Buying guide Portable generators

Portable generators by size, with verified picks

Size first, then pick. Every model here is checked against the maker's spec sheet and matched to its Amazon listing, then sorted into the same classes the calculator uses.

Find my size first

Size classes

Generator classes on this page
ClassRated wattsPicks
Small inverter1,000 to 2,500 W2 verified
Small portable2,000 to 4,000 W2 verified
Mid inverter3,000 to 4,500 W2 verified
Mid portable4,000 to 7,000 W2 verified
Large inverter5,000 W and up2 verified
Large portable7,000 to 10,000 W2 verified
Extra-large portable10,000 W and up2 verified
For an RVTT-30R or 14-50R8 listed
Battery power stationsunder 1 kWh to 4 kWh and up7 verified
Home standby10 kW and upSearch links only
Hookup and safety gearswitches, cords, kits5 verified

01 Inverter

Small inverter: 1,000 to 2,500 W

Plug-in loads, camping and light outage use. Our camping list needs 1,600 running and 1,600 starting watts.

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  • Honda EU2200i

    1,800 running watts at 47.4 lb with a CO shutoff (CO-MINDER), for plug-in loads and camping.

    Running / peak
    1,800 / 2,200 W on gas
    Fuel
    Gasoline
    Outlets
    20A 125V duplex
    CO shutoff
    Yes (CO-MINDER)
    Weight
    47.4 lb
    Noise
    48 to 57 dB(A) (1/4 load to rated load), maker figure
    Model
    EU2200ITAN
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads; transfer switch hookup (no locking outlet); an RV 30 A plug without an adapter.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • WEN 56235i

    1,900 running watts at 39 lb, the lightest gas generator we checked.

    Running / peak
    1,900 / 2,350 W on gas
    Fuel
    Gasoline
    Outlets
    two 120V three-prong receptacles, 12V DC, two 5V USB
    CO shutoff
    Not stated on the maker page we read
    Weight
    39 lb
    Noise
    51 dB at quarter load, maker figure
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads; transfer switch hookup; an RV 30 A plug.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 1,000 to 2,500 W inverter generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

02 Portable, open frame

Small portable: 2,000 to 4,000 W

The outage essentials list (3,300 running, 4,200 starting) lands in this class or the mid inverter class.

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  • Westinghouse WGen3600DFc

    A 120 V dual fuel portable with an RV-ready TT-30R outlet and a CO sensor shutoff.

    Running / peak
    3,600 / 4,650 W on gas
    On propane
    3,240 / 4,180 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120V duplex 5-20R, 120V L5-30R, 120V TT-30R (RV)
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    121.1 lb
    Noise
    68 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: any 240 V load or a 240 V transfer switch hookup (no L14-30R); whole-house backup.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • WEN DF475T

    Has the 240 V L14-30R outlet that a 30 A transfer switch or interlock hookup needs.

    Running / peak
    3,800 / 4,750 W on gas
    On propane
    3,500 / 4,350 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 12V DC
    CO shutoff
    Not stated on the maker page we read
    Weight
    Not stated
    Noise
    Not stated
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: an RV 30 A plug without an adapter (no TT-30R); central AC or whole-house backup.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 2,000 to 4,000 W portable generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

03 Inverter

Mid inverter: 3,000 to 4,500 W

The outage essentials list (3,300 running, 4,200 starting), and a 30 amp RV with a TT-30 plug.

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  • Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Inverter

    Under 49 lb with an RV TT-30R outlet (rated 25 A by the maker) and parallel outlets.

    Running / peak
    3,000 / 4,000 W on gas
    Fuel
    Gasoline
    Outlets
    120V 25A TT-30R (RV), 120V 20A duplex 5-20R, 12V, parallel outlets
    CO shutoff
    Yes (CO Shield)
    Weight
    Under 49 lb
    Noise
    64 dBA at 23 ft, maker figure
    Model
    201419 or 100809 (not shown on the Amazon card)
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads or transfer switch hookup. The maker rates its TT-30R at 25 A, so it does not deliver a full 30 A.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Westinghouse iGen5000DFc

    A dual fuel inverter with an RV TT-30R outlet, 3,900 running watts and a CO sensor.

    Running / peak
    3,900 / 5,000 W on gas
    On propane
    3,500 / 4,500 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120V duplex 5-20R, 120V TT-30R (RV), 2 USB
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    105.8 lb
    Noise
    52 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads or a 240 V transfer switch (120 V only).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 3,000 to 4,500 W inverter generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

04 Portable, open frame

Mid portable: 4,000 to 7,000 W

A 30 amp transfer switch or interlock for a few circuits. Our 30 amp RV list needs 4,200 running and 5,900 starting watts.

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  • DuroMax XP5500HX

    4,500 running watts with an L14-30 outlet for a 30 A transfer switch or interlock hookup.

