This page is the front door to our generators blog. It answers the big questions in plain English, in the order you will meet them: what size, what type, what fuel, how to connect it, how to run it safely, and how to keep it starting. Each answer is short. When you want more, a link takes you to the full guide.
Most people learn about generators in a hurry. A storm is on the way, the shelves are emptying, and every box shouts a different number. It is easy to buy too small, too loud or too thirsty.
Read this page from top to bottom and you will know more than most buyers in the aisle. You will also know which of our 17 generator guides to open next. Every figure here comes from our own guides, which are based on manufacturer documents and published safety advice. We have not tested the generators named on this page.
Generators blog: start here
Six questions, in the right order
Short answers with links to the full guides. Product details come from current Amazon listings, checked in October 2026.
Quick answer
Follow five steps. First, add up the running watts you need and the starting watts of your biggest motor. Second, pick a type: an inverter for quiet and clean power, an open-frame portable for the most watts per dollar, or a standby unit for automatic whole-house backup. Third, pick a fuel. Fourth, connect it with cords, a transfer switch or an interlock, and never through a wall outlet. Fifth, run it outdoors at least 20 feet from the house and service it on a schedule.
How we put this page together
This is a guide to our own generator articles. The short answers repeat what those guides say, and they are based on manufacturer documentation and published safety guidance. Product specifications come from current Amazon listings. We have not tested any generator, and we do not show prices or star ratings.
In this guide
- How to Use This Generators Blog
- Step 1: What Size Generator Do You Need?
- Step 2: Which Type of Generator?
- Step 3: Which Fuel?
- Three Generators That Show the Main Classes
- Step 4: How to Connect It to Your Home
- Step 5: How to Run It Safely
- How Much Fuel Will It Use?
- Maintenance and Storage: Why Generators Fail to Start
- Troubleshooting: A Quick Map
- Planning for an Outage
- Generator Words Explained
- Every Generator Guide We Publish
- Common Generator Mistakes (and the Fix)
- Pro Tips From Across the Blog
- Real-Life Scenarios: Where Should You Start?
- Generators Blog: FAQ
- Your Generator Start-Here Checklist
How to Use This Generators Blog
You do not have to read everything. Find your question below and start there.
- “I have no idea what to buy.” Read Steps 1 to 3 on this page, then open best portable generators.
- “A storm is coming this week.” Read Steps 4 and 5 now, then the power outage checklist.
- “I want the whole house covered.” Go to portable vs standby generators and whole-house generators.
- “Mine will not start.” Jump to the troubleshooting section, or open generator won’t start.
- “I want to know how they work.” Read how does a generator work.
If you would rather answer a few questions and get a suggestion, try our free Equipment Quiz.
Step 1: What Size Generator Do You Need?
Size comes first, because every other choice depends on it. A generator that is too small trips out when the refrigerator starts. One that is far too big costs more, weighs more and burns more fuel.
Every generator has two numbers.
- Running watts, also called rated watts, are what it can supply for as long as it has fuel.
- Starting watts, also called peak or surge watts, are a short burst for starting motors.
The sizing method in four lines
- Add up the running watts of everything you want to power at the same time.
- Add the extra starting watts of the single largest motor, such as a well pump or a refrigerator.
- Add 20 percent to your running total for headroom.
- Choose a generator whose running watts beat that figure and whose starting watts cover the motor surge.
Here are some typical figures to start with.
| Appliance | Running watts | Starting watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 150 to 400 | 800 to 1,200 |
| Furnace fan, 1/2 hp | 300 to 800 | 800 to 1,600 |
| Sump pump, 1/2 hp | 800 to 1,050 | 1,300 to 2,150 |
| Well pump, 1/2 hp | 750 to 1,000 | 1,500 to 2,000 |
| Microwave | 600 to 1,200 | Same as running |
| Window air conditioner, 10,000 BTU | 900 to 1,200 | 1,800 to 2,400 |
For most homes, the essentials come to 5,000 to 7,500 running watts. That covers a refrigerator, a furnace blower, a sump or well pump, lights and electronics.
Do the sum for your own home with the free Generator Size Calculator, or read the full method in what size generator do I need.
Key insight: size by running watts, then check starting watts. The big number on the box is usually the starting figure, and it lasts only a moment.
Step 2: Which Type of Generator?
