Best Portable Generators Under $1,000

A small dual-fuel generator for keeping a fridge, freezer, sump pump and lights going through a transfer switch, with remote start and a five-year warranty.

A small tri-fuel generator for a house with a natural gas line or an RV owner who wants fuel options. It powers a fridge, sump pump and lights, but not 240 V loads.

A small dual-fuel generator for a 30 A RV or a few essentials in an outage, for buyers who want electric start, propane and CO shutoff at a low price.

A small dual-fuel generator with remote start for an RV or for a fridge, lights and a sump pump in an outage. Worth the step up from the pull-start WGen3600DFcv if you want to start it from indoors.

A small dual-fuel generator for RV owners and California buyers who need a CARB-compliant model. It covers a 30 A RV or a fridge and a few circuits in an outage.

A small dual-fuel generator for an RV or a fridge, lights and a sump pump in an outage. Good for buyers who want to store propane instead of gasoline.

A small, cheap dual-fuel generator for running a fridge, sump pump and lights through a 30 A transfer switch, if you can live without CO shutoff.

A cheap small gas generator for outage essentials or an RV, with CO shutoff and California approval that many budget rivals lack.

A low-cost gas generator sized for a 30 A RV or a few essentials in an outage. Best for campers who want the RV outlets and CO shutoff for the least money.

A low-cost gasoline generator for a travel trailer or a few essentials in an outage. Best for RV owners and light home backup where a 120 V outlet is enough.

A cheap small gas generator for keeping essentials or an RV going in an outage, if you can live without CO shutoff and electric start.

A small gasoline generator for a fridge, a freezer, lights and a sump pump in an outage, or tools on a job site. Pick it for low cost and easy handling, not for whole-house backup.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator for RV owners and homes with a 30 A transfer switch who want CO shutoff and electric start at a low price.

A mid-size tri-fuel generator for homes with a natural gas line and a transfer switch. It covers a furnace, well pump and fridge with fuel that never runs out.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator with remote start and a 240 V outlet for a transfer switch. Good for home backup of the essentials, as long as it can stay put or be carried by two people.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator for running most of a home’s essentials through a transfer switch at a low price per watt.

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.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator for home backup at a low price, for buyers who want propane as a fallback. The 50-state fuel-injected model costs more.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator for running a house’s essentials through a transfer switch at a modest price. Best for buyers who don’t mind a pull start.

A mid-size gasoline generator for running a home’s essentials through a transfer switch at a low price. A good fit for buyers who don’t need propane.

A gasoline generator big enough for most essentials through a transfer switch, with remote start. Best for homeowners who don’t need propane and want simple 240 V backup.

A mid-size dual-fuel generator for feeding a 50 A transfer switch on a budget, though the CO-sensing DF1100X is the safer pick.

A budget large tri-fuel generator for homes with a natural gas line that want whole-house backup through a 50 A transfer switch, trading some build quality for a much lower price.

A budget large dual-fuel generator for whole-house backup through a 50 A transfer switch, trading some build quality for a much lower price.

A large dual-fuel generator for feeding a 50 A transfer switch, and one of the few this size sold in California, though it lacks CO shutoff.

A large dual-fuel generator for whole-home backup through a 50 A or 30 A transfer switch. Worth it only at a clear discount to the newer CO-sensor models, since it lacks CO shutoff.