Best Portable Generators for Jobsites and Emergency Power

When hurricane season rolls around, we get a ton of questions about the best portable generator for emergency power. Even as hurricane season begins to wind down, winter storm season warms up. Plus, professional contractors use portable generators for temporary power 365 days a year. The reality is that, somewhere, every season is generator season.

We pulled our team of experts together, including contractors, outdoorsmen, and hurricane veterans, to pool our knowledge and determine what you need… and what you don’t.

• Best 2000-watt: Champion 2500W Inverter 201490
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• Best 3000-watt: Ryobi 4000W Inverter RYi4000
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• Best 4000-watt: DuroMax 5500W Dual Fuel XP5500HX
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• Best 5000-watt: Westinghouse 6600W WGen5300sc
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• Best 7000-watt: Champion 9000W Tri-Fuel Inverter 201176
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• Best 10,000-watt: Generac 12,500W Tri-Fuel EFI GP9500E
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• Best 12,000-watt or More: Generac 22,500W GP18000EFI 
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Curious about battery power? Check out our best solar generator recommendations, and explore whether solar is the right option for you!

Looking for Something Specific? Jump to These Sections!

• How We Made Our Picks
• Terms to Know About Portable Generators
• What to Look For When You’re Shopping
• Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

A Quick Note About How We Made Our Selections

Typically, we recommend the highest performance and highest quality products you can buy. However, we notice that both professional contractors and homeowners consistently value more affordable generator prices over performance and quality alone. So, in this guide, we’re also focusing on the best balance of performance, quality, and value.

That said, if you have a higher budget and want the best quality, buy a Honda generator, or at least a model with a Honda engine. Honda’s small engines have a legendary reputation for long-term reliability and performance, whether you’re talking lawn mowers, dirt bikes, or, in this case, generators.

Need some tips for maintaining your generator?

Best 2000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Two 120V/20A (5-20R) and one 12V/8A automotive.
• Inverter Design: THD under 3% is compatible with sensitive electronics.
• CO Shield: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Parallel Capable: Connect a second generator to increase your power output.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.

2000-watt portable generators are great for people who want to run just one appliance, one power tool, or several low-draw devices and value high portability with a small storage footprint. In this class, the Champion 201490 is my choice as the best.

For starters, I like that you get a little more power than other generators in the 2000W class. With 1850 running watts, you have more wiggle room if you’re running a 15-amp device or multiple items that push close to the limits of a standard 120V outlet.

Since this model is built around inverter technology, it also has a low THD that can run sensitive electronic devices without harming them. Impressively low operating noise, a compact footprint, a lightweight design, and an affordable price tag wrap up the highlights. Even though the outlets aren’t GFCI and there are no USB ports, what you get for the price is better than stepping up to a more expensive model.

If you’re looking for a dual fuel option, grab the Champion 201183. It’s effectively the same design and can run 34 hours on a 20-pound propane tank for $599.

Best 3000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Four 120V/20A (5-20R) and one 120V/30A RV (TT-30R),
• Inverter Design: Low THD is compatible with sensitive electronics.
• CO Detect: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

Stepping up to the 3000-watt class, the extra power offers the ability to run an appliance plus a few low-draw items, or a couple of medium-draw items like a microwave and coffeemaker. It’s a popular size for small RVs, however, the lack of a wheel kit makes them a bit heavier to carry for emergency power. It’s also doesn’t quite have enough power to run two 15-amp power tools, though you could run something like your circular saw and sander side-by-side.

In this class, I’d go with Ryobi’s RYi4000 as the best in a close race with Champion’s 100809. Ryobi has a stronger engine, giving it the ability to support a full 30 amps on its RV-ready outlet and better overall power output. The wheel kit and folding handle make it easier to roll its open frame design.