    Running / peak
    4,500 / 5,500 W on gas
    On propane
    4,275 / 5,225 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120V 20A GFCI 5-20, 120/240V L14-30, 2 USB
    CO shutoff
    Yes, per the maker's spec table
    Weight
    128 lb
    Noise
    69 dB, maker figure
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: whole-house backup; a TT-30R RV outlet is not confirmed on the maker page read.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv

    Fits both a 30 A home hookup (L14-30R) and an RV TT-30 plug, with a CO sensor shutoff.

    Running / peak
    5,300 / 6,500 W on gas
    On propane
    4,800 / 5,800 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120V duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120V TT-30R (RV)
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    135.6 lb
    Noise
    68 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: whole-house backup; any hookup that needs a 50 A outlet.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 4,000 to 7,000 W portable generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

05 Inverter

Large inverter: 5,000 W and up

A 30 A transfer switch hookup from an inverter.

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  • WEN DF680iX

    A dual fuel inverter with both an L14-30R and an RV TT-30R, plus a CO shutoff (CO Watchdog).

    Running / peak
    5,100 / 6,800 W on gas
    On propane
    4,500 / 6,000 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120/240V L14-30R, two 120V 5-20R, 120V TT-30R (RV), 12V DC, two 5V USB
    CO shutoff
    Yes (CO Watchdog)
    Weight
    Not stated
    Noise
    64 dB at quarter load, maker figure
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: A 50 A inlet or a 50 A RV plug.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Honda EU7000iS

    5,500 running watts with a 30 A 120/240 V locking outlet for a transfer switch hookup.

    Running / peak
    5,500 / 7,000 W on gas
    Fuel
    Gasoline
    Outlets
    two 20A 125V GFCI duplex, 30A 125V locking, 30A 125/250V locking
    CO shutoff
    Yes (CO-MINDER)
    Weight
    263.2 lb
    Noise
    52 to 58 dB(A) (1/4 load to rated load), maker figure
    Model
    EU7000iSNAC (50 state)
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: an RV TT-30 plug without an adapter (no TT-30R listed); a 50 A inlet; carrying by hand.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 5,000 W and up inverter generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

06 Portable, open frame

Large portable: 7,000 to 10,000 W

Champion's 5,000 to 7,500 W house essentials plus headroom, and our 50 amp RV list (7,800 running, 9,500 starting).

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  • Westinghouse WGen7500DFc

    7,500 running watts and an L14-30R outlet for essential circuits through a transfer switch.

    Running / peak
    7,500 / 9,500 W on gas
    On propane
    6,750 / 8,550 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    two 120V duplex 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 2 USB
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    202.1 lb
    Noise
    72 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: RV hookup (the maker lists RV Ready: No, and there is no TT-30R); a 50 A inlet.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Westinghouse WGen9500DFc

    Adds a 50 A 14-50R outlet, so it fits a 50 A inlet or a 50 A RV plug.

    Running / peak
    9,500 / 12,500 W on gas
    On propane
    8,500 / 11,200 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120/240V L14-30R, 120/240V 14-50R (50A)
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    221 lb
    Noise
    74 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: whole-house backup when the running load is above 9,500 W; a TT-30 RV plug without an adapter.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 7,000 to 10,000 W portable generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

07 Portable, open frame

Extra-large portable: 10,000 W and up

Essentials plus central air: the essentials list with a 3 ton unit needs 7,200 running and 9,900 starting watts. Near the portable ceiling; pair it with an interlock or transfer switch.

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  • DuroMax XP13000EH

    10,500 running watts with both 30 A and 50 A outlets for a larger home hookup.

    Running / peak
    10,500 / 13,000 W on gas
    On propane
    10,000 / 12,500 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    120V 20A GFCI 5-20, 120V L5-30, 120/240V L14-30, 120/240V 14-50 (50A), 12V DC
    CO shutoff
    Yes, per the maker's spec table
    Weight
    234 lb
    Noise
    74 dB, maker figure
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: carrying by hand (234 lb dry); quiet campgrounds.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Westinghouse WGen14500DFc

    The highest running watts of the portables we checked: 14,500 W on gas, with a 50 A outlet.

    Running / peak
    14,500 / 18,000 W on gas
    On propane
    13,000 / 16,000 W
    Fuel
    Gasoline or propane
    Outlets
    two 120V GFCI 5-20R, 120V 30A L5-30, 120/240V 30A L14-30R, 120/240V 50A 14-50R, 2 USB
    CO shutoff
    Yes
    Weight
    352 lb (from the sister model page and the listing)
    Noise
    as low as 74 dBA, maker figure
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: moving by hand; anyone who needs automatic start in an outage (that is a standby unit).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 10,000 W and up portable generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Dual fuel models make less on propane (Champion: about 10 percent less than gasoline). Each card lists both figures.

