For most people, a 2,000–2,200W inverter generator is the best all-around portable power generator. Models like the Honda EU2200i or Westinghouse iGen2200 are quiet enough for a backyard or campsite (~52–57 dB), light enough to carry solo (47–57 lbs), and powerful enough to run a refrigerator, phone chargers, lights, and a fan simultaneously. They're safe for all electronics due to clean sine wave output, and fuel-efficient enough to run 8–10 hours on a single tank. If you need more power for AC units or a sump pump, step up to a 3,500–5,500W inverter generator or an open-frame conventional model.

For a basic home backup covering critical loads, plan for 3,500–5,000W running capacity with at least 7,000W surge capacity. The typical load breakdown: refrigerator (700W running / 2,200W surge) + sump pump (800W / 2,300W surge) + LED lights (100W) + phone chargers (60W) + window AC (1,200W / 2,500W surge) = roughly 2,800W running, 5,000W peak. A 5,500W inverter or 7,500W conventional portable power generator covers all of this comfortably. If you're only protecting food and communications during a storm — skipping AC — a 3,500W inverter handles everything. Use the wattage calculator above to size your specific load before buying.

A portable power generator burns fuel (gasoline, propane, or dual-fuel) to produce electricity on demand. It can run indefinitely as long as it has fuel and is always used outdoors due to carbon monoxide emissions. A portable power station (also called a solar generator) is a large rechargeable battery with AC outlets. It stores electricity from a wall outlet or solar panels and discharges it silently with zero emissions — making it safe indoors, in tents, or in bedrooms. The trade-off: power stations are limited by battery capacity (typically 500Wh–3,600Wh), so they're ideal for short outages and low-draw devices, while gas generators are better for multi-day outages and high-draw appliances like AC units and sump pumps.