If you can get by with right at 3000 running watts, Champion’s design is more feature-rich, including parallel capability. Its smaller engine is also more fuel efficient, though Ryobi’s is excellent in its own right. The other thing you’ll want to consider is that Champion’s design doesn’t have a wheel kit. Even though its light for its class, you’ll need to be able to lift north of 60 pounds if it’s fully loaded with oil and fuel.

Best 4000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Two 120V/20A (5-20R), one 120V/240V (L14-30R), and two USB-A.
• Dual Fuel: Run using gasoline or liquid propane.
• Electric Start: Crank up the engine with the push of a button.
• CO Alert: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

At 4000 watts, you’re getting into a much more capable portable generator class. It has the ability to run two high-draw 120V items, a high-draw 240V item, or a good mix of products. With its manageable weight, a wheel kit that’s typically included, and fuel efficient engine size, this is a popular class for contractors, RVers, and emergency power supply for homeowners. In fact, this is the size I got for my parents to have on hand during hurricane season.

I really like the versatility of what DuroMax’s XP5500HX has to offer. It starts with dual fuel (gas and propane) capability and its 120V/240V plug is home backup-ready for those of you who want to plug directly into a transfer switch on your panel. Plus, there’s an RV-focused MX2 switch and GFCI-protected standard 120V outlets. The icing on the cake is that this model has an electric start.

While it’s not the cheapest, and it’s not putting out the pure sine wave power of an inverter, it hits a wider range of needs than most models in the 4000-watt class.

Best 5000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Two 120V/20A (5-20R), one 120V/240V/30A (L14-30R), and one 120V/30A (TT-30R).
• Electric Start: Crank up the engine with the push of a button.
• CO Sensor: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

5000-watt portable generators offer a bump in power with a little more weight and a little less fuel efficiency. The fact that it’s less likely to trip when you’re running multiple appliances or tools with high startup surge makes this class the best all-around for jobsites and emergency power, though it might be a bit too big for RVing.

That makes this one of the most competitive classes with several quality choices. In the end, the affordable price and high value of Westinghouse’s WGen5300sc make it the best in my book. The power level is solid and it’s ready for everything with standard, RV, and home backup connections already on board. Its biggest downside is that it’s THD is too high to run electronics.

If you’re looking for more or fewer features, this is actually a broad line. This model features a CO sensor and electric start, but there are more options:

• WGen5300v: Base model
• WGen5300s: Electric start
• WGen5300: Remote electric start
• WGen5300cv: CO sensor
• WGen5300c: CO sensor and remote electric start
• WGen5300DFv: Dual fuel
• WGen5300DF: Dual fuel and remote electric start (no wheel kit)
• WGen5300DFcv: Dual fuel and CO sensor
• WGen5300DFc: Dual fuel, CO sensor, and remote electric start (no wheel kit)

If you need the electronics-friendly “clean” power of an inverter, you’re not out of luck, but you will need a little higher budget. Ryobi has an excellent inverter in this power class that’s just under $1000.

Best 7000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Four 120V/20A (5-20R), one 120V/240V/30A (L14-50R), and one 120V/240V/30A (L14-30R).
• Tri Fuel: Run using gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas.
• Inverter Design: Low THD is compatible with sensitive electronics.
• Electric Start: Crank up the engine with the push of a button.
• CO Shield: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

When you step into the 7000-watt portable generator class, portability starts to become a legitimate issue, and this is typically larger than most contractors want to deal with. The size and weight are also more than most RVers are willing to tolerate.

However, this is the first class that is worth plugging directly into your breaker if you have an electrician install a transfer switch. It’s not going to run the entire house, so you’ll need to only turn on those breakers for the items you need and flip the rest off. If you want to run your central AC unit and the refrigerator, this class can typically do it.

This is the class that I keep for emergency power at my home, and I use Ryobi’s 6500-watt model that you can pick up at Home Depot for $849. I don’t have any major complaints, but for about $150 more, you can get a more versatile design from Champion.

