Portable vs. Whole-House Generator: Which Is Right for You?

The portable models in our generator ratings run on gasoline, burning through 12 to 20 gallons per day depending on the unit’s output and the load being powered. This means you’ll have to store a significant quantity of gasoline, start the generator manually, and refill it (when it’s off, to minimize fire danger) after several hours.

Some models run on liquid propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel. But Consumer Reports generally doesn’t test those because they represent such a small segment of the market. Two options in our ratings, from DuroMax and Champion, can run on gasoline or propane, which has the added advantage of not clogging up the fuel lines or the carburetor when the unit is in storage for a while. In the aftermath of a storm, though, it may be more difficult to find portable cylinders of liquid propane.

If you use a portable generator during inclement weather, such as a rainstorm, you’ll need to protect it from the elements with a model-specific cover or a freestanding canopy while being mindful of the unit’s carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (see below).

A whole-house generator, also called a standby or stationary generator, is permanently installed outside your home by a pro and has insulated housing that helps to protect it from the weather and keeps it relatively quiet. It kicks on automatically when the lights go out and can power everything in your home at once. It can operate for days or even weeks on a full whole-house propane tank or indefinitely in the case of a natural gas version.

“Home standby generators are expensive, but they’re the gold standard in backup power, and they outperform all other types of generators in our ratings,” says Dave Trezza, who heads the generator testing program for Consumer Reports. “If you can afford it, I’d tell you to pick a home standby generator every time.”

Yet far more people choose portable generators for a simple reason: price. Here, we explain the pros and cons of each type of generator. Our buying guide offers deeper insights. CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of the top three models in each of the two categories. Or for more choices, browse our extensive generator ratings.