Whole-home standby vs. portable generators
Portables are cheaper and flexible; standby units are permanent, automatic, and sized for the whole house. Here's where each fits.
Portable generators
Lower cost, movable, and adequate for essentials. You run them outdoors (never in a garage), refuel them manually, and connect loads through a transfer switch or interlock for safety. Best when outages are occasional and you only need to cover a fridge, lights, heat, and a few circuits.
Standby (whole-home) generators
Permanently installed, fueled by natural gas or a large propane tank, and started automatically by an automatic transfer switch (ATS) the moment the grid drops — even when you're away. They're sized for the whole house, including central AC, and require professional installation. Best for frequent or long outages, medical needs, or simply hands-off reliability.
| Factor | Portable | Standby |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | High (incl. install) |
| Start | Manual | Automatic (ATS) |
| Fuel | Gas / propane (refill) | Natural gas / large LP tank |
| Capacity | Essentials to mid | Whole home incl. AC |
| Runs when away | No | Yes |
How to decide
Size your load first. If your peak stays within portable range and outages are occasional, a portable plus a transfer switch is the cost-effective choice. If your peak pushes past ~8,500W, you run central AC, or you want automatic hands-off backup, a standby unit is the right class. Size your home → or get a standby install quote.
Sources
External figures attributed to the bodies above; wattage estimates on this site are typical planning values to verify against your equipment.