Best Large Portable Generators for Hurricanes (2026): 10 Picks
For a Florida home facing hurricane season, a large portable generator over 9,000 watts is a common choice. The top pick, the Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel, leads this list because its title states tri fuel, remote electric start, and transfer switch ready, giving it the most stated details here. This guide compares each listing on the details stated in its title and on live prices, ranked by the number of stated details first.
10 picks from 15 generators that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 14 makers. Every price below is live and carries the moment it was read.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- For a single-family house before hurricane season: A large portable generator with electric start and tri fuel, like the Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel, gives a house a high-output option with multiple fuel choices, as the title states. See pick 1
- For a home with close neighbors: An inverter generator is often considered for neighborhoods, but this list covers portable units only; check the maker's page for noise figures, as the title here does not state them. See pick 8
- For a house on a propane tank: A tri fuel generator like the Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel states gas, propane, or natural gas options, which may suit a home with a propane tank. See pick 4
- For a home office that needs power for a router and a laptop: A large portable generator provides high wattage, but for small electronics, check the running watts on the maker's page and compare with the title's figures, as this guide does not size loads. See pick 7
The 10 picks
1 Most stated details: tri fuel, electric start, transfer switch ready
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,499.00 (as of 10/17/2026 12:31 PDT - Details)
This Westinghouse ranks first because its title states tri fuel, remote electric start, and transfer switch ready, giving it 3 of the 5 possible details, the most here. It is also tri fuel, which the ordering rule places before dual fuel.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel: gasoline, propane, and natural gas
- Remote electric start stated
- Transfer switch ready stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No running watt figure stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want multiple fuel options
- Those who value remote electric start
Skip if
- You need a CO sensor stated in the title
- You prefer a lower first watt figure
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with electric start and transfer switch ready, leading on stated details.
2 Dual fuel with remote electric start
DuroStar DS13000MX 13
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Dual Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$899.00 (as of 10/17/2026 23:01 PDT - Details)
The DuroStar ranks second with 2 stated details: dual fuel and remote electric start. It is dual fuel, which places it after tri fuel picks in the ordering rule.
Pros
- Title states dual fuel: gas and propane
- Remote electric start stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No transfer switch ready stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want gas and propane options
- Those who prefer remote start
Skip if
- You need natural gas capability
- You want a CO sensor stated
Verdict: A dual fuel portable with remote electric start, solid on stated details.
3 Dual fuel with electric start
DuroMax XP13000HX 13
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Dual Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,399.00 (as of 10/17/2026 23:01 PDT - Details)
The DuroMax XP13000HX ties with the DuroStar on 2 details: dual fuel and electric start. It ranks after the DuroStar by pool order.
Pros
- Title states dual fuel: gas and propane
- Electric start stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No remote start stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want gas and propane
- Those who need electric start
Skip if
- You want remote start
- You need natural gas
Verdict: A dual fuel portable with electric start, comparable to the DuroStar.
4 Tri fuel with CO sensor stated
Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,169.00 (as of 10/17/2026 23:15 PDT - Details)
The Generac ranks fourth with 3 stated details: tri fuel, electric start, and CO sensor. It is tri fuel, which places it above dual fuel picks, but it has fewer details than the top pick.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel: gas, propane, or natural gas
- Electric start stated
- CO sensor stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- No remote start stated
- No transfer switch ready stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a CO sensor
- Those who need natural gas option
Skip if
- You prefer remote start
- You want transfer switch ready
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with a CO sensor, strong on stated safety features.
5 Tri fuel with CO sensor and ATS
GENMAX 15000W Tri-Fuel Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- CO sensor
- Yes
$1,899.99 (as of 10/17/2026 23:15 PDT - Details)
The GENMAX ranks fifth with 2 stated details: tri fuel and CO sensor. It is tri fuel, placing it above dual fuel, but it lacks electric start stated.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel
- CO sensor stated
- ATS (automatic transfer switch) stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- Electric start not stated by the seller
- No remote start stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a CO sensor
- Those who need ATS capability
Skip if
- You want electric start
- You prefer remote start
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with CO sensor and ATS, but no electric start stated.
6 Dual fuel with wheel kit and electric start
WEN 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Dual Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$849.00 (as of 10/17/2026 12:31 PDT - Details)
The WEN ranks sixth with 2 stated details: dual fuel and electric start. It is dual fuel, placing it after tri fuel picks, and it comes after the DuroMax by pool order.
Pros
- Title states dual fuel
- Electric start stated
- Wheel kit stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No remote start stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a wheel kit
- Those who need electric start
Skip if
- You want remote start
- You need natural gas
Verdict: A dual fuel portable with electric start and a wheel kit, practical for moving.
7 Tri fuel with electric start
Champion 12,500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Home Backup Portable
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,259.99 (as of 10/17/2026 22:47 PDT - Details)
The Champion ranks seventh with 2 stated details: tri fuel and electric start. It is tri fuel, placing it above dual fuel, but it has fewer details than the top tri fuel picks.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel: gas, propane, and natural gas
- Electric start stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No remote start stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want natural gas option
- Those who need electric start
Skip if
- You want a CO sensor
- You prefer remote start
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with electric start, a solid option for natural gas users.
