It’s important to research the types of generators that are available before making your purchase decision. There are multiple types to choose from depending on your circumstances, so whether it’s a small-scale home generator you’re looking for, or a more robust commercial one, this article will help guide you in making the right decision.
Generator Comparison Table
| Generator Type | Pros | Cons | Typical Sizes | Typical Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standby | Automatic startupWhole-home coverageLong runtimes | Expensive upfrontRequires installation space | 14-24kW (home) | 24-72 hours+ |
| Portable | Budget-friendlyEasy to moveSimple setup | Manual startNoisyLimited load | 1.5-10kW | 8-12 hours |
| Inverter | QuietSafe for electronicsFuel-efficient | Lower outputMore expensive per watt | 1-4kW | 6-10 hours |
| Industrial | Very high power outputBuilt for continuous useCustomizable | Very costlyRequires heavy infrastructure | 20kW-2MW+ | Continuous |
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Home Backup Standby Generators
Standby generators are the go-to solution for whole-home or facility backup power. Permanently installed outside your home (similar to an AC unit), they automatically detect outages and restore power within seconds. They run on natural gas or propane, providing seamless, long-duration operation.
Typical runtime:
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As long as your fuel supply allows home backup generators can supply 24-72 hours continuous power or indefinitely with natural gas connections.
Typical sizes:
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Oregon Generators installs Generac and Kohler generators that range from 10kW to 60kW, enough to power an entire home.
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For more on sizing the right standby generator, see our generator sizing guide.
Maintenance:
- Maintenance for home stand by generators will vary from unit to unit and from customer to customer, depending how frequently and how long the generator is being run for. For example most generators will require an oil change and filter change after the first 20-30 hours of operation. Or if you run a generator for a lengthy period of time (8+hrs) you will want to check the oil levels periodically. Oregon Generators offers full service maintenance for generators we install for peace of mind and can help advise you on generator maintenance.
Pros:
- Automatically starts within seconds of an outage
- Powers entire homes or buildings, including
- HVAC & well pumps
Can run for days on end with proper fuel supply
Cons:
- Highest upfront cost & installation complexity
- Requires dedicated outdoor space and professional install
Portable Generators
Portable generators are small, wheeled, gas or propane-powered units perfect for running essential appliances during short outages, powering tools on job sites, or taking on camping trips.
Typical runtime:
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8-12 hours on a tank of fuel at 50% load.
Typical sizes:
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Range from 1,500W (1.5kW) to 10,000W (10kW). Enough for essentials like refrigerators, lights, or power tools.
Maintenance:
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Change oil after the initial 20-30 hours of run time. Consult owners manual for regular oil change intervals and other maintenance related tasks.
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Keep fuel fresh, run it monthly to ensure it starts.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly for temporary or small-scale needs
- Easy to store & transport
- No permanent installation required
Cons:
- Needs manual start and manual connection
- Limited to powering a few circuits at a time
- Louder & requires outdoor operation due to exhaust
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are a newer, more advanced take on portable generators, ideal for sensitive electronics like laptops, medical devices, and phones thanks to their clean, stable power output.
Typical runtime:
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6-10 hours, highly dependent on load—engine adjusts speed to match demand, saving fuel.
Typical sizes:
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Commonly 1,000W to 10,000W, Smaller units are typically used as portable generators, while larger units may be used for RVs or partial home needs. Keep in mind these units shouldn’t be used indoors.
Maintenance:
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You’ll want to change the oil within 20-30 hours of first use. After that, consult your owners manual to determine how frequently you should change the oil and perform other maintenance related tasks like changing filters or spark plugs.
Pros:
- Ultra-quiet operation (as low as 50 dB)
- Lightweight and highly fuel-efficient
- Safe for sensitive electronics
Cons:
- Smaller output than conventional portables
- More expensive per watt than traditional portables
- Requires a transfer switch for home usage.
