Imagine the lights flicker, the refrigerator stops humming, and suddenly, your entire home goes silent. That sudden darkness during a power outage can feel isolating and frustrating. We all rely on electricity for so much—keeping food fresh, staying warm or cool, and even working from home. When the grid fails, life grinds to a halt.
Choosing a portable whole house generator sounds like the perfect solution, but the sheer number of models, confusing wattage numbers, and varying fuel types can quickly become overwhelming. Do you need propane or gasoline? How much power is truly enough to run everything? These questions often lead to confusion, and nobody wants to buy a machine that can’t handle their needs when the next storm hits.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what you need to know to select a portable whole house generator that fits your budget and powers your life reliably. By the end of this post, you will understand the key features and confidently pick the best option for your family’s peace of mind.
Top Portable Whole House Generator Recommendations
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- Switch between gasoline (14500 surge watts, 11500 running watts), propane (12500 surge watts, 10300 running watts), and natural gas (10500 surge watts, 8750 running watts) with a simple turn of the selection dial
- Operates at 120V and 240V, making it perfect for transfer switches and emergency backup
- The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected
- Electric start powers the 500c 4-stroke OHV engine with the turn of a key, while the 8.2-gallon tank provides up to 12 hours of half-load runtime
- Includes four 120V 5-20R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA L14-30R outlet, a 120V/240V transfer-switch-ready NEMA 14-50R outlet, a 12V DC automotive outlet, a bottle of oil, a 6-foot LPG connection hose, an NG quick-connect adapter, and a three-year limited warranty
- Perfect as a backup power source for larger homes or a dependable source of portable power
- 14,500 peak watts, 11,500 running watts (gasoline); 13,500 peak watts, 10,500 running watts (propane); 12,000 peak watts, 9,500 running watts (natural gas)
- Powered by a heavy duty 550cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed with a durable cast iron sleeve; Runs for up to 19 hours on a 9.5 gal. fuel tank with built-in fuel gauge; up to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank
- Engineered with low THD, so it's safe for sensitive electronics. Power phones, computers, TVs and more. Stay connected with people, news and entertainment during power outages, or on jobsites and campsites. Durable copper windings help your generator produce cleaner power, run cooler and last longer
- All Westinghouse portable generators are gunctionally tested in the factory and may contain minimum residual oil and/or fuel odor; EPA compliant; Backed by 3-Year limited service, labor, and parts coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- With 13,000 watts of power, the XP13000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage
- DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home
- At the core of all our products resides a robust DuroMax engine. Designed for Power. Designed to Last
- The XP13000EH comes with a push button start, a front facing interface that allows you to change your fuel type in seconds, and a wide variety of outlets (including a transfer switch-ready 50 amp outlet)
- Constructed with a heavy-duty all metal frame and power panel - No plastic parts
- 13500 Peak Watts, 10500 Running Watts (Gasoline); 12500 Peak Watts, 9500 Running Watts (Propane); 10000 Peak Watts, 8500 Running Watts (Natural Gas); Remote Start with Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 19 Hours of Run Time on a 9.5 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- 28,000 Peak Watts and 20,000 Running Watts; Easy-Access Start Panel with Remote Start Key Fob, Push-Button Electric Start, Engine Shut Off, and Battery Charging Port; Up to 17 Hours of Run Time at 25% load on a 17 Gallon Fuel Tank with Fuel Gauge
- Featuring Four GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Outlets, Two 50A 120/240V 14-50R Outlets, Two 30A 120/240V L14-30R Outlets, One 30A 120V L5-30R Outlet, and ST Switch Outlet; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 999cc Westinghouse V-Twin OHV Engine With a Cast Iron Sleeve, Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Idle Control
- Engineered with Low THD, So It's Safe for Sensitive Electronics. Power Phones, Computers, TVs and More. Stay Connected with People, News and Entertainment During Power Outages, or on Jobsites and Campsites. Durable Copper Windings Help Your Generator Produce Cleaner Power, Run Cooler and Last Longer
- Plug-and-Play: Oil, Funnel, Setup Guide, and Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box; Digital Readout Displays Lifetime Run Hours, Volts, and Frequency; Comes with Reinforced Steel Handles with Quick-Release Pins
- 13,000 Watts of Reliable Power for Home Power Backup – Keep your home, job site, or RV powered during storms and outages with dual fuel capability and a heavy-duty build.
- Dual Fuel Technology – Gasoline or Propane – Choose between gasoline for maximum power or propane for longer run times and cleaner emissions, ensuring fuel flexibility in any emergency.
- CO Alert for Enhanced Safety – Advanced carbon monoxide detection automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous levels are detected, protecting your family from harmful fumes.
- Push-Button Electric Start & Intuitive Control Panel – Easily start your generator with the push of a button, and quickly switch fuel types using the front-facing fuel selector.
- Transfer Switch-Ready with 50-Amp Outlet – Power your entire home by connecting directly to a transfer switch, thanks to the 50A heavy-duty outlet.
Your Essential Guide to Buying a Portable Whole House Generator
Power outages happen. They can be inconvenient, or even dangerous. A portable whole house generator can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your family safe. Choosing the right one involves looking at a few key things. This guide breaks it down simply.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. They decide how well the generator works for your home.
