 201183
2500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter with CO Shield
Gasoline delivers 1,850 running watts and 2,500 starting watts, and propane is an alternative fuel.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights while storing propane in place of gasoline
Why it suits you
- On gasoline, running output is 1,850 watts and starting output is 2,500 watts.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- 240V loads are out, as is any home transfer setup that needs split phase.
- Output is sized for a short list of essentials rather than for several major appliances at the same time.
Position 8
GENMAX, GM9000iEDC
GM9000iEDC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Gasoline output is 7,600 running watts and 9,000 starting watts, and the unit also takes propane.
Best forget a 240V well pump going and run a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- Gasoline ratings are 7,600 running watts and 9,000 starting watts.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- The enclosed inverter body does not stop it from being large.
- Compared with the longest-established generator brands, GENMAX has a smaller service network.
Position 9
Westinghouse, iGen5000DFc EFI
iGen5000DFc EFI Dual Fuel Inverter
Rated for 3,900 running watts and 5,000 starting watts on gasoline, it also takes propane.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights, and keep a sump pump going through an outage
Why it suits you
- Gasoline output comes to 3,900 running watts and 5,000 starting watts.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- It cannot serve as a 240V transfer-switch generator.
- It weighs 111 pounds, so it moves on wheels and is not something one person can lift comfortably.
Position 10
Champion, 201052
4750-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with CO Shield
It puts out 3,800 running watts and 4,750 starting watts on gasoline, and propane works as well.
Best forpower a refrigerator and essential lights and run a sump pump when the outage hits
Why it suits you
- It supplies 3,800 running watts and 4,750 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- There is no 240V output.
- Compared with an enclosed inverter, a conventional generator running at 68 dBA is a weaker fit for close campsites and sensitive gear.
Position 11
DuroMax, XP13000EH
XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Gasoline ratings are 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts. Propane is a second fuel option.
Best forbring a 240V well pump online and run a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Weighing 234 pounds, it is something you roll out. Lifting it is not practical.
- This older EH version has neither the low harmonic distortion of an inverter nor an integrated CO shutoff.
Position 12
DuroMax, XP13000HX
XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Its gasoline rating is 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts, and it can use propane too.
Best forset a 240V well pump running and keep a window air conditioner going
Why it suits you
- It supplies 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Storing it takes a lot of room because of the large engine, frame and fuel tank.
- If you run sensitive electronics, a documented inverter or a low-THD model is the better choice.
Position 13
DuroMax, XP13000HXT
XP13000HXT Tri Fuel Portable Generator
On gasoline the rating is 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts, and it also runs on propane and natural gas.
Best forkick off a 240V well pump and power a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 10,500 running watts and 13,000 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Running output on natural gas falls 2,000 watts short of the gasoline figure.
- For loads that specifically need very low harmonic distortion, a conventional alternator like this one is not the first choice.
Position 14
Westinghouse, WGen10500TFc
WGen10500TFc Tri-Fuel Generator
Gasoline is rated at 10,500 running watts and 13,500 starting watts, with propane and natural gas also available as fuels.
Best forfire up a 240V well pump and power a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 10,500 running watts and 13,500 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline, propane and natural gas can all fuel it.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- Capacity on natural gas sits well below the gasoline headline figure.
- As a conventional generator design, it is louder and heavier than an enclosed inverter.
Position 15
Westinghouse, WGen3600DF
WGen3600DF Dual Fuel Generator
Its gasoline rating is 3,600 running watts and 4,650 starting watts, and propane works as a second fuel.
Best forget through an outage with a refrigerator, essential lights and a sump pump all running
Why it suits you
- It supplies 3,600 running watts and 4,650 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- 240V loads are not an option.
- An enclosed inverter has noise and power-quality advantages that this one lacks.
Position 16
WEN, DF1100T
11000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Gasoline output comes to 8,300 running watts and 11,000 starting watts. Propane is supported too.
Best forrun a window air conditioner and start a 240V well pump
Why it suits you
- It supplies 8,300 running watts and 11,000 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- No CO shutoff is built in.
- Its conventional alternator is not meant to be the cleanest power source for sensitive electronics.
Position 17
WEN, GN875i
8750-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator
Gasoline is the only fuel, with 7,000 running watts and 8,750 starting watts.
Best forturn on a 240V well pump and run a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- On gasoline, it is rated for 7,000 running watts and 8,750 starting watts.
- Gasoline is its fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- Gasoline is its only fuel.
- Even though it produces clean power, the open frame is louder than an enclosed inverter.