It starts with more available power and adds inverter technology to take care of your electronics. It’s also a tri-fuel design, which is great if you have a natural gas supply you can tap into. Electric starting and connectors for both L14-50R and L14-30R are icing on the cake. Keep in mind you’ll only get 30A through the 50A connector on this model, though.

Best 10,000-watt Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Two 120V/20A (5-20R), one 120V/240V/40A (14-50R), and one 120V/240V/30A (L14-30R).
• Tri Fuel: Run using gasoline, liquid propane, or natural gas.
• Electric Start: Crank up the engine with the push of a button.
• Electronic Fuel Injection: EFI offers easier starting, better fuel efficiency, more consistent power, and less maintenance.
• COsensor: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

If you have the storage space and muscle to wheel it around, a 10,000-watt portable generator is the class I’d recommend for those of you who want to connect to the house through a transfer switch. This size can typically run a central AC unit, the refrigerator, and some convenience items like your modem and router, TV, and lights. If you pick your battles, the stove and microwave are also in play.

Aside from the weight, the other downside is that this class consumes quite a bit more fuel, so you’ll need to keep that in mind. While 25 gallons might last 4 days with a 5000-watt portable generator, you might only get a day and a half or two days out of a 10,000-watt model.

For my money, Generac’s GP9500E is the best. While you can find most of the basic features with other quality brands, it’s the tri-fuel design and EFI-enabled engine that are the big highlights for me. While EFI is beneficial on any class of generator, the added fuel efficiency and consistent power output make a bigger difference with these more powerful engines.

One other thing that kicks Generac into the win column for me is their deep knowledge in whole-home generator design. It’s one thing to put together a small engine and the electronics required to produce power equivalent to a single 120V outlet. It’s another to produce legitimately high power output, and my confidence is in the brand that makes some of the best high-voltage generators on the planet.

Best 12,000-watt and Up Portable Generator

Highlighted Features:

• Outlets: Four 120V/20A (5-20R), one 120V/240V/50A (14-50R), one 120V/240V/30A (L14-30R), and one 120V/30A (L5-30R).
• Electric Start: Crank up the engine with the push of a button.
• Electronic Fuel Injection: EFI offers easier starting, better fuel efficiency, more consistent power, and less maintenance.
• TDH Under 5%: Low THD is compatible with sensitive electronics.
• COsensor: Automatically shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide levels are too high.
• Low Oil Shutoff: Protects the engine by shutting off or not starting if the oil level is too low.
• Folding Handle: Makes rolling easier while minimizing the storage footprint.

At 12,000+ watts, you’re getting into a range that can power an entire house. However, that depends on the size of the house. While whole home generators usually start at 12,000 watts, some large homes may need more than 25,000 watts or more to power everything.

This class of generators pushes the limits of what it means to be portable. They’re heavy enough that wheels can sink into the grass if you roll them across the yard, and you need a forklift to put them in the back of a truck. Moreover, they’re fuel hogs, requiring much more gas on hand to run than other classes.

My recommendation is that if you’re looking at this class, seriously consider going with a permanent whole-home generator install. They’re far more convenient and easier to maintain.

That said, if you really want a portable generator in this class, the Generac GP18000EFI is the best. It’s essentially a scaled-up version of the GO9500E EFI with a larger engine and more outlet options but missing the propane and natural gas fuel options.

Be warned, though, this is a beast of a portable generator. We use it as emergency power for a large home and to power our entire office in the event of a multi-day outage. If the panel you’re tying into isn’t close to concrete, you may want to pour a pad to make life easier on yourself when the time to use it comes.

Terms to Know About Portable Generators

Portable Generator: A generator designed to move around for contractors, camping/RVing, or temporary power. Some are small enough to carry while others may have wheel kits or are bolted to vehicles.

Watts: A measure of power calculated by multiplying voltage and current (volts x amps = watts).

Load: Often measured as a percentage, this is typically used to help describe a generator’s fuel efficiency. For example, a 5000-watt generator with a runtime of 14 hours at 25% load means that a full gas tank lasts 14 hours if the average load is 1250 watts.

