Which is better: a portable generator or a standby generator?
Portable vs. Standby Generators: An Honest Comparison for Homeowners
When the power goes out, having a backup generator can make all the difference. But choosing between a portable generator and a standby generator isn't always straightforward. Over the years, I've had countless conversations with homeowners trying to make this decision, and I've learned that the "right" answer really depends on your specific situation.
In this post, I'll walk you through the key differences between these two options—the same way I would if we were standing in your driveway discussing your needs. My goal isn't to sell you on one or the other, but to help you understand what you're getting (and what you're not getting) with each choice.
The Cost Difference: Why There's Such a Big Gap
Let's start with the most obvious difference: price.
A quality portable generator typically costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on the size and features. You can get one at a big-box store, bring it home, and have backup power that same day.
A whole-home standby generator system, on the other hand, usually runs between $8,000 and $15,000 installed. That includes the generator itself, a transfer switch, fuel line connections (natural gas or propane), a concrete pad, and professional installation.
That's a significant price difference, and it's often the deciding factor for homeowners. But understanding why there's such a gap helps explain what you're actually paying for.
What Makes Portable Generators Cheaper—and What's Missing
Portable generators are simpler machines. They're basically a small engine—think lawnmower motor—connected to an alternator, packaged in a frame with wheels. You pull the starter cord (or push a button), plug in your extension cords, and you're running.
Most portable generators do have basic AVR (automatic voltage regulation) to keep the output somewhat stable. But what they don't have is the sophisticated computerized controller that standby units use.
That controller is a big part of why standby generators cost so much more—the controller alone typically runs around $2,000. Here's what it does:
Continuously monitors generator output (voltage, frequency, power quality)
Monitors engine health (oil pressure, temperature, RPM)
Detects problems and shuts the system down automatically to protect both the generator and your home
Manages the automatic startup and transfer when utility power fails
Logs error codes and performance data for troubleshooting
Portable generators don't have any of this. They run until they run out of fuel, overheat, or break down—and they don't tell you when something's wrong until it's too late.
This isn't a design flaw—it's a trade-off. Portable generators are built to be affordable and flexible, not to be permanent home power systems.
Power Quality: Why "Dirty Power" Matters More Than Ever
Here's something that catches a lot of homeowners off guard: not all electricity is created equal.
Modern appliances—especially anything with a circuit board, computer chip, or sensitive electronics—need clean, stable power. Your refrigerator, HVAC system, well pump, garage door opener, and even your coffee maker all have electronic controls that can be damaged by voltage fluctuations.
Most portable generators produce what we call "dirty power." The voltage and frequency aren't perfectly stable, and they can fluctuate as loads turn on and off. You might see voltage swings of 10-15% or more, especially when starting motors.
For a space heater or a work light? Not a problem. For your new $1,200 refrigerator or your HVAC system? That's a gamble.
Standby generators, by contrast, have built-in voltage regulation and monitoring systems. They're designed to produce utility-grade power. If the voltage or frequency goes out of spec, the system detects it and shuts down to protect your home. You lose power temporarily, but you don't lose your appliances.
Sizing Mistakes: The Electric Water Heater Reality Check
One of the most common mistakes I see with portable generators is undersizing.
Here's a real-world example: Let's say you buy a 7,500-watt portable generator. That sounds like a lot of power, right? It should run your whole house.
Then you turn on your electric water heater.
A typical electric water heater pulls about 4,500 watts while it's heating. That's over half your generator's capacity—just for hot water. Now add your refrigerator (700 watts running, 2,000+ watts starting), a few lights, your Wi-Fi router, and maybe a space heater. Suddenly, you're tripping the breaker on your generator, or worse, you're overloading it and damaging the unit.
Well pumps are another surprise. A 1-horsepower well pump might only draw 1,000 watts while running, but it can pull 3,000-4,000 watts on startup. If you're already running other loads, that startup surge can shut everything down.
With a portable generator, you're constantly doing math in your head: "Can I run the microwave if the water heater is on? Do I need to turn off the pump before I start the coffee maker?" It gets old fast.
Standby generators are sized for your actual home load and are designed to handle startup surges across your entire electrical panel. The transfer switch manages everything automatically.
Electrical Safety: The Backfeeding Risk
This is the part of the conversation that makes me most uncomfortable, because I've seen the consequences firsthand.
Some homeowners try to save money by skipping the transfer switch and backfeeding their portable generator through a dryer outlet or another 240-volt connection. They flip off the main breaker and plug the generator directly into the house.
Here's why that's extremely dangerous:
First, if you forget to flip the main breaker—or if someone else in the house flips it back on—you can energize the power lines outside your home. That can injure or kill a utility worker who's trying to restore power. It can also destroy your generator.
Second, without a proper transfer switch, there's no interlock to prevent you from accidentally running the generator and utility power at the same time. This can cause fires, equipment damage, or electrocution.
Third, the circuit breakers in your home are designed to protect your wiring, not to protect you from a backfeeding generator. The electrical paths aren't always what you'd expect, and things can go wrong quickly.
A transfer switch—whether manual or automatic—is the only safe way to connect a generator to your home's electrical system. If you're using a portable generator, a manual transfer switch is a relatively affordable option (usually $500-$1,500 installed) and eliminates the backfeeding risk entirely.
Carbon Monoxide: Placement and Ventilation
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a real and deadly risk with portable generators. Every year, people die from running generators in garages, on covered porches, or too close to windows.
Portable generators must be placed outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Even with the garage door open, it's not safe—CO can seep into your home through gaps and vents.
The problem is, when it's pouring rain or freezing cold, it's tempting to bring the generator closer or put it under cover. I get it. But it's not worth the risk.
Standby generators are permanently installed outdoors, typically 5-10 feet from the house, with proper clearances and ventilation. They're designed to run in all weather conditions, and because they're outside your living space, the CO risk is minimal.
When Portable Generators Make Sense
Despite the limitations I've outlined, portable generators absolutely have their place.
If you live in an area where power outages are rare—maybe once or twice a year, and usually only for a few hours—a portable generator might be all you need. You can keep a few essentials running, ride out the outage, and move on.
Portable generators are also great for short-term emergencies, camping, job sites, or tailgating. The flexibility and lower upfront cost make them a practical choice for a lot of situations.
And if you're handy and willing to manage the fueling, starting, and load balancing, a portable generator can absolutely keep your family safe and comfortable during an outage.
When Standby Generators Are Worth the Investment
Standby generators shine in a few key scenarios:
Frequent or long outages. If you lose power regularly, or if outages last for days, the convenience and reliability of an automatic system are hard to beat.
Medical needs. If anyone in your home relies on electrically powered medical equipment, a standby generator isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Home protection. If you travel frequently or have a second home, a standby generator keeps your sump pump, heating system, and pipes protected even when you're not there.
Appliance protection. The power quality and automatic shutdown features mean your HVAC system, refrigerator, and other expensive appliances are protected from damage.
Home value. A professionally installed standby generator is a selling point. It's a permanent improvement that adds to your home's value and appeal.
Final Thoughts: There's No Wrong Answer
After all these years in this business, I've come to realize that the "best" generator isn't the most expensive one or the most powerful one—it's the one that fits your needs, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Portable generators are affordable, flexible, and can absolutely do the job if you're willing to put in the effort. Standby generators are more expensive, but they offer convenience, reliability, and protection that portable units simply can't match.
We sell and service both types of generators, and we're happy to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your home and your situation. If you'd like to talk through your specific needs, give us a call or send us an email. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest advice from someone who's been doing this work for a long time.
Stay safe out there, and remember: the best generator is the one you have before you need it.
