When the grid goes dark, the first question that hits you is not about watts or voltage—it is about what you absolutely cannot lose: the fridge full of food, the sump pump in a storm, the CPAP machine for a family member, or simply the lights so your kids aren’t scared. An emergency generator for home use is the difference between huddling in the dark with a flashlight and carrying on with enough normalcy to wait out the outage without panic, spoilage, or safety risks.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I analyze over forty portable power systems every quarter, cross-referencing fuel efficiency curves, real-world THD measurements, and long-term owner reports to find which generators actually deliver when the forecast calls for trouble.
After digging through hundreds of verified user experiences and technical datasheets, I’ve sorted the market by what truly matters for a blackout scenario — runtime under load, start reliability, and fuel flexibility — to bring you the definitive guide for finding the emergency generator for home that matches your specific outage risk.
How To Choose The Best Emergency Generator For Home
An emergency generator is not a casual purchase; it is a life-safety and food-preservation device that needs to fire up after sitting in the garage for eight months. The wrong pick leaves you with a generator that either cannot start your well pump or burns through a tank of gas before sunrise. Focus on these three decision points first.
Running Watts vs. Starting Surge
Every motor-driven appliance — refrigerator compressor, sump pump, well pump, furnace blower — pulls two to three times its running wattage for a split second on startup. A 1,500-watt refrigerator can spike to 4,000 watts during that initial kick. Your generator’s starting (peak) wattage must cover the sum of the largest motor’s surge plus the running wattage of everything else you plan to power simultaneously. If your total running load is 3,000 watts but the well pump surges to 5,000, you need a generator rated for at least 5,000 peak watts, not 3,500.
Fuel Type and Storage Reality
Gasoline is the most common fuel source, but it degrades in storage after three to six months and is often the first item to run out at gas stations during regional blackouts. Propane stores indefinitely and burns cleaner in the engine, but it delivers roughly ten percent less peak wattage than gasoline. Diesel generators are more fuel-efficient and long-lasting but noisier and harder to find in the mid-power range. Dual-fuel models give you the option to switch between gas and propane based on availability, which is a genuine advantage when supply chains break down during a storm.
CO Safety and Placement Constraints
Carbon monoxide from portable generators kills over seventy people per year in the U.S. according to CPSC data. A generator with a built-in CO watchdog — an automated shutdown sensor that triggers if CO levels rise in its immediate vicinity — is mandatory for any home backup scenario. Even with that feature, you still operate the unit outdoors at least twenty feet from doors, windows, and vents. Inverter generators tend to run quieter, which discourages people from placing them too close to the house simply because the noise is less intrusive; resist that temptation regardless of how quiet the unit is.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse 5000W iGen5000 | Inverter | Quiet home backup with remote start | 3.4 gal tank, up to 18 hrs runtime | Amazon |
| EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3600Wh | Solar/Battery | Silent indoor-safe backup | 3600Wh LFP, 3600W output | Amazon |
| Westinghouse 12500W WGen9500DF | Open-Frame Dual-Fuel | Whole-home transfer switch ready | 457cc engine, 12,500 peak watts | Amazon |
| DuroStar DS13000MX | Open-Frame Dual-Fuel | Heavy-duty whole-home power | 500cc engine, CO Alert sensor | Amazon |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | Solar/Battery | Clean solar recharging backup | 3072Wh LFP, 3600W output | Amazon |
| WEN DF680iX 6800W | Dual-Fuel Inverter | Electric vehicle backup charging | 240V bonded-neutral for EV | Amazon |
| WEN DF360iX 3600W | Dual-Fuel Inverter | Lightweight RV and cabin backup | 49 lbs, 2900W rated (gas) | Amazon |
| ERAYAK 4500W Inverter | Inverter | Parallel-ready medium backup | 0.21 gal/hr at 25% load | Amazon |
| POXURIO 2550W Inverter | Inverter | Ultra-quiet basic essentials | 59 dB, 10 hrs runtime | Amazon |
| Aceup Energy 4000W | Inverter | Budget-friendly clean power | THD <1.5%, 48 lbs | Amazon |
| A-iPower 4600W Inverter | Inverter | Lightweight open-frame inverter | 56 lbs, 3% THD | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Westinghouse iGen5000 5000W Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen5000 is the gold standard for a mid-sized inverter generator that does not compromise on features. The 224cc engine delivers 5,000 peak watts and 3,900 rated watts with less than 3% THD, which means your fridge, TV, laptop, and microwave all get clean sine-wave power without the rough edges that can damage circuit boards. The remote start via key fob is a genuine convenience during a storm — you can fire it up from inside the garage without stepping into wind-driven rain.
