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Generators Comparison - April 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.6Exceptional
2
Best Value
9.4Excellent
3
9.2Excellent
4
9.1Excellent
5
8.9Very Good
6
8.7Very 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
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray
Model
MARBERO Portable Power Station 88Wh Camping Lithium Battery Solar Generator Fast Charging with AC Outlet 120W Peak Power Bank(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Outdoor Emergency RV Van Hunting
Model
WEN 4,750-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start (DF475T)
Model
WEN 5600-Watt Portable Generator, Electric Start, 224cc, Transfer-Switch and RV-Ready with CO Shutdown Sensor (GN5602X)
Model
WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, RV-Ready, Quiet and Lightweight with Fuel Shut Off (56360i)

Brand

Westinghouse
Brand
DuroMax
Brand
MARBERO
Brand
WEN
Brand
WEN
Brand
WEN

Reviews

38,949 reviews
Reviews
20,910 reviews
Reviews
6,282 reviews
Reviews
4,908 reviews
Reviews
24 reviews
Reviews
-

Features

Worth the money

9.4
Worth the money
8.9
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
8.4
Worth the money
8.4
Worth the money
7.9

Movability

9.3
Movability
9.1
Movability
9.9
Movability
9.8
Movability
8.4
Movability
9.4

Maneuverability

9.4
Maneuverability
8.9
Maneuverability
9.3
Maneuverability
8.6
Maneuverability
9.1
Maneuverability
8.6

Noise level

8.6
Noise level
7.9
Noise level
9.3
Noise level
7.6
Noise level
7.4
Noise level
7.0

Tech Specs

Voltage

240 Volts
Voltage
240 Volts
Voltage
110 Volts AC
Voltage
240 Volts
Voltage
120 Volts
Voltage
120 Volts

Wattage

9500 watts
Wattage
10500 watts
Wattage
-
Wattage
4750 watts
Wattage
4500 watts
Wattage
3600 watts

Product Dimensions

27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches
Product Dimensions
30 x 29 x 26 inches
Product Dimensions
-
Product Dimensions
23.2 x 17.5 x 18.5 inches
Product Dimensions
22.44L x 16.93W x 18.5H
Product Dimensions
17.9L x 11.6W x 19.7H

Fuel Type

Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Fuel Type
GASOLINE / PROPANE
Fuel Type
-
Fuel Type
Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Fuel Type
Electric
Fuel Type
Gasoline

Item Weight

211 pounds
Item Weight
234 pounds
Item Weight
-
Item Weight
105.8 pounds
Item Weight
119.7 pounds
Item Weight
46.3 Pounds

Power Source

Gas Powered
Power Source
Dual Fuel
Power Source
-
Power Source
-
Power Source
Gas powered
Power Source
Fuel Powered

Included Components

Oil Bottle, Oil Funnel, Spark Plug Wrench, Remote, Propane Regulator/Hose, Battery Float Charger
Included Components
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
3600 Watt Portable Inverter Generator, RV Ready, Quiet and Lightweight with Fuel Shut Off

Color

CARB Compliant
Color
Blue/Gray
Color
M82 88WH
Color
CARB Compliant
Color
-
Color
-

Engine Type

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

Engine Displacement

457 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
500 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
-
Engine Displacement
224 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
224 Cubic Centimeters
Engine Displacement
-

Output Wattage

-
Output Wattage
13000 Watts
Output Wattage
-
Output Wattage
4750 Watts
Output Wattage
5600 Watts
Output Wattage
3600 Watts

Special Feature

Electric Start, Overload Protection, Automatic Voltage Regulation, Low Oil Shutdown, Muffler, Hour Meter, Dual Fuel, Fuel Gauge
Special Feature
-
Special Feature
-
Special Feature
-
Special Feature
Electric
Special Feature
Portable, Super Quiet, Fully Enclosed Design

Review

-
Review
-
Review
-
Review
-
Review Review
-

Available On

Available On
Available On
Available On
Available On
Available On

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 worth the money
    9.4 Maneuverability
    9.3 movability
    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 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
    • 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
  • 9.4
    2
    DuroMax
    26% Off

    DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray

    9.1 movability
    8.9 worth the money
    8.9 Maneuverability

    Why we love it

    The engine is powerful
    It can run on either propane or gasoline
    It has a lot of wattage and can handle heavy loads
  • 9.2
    3
    MARBERO

    MARBERO Portable Power Station 88Wh Camping Lithium Battery Solar Generator Fast Charging with AC Outlet 120W Peak Power Bank(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Outdoor Emergency RV Van Hunting

    9.9 movability
    9.3 Maneuverability
    9.3 Noise level

    Why we love it

    Portable and compact
    Multi
    output

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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