Fuel type

Some Portable power Generator models run on gasoline, while others run on liquid propane tanks. Deciding which fuel type to use for your portable generator likely depends on your available resources.

If you're in a rural area with no gas station nearby, keeping a propane tank for your portable generator might be your best bet for emergency preparedness. If you do have quick access to gasoline, consider the smallest emergency generator for your home, so that you don't burn more fuel than necessary. If you want both options, there are dual-fuel portable generator models that run on either fuel type.

If you're really looking to be self-sufficient, you could invest in a solar generator that powers through a solar panel or panels. We will note that as far as power goes, however, solar generators don't have as much of a kick as a portable generator that uses gasoline, which is why they aren't included on this list.

Power

You'll want to make sure you choose the best portable generator model for your situation that has enough power output to run everything you need in an emergency. Know your peak power needs. Two terms are important here: starting watts and running watts. 

Also known as "peak watts," starting watts are the highest possible wattage that a generator will produce to get an appliance motor running. A portable generator won't sustain this wattage long-term. Think of it like the amount of power needed to jump-start your fridge.

Running watts are the watts a generator can produce for hours on end while powering appliances. You'll want a portable generator with at least as many running watts as watts used by your household appliances.

To calculate just how much wattage you need, a general rule of thumb is to add up the wattage of all the appliances you want to power and multiply by 1.5. You can also look for the starting watts needed for your most power-hungry appliance and add those to the total to find the running power watts.

This rated watts information will be on a sticker inside your appliance or in the manufacturer's manual. If your appliance doesn't list watts, but lists amps and volts, multiply the two to find the wattage. Whatever the sum of your needed watts is, that will be the minimum running wattage you need your generator to produce. 

For instance, in my home, I would need to power an 864-watt dishwasher, 1,440-watt refrigerator, and 3,600-watt oven. That means my generator must have a power output that produces at least 5,904 running watts.

Price

Of course, price is a factor, and in general, you're going to pay more for more peak power. You can find good generators for $300, or you can spend big for max power and end up with a $2,000 model.

To stay as frugal as possible, limit the number of large appliances you power with a generator. Consider a mini fridge and microwave instead of full-size refrigerators and ovens. If the weather isn't dangerously hot or cold, skip providing a power supply for your heating or cooling system. If all that sounds a bit overwhelming, there are several handy online calculators to help you tally things up. 

ALSO: Key Factors to Ponder When Purchasing a Portable Generator

Portable Generator FAQs

Can a portable generator power a house?

Portable generators vary in size and the amount of power they can provide, but typically portable generators can only back up specific, high-priority appliances like refrigerators, freezers heaters, or air conditioners. Generators that back up the entirety of your home will typically be more expensive and require professional installation. Generators that produce more power are larger, which means more powerful ones get less and less portable.

You can find more information in the article above about this rule of thumb for sizing generators: Add up the wattage of every appliance you want to power and multiply it by 1.5. 

How do I use a portable generator efficiently?

You can approach efficiency in a generator in a few different ways. One is by using an inverter generator. Inverter generators match their output to the current electricity demand, which means they burn less fuel. They typically cost more than standard portable generators but can perform the same tasks.

Another way to approach this issue is to look at solar generators: portable power stations paired with solar panels. Portable power stations are large batteries that can power many smaller devices. Options that can provide whole-home backup are starting to enter the market.

How do I use a portable generator overnight?

To use a portable generator overnight, ensure you have enough fuel to run your generator that long. Some generators won't have the fuel capacity to run for eight hours or more. Also, make sure your generator doesn't run afoul of your local noise ordinances.

Most importantly, ensure that your generator is running far enough away from your house. Generators can emit carbon monoxide in their exhaust. If it gets into your house, the consequences can be deadly. An average of 70 people in the US each year die from carbon monoxide poisoning related to portable generator use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends operating a generator at least 20 feet from your house with the exhaust pointed away. You should never operate a portable generator inside your house.

How do I take care of a portable generator?

You should always follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for your generator, since each may have special considerations, though there are some widely shared maintenance tips.

Regularly change your generator's oil and check the oil before you start it.

Don't let fuel sit in your generator's tank for long periods without adding a fuel stabilizer.

Cover your generator with a tarp or roof when you're not using it.

Start your generator up every month or so and let it run for a few minutes.

Replace dirty air and fuel filters as needed.

READ: Backup Battery or Generator: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Emergency Power Solution