The 3.4-gallon fuel tank pushes runtime to 18 hours at 25% load when Economy Mode is engaged, which covers an entire overnight outage without a refueling run. The telescoping handle and wheel kit make moving the 100-pound unit manageable for one person, though the plastic wheels are the weakest point and may deform over rough terrain. The LED data center cycles through fuel level, power output, remaining runtime, voltage, and lifetime hours so you always know exactly what the generator is doing without guessing.
Owner reports confirm that the iGen5000 runs a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner, lights, and a microwave simultaneously without bogging down. The CO watchdog is absent from this model, so placement discipline is critical — keep it twenty feet from any opening. For a premium home backup generator that starts every time with a button press and runs quietly enough for suburban neighborhoods, this is the unit to beat.
What works
- Remote key fob start is genuinely useful in bad weather
- 52 dB at low load is quiet enough for conversation nearby
- Extended 18-hour runtime on a single tank reduces refueling anxiety
What doesn’t
- No built-in CO watchdog sensor for automatic shutdown
- Plastic wheels feel undersized for the unit weight
- Oil drain location is awkward and prone to mess
2. EF ECOFLOW DELTA Pro 3600Wh Portable Power Station
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro redefines what an emergency generator for home can be by eliminating fuel, noise, and exhaust. With a 3,600Wh LiFePO₄ battery pack and 3,600W continuous output that can surge to 7,200W, this unit runs your refrigerator, lights, internet router, and even a well pump for hours without a single decibel of engine noise. The five 120V AC outlets provide plenty of flexibility for distributing power to essential circuits via extension cords.
X-Stream fast charging refills the battery from a wall outlet to 80% in under two hours, and the app-based monitoring lets you adjust charge/discharge rates, check battery health, and track energy consumption remotely. The unit is expandable with extra batteries up to 25kWh, turning it into a serious whole-home backup system over time. Owners report running a refrigerator for two full days and still having reserve capacity for phones, laptops, and a coffee maker.
The trade-off is capacity versus runtime — at a sustained 1,500W load, the built-in battery lasts roughly 2.4 hours before needing a recharge, which is far shorter than a gas generator running on a full tank. Recharging via solar panels is possible but slow without multiple high-wattage panels, so this unit is best paired with a gas generator for extended outages. The LiFePO₄ chemistry delivers 4,000 charge cycles to 70% capacity, making this a decade-long investment in silent backup power.
What works
- Completely silent operation allows indoor placement near appliances
- Zero emissions means no CO risk inside the home
- Fast AC recharge gets you back to full in under three hours
What doesn’t
- Limited runtime at high load compared to gas generators
- Solar recharging requires significant panel wattage for speed
- Heavy at 99 pounds with no wheel kit included
3. Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual-Fuel WGen9500DF
When the outage lasts days and you need to power an entire home through a transfer switch, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is the machine that delivers. The 457cc OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve produces 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts on gasoline, or 11,200 peak and 8,500 running on propane. The 50-amp outlet connects directly to most home transfer switches without adapters, giving you the ability to run your well pump, furnace, refrigerator, lights, and even a window AC simultaneously.
The 6.6-gallon fuel tank provides up to 12 hours of runtime at half load on gasoline, but the dual-fuel capability is the real draw here — you can switch to propane indefinitely if gas stations are closed or empty. The remote start key fob works from over 200 feet, so you can start the generator from inside your house during a storm without going outside. The VFT display shows voltage, frequency, and lifetime hours, giving you a real-time readout of system health.
Verified buyers consistently mention that this generator runs their entire home with no noticeable voltage drop, even when a 1.5-ton AC unit kicks on. The 210-pound weight requires two people for initial setup, but the wheel kit makes repositioning manageable once assembled. This is a serious piece of hardware that belongs in the garage of anyone who faces multi-day outages from hurricanes, ice storms, or grid failures.
