The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.3 to 3.6. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv leads on value and fuel options. The Generac GP5500E EFI wins on starting. The Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv costs $520 less ($579 vs $1,099).
A mid-size dual-fuel generator that can run a fridge, furnace and well pump through a transfer switch. Best for buyers who want 240 V home backup at a low price and don’t mind a pull start.
Amazon $579A mid-size gasoline generator with fuel injection for buyers who want an easy start after months in storage, and the pick for California. Others get more watts per dollar.
Amazon $1,099Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv | Generac GP5500E EFI |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 91 $0.11 per running watt | 48 $0.20 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 70 11 hours on a tank at 50% load | 65 10.5 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 67 3-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 0 pull start only | 80 push-button electric start |
| Westinghouse WGen5300DFcv | Generac GP5500E EFI | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 5,300 W running, 6,500 W starting | 5,500 W running, 6,875 W starting |
| Propane | 4,800 W running, 5,800 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 | 4 × 120 V, L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes | No |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 23% | - |
| Price per watt | $0.11 | $0.20 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 4.7 gal | 5.4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 11 hr at 50% load | 10.5 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 9 hr | - |
| Engine | 274 cc | 298 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 68 dBA | - |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Recoil (pull) | Electric and recoil |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 23.23 x 20.08 x 19.09 in | 27 x 27 x 25 in |
| Weight | 135.6 lb | 163 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2021-09 | 2025-08 |
