On this page
The lights go out on a storm night, the fridge hums to a stop, and the house falls quiet while the windows stay dark. Power generator types answer the question of what fills that gap: a fuel generator that burns gas or propane, an inverter generator that makes clean power for sensitive electronics, or a battery power station that stores power and makes no exhaust. This guide explains each type, with the running watts, peak watts, run time and noise the listings state.
SolarKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
The quick answer
Power generator types split into 3 groups: inverter generators, conventional portable generators and battery power stations, with dual fuel as a fuel choice inside the portable group. An inverter generator makes clean power under 3% THD for laptops, phones and tablets, and runs quiet, under 58 dBA to under 72 dBA from 23 feet in the listings here. A dual fuel portable generator runs on gasoline or propane, with the Westinghouse listing 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, and 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane. A battery power station stores energy and makes no exhaust, so it runs indoors where a fuel generator never should.
The power generator types at a glance
| Type | Running watts | Peak watts | Fuel and run time | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxseryn 4400 inverter generator | 3400 | 4400 | Gas, 14 hours at 25% load, 2 gallon tank | Under 72 dBA at 23 feet |
| Westinghouse dual fuel portable | 9500 gas, 8500 propane | 12500 gas, 11200 propane | Gas or propane, 12 hours of run time | Not stated |
| PowerSmart 3800 inverter generator | 3200 | 3800 | Gas, Eco Mode | 59 dBA at 23 feet |
| Oxseryn 2800 inverter generator | 2000 | 2800 | Gas, 9 hours at 25% load, 1.1 gallon tank | Under 58 dBA at 23 feet |
Use the table to compare the listings side by side, then read the sections below for what each type does.
Inverter generators
An inverter generator makes AC power through an inverter, and the listings here state clean power with THD under 3% for sensitive electronics. The PowerSmart 3800 (on Amazon) lists 3800 starting watts and 3200 running watts with THD under 3%, and states it suits laptops, mobile phones and tablets. The Oxseryn 4400 (on Amazon) lists 4400 peak watts and 3400 running watts, with 2 120V AC ports, 1 12V DC port and 1 RV port. The Oxseryn 2800 (on Amazon) lists 2800 peak watts and 2000 running watts, with 2 120V AC ports, 1 12V DC port, 1 USB port and 1 Type-C port, plus a parallel function and ECO mode. All 3 list an ECO mode, and the noise figures run from under 58 dBA to under 72 dBA from 23 feet.
Dual fuel portable generators
A dual fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane, so the fuel choice stays open when one fuel runs short. The Westinghouse lists 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, and 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane, with up to 12 hours of run time and a 3-year limited warranty. It lists a 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with a cast iron sleeve and automatic low oil shutdown, plus remote start with a key fob, electric start and recoil start. The outlets listed are 2 GFCI 120V 20A household receptacles, 1 RV ready 120/240V 50A receptacle and 1 transfer-switch-ready 120V 30A receptacle. If the generator connects to home wiring through a transfer switch, a licensed electrician should install it.
Battery power stations
A battery power station stores energy in a battery and runs AC loads through a built-in inverter, with no fuel, no exhaust and no engine noise. It recharges from a wall outlet or from solar panels, and the Oxseryn 2800 listing even states it supports charging a power station. A power station suits indoor use and light loads, while a fuel generator suits long outages and heavy loads. See the best portable power stations for home backup for larger units.
How to match the watts
Running watts are the power a generator holds over a long run, and peak watts are the short burst it gives when a motor starts. The Oxseryn 4400 lists 3400 running watts and 4400 peak watts, the PowerSmart lists 3200 running watts and 3800 starting watts, and the Westinghouse lists 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline. Add the running watts of the loads you plan to run at the same time, and check the peak watts against the largest motor that starts. The label on each load gives its watts, and the generator listing gives its running and peak watts.
Run time, fuel and noise
Run time depends on the tank and the load. The Oxseryn 4400 runs for up to 14 hours at 25% load on a 2 gallon fuel tank, the Oxseryn 2800 runs for up to 9 hours at 25% load on a 1.1 gallon fuel tank, and the Westinghouse runs for up to 12 hours. Noise is listed at 23 feet: under 72 dBA for the Oxseryn 4400, 59 dBA for the PowerSmart and under 58 dBA for the Oxseryn 2800. The PowerSmart states THD under 3%, and the Oxseryn 2800 states the same figure. Check the fuel gauge before a long outage, and keep spare fuel in a rated container away from the house.
Run a fuel generator outdoors only
Fuel generators make carbon monoxide, so they run outdoors only, far from doors and windows. The PowerSmart listing states it plainly: never use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed areas, and use it outdoors only. Set the generator on level ground outside, point the exhaust away from the house, and let it cool before refueling. Keep the generator dry in rain, and never plug it into a wall outlet.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What is the difference between running watts and peak watts?
Running watts are the power a generator holds over a long run, and peak watts are the short burst it gives when a motor starts. The Oxseryn 4400 lists 3400 running watts and 4400 peak watts, while the PowerSmart lists 3200 running watts and 3800 starting watts.
What is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator makes AC power through an inverter, with clean power under 3% THD for sensitive electronics. The PowerSmart and the Oxseryn 2800 both state THD under 3%, and the PowerSmart states it suits laptops, mobile phones and tablets.
Can I run a generator indoors?
No. Fuel generators make carbon monoxide, so they run outdoors only, far from doors and windows. The PowerSmart listing states never to use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed areas.
What is a dual fuel generator?
A dual fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane. The Westinghouse lists 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, and 8500 running watts and 11200 peak watts on propane.
How long does a generator run on a tank of fuel?
It depends on the tank and the load. The Oxseryn 4400 runs up to 14 hours at 25% load on a 2 gallon tank, the Oxseryn 2800 runs up to 9 hours at 25% load on a 1.1 gallon tank, and the Westinghouse runs up to 12 hours.
Related solar guides
See the best portable power stations for home backup, the best inverter generators and the best portable solar panels. See every Power Stations and Generators guide.
