The 10 Best Whole House Portable Generator Of 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best whole house portable generator
Best whole house portable generator

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator

This generator offers a range of features, including a remote start with an included key fob, up to 12 hours of run time on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, and all outlets have rubber covers for added safety. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: DuroMax XP12000EH Generator

This generator has dual-fuel technology, a powerful DuroMax engine, and an MX2 power boost system. Whether you need to power your home during a power outage or want to take it on your next camping trip, this generator has you covered. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: Westinghouse 9500 Watt Generator

The Westinghouse 9500 Watt Generator is reliable and powerful to prepare your home for emergencies. It also has a push-button electric start and a wireless remote key fob for easy ignition. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: WEN GN4500 Portable Generator

Keep the lights on with the WEN 4500-Watt Portable Generator, which offers a powerful 212cc OHV 4-stroke engine and a spacious fuel tank that provides up to 13 hours of half-load runtime. Read Review

5. Best Reliable: WEN DF1100T Portable Generator

With the WEN DF1100T Portable Generator, you'll have the power to keep your essential devices running in any situation. This portable generator offers dual fuel capability, allowing you to create power from two sources. Read Review

Do you have a big family? Do you live in an anonymous apartment with no backyard? Do you have friends and relatives who aren’t aware of your secret generator behind their backs? If so, congratulations! You can buy a powerful genie named “Generator” that will rescue you when the electricity goes out.

Get ready to buy this whole house portable generator because everyone else is doing it already! Whole house generators are electric machines that power entire houses at once. These machines are usually built into sturdy steel enclosures, making them almost impossible to steal or damage accidentally. In other words, a whole-house generator is the perfect security system for any property. 

We think the best whole house portable generator of the 2024 is Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator. With 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts (gasoline) or 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts (propane), this generator can power your home in the event of a power outage or provide power for your RV or other outdoor activities. However, to give the reader a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator if you want to purchase another appealing one. Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator
Our Score:
9.8
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator is an excellent generator that offers power and versatility. With 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts (gasoline) or 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts (propane), this generator can power your home in the event of a power outage or provide power for your RV or other outdoor activities. The remote start includes a key fob, and electric and recoil start to make it easy to get started quickly, and the generator can run for up to 12 hours on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, so you won't have to refuel frequently.

The generator also features two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household receptacles, one transfer switch-ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R, giving you plenty of options for powering your devices. All outlets have rubber covers for added safety. The generator is 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. The VFT display gives you real-time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours.

One minor downside to the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Generator is that it may contain minimum residual oil or fuel odor, which may be convenient for some users. However, all Westinghouse Portable Generators are functionally tested in the factory, and the generator is EPA and CARB-compliant, so you don't have to worry about it.

TOP Choice #2 DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
Our Score:
9.6
DuroMax

The DuroMax XP12000EH Generator is robust and adaptable and can deal with virtually any challenge you present. This device has a starting capacity of 12,000 watts and a running capacity of 9,500 watts, allowing it to power various appliances, including lights, refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools. In addition, because it can operate on propane and gasoline, you can select which fuel source to use.

This product has a powerful 457cc OHV engine that provides plenty of power and reliability, so you can be confident that your generator will keep running when needed. Plus, with the MX2 power boost system, you can get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. However, it can be a bit noisy, especially when running at full power. Overall, the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator is an excellent option for those needing a reliable and powerful generator that can run on propane and gasoline. 

TOP Choice #3 Westinghouse 9500 Watt Generator
Our Score:
9.4
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

If you're looking for a generator that can handle heavy loads and provide reliable power, the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is an excellent choice. Its 9500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts can power anything from your home's essential appliances to high-power tools. And with up to 11 hours of runtime on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, you won't have to worry about running out of power anytime soon.

The push-button electric start and wireless remote key fob make starting it up a snap, and the built-in fuel gauge and digital hour meter make monitoring your fuel usage, and maintenance needs simple. Plus, with features like automatic low oil shutdown and GFCI household outlets for added protection, you can use this generator with peace of mind.

Although this product is a bit heavy, it has wheels so you can move it quickly. Overall, if you're in the market for a robust, reliable, and easy-to-use generator, the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a great choice. With its impressive features and long-lasting performance, you can easily weather any storm or outage.

4 WEN GN4500 Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.2
WEN

The WEN GN4500 Portable Generator is a reliable power source for emergencies or recreational use. With a powerful 212cc OHV 4-stroke engine, this generator generates up to 4500 surges and 3600 running watts of reliable power. The digital data meter displays the voltage, frequency, session runtime, and total runtime, making it easier to schedule routine maintenance and monitor the generator’s output. The spacious fuel tank holds up to 4 gallons of gasoline, providing up to 13 hours of half-load runtime.

This product is easy to use and transport, with a compatible WEN GNA410 Wheel and Handle Kit. However, the handle kit is not included, and you will need to purchase it separately to use it. Because it has one 120V 30A RV outlet, one 120V three-prong transfer-switch-ready 30A outlet, and four standard household duplex outlets with 120V and 20A capacity each, the generator can accommodate a variety of power requirements thanks to its adaptability.

