The power goes out. Your fridge starts warming up. Your CPAP machine dies. Your phone hits 3%. In that moment, you really wish you had a portable generator.
But this portable generator buying guide exists for exactly that reason. There are gas generators, power stations, inverter generators, dual-fuel, tri-fuel, and a dozen brands all claiming to be the best. It gets confusing fast.
We cut through all of it below. We'll show you exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and which portable generators our customers buy most. As an authorized dealer for EcoFlow, Jackery, Cummins, Pulsar, Briggs & Stratton, and more, we've sold and tested all of these models firsthand.
Last updated: April 2026 | Written by the Mighty Generators expert team | Authorized dealer since 2019 | (706) 701-8552
Why trust Mighty Generators?
We're an authorized dealer for EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, Cummins, Pulsar, Briggs & Stratton, Ford, and Mango Power. We don't just sell these generators - we test them, we stock them, and our team uses them. Got a question before you buy? Call us at (706) 701-8552 - we're available 7 days a week.
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1. Gas Generator or Power Station? Start Here
This is the biggest decision you'll make. Let's keep it simple.
⛽ Choose a Gas Generator if you...
- Need to power a central AC or furnace
- Face outages that last more than 24 hours
- Have a well pump or electric water heater
- Need 7,000+ watts of continuous power
- Want unlimited runtime (just add fuel)
🔋 Choose a Power Station if you...
- Want zero noise and zero fumes
- Plan to use it indoors
- Camp, RV, or travel
- Power phones, laptops, medical devices
- Want to pair it with solar panels
Many homeowners end up owning both - a power station for everyday outages and a gas generator for the big storms. If you can only pick one, answer this: Do you need to run your AC or furnace? If yes, go gas. If no, a power station will probably do the job and make your life a lot quieter.
2. Types of Portable Generators
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators produce clean, stable electricity - the same quality as what comes out of your wall. This matters if you're plugging in a laptop, a TV, or a CPAP machine. They're also quieter and more fuel-efficient than older designs. Most run between 50–65 decibels - about the volume of a normal conversation.
Downside: they cost more. But for most families, the extra cost is worth it.
Conventional Open-Frame Generators
These are the workhorses. Louder (70–90 dB) and heavier, but they put out a lot of power for the price. Good for job sites, construction, or situations where you don't care much about noise. Not the best choice for electronics.
Dual-Fuel and Tri-Fuel Generators
These run on more than one fuel type. A dual-fuel generator takes gas or propane. A tri-fuel generator adds natural gas as a third option. More fuel choices means you're less likely to be stuck without power when gas stations are out. See our dual-fuel generators and tri-fuel generators.
Portable Power Stations
Think of these as giant rechargeable batteries. They charge from a wall outlet, your car, or solar panels. No fuel, no fumes, no noise. Modern units from EcoFlow and Jackery can power a fridge, TV, and lights for a full day or more. Browse our full selection of portable power stations.
3. How Many Watts Do You Need?
Every appliance needs a certain number of watts to run. Add up the watts for everything you want to power at the same time, and that's the size generator you need - plus a 20% safety margin.
There's one catch: many appliances need a surge of extra power to start up. Always check the starting watts (also called peak or surge watts), not just the running watts. Your generator's peak output needs to cover that surge.
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 700W | 2,200W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200W | 3,000W |
| Central AC (3-ton) | 3,800W | 6,000W |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050W | 2,150W |
| Well pump (1 HP) | 1,150W | 4,000W |
| Electric water heater | 4,500W | 4,500W |
| Furnace blower | 800W | 2,400W |
| Microwave | 1,000W | 1,000W |
| Lights (10 × 60W bulbs) | 600W | 600W |
| Phone/laptop charger | 100W | 100W |
| CPAP machine | 400W | 400W |
| TV (50-inch) | 150W | 150W |
Not sure what size you need? Try our free Generator Sizing Calculator or browse our Generator Size Chart.
Quick reference: what can each portable generator size power?
