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 |  | Low: $200-$650+ |  | Medium: $1,000-$2,500 |  | High: $2,000-$4,000 |
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A portable generator is typically an internal combustion engine powered by gas or diesel and used to supply electricity. It can be used during a power outage or other emergency, at a construction site, in remote areas or for camping.
Typical costs: | - Small recreational generators (500-2,000 watts) that are good for camping or tailgating range in price from $200-$650 or more, depending on size and quality. For example, the Generac GP1800 with 1800 watts sells for $375-$400. These small generators usually power only one appliance at a time, and their gas tanks need refilling every few hours.
- Portable generators designed for an extended power outage start around $330-$1,000 but usually run $1,000-$2,000 or more for a medium-sized model (3000-6500 watts). For example, the Centurion 5000 Watts by Generac sells for $650-$950. More expensive versions provide more power and are usually quieter and more compact. Diesel-fueled generators are more expensive but also more efficient, run more quietly and last longer than gas-fueled models.
- It can be $1,000-$2,500 for a larger portable generator (7-8 kW) to power to a good portion of a smaller or older home, but probably not enough energy for a large central air conditioning system or a heat pump. The Powermate PM 0497000.02[1] sells for about $1,300-$1,900.
- Expect to pay $2,000-$4,000 for an extra-large portable generator (10-18 kW) that can provide power for most average homes (depending on air conditioning wattage requirements). For example, the Generac GP 15000 sells for $2,400-$3,200. More expensive models may be designed to maneuver on rugged terrain, or are able to operate on more than one type of fuel (gas, diesel, propane).
- Renting a small portable generator costs around $65-$185 a day, depending on capacity and local rates. An industrial-sized towable generator that can power multiple items rents for about $300-$500 a week, depending on size and local rates, but can go as high as $700-$1,100.
Related articles: Standby Generator, Adding an Electrical Outlet, Upgrading an Electrical Panel
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What should be included: | - Generator output is measured by watts or kilowatts (kW), and 1,000 watts equals 1 kW. An average refrigerator uses 700 watts when it's running, but requires 2,800 watts to start up.
- A portable generator is basically an engine within a frame and usually weighs around 100-250 pounds. Some portable generators are powered by biodiesel, propane or natural gas, but those are less common.
- Portable generators typically are not high-powered but can be used at a variety of locations and in a range of circumstances. For a more powerful but stationary emergency power source, see How Much Does a Standby Generator Cost. ThisOldHouse.com provides an overview[2] of generators.
Additional costs: | - The most common way to connect a portable generator to household appliances is with heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords. The cords are plugged into outlets on the generator and then run through an open door of window to the appliances that are to receive power. Prices range from $10-$55 each, depending on gauge, quality and length (typically 25-50 feet long).
- Another option is to have an electrician add a power transfer switch to the home's main circuit panel, typically at a cost of $400-$1,000. The generator is hooked up to the transfer switch using a single extension cord and provides power to selected circuits on the panel. This makes it easier to power built-in appliances like a furnace, which can be difficult to connect directly to the generator with an extension cord.
- Some manufacturers include wheels with their portable generators, but others sell them separately as a "portability kit" for $25-$200.
Shopping for a portable generator: | - Decide where the generator will be located when it's in use, and calculate the amount of wattage needed by each appliance. (Wattage is usually listed on an appliance's nameplate, but it's also good to consult with a dealer or an electrician when determining how much power is needed.)
- When buying, ask about fuel consumption, fuel storage requirements and run time at full capacity. Popular Mechanics magazine provides a guide for choosing the right portable generator.
- Major manufacturers of portable generators include Briggs & Stratton, Cummins Onan, Generac[3] , Honda[4] , Kipor, Powermate[5] and Winco[6] . Many manufacturers' websites include an online calculator to determine the size of generator needed, as well as referrals to local dealers.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Larry E McLaughlin in Skykomish, WA. | Posted: April 28th, 2020 11:04PM |
| Brand: Kohler | Model: M/O # 45 RCG |
| Store: Critical Power - Idaho |
Purchased a 2001 used Kohler generator w/control box for complete home use during power outages, a 24 KVA home requirement. This generator has a 44 KVA and only 331 hrs on the meter, its 7.5 ft long x 35" wide x 6'3" tall. Used at a hospital in Idaho very lightly, as most hrs are maintenance hrs. Reviewed by a Kohler Dealer for 2-1/2 hrs who tried to find as much fault as possible with the purchase, but said it was in excellent shape. The dealer says the generator is to big for a 1,345 sq ft home w/garage & carport,and to go down to a smaller size 24 KVA I might be able to sell the larger 44 KVA for maybe $5,000.00? How much of all this info from the Kohler dealer is true? of course I didn't by from him, and he want to sell me a 24 KVA generator. |
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| Posted by: Lori Carpenter in port richey, FL. | Posted: July 22nd, 2015 09:07AM |
| Store: Port Richey |
My home burned down in June 9th located at 5819 Apollo St Zephyrhills, Fl I have lost everything! I have been homeless living in my truck ever since ! Then my truck broke down ! I have been terrified! I am 45 yr old disabled woman who has recently been givin a home to temporarily live in ! The home has no powe and is virtually impossible to live in with my health so poor? I have spent my last dime on my truck repairs and survival alone! I have no family ot noone that cares enough to help me? I am in desperate need of a generator rental Iplan on having powe on by the third of August please please help me ??? Ithankyou for your time ! God bless |
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| Posted by: david 50695949 in Minneapolis, MN. | Posted: May 27th, 2015 11:05AM |
| Brand: P3 battery systems | Model: Arc2 |
| Store: online |
This was the best generator i have use, it is super powerful, super quiet, and completely electric (no gas,solar,wind or fuel needed). I used it over Memorial weekend and never ran out of power! 4 days straight! I love it and would highly recommend it to everyone! 651-560-3004 is the direct number for them. [email protected] |
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External Resources: | - www.powermate.com/generators/product_detail.php?model=PM0497000.02&cat_id=3&w=79
- www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,192981,00.html
- www.generac.com/Portables/
- powerequipment.honda.com/generators/eurl.axd/b042254e7b49af49ac085705d51668ea/
- www.powermate.com/
- www.wincogen.com/home.php
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