There are three main types. They do the same job in very different ways.
| Point | Inverter generator | Open-frame portable | Standby generator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 2,000 to 4,500 watts, with some larger models | 3,500 to 12,000 watts and more | 10 to 26 kW for most homes |
| Noise | Quietest | Loud | Moderate, in a fixed enclosure |
| Power quality | Clean, safe for electronics | Fine for most appliances | Clean, wired into the house |
| How it starts | You start it | You start it | Starts by itself |
| Fuel | Gasoline, sometimes propane | Gasoline, often dual or tri fuel | Natural gas or propane |
| Best for | Camping, RVs, small home loads | Home essentials and job sites | Whole-house, automatic backup |
Inverter generators build their power electronically, so the engine can slow down when the load is light. That makes them quiet and easy on fuel. Open-frame portables run at a fixed speed and give the most watts for the money. Standby generators are installed outside like an air conditioner and switch on automatically when the grid fails.
The choice often comes down to who is at home. A portable needs someone to wheel it out, start it and refuel it. A standby unit needs nobody.
- Inverter vs conventional generator explains the first choice.
- Portable vs standby generator explains the second.
- Generators for home use pulls both together for a typical house.
- Whole-house generators covers standby sizing, fuel and installation.
Step 3: Which Fuel?
Fuel decides how easy the generator is to live with. Think about what you can store safely and what you can still get during a long outage.
| Fuel | Strengths | Weak points | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | Easy to buy, most power per gallon | Goes stale in storage, hard to find in a disaster | Occasional use and camping |
| Propane | Does not go stale, stores safely in cylinders | Roughly 10 percent less output | Generators that mostly wait for an outage |
| Natural gas | Never runs out while the gas main works | Needs a gas connection, lower output again | Standby units and tri-fuel portables |
| Diesel | Efficient and built for long hours | Higher price and weight | Long, heavy use on farms and job sites |
A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane. A tri-fuel model adds natural gas. If your generator will spend most of its life waiting, propane is worth having, because it will still be good after a year in the cylinder.
- Dual-fuel generators explains how they work and who should buy one.
- Diesel vs gas generators compares the two engines.
- How long does gasoline last covers storage and stabilizer.
Three Generators That Show the Main Classes
These three are not the only good choices. They are clear examples of the classes described above. Each had an active Amazon listing with an Add to Cart button when we checked in October 2026.
Small inverter class
Honda EU2200i 2,200 Watt Inverter Generator (EU2200ITAN)
A light, quiet inverter for camping, tailgating and the basics at home. It is the kind of generator you can carry with one hand.
- Maximum output2,200 W
- Running output1,800 W
- Sound level48 to 57 dB(A)
- Run time3.2 to 8.1 hours
- Dry weight47.4 lb
- Warranty on listing3-year residential
- Why it works: inverter power is clean enough for laptops and televisions, and the engine slows down when the load is light.
- Who it is best for: campers, RV owners and households that only want a refrigerator, lights and chargers.
- What it solves: noise. At 48 to 57 dB(A) it suits campgrounds and close neighbors.
- Handy extras: a carbon monoxide shutoff and Bluetooth control through Honda’s app.
- Keep in mind: 1,800 running watts will not start a well pump or a central air conditioner. The listing says this version is not sold in California. Only four were in stock when we checked.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from Honda’s spec page and the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Mid-size dual-fuel inverter
Champion 4500-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
A mid-size inverter that runs on gasoline or propane. It bridges the gap between a small camping unit and a loud open-frame machine.
- Gasoline4,500 starting / 3,500 running W
- Propane3,150 running W
- Noise61 dBA
- Run time, gasolineUp to 14 hours
- Run time, propaneUp to 21 hours
- Weight99.2 lb
- Why it works: two fuels give you a backup for your backup. If gasoline runs short, a propane cylinder keeps it going.
- Who it is best for: RV owners and homes that want a refrigerator, a furnace fan and electronics covered quietly.
- What it solves: stale fuel. Propane does not go off in storage, so the generator is more likely to start after months of waiting.
- Handy extras: electric start, a carbon monoxide shutoff, a parallel port and a 3-year warranty.
- Keep in mind: output drops to 3,150 running watts on propane, and it has no 240-volt outlet for a well pump. Champion quotes inverter run times at a light load.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Large home-backup class
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
A large open-frame generator that runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas and has the 240-volt outlets a home hookup needs.
- Gasoline12,500 peak / 9,500 running W
- Propane11,200 peak / 8,500 running W
- Natural gas9,500 peak / 7,500 running W
- Run timeUp to 12 hours on 6.6 gallons
- Home outletsL14-30R and 14-50R
- Weight215 lb
- Why it works: 9,500 running watts on gasoline is enough for the essentials in most homes, with a 240-volt well pump included.
- Who it is best for: homeowners who want to feed a transfer switch or an interlock and choose their fuel on the day.
- What it solves: fuel shortages. With three fuels, at least one is usually available.
- Handy extras: remote start with a key fob, low-oil and carbon monoxide shutdown, and a 3-year limited warranty.
