Portable generators: the downsides, first

A premium, very quiet 5,500-watt inverter with Honda build quality, a Bluetooth app, 240-volt output and a CO shutoff. Popular Mechanics measured about 70 dB at 15 feet under a 60% load. It costs about $4,899, weighs 263 pounds and runs on gasoline only.

Recalls (CPSC): CPSC recall 23-251 (2023-08-03): about 250 EU7000is generators (serials EEJD-1364963 to EEJD-1366026) because the fuel filler cap may not seal and can leak fuel or vapor (fire hazard); no injuries. Remedy: free repair at a Honda dealer.

Power (gasoline): 5,500 running / 7,000 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: a CO monitor shuts the generator down if dangerous CO levels are detected nearby (Popular Mechanics)

Wirecutter's top pick: a closed-frame dual-fuel inverter with 3,900 running watts, a remote-start key fob, CO shutoff and up to 18 hours at 25% load, for about $1,000. It's over 100 pounds, can't be sold in California, and Wirecutter chose it from research rather than hands-on testing.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for the iGen5000DFc (checked 2026-10-11). An earlier Westinghouse recall on 2020-09-16 (CPSC 20-185, about 7,500 units) covered iGen4500DF and WGen5300DFv generators made October-December 2019 for fuel leaks.

Power (gasoline): 3,900 running / 5,000 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: CO shutoff (Wirecutter); the listing says the engine has a CO sensor

Popular Mechanics' best home generator overall: a 9,000-watt dual-fuel inverter that's as loud as a dishwasher (61 dB at 20% load), with remote start, a battery tender and CO shutoff. It weighs 216 pounds and costs about $2,499, and its Amazon listing shows a high share of 1-star ratings.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for DuroMax generators (SaferProducts.gov recall search for 'generator', checked 2026-10-11).

Power (gasoline): 9,000 running / 11,000 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: CO shutoff (Popular Mechanics); the Amazon listing calls it CO Alert, which turns the generator off at unsafe CO levels

Popular Mechanics' best overall portable generator and Bob Vila's camping pick: light (about 47 lb), very quiet, clean power and Honda's CO-MINDER shutoff. At 1,800 running watts with a tank under a gallon, it isn't a home-backup machine, and it costs about $1,199.

Recalls (CPSC): CPSC recalls of earlier units: 2019-03-20 (CPSC 19-088), about 200,000 EU2200iTA/iTA1/iTA2 and EB2200iTA generators because fuel could leak from the fuel valve (fire and burn hazard), and 2020-03-17 (CPSC 20-090), about 340,000 EU2200i, EU2200i Companion, EU2200i Camo and EB2200i generators (serials EAMT-1000001 to EAMT-2098790) because saltwater could short-circuit the inverter (10 fires reported, no injuries). Remedy in both: free repair at a Honda service dealer.

Power (gasoline): 1,800 running / 2,200 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: CO-MINDER monitors CO and shuts the generator down before detected levels near it become dangerously high (Honda)

Popular Mechanics' pick for sensitive electronics: one of the quietest it has tested at this size (61 dB at 25 feet, half load), with easy electric start, clean power and a CO shutoff. It costs more than a standard generator of similar capacity, and the dual-fuel Amazon listing has few ratings, with several owners saying it won't stay running.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for the iQ3800 (checked 2026-10-11). Generac's 2026-04-16 recall (CPSC 26-407, about 149,400 units) covers some GP-series open-frame models whose carburetors can leak fuel, not this model.

Power (gasoline): 3,000 running / 3,800 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: automatic CO shutoff that won't let it restart until the area is clear (Popular Mechanics); Generac calls it COsense

A lot of generator for about $999: 9,500 running watts, 30- and 50-amp 240-volt outlets for a transfer switch, and electric, remote and recoil start. Bob Vila picked it as best dual-fuel. It's a loud (74 dB) open-frame unit of about 210 pounds, and none of our sources list a CO shutoff.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for the WGen9500DF (checked 2026-10-11). An earlier Westinghouse recall on 2020-09-16 (CPSC 20-185) covered iGen4500DF and WGen5300DFv units made October-December 2019.

Power (gasoline): 9,500 running / 12,500 starting watts

CO shutoff: Not listed: none of our sources mention a CO shutoff on this model (Popular Mechanics lists a low-oil shutoff)

Wirecutter's pick for lighter needs: a closed-frame, dual-fuel inverter with CO Shield at about 50 pounds and around $719. It has about 1,000 fewer watts than mid-size picks, so appliances may need to run one at a time, and it runs about 10 hours per tank at 25% load.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for Champion generators (SaferProducts.gov recall search for 'generator', checked 2026-10-11).

Power (gasoline): 3,000 running / 4,000 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: CO Shield carbon monoxide auto shutoff (Amazon listing; Wirecutter says it has CO detection)

Popular Mechanics' budget pick: a 49-pound dual-fuel inverter with a 30-amp RV outlet, USB ports and a CO shutdown sensor for well under $700. The 1.5-gallon tank runs only about five hours at half load on gas, and Amazon owners are split on how easily it starts.

Recalls (CPSC): No CPSC recall found for WEN generators (SaferProducts.gov recall search for 'generator', checked 2026-10-11).

Power (gasoline): 2,900 running / 3,600 starting watts

CO shutoff: Yes: WEN's Watchdog CO shutdown sensor turns the generator off if dangerous CO levels are detected (Amazon listing, Popular Mechanics)