What are some of the best-selling portable generators?

One of our best-selling portable generators is the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-4-650-3-600-Watt-Gas-Powered-Portable-Generator-with-Recoil-Start-WGen3600cv/318060962?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">4,650/3,600-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator with Recoil Start</a>.

How do I start a portable generator?

Many portable generators come with <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 starts</a>, which require a manual pull to activate the engine. Others offer <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 starts</a>, allowing you to turn a key or push a button. For even more convenience, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Remote/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ1z1cr0z?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">remote start models</a> will enable you to start your generator from a distance.

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/Durostar/Overload-Protection/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZbgdZ1z0p5yeZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Durostar</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Westinghouse/Overload-Protection/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ1m6Z1z0p5yeZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Westinghouse</a>, and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators-Portable-Generators/Champion-Power-Equipment/Overload-Protection/3500-watts/N-5yc1vZbx9nZ9xsZ1z0p5yeZ1z1crvx?emt=plpfaq_2412_portablegenerators" style="text-decoration: underline;">Champion Power Equipment</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.