- Keep in mind: it weighs 215 pounds and it is not quiet. Output falls on propane and falls again on natural gas, so size it by the fuel you plan to use.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Specs come from the Amazon listing, checked October 2026.
Want more choices? Best portable generators explains how to pick the right type and size.
Step 4: How to Connect It to Your Home
There are three proper ways to get generator power into a house.
| Method | What it powers | Electrician needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Extension cords | Appliances with a plug | No |
| Manual transfer switch | A chosen set of circuits, including hard-wired ones | Yes |
| Interlock kit with a power inlet box | Any circuit in the panel, a few at a time | Yes |
And there is one way you must never use.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet
Feeding a house through a wall or dryer outlet is called backfeeding. It can send power into the utility lines and electrocute the workers repairing them, and it can start a fire when grid power returns. In March 2026 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned consumers to stop using the male-to-male cords that make it possible.
Our guide on how to connect a generator to your house compares cords, transfer switches and interlocks in detail.
Step 5: How to Run It Safely
A generator is an engine, and engines make carbon monoxide. You cannot see it or smell it.
- Run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointing away from doors, windows and vents.
- Never run it in a garage, basement, shed, carport or porch, even with the doors open.
- Fit carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. Choose alarms with a battery so they work in an outage.
- Let the engine cool before you refuel.
- Use heavy, outdoor-rated cords that are thick enough for the load.
- Keep it dry, but never by moving it indoors.
Read generator safety tips before your first run. It takes ten minutes and it is the most important guide on this blog.
How Much Fuel Will It Use?
Fuel planning is where many outage plans fail. People buy a generator and one can of gasoline, then run out on the first night.
A portable gasoline generator uses roughly 0.15 to 0.3 gallons for each kilowatt-hour it makes. In practice that looks like this.
| Generator size | Fuel per hour at half load | What that means in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3,500 watts | 0.3 to 0.4 gallons | About 7 to 10 gallons |
| 5,000 watts | 0.6 to 0.75 gallons | About 14 to 18 gallons |
| 7,500 watts | 0.9 to 1.1 gallons | About 22 to 26 gallons |
Two habits cut fuel use sharply. Run the generator in blocks of a few hours instead of all day, and switch off loads you do not need. A refrigerator stays cold for hours with the door shut.
How much gas does a generator use has the full tables and a planning method.
Maintenance and Storage: Why Generators Fail to Start
Most generators do not wear out. They sit. Old gasoline gums up the carburetor, and the engine will not start on the one night it is needed.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Before every use | Check the oil and look the generator over |
| After the first 5 to 30 hours | Change the oil on a new engine |
| Every 50 to 100 hours, or once a year | Change the oil again |
| Every season | Clean or replace the air filter and check the spark plug |
| Every month or two | Run it under load for 20 to 30 minutes |
| Before storage of a month or more | Stabilize the fuel or run the carburetor dry |
- Generator maintenance checklist gives the full routine.
- How to store a generator covers fuel, oil, batteries and covers.
- The free Maintenance Interval Generator builds a schedule for your own machine.
Troubleshooting: A Quick Map
When a generator misbehaves, the symptom usually points to the cause.
| Symptom | Usual cause | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| Will not start after storage | Stale fuel in the carburetor | Fresh fuel, then the carburetor |
| Will not start at all | Low oil, choke or fuel valve | Oil level, switch, choke and fuel valve |
| Dies within seconds | Low-oil sensor | Oil level, and that it sits on level ground |
| Dies after 10 to 30 minutes | Blocked fuel cap vent, CO shutoff or overheating | Cap vent, placement and airflow |
| Surges and dies | Dirty carburetor or old fuel | Fuel quality |
| Stops when a load is plugged in | Overload or a tripped breaker | Total watts and the breaker |
Two guides cover these step by step: generator won’t start and why does my generator keep shutting off.
Planning for an Outage
A generator is one part of a plan. The rest is fuel, cords, alarms and a routine that everyone at home knows.
- Before storm season: test the generator under load, stock stabilized fuel in approved containers, and keep cords and a funnel with it.
- During an outage: run it outdoors 20 feet from the house, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed, and power only what you need.
- Afterwards: let it cool, refuel it, change the oil if it ran for days, and restock.
Use the free Emergency Power Planner to build your own plan, and print the 72-hour power outage checklist.
Generator Words Explained
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Running watts | Power the generator can supply continuously |
| Starting watts | A short burst of extra power for starting motors |
| Inverter | Electronics that produce clean, steady power and let the engine slow down |
| THD | Total harmonic distortion. Lower is cleaner, and inverters are often under 3 percent |
| Dual fuel | Runs on gasoline or propane |
| Tri fuel | Runs on gasoline, propane or natural gas |
| Transfer switch | A switch that connects your circuits to the utility or the generator, never both |
| Interlock | A plate on the panel that stops the main and generator breakers being on together |
| Standby generator | A permanent unit that starts automatically |
| kW | Kilowatts. One kW is 1,000 watts |
| dBA | A measure of loudness. Lower is quieter |
| CO shutoff | A sensor that stops the engine if carbon monoxide builds up |
Every Generator Guide We Publish
Here is the full list, grouped by what you are trying to do.
Choosing and buying
- What size generator do I need? A simple sizing method.
- Best portable generators. How to pick the right type and size.
- Generators for home use. Choosing backup power for a house.
- Whole-house generators. Sizing, fuel and installation.
- Dual-fuel generators. How they work and who needs one.
Comparing
Using
- How to connect a generator to your house safely.
- Generator safety: carbon monoxide, fuel, cords and placement.
- How much gas does a generator use?
- Power outage checklist for 72 hours.
- How does a generator work?
Looking after and fixing
- Generator maintenance checklist.
- How to store a generator so it starts next time.
- Generator won’t start? A checklist.
- Why does my generator keep shutting off?
Common Generator Mistakes (and the Fix)
Pro Tips From Across the Blog
- Write your wattage total on the generator. In an outage you will not want to do the sum again.
- Start the biggest motor first. Bring loads on one at a time.
- Take turns with heating appliances. A microwave and a coffee maker rarely need to run together.
- Prefer propane for a generator that waits. It will still be good next year.
- Keep the oil, a funnel and a spare spark plug with the generator.
- Label the circuits you will run before the lights go out.
- Practice once in daylight. The first time should not be at midnight in the rain.
Real-Life Scenarios: Where Should You Start?
These are typical situations that buyers describe in forums and reviews. They are examples to help you choose, not quotes from real people.
🏕️ The weekend camper
You want lights, a fan, phone charging and maybe a coffee maker at the campsite.
You need low noise and low weight, and 2,000 watts is plenty.
Start with: inverter vs conventional generator
🏠 The storm-season homeowner
Outages last a day or two. You want the refrigerator, the furnace and the well pump.
You need 5,000 to 7,500 running watts and a safe way to connect them.
Start with: what size generator do I need
🏡 The household that cannot go without
Someone at home depends on powered medical equipment, or the house is often empty.
You need power that starts by itself.
Start with: portable vs standby generator
Generators Blog: FAQ
What size generator do I need for my house?
Add up the running watts of what you want to power, add the starting watts of the largest motor, and add 20 percent headroom. For the essentials in most homes that comes to 5,000 to 7,500 running watts.
What is the difference between an inverter generator and a regular generator?
A regular generator runs its engine at a fixed speed to make power directly. An inverter generator makes raw power, converts it and rebuilds it electronically, which gives cleaner power, less noise and better fuel economy at light loads.
Is a portable or a standby generator better?
A portable generator suits rare, short outages when someone is home to set it up. A standby generator suits frequent or long outages, homes with powered medical equipment, and houses that are often empty.
How far should a generator be from the house?
At least 20 feet, outdoors, with the exhaust pointing away from doors, windows and vents. Never run one in a garage, basement or shed.
How often should I run my generator?
Run it under load for 20 to 30 minutes every month or two. This keeps fuel moving through the carburetor and shows up problems before an outage does.
Can I plug a generator into a wall outlet?
No. That is backfeeding, and it can electrocute utility workers and cause fires. Use extension cords, a transfer switch or an interlock kit with a power inlet box.
Your Generator Start-Here Checklist
- List what you need to power and add up the running watts.
- Add the starting watts of your largest motor and 20 percent headroom.
- Choose an inverter, an open-frame portable or a standby unit.
- Choose a fuel you can store and still get in an outage.
- Decide how you will connect it: cords, transfer switch or interlock.
- Pick a spot outdoors, 20 feet from the house.
- Fit battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
- Work out a day’s fuel and store it safely.
- Buy heavy outdoor-rated cords.
- Set a monthly reminder to test-run the generator.
- Stabilize the fuel before storage.
- Bookmark the troubleshooting guides.
The bottom line
Generators are simple once you take the questions in order. Size it by running watts, choose the type and fuel that fit your life, connect it properly, run it outdoors and service it on a schedule. Start with the size, because everything else follows from it.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources: Our own generator guides, which are based on manufacturer documentation and published safety guidance; Champion Power Equipment’s published wattage chart; Ready.gov, Power Outages; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warnings on male-to-male extension cords, March 2026; current Amazon listings for the Honda, Champion and Westinghouse generators named on this page. All checked October 2026.
