10 Best Portable Generators For Whole Houses 2026 in the United States

The Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator is a strong choice if you need a reliable backup power source for a larger home. It offers high power output with up to 14,500 peak watts on gasoline and slightly less on propane or natural gas, which helps keep your essential appliances running during outages. The tri-fuel ability is a standout feature, giving you flexibility to use gasoline, propane, or natural gas depending on availability and cost. This can be especially handy if you want to stockpile fuel or switch fuels during emergencies.

With a 550cc engine and a large 9.5-gallon tank, it runs up to 19 hours on gasoline, providing a long runtime to cover extended power interruptions. Propane runtime is shorter, around 7 hours on a standard 20 lb tank. The generator includes electric remote start, making it convenient to operate, especially when the power is out. Safety is well covered with a built-in CO sensor, overload protection, and automatic voltage regulation to protect your devices and avoid damage.

It weighs 230 pounds, which means it's not extremely portable but still manageable if you need to move it occasionally. Noise levels aren’t specified but it includes a muffler to reduce sound. It’s designed with durable materials and copper windings for longevity and cleaner power output, safe for sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. Its size and weight might be challenging for one person to move frequently, and propane runtime is quite a bit shorter than gasoline, so you might need to plan fuel use carefully. While powerful and flexible, it might be more generator than needed for smaller homes or less frequent outages. With its 3-year warranty and good customer support, it’s a solid investment for those wanting dependable, whole-house backup power.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful option for whole-house backup. With a peak wattage of 28,000 and running wattage of 20,000, it can handle most household appliances during an outage. It runs on gasoline, which is readily available but requires careful handling and storage. The generator offers up to 11 hours of runtime at 50% load with its large 17-gallon tank, making it suitable for extended power outages.

Despite its substantial power, the unit is quite heavy, weighing 599 pounds, which may hinder portability despite its reinforced steel handles with quick-release pins. The electric start and remote start key fob make it convenient to operate, while the automatic choke simplifies starting in various weather conditions. Safety features are robust, including automatic low oil shutdown, carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, and rubber covers for outlets.

Additionally, it comes with several outlets, including 120V household outlets and 240V outlets, which are suitable for high-demand appliances. The generator is transfer switch ready and includes useful accessories like a battery charger, engine oil, and a funnel. It is EPA compliant and backed by a 3-year limited warranty, ensuring some peace of mind. Its size and weight might make it less ideal for users seeking a highly portable solution.

The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a strong choice for powering an entire house during outages. It offers 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 on propane, giving flexibility between fuel types. With a large 6.6-gallon tank, it can run up to 12 hours on one fill, which is suitable for extended power needs.

The generator includes a convenient remote electric start with key fob, plus a recoil backup start, making it easy to get going even in bad weather. It features multiple outlets including a transfer switch ready outlet, so it can connect safely to your home’s electrical system. Safety is well covered with automatic low oil shutdown, a built-in carbon monoxide sensor, overload protection, and covered outlets. Weighing about 225 pounds, it isn’t very lightweight, so moving it around may require effort or additional equipment.

This generator comes with useful extras like a propane hose and battery charger, and the 3-year warranty adds peace of mind. For those needing a reliable, dual-fuel generator with solid power and safety features for home backup, this model provides a strong option, though it is somewhat heavy.