Industrial Generators
Industrial generators are heavy-duty machines designed for commercial buildings, manufacturing facilities, data centers, or critical infrastructure. They’re engineered to handle large loads and continuous operation.
Typical runtime:
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Designed to run 24/7 as long as fuel or supply chain allows, with systems for quick maintenance swap-outs.
Typical sizes:
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Start around 20kW and can exceed 2,000kW (2MW), often requiring custom engineering and large diesel tanks.
Maintenance:
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Requires professional servicing, load bank testing, and compliance with industrial standards.
Pros:
- Provides massive power output for industrial systems
- Built for continuous operation under heavy loads
- Customizable to unique site needs
Cons:
- Very high upfront and operating costs
- Requires large dedicated space, often with specialized ventilation & noise mitigation
- Complex maintenance & fuel logistics
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Fuel Types
Factors such as cost, emissions, accessibility, and specific requirements must be taken into consideration when deciding which fuel type to choose for your generator.
Natural Gas
A more environmentally friendly alternative for generators is natural gas, one fuel source that Generac and Kohler generators run off. This is a readily available and easily accessible fuel source that is by far the most efficient in terms of emissions. They do come with higher initial costs for installation however, when installed and maintained properly they can be a more cost-efficient solution long term without the fluctuating prices of the standard gasoline industry.
Propane
Due to its easy storage and adaptability to cold weather conditions, propane generators are very reliable. There is no worry in sourcing propane during a power outage and although they also produce low emissions, there are still some downsides to propane generators. Compared to diesel-fueled engines, propane burns at around three times the rate upping fuel costs. Propane is flammable and must be handled and stored with care to follow safety and regulation standards. Generac and Kohler generators can also be powered by propane.
Gasoline
Gasoline is often the most popular option for commercial and residential generators because of accessibility. Although prices can often fluctuate, it is usually one of the most cost-efficient options and they are easy to operate and maintain. One of the negatives of opting for gasoline-fueled generators is the emissions released during use. They should be used in well-ventilated areas to avoid any fumes being emitted causing harm.
Diesel
Diesel generators are known for their durability and can handle extreme temperatures more than others making them a good option for colder climates. It is the common fuel source for residential standby generators and works out as the cheaper solution in the long run as diesel prices don’t fluctuate the way gasoline prices do.
Hydrogen
If initial cost isn’t a major factor, then hydrogen generators might be an option for you. Although initially expensive because they are not as readily available, they do work out cheaper in the long run. In terms of renewable energy and environmental considerations, hydrogen generators are the way forward if correct safety measures are taken during installment and maintenance, and if you have a little more leeway with budget.
Solar
Cost is the main concern when it comes to solar-powered generators. Because of the lack of emissions produced, they are the safest indoor generator option. In addition to cost, location, and climate are two key factors when deciding whether solar generators are the right option for you. These won’t work as well for shaded or dark storage areas, and it’s also important to consider how much sun and natural light you get before investing in solar generators.
Choosing The Best Generator
In summary, cost, size, safety, and requirements must all be factored into the decision of which generator is best for you. Whether for small-scale, residential backup, or large industrial support, it’s important to consider all variables before deciding which generator to buy. How much have you allocated to the budget for your generator considering initial cost and upkeep. Are you choosing the right generator for the climate in which you live, is it sunny enough for a solar-powered generator, or is it too cold to have gasoline as your main source of fuel? After reading this guide you should have a better idea of which generator will work best for your circumstances.
Considerations
Some of the types of generators to choose from include standby, portable, inverter, and industrial generators. While some generators require specific fuel, the types of fuel you can choose from vary including gasoline, natural gas, propane, diesel, hydrogen, and solar. The main factors to consider when choosing a generator are the cost, safety implications, installation and maintenance requirements, and other external factors such as climate temperatures.
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Corey Gilgan
Corey is the owner of Oregon Generator. An electrical contractor that specializes in Generators, Solar and Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure.