What are the pros of a recoil start on a portable generator?

<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Recoil-Start/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ1z1cr53?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Recoil start generators</a> offer a simple and reliable way to power up, but they may require some effort, especially in cold weather. <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Electric-Switch/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ1z1cr0e?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Electric start generators</a> are more accessible but may require a battery or external power source.

Which portable generators brands are available at The Home Depot?

We carry a wide variety of the top brands of portable generators, such as <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Sportsman/Muffler/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ3p9Z1z0jnpyZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Sportsman</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Durostar/Muffler/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZbgdZ1z0jnpyZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Durostar</a>, and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Westinghouse/Muffler/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ1m6Z1z0jnpyZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Westinghouse</a>.

What size portable generator do I need?

You'll want to consider the wattage of the appliances you want to power and factor in a safety margin. For basic needs like lighting and a refrigerator, a 2,000-3,000-watt generator is usually sufficient.

What are some of the top-rated portable generators?

One of our top-rated portable generators is the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-650-3-600-Watt-Gas-Powered-Portable-Generator-with-Recoil-Start-WGen3600c/318061371?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">4,650/3,600-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator with Recoil Start</a>.