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Best overall for home backup

Westinghouse WGen9500

The most watts per dollar in the portable market, with a 50-amp outlet.

Specs

Running watts9,500 W
Starting watts12,500 W
TypeOpen frame
FuelGasoline
Weight220 lb
Noise (mfr figure)74 dBA
Fuel tank6.6 gal
Runtime (mfr claim)up to ~12 h at 25% load
OutletsTwo 20A 125V GFCI, L14-30R (transfer switch), 14-50R (240V/50A)
StartElectric + remote fob
CO safety shutoffVaries by version — check the listing
Typical street price~$1,100 (fluctuates — check listing)

Figures are the manufacturer's published specs; dashes mean the maker doesn't publish a number. Verify against the current datasheet before you buy.

What can it actually run?

Checked with the same math as our calculator: total running watts, plus the single largest motor surge on top. “Tight” means it technically fits but the load sits above 80% of rated output — fine briefly, not where you want to live.

The installer's take

Dollar-for-watt this platform is the market's runaway value: 9,500 running watts, a 12,500W surge that starts a 3-ton central AC with soft-start help, remote start, and a 14-50R outlet that feeds a 50A inlet — rare below $2,000. It's the unit I'd point at for 'I want the house to mostly just work.' Change the oil religiously; the engine works hard for its price.

Pros

  • 9.5 kW running / 12.5 kW surge at a four-figure price
  • 50A 14-50R outlet for high-capacity inlets
  • Remote start fob standard

Cons

  • 220 lb — plan its parking spot before delivery day
  • 74 dBA at full song
Best for: Whole-house-except-heavy-HVAC backup through a 50A inlet on a budget.

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