08 RV use

For an RV: match the outlet

Cummins: a 30 amp shore cord is 120 V, so 3,600 W at most; a 50 amp cord is 240 V, so 12,000 W. These picks are the ones above with the matching outlet, confirmed on the maker page.

30 amp (TT-30R)

Champion rates its TT-30R at 25 A, so it does not deliver a full 30 A.

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See 30 amp RV generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

50 amp (14-50R)

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See 50 amp RV generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Whether the air conditioner starts depends on its own surge: our 30 amp list needs 5,900 starting watts. Use the RV 30 amp preset or the RV 50 amp preset.

09 Battery power stations

Power stations: quiet, indoors, limited

Consumer Reports says power stations are the only type of generator that can be used indoors safely. It also says they will not run a well pump, and once the battery is empty you need sun or grid power to recharge.

Power station: under 1 kWh

For phones, a router, a laptop and lights. Not for a microwave, space heater or sump pump.

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  • BLUETTI Elite 30 V2

    288 Wh at 9.48 lb for phones, a router, a laptop and lights, with no fumes indoors.

    Capacity
    288 Wh
    AC output
    600 W rated (no surge figure quoted)
    Outlets
    9 outlets in total (AC count not confirmed on the page read)
    Weight
    9.48 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: anything over 600 W running, such as a space heater, microwave or sump pump.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all under 1 kWh power stations on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Power station: 1 to 2 kWh

Enough surge for a typical refrigerator start, indoors, with no fumes.

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  • Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

    1,070 Wh at 23.8 lb, with a 3,000 W surge rating that covers a typical refrigerator start.

    Capacity
    1,070 Wh
    AC output
    1,500 W rated, 3,000 W surge
    Outlets
    three 120V AC, USB-C, USB-A, car outlet
    Weight
    23.8 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads; well pumps; central AC; multi-day outages without recharging.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Anker SOLIX C1000

    Six AC outlets and 1,800 W rated output; grows to 2,112 Wh with the BP1000 battery.

    Capacity
    1,056 Wh
    AC output
    1,800 W rated, 2,400 W surge
    Outlets
    6 AC, 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, car outlet
    Expands
    to 2,112 Wh with the BP1000 battery
    Weight
    28.44 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads; well pumps; central AC.

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See all 1 to 2 kWh power stations on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Power station: 2 to 4 kWh

More watt-hours for 120 V essentials; check the rated output against your running total.

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  • Jackery Explorer 2000 v2

    2,042 Wh with 2,200 W rated output (4,400 W surge) at 39.5 lb.

    Capacity
    2,042 Wh
    AC output
    2,200 W rated, 4,400 W surge
    Outlets
    three 120V AC (18.3A), USB-C, USB-A
    Weight
    39.5 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads; transfer switch hookup (no 30 A outlet listed).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra

    3,072 Wh with a 30 A AC outlet; grows to 11 kWh with extra batteries.

    Capacity
    3,072 Wh
    AC output
    3,600 W rated, 7,200 W surge
    Outlets
    120V AC: four 20A outlets and one 30A outlet
    Expands
    to 11 kWh with two DELTA Pro 3 Extra Batteries
    Weight
    72.1 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: 240 V loads (120 V output listed).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all 2 to 4 kWh power stations on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Power station: expandable, 4 kWh and up

Systems that grow with extra batteries. The class search mixes in smaller units, so check the capacity on each listing.

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  • EcoFlow DELTA Pro

    3,600 Wh that grows to 25 kWh with extra batteries and a second unit.

    Capacity
    3,600 Wh
    AC output
    3,600 W rated (no surge figure quoted)
    Outlets
    AC outlets (US count not confirmed on the page read)
    Expands
    3.6 to 25 kWh with Smart Extra Batteries and a second unit
    Weight
    99 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: buyers who need 240 V from a single unit (not confirmed on the page read).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
  • Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus

    5,040 Wh with 120/240 V output and a 30 A outlet that can feed a transfer switch.

    Capacity
    5,040 Wh
    AC output
    7,200 W rated, 14,400 W surge
    Outlets
    four 120V 20A, one L14-30R/14-50 120/240V 30A
    Expands
    to 60 kWh (2 units plus 10 expansion packs, maker)
    Weight
    134.5 lb
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: carrying by hand (about 134.5 lb); a full 50 A RV draw (the 240 V outlet is rated 30 A).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See all expandable 4 kWh and up power stations on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

10 Home standby

Home standby: explained, not sold

Standby units are permanent installs fed by natural gas or propane and wired through a transfer switch, a job for a licensed installer under local permit rules. We do not pick a model; size with an electrician's load calculation and see whole house sizing.

