Best Portable Generators for Storms

When a hurricane knocks out power for days or a severe thunderstorm trips your grid, a portable generator keeps your refrigerator running, your phones charged, your medical equipment operating, and your family safe. After testing six generators through two storm seasons, we have clear recommendations for every budget and power requirement.

Our Top Picks

Understanding Generator Types

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators produce clean, stable AC power with less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD). This makes them safe for sensitive electronics including laptops, phones, medical devices, and modern refrigerators with electronic control boards. They are quieter, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than conventional generators because the engine speed adjusts to match the load.

Conventional Generators

Conventional (open-frame) generators produce more raw power per dollar but with higher THD (typically 5-15%), more noise, and lower fuel efficiency. They are suitable for powering tools, lights, fans, and older appliances but risky for sensitive electronics without a voltage regulator.

For storm preparedness, we strongly recommend inverter generators. Your phone, router, and refrigerator all have electronic components that benefit from clean power.

1. Best Overall: Honda EU2200i

The Honda EU2200i is the gold standard for portable inverter generators. It is quieter, more reliable, and more fuel-efficient than anything else in its class. The Honda GXR120 engine is legendarily durable, with owners regularly reporting 2000+ hours of trouble-free operation.

At 1800 watts running (2200 peak), the EU2200i comfortably powers a refrigerator, several lights, phone chargers, a fan, and a laptop simultaneously. It will not run a window AC unit alone (those require 1200-1500 watts running plus a high starting surge), but two EU2200i units can be paralleled with a Honda parallel cable for 3600 watts running, which handles almost any household load except central AC.

Why Honda Wins

• 48 dBA at 25% load: quieter than a normal conversation
• 8.1 hours runtime at 25% load on 0.95 gallons
• CO-MINDER shuts down the engine if carbon monoxide builds up
• Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring fuel level and output (2024+ models)
• Unmatched resale value: 5-year-old Hondas sell for 60-70% of MSRP
• Parts and service available everywhere

The Only Downside

Price. At roughly $1,150, the EU2200i costs more than twice what competing 2000W inverter generators cost. You pay a premium for the Honda name, but you are paying for genuine engineering superiority and long-term reliability. If you can afford it, buy it once and never worry about it again.

2. Best Dual Fuel: Champion 4500W

The Champion 4500W Dual Fuel inverter generator runs on either gasoline or propane, which is a critical advantage for storm preparedness. After a hurricane, gas stations may be closed for days or have lines stretching for blocks. Propane tanks, on the other hand, store indefinitely and are widely available at hardware stores, gas stations, and exchange kiosks.

With 3500 running watts on gasoline (3150 on propane), the Champion handles everything the Honda EU2200i can, plus a window AC unit or small sump pump. The electric start with push-button ignition eliminates the pull-cord struggle, and the built-in parallel capability allows connecting two units for 7000 watts.

Dual Fuel Advantage

• Gasoline: maximum power and efficiency, but has a 3-6 month shelf life
• Propane: slightly less power, but stores indefinitely with no degradation
• Switch between fuels with a simple dial, even while running
• Keep a 20 lb propane tank as backup for when gasoline runs out

The Champion's biggest selling point is value. At around $650, it delivers more watts and dual-fuel flexibility for less than half the price of a Honda with similar output. The trade-off is more noise (61 dBA vs. 48 dBA) and less proven long-term durability, though Champion's 3-year warranty provides solid coverage.

3. Best Mid-Range: Westinghouse iGen4500

The Westinghouse iGen4500 hits the sweet spot between the Honda's refinement and the Champion's value. At 3700 running watts, it has enough power for a refrigerator, window AC, lights, and electronics simultaneously. The noise level of 52 dBA is impressively quiet for a generator this powerful.

The 3.4-gallon fuel tank provides up to 18 hours of runtime at 25% load, which means you can fuel it in the evening and sleep through the night without it dying. The LED data center display shows watts used, fuel level, voltage, and runtime remaining.

