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Generators Comparison - December 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.6Exceptional
2
9.5Excellent
3
9.4Excellent
4
9.2Excellent
5
9.0Excellent
6
8.9Very Good
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Model

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
Model
WEN 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start (DF1100T)
Model
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery, Solar Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Blackout (Solar Panel Optional)
Model
Westinghouse 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CO Sensor
Model
WEN 5600-Watt Portable Generator, Electric Start, 224cc, Transfer-Switch and RV-Ready with CO Shutdown Sensor (GN5602X)
Model
Generac 10,000 Starting Watt Portable Gas Generator - Electric Start - Home Backup or RV Ready - Heavy Duty Frame - Quiet, Long Runtime, Emergency Power - 49-State Compliant

Brand

Westinghouse
Brand
WEN
Brand
Jackery
Brand
Westinghouse
Brand
WEN
Brand
Generac

Reviews

38,949 reviews
Reviews
4,008 reviews
Reviews
10,305 reviews
Reviews
9,672 reviews
Reviews
24 reviews
Reviews
-

Features

Maneuverability

9.4
Maneuverability
9.3
Maneuverability
9.1
Maneuverability
9.1
Maneuverability
9.1
Maneuverability
8.6

Noise level

8.6
Noise level
8.4
Noise level
8.1
Noise level
8.6
Noise level
7.4
Noise level
7.0

Worth the money

9.4
Worth the money
9.6
Worth the money
9.4
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
8.4
Worth the money
7.9

Movability

9.3
Movability
9.3
Movability
9.1
Movability
8.4
Movability
8.4
Movability
7.6

Tech support

8.9
Tech support
7.0
Tech support
7.0
Tech support
9.1
Tech support
8.4
Tech support
8.4

Easy to build

9.4
Easy to build
9.8
Easy to build
9.6
Easy to build
9.9
Easy to build
8.4
Easy to build
9.3

Tech Specs

Wattage

9500 watts
Wattage
11000 watts
Wattage
300 watts
Wattage
4650 watts
Wattage
4500 watts
Wattage
8000 watts

Item Weight

211 pounds
Item Weight
214 pounds
Item Weight
7.1 pounds
Item Weight
100.6 Pounds
Item Weight
119.7 pounds
Item Weight
214 pounds

Power Source

Gas Powered
Power Source
Dual Fuel
Power Source
AC, Car Port, Solar Panel
Power Source
-
Power Source
Gas powered
Power Source
Gas powered

Product Dimensions

27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches
Product Dimensions
27.3 x 20.6 x 21.9 inches
Product Dimensions
9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 inches
Product Dimensions
-
Product Dimensions
22.44L x 16.93W x 18.5H
Product Dimensions
27.2L x 27W x 26.5H

Fuel Type

Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Fuel Type
Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Fuel Type
-
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Type
Electric
Fuel Type
Gasoline

Runtime

12 hours
Runtime
8 hours
Runtime
-
Runtime
14 hours
Runtime
12 hours
Runtime
11 hours

Voltage

240 Volts
Voltage
240 Volts, 120 Volts
Voltage
110 Volts
Voltage
120 Volts
Voltage
120 Volts
Voltage
-

Included Components

Oil Bottle, Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Remote, Propane Regulator/Hose, Battery Float Charger
Included Components
Dual Fuel Generator
Included Components
-
Included Components
-
Included Components
5600 Watt Portable Generator, Electric Start, 224cc, Transfer Switch and RV Ready with CO Shutdown Sensor
Included Components
Generator, Owners Manual

Color

CARB Compliant
Color
Black
Color
-
Color
Gas Powered, CARB Compliant
Color
-
Color
Orange/Black

Engine Type

4 Stroke
Engine Type
4 Stroke
Engine Type
-
Engine Type
4 Stroke
Engine Type
4 Stroke
Engine Type
-

Total Power Outlets

6
Total Power Outlets
4
Total Power Outlets
2
Total Power Outlets
4
Total Power Outlets
-
Total Power Outlets
-

Engine Displacement

457 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
457 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
-
Engine Displacement
212 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
224 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
-

Output Wattage

-
Output Wattage
-
Output Wattage
500 Watts
Output Wattage
-
Output Wattage
5600 Watts
Output Wattage
8000 Watts

Review

-
Review Review
-
Review
-
Review Review
-

Available On

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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.6
    1
    Westinghouse

    Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

    9.4 Maneuverability
    9.4 worth the money
    9.4 Easy to build
    Main highlights
    • 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)
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
  • 9.5
    2
    WEN

    WEN 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start (DF1100T)

    9.8 Easy to build
    9.6 worth the money
    9.3 Maneuverability

    Why we love it

    The machine can run on gasoline or propane
    It can be used with 120V or 240V
    It has an electric start
  • 9.4
    3
    Jackery

    Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery, Solar Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Blackout (Solar Panel Optional)

    9.6 Easy to build
    9.4 worth the money
    9.1 Maneuverability

    Why we love it

    The power station can recharge in only 2 hours.
    The station provides stable and safe power.
    The station is lightweight and portable.

Generators Buyer's Guide

Written by Dan Gibson

Introduction

Generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is commonly used as an emergency power source for homes, businesses and recreational activities. Generators come in many different shapes, sizes and capacities. Choosing the right generator for your needs requires some knowledge about the different types of generators and their features and benefits. This guide will provide an overview of the different types of generators and their features in order to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a generator.

Types of Generators

There are various types of generators available in the market today. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from portable generators, standby generators, inverter generators and commercial generators. Portable generators are the most common type of generator and are often used in camping and recreational activities. Standby generators are permanently mounted on a concrete slab and used for back-up power for homes or businesses. They are intended for extended use and are more expensive than portable generators. Inverter generators are lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for camping and recreational activities. Commercial generators are the largest and most powerful of the group and are often used for industrial purposes.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are the most popular type of generator and are used for a wide variety of applications. They are designed to be easily transported and are often used for camping, tailgating and recreational activities. Portable generators are available in a variety of sizes and power capacities, and are the most affordable option. They are usually powered by gasoline or diesel and are relatively noisy when in use.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are permanently mounted on a concrete slab and used for back-up power for homes or businesses. They are designed to be used for extended periods and are more expensive than portable generators. Standby generators are usually powered by natural gas or propane and are relatively quiet when running. Standby generators require professional installation and regular maintenance.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are lightweight and quiet, making them ideal for camping, recreational activities, and home use. They are powered by gasoline or diesel and are designed to provide clean, efficient power. Inverter generators are more expensive than portable generators, but are often quieter and more fuel-efficient.

Commercial Generators

Commercial generators are the largest and most powerful of the generator types and are often used for industrial purposes. They are usually powered by natural gas or diesel and require professional installation. Commercial generators are the most expensive option and are designed to provide a reliable source of power for extended periods of time.

Our ranking system

At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.

Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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