Generators are sold by their power output in watts. You must identify two types of wattage for every device you plan to power:
: If using gasoline, add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to store the fuel or the generator for more than a few months to prevent engine damage. Generator Buying Guide - Consumer Reports buy portable generator
: Best for high-demand tasks like home backup or job sites. They provide more power for a lower upfront cost but are much louder (70-90+ dB) and heavier. Generators are sold by their power output in watts
: Best for camping and sensitive electronics (laptops, phones). They are significantly quieter (50-60 dB), more fuel-efficient, and produce "clean" power, but they are more expensive and offer lower total output. and produce "clean" power