Standout Features

• Remote start with key fob (start it from inside your house)
• Two USB ports built into the control panel for direct phone charging
• RV-ready 30A outlet
• 52 dBA noise: quiet enough for overnight use without disturbing neighbors
• Telescoping handle with never-flat wheels for easy transport

4. Best Budget: Champion 2000W Inverter

The Champion 2000W inverter generator delivers 80% of the Honda EU2200i's capability for 40% of the price. At around $450, it powers the same basic essentials (refrigerator, lights, phones, fan) with acceptable noise levels and reliable performance.

In our testing, the Champion started on the first or second pull every time, ran smoothly under load, and delivered clean power (less than 3% THD) suitable for all electronics. The 1.1-gallon tank provides about 11 hours at 25% load, and the Eco mode adjusts engine speed to match the load for fuel savings and noise reduction.

If budget is the primary constraint, the Champion 2000W is the generator we recommend. It may not have Honda's decades-long reputation, but it gets the critical job done at a price that lets more families afford backup power.

5. Most Power: DuroMax XP5500EH

The DuroMax XP5500EH is for households that need to run more than just the basics. At 4500 running watts (5500 peak), it can handle a refrigerator, freezer, window AC, sump pump, lights, and electronics simultaneously. It is also dual-fuel (gasoline and propane) and has a transfer-switch-ready 240V outlet.

The trade-off for this power is that the XP5500EH is a conventional generator, not an inverter. It is louder (69 dBA), heavier (130 lbs), and produces rougher power. For sensitive electronics, run them through a surge protector with power conditioning.

At around $550, the XP5500EH is the most watts-per-dollar in this roundup. It is the right choice if you need to power a sump pump during flooding or run multiple large appliances and are willing to accept more noise and weight.

6. Ultra Quiet: WEN 56203i

The WEN 56203i produces just 51 dBA at 25% load, making it one of the quietest generators you can buy at any price. If you live in a neighborhood with close-together houses and are concerned about generator noise bothering neighbors during a multi-day outage, the WEN is considerate without sacrificing capability.

At 1700 running watts, it powers the same essentials as the Honda and Champion 2000W units. The Eco mode automatically adjusts engine speed, and the clean sine wave output is safe for all electronics. At about $400, it is also the most affordable inverter generator in our roundup.

Generator Safety: Non-Negotiable Rules

Generators kill people every year through carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical hazards. Follow these rules without exception:

• NEVER run a generator indoors, in a garage, or in any enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is odorless and lethal. Place it at least 20 feet from your house with exhaust pointing away from doors and windows.
• NEVER refuel a running generator. Let it cool for 5 minutes first. Gasoline on a hot exhaust ignites instantly.
• NEVER connect a generator directly to house wiring (backfeed) without a proper transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Backfeeding energizes utility lines and can electrocute utility workers.
• Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords rated for the generator's amperage. Lightweight indoor cords overheat and cause fires.
• Install CO detectors on every floor of your home. A Kidde CO alarm costs $20 and could save your family's life.

Fuel Storage for Storm Season

Having a generator with no fuel is like having a flashlight with no batteries. Stock fuel before storm season:

• Store gasoline in approved 5-gallon fuel cans with stabilizer added. STA-BIL or similar stabilizer extends gasoline shelf life to 12 months.
• For dual-fuel generators, keep two 20 lb propane tanks filled. Propane stores indefinitely and is your insurance policy when gasoline runs out.
• Calculate your fuel needs: a 2000W inverter burns about 0.1 gallons per hour at 25% load. Ten gallons provides roughly 100 hours of essential-load runtime.

Final Recommendations

If budget is no object: The Honda EU2200i is the most reliable, quietest, and highest-quality portable generator money can buy.

For the best value: The Champion 4500W Dual Fuel gives you the most power and fuel flexibility for the money.

On a tight budget: The Champion 2000W or WEN 56203i deliver reliable essential power under $500.

See our generator sizing guide for help calculating exactly how many watts you need.