What works
- 50-amp outlet is transfer switch ready out of the box
- Dual-fuel provides fuel flexibility during supply shortages
- Remote start range of over 200 feet from the key fob
What doesn’t
- Open-frame design is loud at full load compared to inverters
- Weighs 210 pounds; assembly requires a second person
- 50-amp plug location is partially obstructed by the wheel bracket
4. DuroStar DS13000MX 13,000W Dual-Fuel Generator
The DuroStar DS13000MX takes the concept of a whole-home generator and adds a CO Alert sensor — a critical safety feature that automatically shuts down the unit if carbon monoxide accumulates in the operating area. The 500cc engine produces 13,000 peak watts and roughly 10,000 running watts on gasoline, with slightly lower output on propane. The all-metal construction and reinforced steel frame are built to survive years of bouncing around in a truck bed or garage corner.
Electric start with a push-button panel makes startup effortless, and the front-facing fuel selector lets you switch between gas and propane without fumbling with the manual. The 50-amp outlet is transfer switch ready, so this unit can power an entire house through a standard panel interlock or transfer switch. Owners report running two air conditioners, a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and water heater simultaneously without the generator straining audibly.
The 220-pound weight is the obvious downside — this is not a generator you casually move around. The included wheel kit and handle assembly help once it is on the ground, but getting it out of a truck bed or down basement stairs requires planning and muscle. Several owners mention that the push-button start is reliable only when the battery is maintained; the unit does not include a trickle charger, so expect to connect one if the generator sits for months between storms.
What works
- CO Alert sensor adds a layer of safety for family protection
- All-metal frame handles rough transport and heavy use
- Push-button electric start is quick and reliable with a charged battery
What doesn’t
- Extremely heavy at 220 pounds for a portable generator
- No built-in battery charger; battery drains in storage
- Open-frame design is loud enough to disturb neighbors
5. Jackery HomePower 3000 with 2x 200W Solar Panels
The Jackery HomePower 3000 brings solar recharging into the emergency backup equation, which changes the calculation for long-term outages where fuel becomes scarce. The 3,072Wh LiFePO₄ battery pack delivers a 3,600W AC output (7,200W surge) through multiple AC, USB-C, USB-A, and a TT-30 RV port. The two included 200W solar panels can recharge the unit to 80% in roughly nine hours of full sun, which means you can run your refrigerator through the night and replenish the battery during daylight without burning any fuel.
The UPS functionality with a sub-20ms switch time is a standout feature — your security cameras, router, and medical equipment stay powered seamlessly during the gap between grid failure and battery takeover. The CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology makes this one of the lightest 3kWh-class power stations at 59.5 pounds, and the honeycomb shell adds structural rigidity without extra weight. Owners report running a refrigerator for two full days with the unit, or powering an RV’s essential loads for an entire weekend.
The trade-off is that the 3,072Wh capacity is enough for essentials but not for heavy loads like central air conditioning or a well pump with a large surge. Recharging via solar panels requires clear skies and seasonal sun angles — cloudy winter days will extend solar recharge time significantly. The unit is non-returnable in many cases, so careful load planning is essential before purchase.
What works
- Solar recharging eliminates fuel dependency during extended outages
- Sub-20ms UPS keeps sensitive devices online during switchover
- Lightweight for the capacity at 59 pounds
What doesn’t
- Capacity limited to essentials; cannot run central AC or well pumps
- Solar recharge is slow without multiple panels in full sun
- Non-returnable policy requires thorough pre-purchase research
6. WEN DF680iX 6800W Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator
The WEN DF680iX is unique in the mid-premium space because it offers a bonded-neutral 240V configuration specifically designed for low-power Level 2 EV charging. The 224cc dual-fuel engine produces 6,800 surge watts and 5,100 rated watts on gasoline (6,000 surge and 4,500 rated on propane), and the 240V L14-30R receptacle allows you to plug in an EV charger to add range during an outage when public charging stations are down.