5 WEN DF1100T Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.1
WEN

The WEN DF1100T Portable Generator is a high-powered machine that provides a reliable source of electricity in any situation. Whether you're dealing with a power outage or need to provide power at a remote job site, this generator has you covered. One of the critical features of this generator is its dual-fuel capability. You can use gasoline or propane to power the generator, so you'll always have a backup fuel source if one runs out.

This generator has a powerful 457cc OHV engine that produces up to 11,000 surge watts and 8,300 running watts when running on gasoline, and 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 running watts when running on propane. You can connect various appliances, tools, and electronic devices to the generator without worrying about overloading the system. On the other hand, the WEN DF1100T generator has a relatively small gasoline tank compared to some other generators.

6 A-iPower SUA12000E Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.9
A-iPower

The A-iPower SUA12000E Portable Generator is an impressive machine that produces 12,000 starting and 9,000 running watts, making it an ideal power source for any job or emergency. This generator is powered by a 459cc OHV 4-stroke engine equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, ensuring the longevity and performance of the generator.

The generator has a large 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank, providing an average runtime of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50%. This extended runtime is particularly useful during a power outage, allowing you to keep your household appliances running longer without constant refueling. While this device is an impressive machine, it is worth noting that it is pretty heavy and bulky, making it less portable than other models on the market. However, this is a minor issue when considering the power and reliability of this generator.

The A-iPower SUA12000E Portable Generator is also incredibly user-friendly, featuring an Electric Start capability that lets you quickly and conveniently start the generator whenever needed. This feature is convenient in emergencies, ensuring that you have power available at a moment's notice. It features a range of outlets fitted with rubber covers for an additional layer of safety, making the A-iPower SUA12000E Portable Generator a safe and reliable power source for all your needs.

7 DuroMax XP13000HXT Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.8
DuroMax

If you're looking for a reliable and powerful generator that can keep your home powered during a power outage, then the DuroMax XP13000HXT Portable Generator is worth considering. This generator comes equipped with tri-fuel technology, which means it can run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose the fuel source that's most convenient and cost-effective for you.

With 13,000 watts of power, it can easily power your lights, appliances, and other household essentials during a storm or power outage. It comes equipped with a 50 amp plug that hooks up directly to your home via a transfer switch, so you don't have to worry about running extension cords all over your house. The only downside is that the XP13000HXT requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

In terms of power, the DuroMax XP13000HXT Portable Generator is equipped with a powerful 500cc OHV engine that's designed to provide you with the most power possible. This means you can run multiple appliances and devices simultaneously without worrying about the generator overheating or shutting down. The generator has CO Alert technology, an important safety feature that automatically turns off the generator when an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected. This is crucial for protecting your family from dangerous engine fumes, mainly if you use the generator in an enclosed space.

More To Consider

8 Champion Power Equipment 100416 Generator
Our Score:
8.7
Champion Power Equipment
9 Champion Power Equipment 100111 Generator
Our Score:
8.5
Champion Power Equipment

What to Look For in a best whole house portable generator?

The internet is a platform in which you can get almost everything you want. Finding the best whole house portable generator on whatever you need to know about how something works is an incredible guide for all of your needs.

Unfortunately, because of so many various websites out there which are either fraudulent or untrustworthy, finding what you're searching for on a single website might be difficult. Many consumers are hesitant to purchase the best whole house portable generator because they are unclear if they are making the right selection.

The following post will explain four things to consider when purchasing a best whole house portable generator for your needs.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

FAQs

What is a whole house portable generator?

A whole house portable generator is a type of generator designed to provide backup power to a home’s entire electrical system. It is typically a larger, heavier unit than a standard portable generator and is designed to be permanently installed outside of the home.

How often should I maintain my whole house portable generator?

It is recommended that you perform regular maintenance on your generator at least once a year to ensure proper operation. This includes checking the oil level, spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter, as well as ensuring all connections are secure.

How do I know what size generator I need for my home?

The size of generator you need depends on the size of your home and the amount of power you require. A general rule of thumb is to calculate the total wattage of all the appliances and electronics you plan to power and ensure the generator can handle that load.

How do I install a whole house portable generator?

Installing a whole house portable generator should be done by a qualified electrician. They will need to install a transfer switch to ensure the generator is connected to the home’s electrical system and is not powering anything else.

Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a whole house portable generator?

Yes. It is important to keep the generator at least 20 feet away from the home and any other buildings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It should never be used indoors, and all fuel must be stored in a safe, secure location.

Conclusion

The most appealing aspect of this post is that it contains the top models of best whole house portable generator that clients require. It also sells reliable items and has a lot of positive feedback from customers. 

Then, you may buy items from well-known companies with confidence through this page since you know they are the greatest on the market. You will also have the opportunity to look at a variety of alternatives for your favorite, particularly the Generac 76864 Portable Generator.

What is your favorite item? Please let us know! We're continuously on the lookout for new products and services to give our loyal consumers so that we may continue to provide them with high-quality goods at reasonable pricing.


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

Read Hailey's full bio