Position 18
Generac, 7723-2
iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator
It is rated for 3,000 running watts and 3,500 starting watts, and it runs on gasoline.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights, plus laptops and sensitive electronics
Why it suits you
- It supplies 3,000 running watts and 3,500 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline is its fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- The 7723-2 package chosen here is the 49-state version, so check local availability and emissions rules.
- Propane operation and 240V output are both missing.
Position 19
Pulsar, G12KBN
G12KBN Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Gasoline ratings are 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts. It can also run on propane.
Best forget a 240V well pump running as well as a window air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 9,500 running watts and 12,000 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Its output stage is a conventional generator design.
What you give up
- There is no integrated CO shutoff.
- With conventional output and a large frame, it suits emergency backup better than recreation at close range.
Position 20
FIRMAN, WH03041
WH03041 Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
On gasoline it offers 3,000 running watts and 3,300 starting watts, and it can also use propane.
Best forrun a refrigerator and essential lights, and power an RV air conditioner
Why it suits you
- It supplies 3,000 running watts and 3,300 starting watts on gasoline.
- Gasoline and propane both work as fuel.
- Inverter power electronics produce its output.
What you give up
- This is a 120V inverter for RV and backup use, and it is not a 120/240V transfer-switch or whole-home generator.
- It weighs 90 pounds and starts by recoil, so carrying it with one hand is not an option.
Position 21
WEN, DF360iX
DF360iX
This dual-fuel inverter has a carry handle and suits modest 120V loads. It is rated 2900W running on gasoline and 2600W on propane, and it has a TT-30R socket and recoil start.
Best forCarrying a 120V dual-fuel inverter
Why it suits you
- Gasoline output of 2900W running and 3600W starting
- Propane output of 2600W running and 3500W starting
- No support for natural gas
What you give up
- Output is 120V only, and no plug adapter can turn it into 240V.
- Ratings drop when you run propane or natural gas. Judge the running load and the motor starting demand independently.
Position 22
WEN, DF480iX
DF480iX
Wheels and electric start come with this 120V dual-fuel inverter. Running output is 4000W on gasoline and 3600W on propane, and it has four household sockets plus a TT-30R RV connection.
Best forElectric start for 120V RV and appliance loads
Why it suits you
- Gasoline output of 4000W running and 4800W starting
- Propane output of 3600W running and 4320W starting
- No support for natural gas
What you give up
- Only 120V is available, and a plug adapter will not produce 240V.
- On propane or natural gas the ratings come down, so check the running load and the motor starting demand on their own terms.
Position 23
Westinghouse, iGen8200TFc
iGen8200TFc
This enclosed tri-fuel inverter offers 120/240V and remote start. Its 6600W gasoline rating drops to 5940W on propane and 5280W on natural gas, which is why the fuel you pick has to go into your load calculation.
Best forA tri-fuel inverter on wheels that offers 240V output
Why it suits you
- Gasoline output of 6600W running and 8200W starting
- Propane output of 5940W running and 7380W starting
- Natural gas output of 5280W running and 6560W starting
What you give up
- Just because the outlet is 50A-shaped, do not assume the generator delivers 50A continuously at 240V.
- Propane and natural gas both rate lower than gasoline. Treat running load and motor starting demand as separate questions.
Position 24
Westinghouse, iGen12000TFc
iGen12000TFc
This large enclosed tri-fuel inverter is rated 9000W running on gasoline with a 12000W peak. Both 14-50R and L14-30R connections are included, and continuous ratings are lower on gaseous fuels.
Best forBigger home loads you manage carefully, on inverter power
Why it suits you
- Gasoline output of 9000W running and 12000W starting
- Propane output of 8100W running and 11000W starting
- Natural gas output of 7200W running and 9800W starting
What you give up
- A 50A-shaped outlet is not proof that the generator supplies 50A continuously at 240V.
- Ratings are lower on propane or natural gas. Look at the running load and the motor starting demand on their own.
Buying advice
What to look for in a generator
These factors change which model suits you.
Prefer nameplate watts when you have them
Reference figures work for planning, though the appliance label is what you should finalize with.
Leave room for motor startup
For a moment at startup, pumps, compressors and blowers can draw well beyond their running rating.
Output depends on the fuel
On propane or natural gas, a generator often rates below its gasoline headline figure.
Voltage can disqualify a model
A 120-volt-only machine cannot run a 240-volt well pump or transfer setup.
Sensitive gear wants documented clean power
Pick an inverter, or a model whose published harmonic-distortion limit is suitable.
Run portables outdoors only
Keep it well away from doors, windows and vents. Feeding a house takes a listed transfer device that is installed properly.
Guides
Narrow it down
Weigh two popular models against each other, or start from a shortlist built for one job.