1,000–2,000W
Phone chargers, laptop, LED lights, small TV, CPAP machine, box fan.
3,000–5,000W
All of the above plus a refrigerator, microwave, sump pump, and window AC unit.
5,000–8,000W
Whole-kitchen appliances, well pump, window AC, and most home essentials simultaneously.
8,000–12,000W
Central AC (3-ton), electric water heater, well pump, and full home backup all at once.
4. Fuel Types Explained
⛽ Gasoline
Easy to find. Runs any gas station generator. Degrades after 30 days - use a fuel stabilizer for storage.
🟡 Propane
Stores for years without going bad. Burns cleaner than gas. Requires a propane tank.
🔵 Natural Gas
Connects to your home gas line - never runs out. Best for long outages. Requires professional installation.
☀️ Solar / Battery
Zero fuel cost. Silent. Safe indoors. Charge from solar panels. Best for smaller power needs.
5. Key Features to Look For
- Running watts vs. surge watts - Always check both. The surge number needs to cover your biggest appliance startup.
- Runtime - How long does it run on a full tank at 50% load? Longer is better during multi-day outages.
- CO safety shutoff - This is not optional. Carbon monoxide kills. Get a generator with an automatic CO shutoff.
- Outlets - Do you need a 240V outlet for larger appliances? USB ports for charging devices? Check the panel before you buy.
- Noise level (dBA) - Below 60 dB is very quiet. Above 75 dB is loud enough to bother your neighbors.
- Electric start - Pull-cord starts are fine, but electric start is a lifesaver in cold weather.
- Weight and portability - A 250-lb generator isn't portable without a truck. Check if it has wheels and a handle.
- Inverter technology - Clean power for electronics. Worth it for most home uses.
- Parallel capability - Some inverter generators can be linked together to double your power output.
6. Our Top Picks
These are the portable generators our customers buy most and come back to tell us they love. All are in stock and ship free on orders over $250.
| Model | Type | Watts / Capacity | Fuel | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 | Power Station | 4,000Wh / 4,000W | Solar/AC/DC | $2,299 | Home backup |
| Cummins P11000iTF | Inverter Generator | 11,000W | Gas/Propane/NG | $2,424 | Whole-home |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | Power Station | 2,048Wh / 2,400W | Solar/AC/DC | $1,699 | Mid-range backup |
| Anker SOLIX F1500 | Power Station | 1,536Wh / 1,800W | Solar/AC | $599 | Budget backup |
| Pulsar PGD105TiSCO | Inverter Generator | 10,500W | Gas/Propane/NG | $2,812 | High power |
| Pulsar PGDA70BISCO | Inverter Generator | 7,250W | Gas/Propane | $1,499 | Dual-fuel value |
| Jackery Explorer 300 Plus | Power Station | 293Wh / 300W | Solar/AC | $199 | Camping/travel |
Browse all portable power stations → | Browse all inverter generators →
7. Generator Safety Tips
[WARN] Carbon Monoxide Kills - Read This First
CO is odorless and colorless. You cannot smell or see it. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), portable generators are the leading cause of CO poisoning deaths in the U.S. Always run gas generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, with the exhaust pointing away from the house.
- Keep the generator at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
- Never run a generator inside a garage - even with the door open.
- Install CO detectors on every level of your home.
- Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling.
- Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. Use a transfer switch.
- Store gasoline in an approved container, away from the generator and living areas.
- Run your generator under a canopy or cover - but never in a fully enclosed space.
Looking to power your whole home safely? Learn about whole-home standby generators with automatic transfer switches, or connect with a local installer.
8. Buying Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying too small. Most people underestimate what they want to run. Add up your appliances carefully - then add 20%.
- Ignoring starting watts. Your fridge might only need 700 running watts but 2,200 to start. If your generator can't handle the surge, it'll trip its breaker.
- Skipping the CO shutoff. Any generator without automatic CO protection is a risk not worth taking.
- Buying a non-inverter generator for electronics. The "dirty power" from a conventional generator can damage laptops, TVs, and medical equipment.
