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As blizzards continue battering the upper Midwest and dangerous winds threaten the East, thousands are discovering the hard way why backup power for your electronics isn't just nice to have, it can be critically essential.

Severe weather, like hurricanes and tropical storms, tornadoes and flooding, could mean being without power for days or even weeks. A few years ago, my mother was without power for almost two weeks following a hurricane, and without a portable generator, she couldn't have stayed in her home.

During a severe weather event, it's a struggle just to find gas, water, food and other necessities, so unless you can plan in advance, it may be almost impossible to find a portable generator in your area. So if you've been impacted by winter storms or are prepping early for hurricane season, below are a few top picks across a variety of portable generator types, including dual fuel, electric and solar options.

Be sure to check out our complete portable generator guide, ideal for both beginners and those looking to upgrade to higher power options.

• A Complete Guide: Top Portable Generators

Types of Generators

There are four main types of generators, including: portable generators, whole house generators, inverter generators, and dual fuel generators.

The most common type include portable generators that come with wheels, usually run on gasoline, and while not powerful enough to support an entire home, can certainly be used for a variety of appliances. Popular wattage sizes range from 10,000 to 14,000.

Inverter generators are smaller, use less fuel and are most ideal for camping and RVing.

Dual fuel generators are designed to operate on two fuel types, typically a combination of propane and gasoline. It’s a popular choice so that you aren’t limited to one type of fuel, and is ideal for those needing to run larger appliances.

Solar and Battery Power Stations

Solar and battery power stations are a great option to use to charge your electronic equipment during severe weather events. With no emissions, a solar generator can usually be run indoors. However, these power station options are dependent on the weather for recharging if there is no AC or car outlet available.

Generator Wattage Guide

Portable generators and power stations can have drastically different watt options. Keep in mind that to calculate your wattage needs, you’ll need the running and starting (or surge) watts needed to power it up.

Once you know the highest running and starting watts, you'll need to total the running watts + add the highest single starting watts.

You'll want a generator that can handle that amount without using 100% of its wattage, because generators should be sized to 110% of the load (but most ideally run between 50-80% of their capacity).

A 10,000-watt generator is typically powerful enough to handle small, regular appliances like light, fans, small refrigerators or coffee makers in the event of a power outage. You’ll want to size up to use portable A/C units, larger appliances, and sump pumps.

Check out our complete guide for the average appliance wattage costs and calculation tips.

Portable Generator Deals

Depending on your wattage needs, there are several excellent options available on Amazon and The Home Depot for dual-fuel generators, as well as solar power stations. In the list below, we highlight a few of the fuel, wattage and outlet options, as well as the operating decibel levels, runtime estimates and generator features.

1. Westinghouse 12,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Price: $999 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars; 21,600+ ratings

Fuel: Gas, Propane | Peak Wattage: 12,500 (gas), 11,200 (propane) | Running Wattage: 9,500 (gas), 8,500 (propane) | Weight: 210 lbs.

Outlets: 6 | Noise: 74 dBA | Runtime: up to 12 hours

Features:

• Heavy duty 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with cast iron sleeve
• Remote start key fob plus electric and recoil start options
• Transfer switch ready with 30A and 50A outlets for major appliances
• VFT display shows voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
• Automatic low oil shutdown and GFCI outlets
• Heavy duty never-flat wheels, handle, and lift bracket
• 3-year limited warranty with lifetime technical support

2. DuroMax XP13000EH 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Price: $1,299, was $1,499 at Amazon and The Home Depot

Amazon Rating: 4.4 stars; 12,200+ ratings

Fuel: Gas, Propane | Peak Wattage: 12,350-13,000 | Running Wattage: 9,975-10,500 | Weight: 245 lbs.

Outlets: 5 | Noise: 74 dBA | Runtime (50% load): up to 8 hours (gasoline)

Features:

• 500cc 4-stroke engine
• 8.3 gallon gas tank with built-in fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, overload protection
• Push-button electric start
• Displays for volt output, hertz and hours run, low oil light
• Carbon monoxide sensor
• Heavy duty wheels, all-metal frame and 100% copper windings, according to company
• Outlets: (2) 120-Volt household GFCI outlets, (1) 120-Volt 30 Amp twist lock outlet, (1) 240-Volt 30A outlet, (1) 240-Volt 50 Amp outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12-Volt DC charging posts for charging external batteries

3. Westinghouse 6,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Price: $579 at Amazon and The Home Depot

Amazon Rating: 4.5-stars; 1,900+ ratings

Fuel: Gas, Propane | Peak Wattage: 5,800-6,500 | Running Wattage: 4,800-5,300 | Weight: 136 lbs.

Outlets: 3 | Noise: 68 dBA | Runtime (50% load): up to 11 hours (with selector switch)

Features:

• 274cc 4-stroke engine
• 4.7 gas tank with built-in fuel gauge
• Automatic low oil shutdown, automatic voltage regulation, and overload protection
• Carbon monoxide sensor
• Heavy duty wheels, handle, and steel frame
• Outlets: (1) 120/240V 30A, (1) 120V 20A, (1) 120V 30A

4. EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh with 220W Solar Panel

Price: $1,248, was $1,799 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.6-stars; 2,700+ ratings

Fuel: Electric, Solar | Peak Wattage: 2,048 | Running Wattage: 1,800-2,048 | Weight: 50 lbs. and 16 lb. solar panel

Outlets: 15 | Noise: lowest 30 dBA | Runtime: Depends on usage

Features:

• Company claims 10-year battery / charge and recharge 3,000 times before it lowers to 80% capacity
• Outlets: (2) USB-A output, (2) USB-A fast charging output, (2) USB-C output, (6) AC output sockets, (2) DC5521 outputs, (1) car outlet port
• Expandable capacity with other EcoFlow products
• Can be used indoor and outdoor
• Comes with: AC charging cable, car charging cable, 220W solar panel and cable, protective bag
• EcoFlow app controls
• LiFePO4 battery has longer lifespan than traditional battery

4. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

Price: $429, was $799 at Amazon

Amazon Rating: 4.6-stars; 1,800+ ratings

Fuel: Electric, Solar | Peak Wattage: 1,070 | Running Wattage: 1,070 | Weight: 23.8 lbs.

Outlets: 6 | Noise: lowest 30 dBA | Runtime: Depends on usage

Features:

• Company claims 10-year battery / charge and recharge 4,000 times while maintaining 70% capacity
• Outlets: (1) USB-A output, (2) USB-C output, (3) AC output sockets, (1) car outlet port
• Can be used indoor and outdoor
• Comes with: AC charging cable, user manual
• Jackery app controls
• LiFePO4 battery has longer lifespan than traditional battery

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.