Power Output (Wattage)
- Starting Watts (Surge): This is the big burst of power needed to start big appliances like your AC unit or well pump. Make sure this number is high enough.
- Running Watts (Rated): This is the continuous power the generator puts out once everything is running smoothly. This needs to cover all the things you plan to run at the same time.
Fuel Type
Generators run on different fuels. Think about what is easiest for you to store and access.
- Gasoline: Easy to find, but it doesn’t store well for long periods.
- Propane (LPG): Stores almost forever. You can keep large tanks ready.
- Dual/Tri-Fuel: These are great! They let you switch between gasoline, propane, and sometimes natural gas. This offers flexibility during long outages.
Runtime and Fuel Tank Size
How long can the generator run before you need to refuel? A bigger fuel tank means longer runtime. Check the fuel consumption rate at 50% load.
Starting Mechanism
Most units have an electric start (push-button). This is much easier than a pull cord, especially for older users or when you are tired.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The quality of the materials directly affects how long your generator lasts. Good construction means reliability when you need it most.
Engine Quality
Look for engines made by reputable brands. Better engines often run cooler and last longer. Copper windings in the alternator are better than aluminum windings because they handle heat better and provide more consistent power.
Frame and Durability
The frame should be sturdy steel. It needs to protect the engine from weather and bumps during transport. Look for powder-coated finishes to prevent rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one generator better than another? It often comes down to small details.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB)
This is a huge factor for user experience. Generators are loud. Look for models labeled as “inverter” generators or those with good sound dampening enclosures. Lower dB ratings (under 65 dB) are much quieter and neighbor-friendly.
Safety Features
Quality units include essential safety features. These protect both the machine and your home electronics.
- Low-Oil Shutoff: This stops the engine if the oil gets too low, preventing major damage.
- Circuit Breakers: These protect your appliances from electrical overload.
- CO (Carbon Monoxide) Sensor: Modern, safer generators include automatic shutoff if dangerous CO levels build up outside.
Portability and Mobility
Whole house portable generators are heavy. Good models come with a durable wheel kit and handle kit. This makes moving the unit from storage to its operating spot much easier.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use this machine? Think about your home setup.
Transfer Switch Requirement
To safely power your whole house, you must connect the generator using a manual transfer switch installed by an electrician. This prevents “backfeeding” electricity onto utility lines, which is dangerous for repair crews.
Ease of Maintenance
Can you easily reach the oil drain plug and the air filter? Simple access for routine maintenance keeps the generator running well for years. Read reviews about how easy it is to change the oil.
Typical Use Cases
- Extended Outages: Running essential circuits (furnace, water heater, refrigerator, lights) for days.
- Construction Sites: Providing temporary power where grid access is unavailable.
- Recreational Use (Large Scale): Powering RVs or outdoor events that require significant power draw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Portable Whole House Generators
Q: How many watts do I need to run my whole house?
A: Most average homes need between 5,000 and 10,000 running watts for essentials like the fridge, lights, and a small AC unit. If you want to run central air conditioning and a well pump simultaneously, you might need 12,000 watts or more. Always add up the starting watts of your largest items.
Q: Can I just plug the generator into a regular wall outlet?
A: No, you must never do this. Plugging directly into a wall outlet is called “backfeeding.” It is illegal and extremely dangerous. A licensed electrician must install a manual transfer switch.
Q: Are these generators quiet?
A: Portable whole house generators are generally loud, often sounding like a loud lawnmower. Quiet models exist, usually enclosed inverter types, but they usually cost more and may not produce the sheer wattage required for a whole house.
Q: How do I store gasoline safely for long emergencies?
A: Use a high-quality fuel stabilizer in your gasoline. Store the fuel in approved, sealed containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Propane stores much better long-term.
Q: What is the difference between a portable and a standby generator?
A: A portable generator is manually moved and connected via a transfer switch when needed. A standby generator is permanently installed outside your home and automatically turns on when the power goes out.
Q: Do I need a transfer switch for a small portable generator?
A: If you only plan to run one or two extension cords into the house (for a few lamps and the fridge), you might use a “generator inlet box” instead of a full transfer switch. However, for whole-house coverage, a transfer switch is mandatory.
Q: How often should I run my generator if I am not using it?
A: You should run your generator for about 20 to 30 minutes every month. This keeps the engine lubricated, charges the battery (if it has an electric start), and ensures the fuel system stays clear.
Q: Will running my air conditioner drain the fuel too fast?
A: Yes, air conditioners use a lot of power, especially when starting up (surge watts). If you run a large AC unit, you will need a generator with high surge capacity and expect shorter runtimes between refueling.
Q: What kind of oil should I use?
A: Most manufacturers recommend standard SAE 10W-30 oil for general temperatures. Always check the owner’s manual for the exact type and capacity required for your specific engine model.
Q: Can I use an extension cord to power my whole house?
A: No. Extension cords are only safe for running a few small items temporarily. For whole-house power, you must use the appropriate heavy-duty wiring connected through a transfer switch.