- Not testing it before the storm. Run your generator once a month. You don't want to discover it won't start in the middle of a hurricane.
- Storing it with old fuel. Gasoline goes bad in 30 days. Use a fuel stabilizer or drain the tank before storing it for the season.
- No transfer switch. Plugging a generator into a household outlet (backfeeding) can electrocute utility workers and is illegal in most places.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a portable generator and a portable power station?
A portable generator burns fuel (gas, propane, or natural gas) to make electricity. It can run for days as long as you keep adding fuel. A portable power station is a large rechargeable battery. It runs silently, produces no fumes, and is safe to use indoors. The trade-off? It has a set capacity - once the battery is empty, you need to recharge it.
How many watts do I need to power my home during an outage?
For just the basics - fridge, lights, phone charger, and a few fans - plan on 3,000–5,000 watts. Want to run a central AC or electric water heater? You'll need 7,500–11,000 watts. Use our Generator Size Chart to get a number specific to your appliances.
Can I run a generator inside my garage?
No. Never. Even with the garage door open, a generator can fill an enclosed space with carbon monoxide in minutes. CO is odorless and colorless - you won't smell it until it's too late. Always run gas generators at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, with the exhaust pointing away from the house.
What is an inverter generator and do I need one?
A standard generator produces what's called 'dirty power' - small voltage spikes that can fry laptops, TVs, and medical devices. An inverter generator cleans that power up before it reaches your outlets. If you're plugging in anything with a microchip - and most things do - an inverter generator is worth the extra cost.
What does dual-fuel or tri-fuel mean?
A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane. A tri-fuel generator adds natural gas as a third option. More fuel options = more flexibility during a storm. Propane stores for years without going bad, and natural gas comes right from your home line, so you never have to worry about running out.
Do I need a transfer switch to connect a generator to my home?
Yes - if you want to power hardwired appliances like a furnace, well pump, or central AC. A transfer switch safely connects your generator to your home's circuit panel. Without one, you risk backfeeding electricity into the grid, which can injure utility workers. Contact a licensed electrician to have one installed.
How long does a portable power station last?
Most quality power stations (EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker) are rated for 500-3,000 charge cycles before the battery capacity starts to drop. If you charged it every day, that is 1-8 years. For emergency-only use, a good unit should last 10+ years.
What can a 2,000 watt portable generator power?
A 2,000 watt portable generator can run a refrigerator, several LED lights, a phone and laptop charger, a CPAP machine, and a box fan all at the same time. It is not enough for a window AC unit or a well pump. It is a great size for camping, tailgating, or powering the basics during a short outage.
What can a 5,000 watt portable generator power?
A 5,000 watt portable generator can handle a refrigerator, window AC unit, microwave, sump pump, lights, and phone chargers running simultaneously. It covers most home essentials during a power outage. It will not run a central AC system or electric water heater, which need 3,800-4,500 watts each.
Can I run a portable generator in the rain?
Standard portable generators should never run in rain or wet conditions unless covered by a generator-rated canopy or tent specifically designed for outdoor use. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. A waterproof generator tent keeps the unit dry while still allowing exhaust to vent safely. Never run any generator in an enclosed space, tent, or covered porch.
How long will a portable generator run on a tank of gas?
It depends on the generator size and the load you are running. A typical 4,000-5,000 watt portable generator runs 8-10 hours on a full tank at 50% load. Smaller inverter generators are more fuel-efficient and can run 10-14 hours. Larger models (8,000-12,000 watts) may need refueling every 5-8 hours under heavy load. Always keep extra fuel on hand with a stabilizer added.
Ready to Find Your Generator?
Call us at (706) 701-8552 or browse our full selection. We offer free shipping and free returns on all orders over $250 - and our expert team is here 7 days a week to help you choose.
Mighty Generators - Authorized dealer for EcoFlow, Jackery, Anker, Cummins, Pulsar, Briggs & Stratton, Ford, and more. Free shipping & returns on orders over $250.