Electric start with a push button makes operation simple, and the WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor automatically kills the engine if CO builds up — a strong safety net for those inevitable moments when the wind shifts and pushes exhaust back toward the living space. The telescoping handle and wheels make the 99-pound unit manageable on flat ground, though it is still heavy enough to require careful lifting into a vehicle. Owners consistently report running both 15,000 BTU air conditioners in a fifth wheel trailer simultaneously on propane, with enough reserve for lights and a water pump.
The runtime on a standard 40-pound propane tank is roughly two weekends of moderate use, which makes this generator particularly attractive for off-grid cabins or RV owners who want both backup power and the ability to charge an electric vehicle. The fuel shutoff feature runs the carburetor dry before shutdown, extending engine life by preventing gum buildup from stale gasoline.
What works
- 240V bonded-neutral output supports Level 2 EV charging
- CO Watchdog sensor provides automatic safety shutdown
- Dual-fuel flexibility with long propane runtime
What doesn’t
- 99-pound weight and short wheelbase reduce portability
- No battery disconnect switch on the front panel
- Oil dipstick lacks a magnet for ferrous debris detection
7. WEN DF360iX 3600W Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator
The WEN DF360iX delivers dual-fuel capability in an ultra-portable 49-pound package that you can lift into an SUV trunk without straining your back. It produces 3,600 surge watts and 2,900 rated watts on gasoline (3,500 surge and 2,600 rated on propane), which is enough to run a refrigerator, a few lights, a furnace blower, and a CPAP machine simultaneously — the core essentials for a typical home blackout. The inverter technology keeps THD low enough for sensitive electronics, so your laptop, phone charger, and TV are fully protected.
The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor is included, which is rare at this weight class and price tier. Owners report that the unit starts on the first or second pull even after months of storage, and the digital display shows voltage, frequency, runtime, and load in real time. The parallel capability means you can combine two units if your power needs grow later, though the parallel kit is sold separately.
Verified reviews consistently praise the low noise level — it is quiet enough to hold a normal conversation standing next to it, and the economy mode reduces engine speed when loads are light, stretching fuel efficiency significantly. The dual-fuel design allows you to use a standard 20-pound propane tank for cleaner, longer storage, which is a major advantage for emergency preparedness kits that sit untouched for months.
What works
- Ultra-lightweight at 49 pounds for easy storage and transport
- CO Watchdog provides automatic safety shutdown
- Dual-fuel flexibility in a compact inverter form factor
What doesn’t
- Both 20A outlets reportedly hold plugs loosely
- Rated wattage on propane drops to 2,600W
- Parallel kit is a separate purchase for expansion
8. ERAYAK 4500W Portable Inverter Generator
The ERAYAK 4500W inverter generator strikes a strong balance between power output and fuel economy, consuming only 0.21 gallons per hour at 25% load — one of the most efficient figures in this class. The 208cc engine produces 4,500 peak watts and 3,500 running watts, and the THD range of 0.2% to 1.2% is exceptionally clean, making this unit safe for medical devices, laptops, and gaming consoles without additional filtering.
The 50-amp parallel capability allows you to connect two 4500P units for a combined 7,000 running watts and 9,000 peak watts, which is enough to power most of a home during an extended outage. The outlet panel includes a 30A L5-30P RV outlet, two 120V AC outlets, a 12V cigarette port, and USB-A/USB-C ports. The electric start system is responsive, and owners note that the Eco mode dynamically adjusts engine speed, resulting in both quieter operation and significant fuel savings.
Compact dimensions of 20 by 12.2 by 19.3 inches make this generator easy to store in a garage corner or under an RV compartment. The 55-pound weight is reasonable for a generator in this power class, though the lack of an included wheel kit means you will carry it rather than roll it. A few verified reports note that the electric start battery requires occasional maintenance; the included manual maintenance kit covers routine needs.
