Emergency Preparedness
When an outage lasts days, or you need to run a well pump, furnace fan or freezer, a fuel generator does what batteries cannot. Wirecutter's top pick, the Westinghouse iGen5000DFc, runs on gasoline or propane, is quiet for its size and includes a carbon monoxide sensor that shuts it off if fumes build up. The Generac iQ5200 is a similar dual-fuel inverter alternative. Inverter models make clean power that is safer for electronics. Generator exhaust kills people every year, so only run one outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents, never in a garage, and keep battery CO alarms inside. Store fuel safely, and consider a transfer switch installed by an electrician instead of back-feeding your house.
Why it's hereWirecutter's top pick: gas or propane, 3,900 running watts on gas, remote start, as quiet as 52 dBA, CO sensor.
Recommended by Wirecutter (NYT)Outdoor use only, never in a garage
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | Westinghouse iGen5000DFc Dual-Fuel Inverter GeneratorRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's top pick: gas or propane, 3,900 running watts on gas, remote start, as quiet as 52 dBA, CO sensor. | ~$1,299Price checked Oct 20, 2026at westinghouse.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Generac iQ5200 Dual-Fuel Inverter GeneratorRecommended by Wirecutter (NYT) | Wirecutter's runner-up: a similar 5,200-watt dual-fuel inverter generator. | ~$1,069Price checked Oct 20, 2026at apelectric.com View product | |
