Portable models also tend to be noisier and produce less power than whole-house models, but they’re also much cheaper to buy and install than a whole-house generator, which is installed permanently.

Portable generators can vary in terms of overall power output (measured in watt-hours (Wh)), from larger 5000-watt versions that can power larger appliances like refrigerators for 8-12 hours to ...

The popular Pulsar 4000-watt generator that's a best seller at both Lowe's and Amazon is an example of that power –- it's a 40-pound portable that runs at 3200 watts but can also be switched to ...

Editors’ Note March 2025: After our latest round of testing, we reviewed our picks of the best portable generators and added the Pulsar 7,250-Watt Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator.

The Ifanze Portable Power Station and Solar Generator currently costs just $130. The regular price of this powerful compact machine is $700, which means you can get your own personal backup ...

5. They Don't Come Cheap The portable power stations we tested cost between $1,500 and $3,500. And our best portable gas generator costs less than the worst portable power station.

If a generator is rated for 1,000 watts and has a 12-hour runtime at 25% load, such as the Yamaha EF1000iS, it could run a device that requires 250 watts of power for up to 12 hours.

The best portable generators, fueled by gas or propane, or even solar power for a battery inverter generator, including our best overall pick, one for $300, and best compact and best duel fuel ...

A portable generator (left) is much less expensive than a permanently installed whole-house model (right), but it's also more difficult to use and maintain. By Allen St. John ...

Portable generators can vary in terms of overall power output (measured in watt-hours (Wh)), from larger 5000-watt versions that can power larger appliances like refrigerators for 8-12 hours to ...