Best Gasoline-Powered Portable Generators

TL;DR: The Westinghouse iGen12500 delivers a massive 12,500 W peak output, 12‑hour gasoline runtime and dual‑fuel flexibility, but its 210 lb weight and 74 dBA noise level keep it in the heavy‑duty camp.

What really sets this generator apart is its 12,500 W peak rating on gasoline, backed by a 457 cc engine and a 6.6‑gallon fuel tank that can run up to 12 hours at half load. The VFT display shows voltage, frequency and total hours, while the automatic low‑oil shutdown and optional CO sensor add safety layers you don’t see on many entry‑level models.

Compared with the other three contenders, the iGen12500 is a heavyweight. At roughly 210 lb it outweighs the Honda EU1000i and the WEN 56360i, which sit under 30 lb and 46 lb respectively, and it matches the DuroMax XP10000E’s mass. Its fuel capacity also dwarfs Honda’s 0.55‑gallon tank and WEN’s unspecified size, giving it a runtime advantage over both—Honda tops out around 8 hours at a quarter load, while WEN lists about 5 hours at 50 % load. Noise is a trade‑off: the Westinghouse sits at 74 dBA, a bit louder than WEN’s 65 dB(A) and DuroMax’s 72 dBA, but still within the range most users find acceptable for home backup.

Customers repeatedly praise the reliable power delivery for essential appliances during outages, and many highlight the convenience of the remote electric start via key fob. Professional reviewers note the solid cast‑iron sleeves and the < 5 % total harmonic distortion as signs of durability. The most common complaint circles back to the 210 lb weight—moving the unit alone can be a challenge, especially in tight spaces.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Westinghouse iGen12500 offers Engine Displacement: 457cc

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The WEN 56360i delivers 2,900 W of clean power, runs 5 hours at half‑load, and weighs just 46.3 lb, making it a solid budget choice for RVers and campers.

The generator’s 2,900 W rated output and 3,600 W surge capacity come from a 149 cc OHV engine that can run at 3,000 RPM in Eco mode. At a compact 19.7 inches tall, 17.9 inches long and 11.6 inches wide, it packs a digital fuel gauge, CO‑shutdown watchdog and an inverter that keeps total harmonic distortion below 0.3 % at no load.

Compared with the Westinghouse iGen12500, the WEN is dramatically lighter—46.3 lb versus roughly 210 lb—and quieter, at 65 dB(A) versus 74 dB(A). It also carries a smaller 1.6‑gal tank, while the Westinghouse holds 6.6 gal. Against the Honda EU1000i, the WEN is heavier than Honda’s 28.7 lb unit but offers a higher surge rating and a dedicated TT‑30R outlet for direct RV hookup. The DuroMax XP10000E tops the weight chart at about 210 lb and sports a larger 8.3‑gal tank, placing the WEN in the lightweight, portable niche.

Reviewers consistently praise the lightweight chassis and the RV‑ready TT‑30R plug, noting that the clean sine‑wave output safely runs sensitive electronics. Professional reviewers highlight the parallel‑capable design, which lets you pair two units for more power. The most common complaints focus on the 65 dB noise level, which many say is louder than premium inverter rivals, and the 5‑hour runtime at 50 % load, which can require frequent refueling on longer trips.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the WEN 56360i offers Height: 19.7 inches

Avoid if: You need ultra‑quiet operation or all‑day continuous power without refueling

TL;DR: The DuroMax XP10000E packs 10,000 W peak power, 22 hours of runtime at low load, and a rugged all‑metal frame, but its 210 lb weight and ~12 % THD make it a heavyweight that isn’t ideal for delicate electronics.

This generator’s headline spec is its 10,000 W starting capacity paired with 8,000 W of continuous output, driven by a 439 cc OHV engine. The 8.3‑gallon fuel tank fuels up to 22 hours of operation at a 25 % load, giving you marathon‑long backup for tools or appliances.

Compared with the other three models in this roundup, the XP10000E sits at the high‑power end. It delivers more starting watts than the Honda EU1000i and the WEN 56360i, which are built for lower‑power needs, while its peak output is modest next to the Westinghouse iGen12500’s 12,500 W. In terms of weight, it matches the Westinghouse’s roughly 210 lb mass, but it’s far heavier than Honda’s 28.7 lb and WEN’s 46.3 lb units, making solo transport a challenge.

User reviews repeatedly praise the “beast” of a power source for reliably running AC units and welders, and professional reviewers highlight the all‑metal chassis, MX2 Power Boost technology, and the combination of AVR and GFCI protection as durability wins. The most common complaint centers on the <12 % THD, which can jeopardize laptops or other sensitive gear, and a few owners note carburetor issues if the generator sits idle for long periods.

Best for: Contractors, RV owners, and anyone who needs high‑wattage backup for air‑conditioning, refrigeration, or heavy equipment.

Avoid if: Quiet operation, lightweight portability, or powering delicate electronics are top priorities.

TL;DR: The Honda EU1000i is a 1000 W inverter generator that stays quiet at 42 dB, weighs just 28.7 lb, and runs up to 8 hours on a 0.55 gal tank, but its 900 W continuous output limits heavy‑duty use.

This unit packs a 49.4 cc GXH50 engine that spins between 5,500‑6,000 rpm, delivering a clean sine‑wave output of up to 1,000 W max and 900 W rated power. Noise drops to 42 dB(A) at a quarter load and rises only to 50 dB(A) at rated load, making it one of the quietest portable generators in its class.

At 28.7 lb, the Honda is dramatically lighter than the Westinghouse iGen12500’s 210‑lb chassis and also lighter than the DuroMax XP10000E’s 210‑lb frame. It’s a bit heavier than the WEN 56360i’s 46.3‑lb design, but still far more portable than the larger models that push 12,500 W peak power. The EU1000i’s parallel capability lets you pair two units for up to 2,000 W, a feature the smaller WEN lacks.

Professional reviewers highlight the exceptionally quiet operation and the Eco‑Throttle system that stretches runtime to 6.8‑8.3 hours on a single 0.55‑gal tank at light loads. Users echo this sentiment, often praising the generator’s lightweight form factor and low noise for camping or tailgate use. The same reviews note the limited continuous 900 W output and the modest fuel tank, which can require more frequent refueling during heavier use.

Additional technical touches include a CO‑MINDER carbon‑monoxide detection system, automatic oil‑alert shutdown, and a USDA‑qualified spark arrestor for safe operation in forested areas. The forced‑air cooling and full‑transistor ignition keep the engine running smoothly, while the manual recoil starter provides a simple, reliable start without needing a battery.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Honda EU1000i offers Fuel Tank Capacity: 0.55 gal

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance, especially for appliances that exceed the 900 W rated capacity.