Start-up Surge: Most AC-powered devices like appliances and power tools require a brief surge of power that’s higher than the motor’s stated amp rating. This is called a start-up surge.

Running Watts: The amount of power a generator can reliably sustain at a 100% load.

Starting Watts: The highest amount of power a generator can deliver momentarily to handle start-up surge.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): Displayed as a percentage, this is a measurement of how much variance there is from a perfectly consistent wave. For example, a generator with a THD of 10% will deliver 1800W –2200W when the load is asking for 2000W.

Low THD: A low THD generator can have 5% THD or lower and is appropriate if you’re supplying power to most electronic devices. It’s not universal, though. Some electronics call for a THD of 3% or less, and some highly sensitive machines are looking for 2% or less.

What to Look for When You’re Shopping for a Portable Generator

Total Power Requirement

The most important thing is to buy a portable generator that has enough power for the items you’re planning to run. You’ll need to consider the total of their starting and running watts and make sure your generator can handle them both.

Want more details? Check out our guide: What Size Generator Do I Need?

Fuel Options

Most portable generators run on gas, but you can get models that run on gas or liquid propane (dual fuel) or gas, liquid propane, or natural gas (tri-fuel). If you have access to a large supply of propane or a natural gas line, they can be great alternatives to filling all your gas cans.

Plus, dual-fuel and tri-fuel capability has a relatively low upgrade cost compared to gas-only models. Note that the power output using propane or natural gas is usually lower, though.

There are also a handful of diesel models running around. They’re expensive, but if you need long-term power, they’re tough to beat.

Outlets

How you use your generator has a direct effect on which outlets you need. If you’re like me and just running a couple of extension cords, just about every portable generator has at least two 120V outlets.

However, if you’re tying into your panel through a transfer switch, RVing, or have commercial power needs, you’ll need some specialty outlets.

Running Electronics

If you’re going to run electronics, you need a total harmonic distortion of 5% or less. In most cases, you’ll have to buy an inverter generator rather than the cheapest portable generator you can find.

My generator is above that threshold, so I use a lithium power station to run low-draw electronics like my modem and router. It produces no emissions, so I can put it anywhere in the house, and it has several USB ports to make device charging easier.

Electric Starting

There’s no question that push-button electric starting beats pulling a cord every time. However, you need to make sure your battery is fully charged, or it doesn’t do you much good.

Most electric start models use a small lead-acid battery that needs to be maintained with occasional charging to keep it ready. Some brands are beginning to introduce power tool batteries for their starting power, which is much more convenient since lithium doesn’t naturally discharge at the same rate and it can power other products you use regularly.

Runtime and Fuel Efficiency

Most portable generators list a runtime between 8 and 14 hours, but those numbers don’t tell the entire story. Load and tank size come into play.

Let’s say you have a 6000-watt generator with a stated runtime of 12 hours at 25% load and has a 5-gallon gas tank. That means that if you only draw 1500 watts, it uses 5 gallons of gas every 12 hours. That’s pretty good, but what if you need more power?

At 50% load (3000 watts), that same generator now goes through a tank of gas in 7 hours. If you’re running close to the limit of 6000 watts, the tank only lasts 3.5 hours.

The point is that every generator requires more fuel as it produces more power. You need to take that into consideration as you balance how much power you need with how much fuel you can keep on hand and how long you need it to last.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

One upgrade worth considering is a generator with electronic fuel injection. This technology has many benefits, including better fuel efficiency, more consistent power, and lower maintenance. If you’re looking for a non-inverter generator that has low THD, it’s most likely going to be an EFI model.

Noise Level

If you’re trying to keep the noise to a minimum, a fully enclosed inverter can be legitimately quiet. From 25 feet away, some of the best barely sound like they’re running.

From there, an open frame inverter is the next best bet, followed by an open frame generator.

Keep in mind that the larger the engine, the louder it’s going to be.

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