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11 Hookup and safety gear

Hookup and safety gear

Connecting to house wiring takes a transfer switch or an approved interlock installed by a licensed electrician. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet; the safety rules explain why.

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Manual transfer switches

Feeds chosen circuits from a 30 A generator outlet. An electrician installs it; most places need a permit and an inspection (Generac).

See manual transfer switches on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Interlock kits

A bracket that keeps the main breaker and the generator breaker from being on together. The search shows kits sold by panel brand; match your panel and ask an electrician whether it meets local code.

See interlock kits on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

30 amp generator cords

For generators with an L14-30R outlet feeding a 30 A inlet or switch.

  • Champion 25 ft 30A Generator Cord (100395)

    25 ft of 10 AWG cord, L14-30 plug to L14-30 connector: the cord a 30 A inlet or switch takes.

    What it is
    25 ft, 10 AWG, 30 A, 125/250 V, L14-30 plug to L14-30 connector.
    Listing
    Brand and specs match; confirm the model number on the listing

    Not a fit for: generators with only a 14-50R or TT-30R; 50 A hookups.

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See 30 amp generator cords on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

50 amp generator cords

For 14-50R outlets. The listings are lesser-known brands; check the plug and connector types.

See 50 amp generator cords on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Carbon monoxide alarms

CPSC: battery-operated or battery-backup CO alarms on every level, certified to UL 2034, IAS 6-96 or CSA 6.19.01.

See carbon monoxide alarms on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Generator running covers

Follow your generator's manual on wet weather. CPSC says to run it under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface; Honda and Generac say not to run it in the rain.

  • Westinghouse WGenTent Running Cover

    A running cover for open frame units with an 80 to 107 inch perimeter. A cover does not make wet-weather use safe.

    What it is
    Fits Westinghouse open frame generators up to and including the 11500 Series and the ecoGen10000; universal fit for open frame generators with an 80 to 107 inch perimeter (length x2 plus width x2, excluding wheels); 4.4 lb.
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: enclosed inverters; the WGen14500DFc (above the 11500 Series).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See generator running covers on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Propane hoses

Match the hose to what your generator's manual names; many results are grill and RV hoses.

See propane hoses on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Tri fuel generators

A tri fuel unit runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas. Champion states that output drops by about 10 percent on propane and 10 to 15 percent on natural gas, so size against the fuel you will actually run. We have not verified a specific tri fuel model yet, so this is a class search only: check the rated watts for each fuel on the listing.

See all tri fuel portable generators on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Fuel stabilizer

Gasoline left in a tank between outages goes stale. Follow your generator manual for storage; most makers say to add a stabilizer to fresh fuel or to run the carburetor dry before storing. Class search only.

See fuel stabilizer on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Parallel kits

Kits are brand-specific: two matching inverters only.

  • WEN GNA50i Parallel Kit

    Links two parallel-capable WEN inverters for up to 6,000 W.

    What it is
    Up to 50 A and 6,000 W; one 14-50R 50A 120V and one L5-30R 30A 120V outlet; 7 ft reach.
    Listing
    Same model as the maker page

    Not a fit for: other brands; 240 V output (WEN sells a separate 240V kit, GNA240i, not checked).

    Find it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
See parallel kits on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)

How we choose

We do not test generators. Each model's specs come only from the maker's own page or spec sheet, and its Amazon listing was matched by title, brand and model on October 17, 2026. Where a listing does not show the model number, the card says so. We sort picks by running watts on gasoline, the number the calculator sizes against, and every class has a search link so a sold-out model never leaves you at a dead end. We leave out unbranded listings whose specs we could not check against a maker spec sheet, used and renewed listings, prices, star ratings and badges.

Buying questions

Inverter or open frame generator?

Inverters make cleaner power. Champion says its conventional portables put out about 12 to 20 percent total harmonic distortion (THD) depending on load, and recommends its inverters (under 3 percent) for things like a UPS battery backup, a pellet stove or a high efficiency furnace control board. If you are unsure what a device needs, ask its maker.

Is dual fuel worth it?

It lets you run on propane as well as gasoline, at a cost in output: Champion says propane typically delivers about 10 percent less wattage than gasoline. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv, for example, is rated 5,300 W running on gas and 4,800 W on propane. Size against the propane figure if propane is your plan.

What does a CO shutoff do?

The maker says the engine shuts off when its sensor detects rising carbon monoxide. CPSC says to look for the feature, and Consumer Reports only tests generators that have it. It does not make indoor use safe: WEN says the sensor is not a replacement for indoor, battery-operated CO alarms. Run any fuel generator outside, at least 20 feet from the house.

Why no prices or star ratings?

Prices and ratings go stale within hours and we cannot verify them, so we leave them to the Amazon listing. What we can verify is the maker's spec sheet, which is what every card here shows.

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