Portable Generators

Decibel ratings of popular inverter and conventional generators, why 10 dB means twice as loud, eight ways to quiet any unit, and what noise ordinances allow.

What $500 and $1,000 actually buy in inverter and conventional generators, our picks in each bracket, what to budget beyond the unit, and the models to avoid.

Our picks from 2,200 to 9,500 watts, why inverter power matters for furnaces and electronics, and how to size one for the fridge, furnace, well pump, and lights.

Runtime tables by generator class and load, the fuel consumption formula, propane numbers per 20 lb tank, how much fuel to store, and six ways to stretch every gallon.

The Honda EU2200i costs twice what rivals do. A clear-eyed look at what the premium actually buys and who should skip it.

Can the Westinghouse WGen9500DF really back up a whole house? We break down its output, fuel use, noise, and real-world trade-offs.

The Champion 4500W dual fuel inverter promises name-brand performance at half the price. Here is what it delivers and where it cuts corners.

Clean power, noise, fuel use and price per watt: what really separates inverter and conventional generators, and which fits your home.

The best portable generators for backing up your home, from quiet inverters to whole-panel power, with honest sizing advice and safety rules.

The best dual-fuel generators for home backup, from budget picks to whole-home power, with real specs and honest trade-offs.