What works
- Exceptionally low fuel consumption in Eco mode saves money and runtime
- THD below 1.2% is safe for the most sensitive electronics
- 50A parallel capability expands power when paired with a second unit
What doesn’t
- No wheel kit included; must be carried to location
- Oil level measurement is difficult to read accurately
- Battery for electric start needs occasional charging
9. POXURIO 2550W Portable Inverter Generator
The POXURIO 2550W is designed for buyers who prioritize absolute silence over raw power. At 59 decibels during operation, this is one of the quietest gas-powered generators available — you can have a normal conversation next to it without raising your voice. The 2,550 peak watt and roughly 2,000 rated watt output is sufficient for a refrigerator, a few lights, a fan, and device charging, making it ideal for apartment balconies, campgrounds, or suburban neighborhoods with strict noise ordinances.
The 4-liter fuel tank provides up to 10 hours of runtime at 25% load, which covers a full night of sleep without interruption. The generator comes with a wheel kit and a carbon fiber pull handle, which is surprising at this price tier and makes the 43.9-pound unit incredibly easy to move. Owners consistently report that it starts on the first or second pull and runs a small RV air conditioner with no problem.
The trade-off for the low decibel rating and low weight is limited capacity — you cannot run a well pump, a large window AC, or multiple kitchen appliances simultaneously. The manual is sparse and the noise level rises noticeably when the load increases beyond 1,500 watts. For basic essentials during a short outage, however, this generator delivers an impressively quiet and portable solution that feels almost invisible while running.
What works
- 59 dB noise level is barely audible indoors
- Lightweight at 43.9 pounds with included wheel kit
- 10-hour runtime covers overnight outages on one tank
What doesn’t
- Limited wattage cannot handle well pumps or large appliances
- Noise increases significantly above half load
- User manual is sparse and lacks troubleshooting detail
10. Aceup Energy 4000W Inverter Generator
The Aceup Energy 4000W inverter generator offers a compelling entry point for homeowners who need clean backup power without spending into the premium tiers. The 149cc engine produces 4,000 peak watts and 3,200 rated watts with a THD below 1.5%, which is cleaner than many generators costing twice as much. The 1.32-gallon fuel tank delivers up to 5 hours of runtime at half load, which is shorter than average but acceptable for rotating refueling cycles during a multi-hour outage.
The intelligent gauge panel displays voltage, runtime, fuel level, hertz, and power output in one central readout, and the economy mode adjusts engine speed to match load, saving fuel when you are running only a fridge and a few lights. At 48 pounds, this is one of the lightest 4,000-watt-class generators available, making it easy to lift into a car trunk or carry up a flight of stairs. The parallel capability means you can double the output by connecting a second unit later.
Verified owners report that the generator starts easily on the first pull and runs a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner with lights and a microwave without dropping voltage. A few reviews mention that the manufacturer sent a defective unit that failed after a few months of use, but the 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support provide a safety net. For a budget-friendly inverter generator with dual-fuel-like flexibility (gasoline only here), this is a strong contender.
What works
- THD below 1.5% protects sensitive electronics from damage
- Lightweight at 48 pounds for easy transport and storage
- Digital display provides real-time voltage and runtime data
What doesn’t
- Only 5 hours runtime at half load requires frequent refueling
- Some units fail prematurely; warranty is essential to verify
- Gasoline-only fuel limits emergency fuel flexibility
11. A-iPower 4600W RV-Ready Inverter Generator
The A-iPower 4600W open-frame inverter generator is a lightweight outlier that delivers 4,600 starting watts and 3,600 running watts in a 56-pound frame — far lighter than traditional open-frame models with similar output. The 149cc 4-stroke engine uses low-idle technology that reduces engine speed when loads are light, extending runtime to a full 16 hours on the 2.6-gallon tank at 25% load. That kind of endurance means you can run essential circuits through the night without waking up to refuel.
The THD rating of 3% is at the upper edge of what is considered safe for sensitive electronics, but most modern refrigerators, TVs, and laptops handle 3% without issue. The outlet panel includes a TT-30R RV receptacle, two 120V household outlets, and a USB port, making it ready for direct RV hookup. The CO sensor automatically shuts the generator down if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide accumulate, which is a welcome safety feature at this price point.
Owners in hurricane-prone regions consistently report that this generator runs a deep-cycle refrigerator, window AC, and multiple electronics simultaneously without stalling. The absence of an oil drain plug and an hour meter are notable omissions — you will need to tilt the unit to drain oil during changes, and you will have to track runtime manually. For a lightweight inverter generator that can handle serious home loads at an accessible price, the A-iPower is hard to ignore.
