10 Best Portable Generators Rating 2025 in the United States

The Generac 18,000-Watt Portable Generator is a strong choice if you need a powerful, gas-fueled backup for your home or outdoor activities. Its 18,000 running watts and 22,500 starting watts mean it can handle large appliances and tools easily. It runs on gasoline, with a large 14.2-gallon tank providing about 9 hours of use per fill, which is good for extended power needs. Safety is a highlight here, with COsense Technology protecting against dangerous carbon monoxide and a low-oil shutdown feature that helps prevent engine damage. The engine is electronically fuel-injected, which improves efficiency and reliability.

At 427 pounds, this generator is quite heavy, so while it’s called portable, it will require some effort or a transport method to move around. It includes only three power outlets, which might limit how many devices you can plug in simultaneously. The TruePower Technology ensures your sensitive electronics like phones and computers get clean, steady power.

This model is well suited for homeowners or recreational users who need reliable, high power during outages or remote work but may not be ideal if you want something lightweight or very quiet.

The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerful and flexible choice for home backup needs. It offers strong power output with 9500 running watts on gasoline, and respectable wattage on propane and natural gas, making it great if you want options for fuel sources. The 6.6-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of run time, which is solid for keeping essential devices running through outages. Its tri-fuel capability is a standout feature allowing you to switch between gasoline, propane, or natural gas easily depending on availability.

This generator includes a remote electric start with a key fob, which makes it convenient to turn on from a distance. It has multiple outlets including standard household plugs, a transfer switch connection, and an RV-ready outlet, covering a wide range of devices and applications. Safety is well addressed with automatic low oil shutdown, a built-in carbon monoxide sensor, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), and overload protection. These features help protect both the machine and your home environment.

The unit weighs over 217 pounds, so it’s not very easy to move around by one person, which could limit portability. It comes with helpful extras like a battery charger and tool kit, and the 3-year warranty suggests good reliability. If you need a dependable, versatile generator for home emergency power with multiple fuel choices and solid safety features, this model is well suited. However, if you want something lighter or quieter for more casual or frequent transport, you might want to explore smaller or inverter-style generators.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator is designed primarily for larger homes requiring reliable, high-capacity backup power. It delivers impressive wattage—up to 28,000 peak and 20,000 running watts on gasoline, with slightly reduced output on propane and natural gas—making it capable of powering many appliances and even whole-home systems when hardwired by an electrician. Its tri-fuel capability provides flexibility to use gasoline, propane, or natural gas according to availability and convenience. With up to 13 hours of runtime at 25% load on a full tank, it supports extended operation during outages.

Portability is reasonable given its size; the generator features sturdy, never-flat wheels, foldable handles, and a lift bracket, though its 557-pound weight means it still requires effort to move. This unit is suited for users who need powerful backup and value multiple fuel options over a lightweight design. It offers a comprehensive set of outlets, including multiple 120/240V options and standard duplex outlets, all protected by rubber covers, making it versatile for home or jobsite use.

Safety features such as automatic low-oil shutdown, a CO sensor, overload protection, and automatic voltage regulation provide peace of mind, especially when running sensitive electronics that benefit from the low total harmonic distortion this generator provides. Convenience is enhanced by the remote electric start and fuel gauge. While the noise level is typical for such high-output generators and may be loud for some residential areas, and its size and weight limit portability compared to smaller units, this Westinghouse model remains a robust, flexible, and feature-rich choice for home backup or heavy-duty use.