Best Portable Generators for Winter Storm Power Outages
Winter outages hit differently. When an ice storm drops lines, the furnace blower, well pump, sump pump, and fridge all go down at once, and repairs can take days.
A good portable generator, a proper inlet to connect it to the house, and a little planning turn that into an inconvenience instead of an emergency.
We picked well reviewed generators from brands with real service networks, from a quiet inverter for essentials up to a big dual fuel unit that can carry most of a house.
Best Overall: Champion 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Inverter
Champion's 4500 watt dual fuel inverter hits the sweet spot for most homes. It runs a furnace blower, fridge, sump pump, lights, and phone chargers at the same time.
It runs on gasoline or propane, and propane is a big deal in winter because it stores indefinitely and does not gum up a carburetor.
Inverter power is clean enough for furnace control boards and electronics, and it is far quieter than an open frame generator.
Champion Power Equipment 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
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10,000+ reviews
A 4500 starting watt dual fuel inverter generator with electric start and clean power for electronics and furnace controls.
Shop on Amazon →Best Whole House Portable: Westinghouse WGen9500DF
If you want to run a well pump, a furnace, the fridge, and a few circuits of lights all at once, you need serious capacity. The WGen9500DF delivers 9500 running watts on gasoline.
It has remote electric start, a transfer switch ready 30 amp outlet, and a fuel gauge, and it also runs on propane.
It is loud and heavy, so it is best for homeowners who will connect it through an inlet box and leave it in one spot.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
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4,000+ reviews
A 9500 running watt dual fuel generator with remote electric start and transfer switch ready outlets.
Shop on Amazon →Best Quiet Option: Honda EU2200i
The Honda EU2200i is the quiet, ultra reliable pick for keeping essentials alive: the fridge, a furnace blower, a few lights, and the internet.
It weighs under 50 pounds, sips fuel, and Honda engines have a long track record of starting after months in storage.
It will not run a well pump or a whole house, but two can be paired for more power.
Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator
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2,000+ reviews
A 2200 watt, very quiet inverter generator from Honda that is light enough to carry and easy on fuel.
Shop on Amazon →Tips for Running a Generator Safely in Winter
- Keep it 20 feet away. Never run a generator in a garage or near windows. Carbon monoxide kills, so put it at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away.
- Add CO alarms. Put battery backed carbon monoxide alarms on every floor before storm season.
- Store fuel right. Use fuel stabilizer in gasoline, or rely on propane, which keeps indefinitely.
- Test it monthly. Start it and run a load for a few minutes each month so it is ready when the lights go out.
Best Big Budget Power: DuroMax XP13000EH
The DuroMax XP13000EH puts out 13,000 starting watts on gasoline or propane, enough for central air in summer and almost anything in winter.
It has an all metal frame, electric start, and a 50 amp outlet for a large transfer switch or inlet.
For the price it offers huge capacity, though it is heavy and noisy and best wired in by an electrician.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
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5,000+ reviews
A 13,000 watt dual fuel generator with electric start and a 50 amp outlet for whole home backup.
Shop on Amazon →Must Have Add On: Reliance Controls Power Inlet Box
Never backfeed a house through a dryer outlet. A power inlet box mounted outside, wired to a transfer switch or interlock by an electrician, is the safe way to connect a portable generator.
Reliance Controls' 30 amp inlet box is weatherproof and matches the L14-30 outlet found on most mid size generators.
Pair it with a matching generator cord so you can run the generator well away from the house.
Reliance Controls PB30 30 Amp Power Inlet Box
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2,000+ reviews
A weatherproof 30 amp L14-30 power inlet box for safely connecting a portable generator to a transfer switch.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need to run a furnace?
A gas or oil furnace blower usually needs well under 1,000 running watts, so a 2,000 to 4,500 watt inverter can run it along with a fridge and lights.
Is an inverter generator better for a furnace?
Yes. Inverter generators produce clean power that modern furnace control boards and electronics prefer.
Can I plug my generator into a wall outlet?
No. Backfeeding is dangerous and illegal. Use extension cords or have an electrician install an inlet box with a transfer switch or interlock.
Is dual fuel worth it?
For winter backup, yes. Propane stores indefinitely and is easier to find after a storm than fresh gasoline.