What works
- 16-hour runtime on a single tank covers a full night and day
- Lightweight at 56 pounds for an open-frame design
- CO sensor provides automatic shutdown safety protection
What doesn’t
- 3% THD is the upper limit for clean power; some sensitive devices may flicker
- No oil drain plug or hour meter included
- Hard to start in damp weather according to owner reports
Hardware & Specs Guide
Inverter vs. Open-Frame Construction
The core engineering difference that determines noise level, fuel efficiency, and power quality. Inverter generators convert raw AC to DC and back to clean AC, producing a sine wave with under 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) — safe for laptops, CPAP machines, and variable-speed refrigerators. Open-frame generators produce raw AC with THD typically above 6%, which can cause motor windings in compressors to overheat and shorten appliance lifespan. Inverter units also adjust engine RPM to match real-time load, burning less fuel and running far quieter than open-frame machines that spin at a fixed 3600 RPM regardless of whether you are powering a single light bulb or a well pump. For emergency home backup, an inverter generator is almost always the better choice unless your budget is extremely tight or you need massive power (over 10,000 watts) where open-frame models dominate.
Fuel Delivery and Storage Chemistry
Gasoline deteriorates through oxidation and evaporation in as little as 90 days, especially when stored with ethanol blends that attract moisture and form phase separation. Propane (LPG) stores indefinitely without degradation and produces zero varnish or gum deposits in the carburetor, but it delivers roughly 8-10% less maximum power than gasoline because of its lower BTU content per volume. Dual-fuel generators give you the ability to run on whichever fuel is available during an emergency, and switching between fuels mid-run is possible on most models by turning the fuel selector knob. If your generator sits for months between storms, drain the carburetor bowl or run the fuel shutoff to empty the system before storage — this single habit determines whether the engine starts on the first pull or requires a carburetor rebuild when the next blackout hits.
Transfer Switch Compatibility
Powering hardwired circuits like a well pump, furnace, or sump pump requires a transfer switch or an interlock kit that physically disconnects your home from the grid before the generator connects. A 30-amp inlet box with an L14-30P plug supports up to 7,200 running watts, while a 50-amp inlet with a 14-50P plug supports up to 12,000 running watts. If your generator lacks a bonded neutral (typical in inverters), you may need to install a grounding rod or use a floating neutral transfer switch to avoid ground fault trips. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet — this backfeeds the grid and kills linemen working to restore power. A transfer switch installation by a licensed electrician typically costs between and depending on circuit count and panel configuration.
CO Detection and Placement Distances
Carbon monoxide from portable generators kills silently — the gas is odorless, colorless, and heavier than air, so it pools in basements, crawlspaces, and adjacent rooms without warning. Generators with built-in CO sensors (often branded as CO Watchdog, CO Alert, or CO-Shield) monitor ambient CO levels in the generator’s immediate vicinity and automatically shut the engine off before concentrations become lethal. Even with a CO sensor, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires portable generators to be placed at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. Placing the generator inside a garage with the door partially open is not safe — CO can still enter the living space through gaps and reach fatal levels within minutes. A battery-powered CO alarm inside the home is a mandatory second layer of protection regardless of the generator’s built-in sensor.
FAQ
Can I plug an emergency generator directly into a wall outlet?
How many watts do I need to run a refrigerator and a sump pump during an outage?
Is propane or gasoline better for long-term emergency storage?
How often should I replace the oil in my emergency generator?
Can I run a generator in my garage with the door open?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the emergency generator for home winner is the Westinghouse iGen5000 because it combines reliable remote electric start, quiet 52 dB operation, and an 18-hour runtime that covers a full outage cycle without refueling anxiety. If you want silent, indoor-safe power with zero emissions and the ability to recharge from solar panels, grab the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3600Wh — it is the best battery-based backup for homes where noise and fumes are dealbreakers. And for whole-home coverage through a transfer switch with fuel flexibility between gas and propane, nothing beats the Westinghouse WGen9500DF 12,500W dual-fuel, a machine that powers an entire house through multi-day outages with a remote start range that works from two hundred feet away.