8 Dual fuel with remote electric start
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Dual Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$1,349.00 (as of 10/17/2026 12:31 PDT - Details)
This Westinghouse ranks eighth with 2 stated details: dual fuel and remote electric start. It is dual fuel, placing it after tri fuel picks, and it comes after the Champion by pool order.
Pros
- Title states dual fuel
- Remote electric start stated
- Transfer switch ready stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No natural gas option stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want remote start
- Those who need transfer switch ready
Skip if
- You want natural gas
- You need a CO sensor
Verdict: A dual fuel portable with remote start and transfer switch ready, but no CO sensor.
9 Tri fuel with remote start
GENMAX Tri Fuel Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
$2,299.99 (as of 10/17/2026 23:15 PDT - Details)
The GENMAX ranks ninth with 2 stated details: tri fuel and electric start (remote). It is tri fuel, placing it above dual fuel, but it has fewer details than the top tri fuel picks.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel: gasoline, propane, natural gas
- Remote electric start stated
- First watt figure over 9,000 watts
Cons
- CO sensor not stated by the seller
- No transfer switch ready stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want remote start
- Those who need natural gas
Skip if
- You want a CO sensor
- You prefer a lower price point
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with remote start, but no CO sensor stated.
10 Tri fuel with CO sensor and remote start
Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Type
- Portable
- Fuel
- Tri Fuel
- Watts
- Over 9000 W
- Electric start
- Yes
- CO sensor
- Yes
$2,699.00 (as of 10/17/2026 12:31 PDT - Details)
The Westinghouse 18000 ranks tenth with 3 stated details: tri fuel, CO sensor, and remote electric start. It is tri fuel, but it has fewer details than the top pick and comes last by pool order.
Pros
- Title states tri fuel
- CO sensor stated
- Remote electric start stated
- Transfer switch ready stated
Cons
- No running watt figure stated
- First watt figure is the highest here, which may be more than needed
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a CO sensor
- Those who need remote start
Skip if
- You want a lower first watt figure
- You prefer a smaller unit
Verdict: A tri fuel portable with CO sensor and remote start, but the highest first watt figure here.
Side by side
| # | Generator | Type | Fuel | Watts | Electric start | RV ready | CO sensor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | DuroStar DS13000MX 13 | Portable | Dual Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | DuroMax XP13000HX 13 | Portable | Dual Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Generac 12,500 Starting Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | Yes |
| 5 | GENMAX 15000W Tri-Fuel Portable Generator | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | not stated | not stated | Yes |
| 6 | WEN 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator | Portable | Dual Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Champion 12,500-Watt Electric Start Tri Fuel Home Backup Portable | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | Portable | Dual Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | GENMAX Tri Fuel Generator | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | Westinghouse 18000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator | Portable | Tri Fuel | Over 9000 W | Yes | not stated | Yes |
How we picked
This guide covers 10 portable generators whose titles state a first watt figure over 9,000 watts, from a pool of 15 priced listings after folding near-duplicates. Each pick is compared on the details stated in its listing title: type, fuel, watts group, electric start, and CO sensor. The ordering rule ranks picks by the number of stated details (most first), then tri fuel before dual fuel, then by the order in the pool file. No product was started, run, or measured; the guide relies solely on stated details and live prices.
How to choose
Fuel generator or battery power station
For hurricane season, a fuel generator provides high wattage, but a battery power station stores energy without fuel. This guide covers portable generators only; battery power stations have their own guides on this site. Consider your fuel availability and storage before choosing.
Which fuels the title names
Each listing states its fuel: tri fuel (gasoline, propane, and natural gas), dual fuel (gas and propane), or gasoline only. The title is the only source for fuel type here. Check the EIA pages for what each fuel is, and never assume a fuel is easier to find after a storm.
Starting watts, running watts and watt-hours in a title
The first watt figure in a title is often the starting (peak) figure, not the running figure. The running figure is lower and printed on the maker's page. Watt-hours apply to battery power stations, not generators. Always compare the title's figures with the maker's stated running watts.
A fridge and fans: reading labels before you buy
To know if a generator can run a fridge or fans, read the running and starting watts on the appliance label and the maker's page, and compare them with what the listing states. This guide does not size loads or promise any appliance will run.
Who connects backup power to a house
Connecting a portable generator to a home's electrical system, such as through a transfer switch or inlet box, is for a licensed electrician, the maker, and the local permit office. Never attempt backfeeding or use a dryer plug. Standby units are installed by professionals.
Rules to check for your home: county, building and HOA
Before buying, check your county's and your building's rules, including HOA regulations, for generator placement and fuel storage. Florida laws and utility programs vary, so verify with local authorities. The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides storm preparation guidance.
Questions
Does this guide cover runtime, noise, fuel use or where to place the unit?
No. The catalogue has no data for runtime, noise, fuel use, or placement. This guide compares only stated details and live prices. For safety and operation, read the maker's manual and the CPSC, CDC, and Florida Division of Emergency Management pages linked in the sources. Never use a generator indoors; follow all safety guidance.
What does the first watt figure in a title mean?
The first watt figure is often the starting (peak) figure, not the running figure. The running figure is lower and printed on the maker's page. This guide quotes the title's figure as stated, without interpreting it as a running capacity. Always check the maker's specifications for running watts.
How do you know if a generator can power a home?
This guide does not size generators for homes. To determine what a generator can run, read the running and starting watts on each appliance label and compare them with the maker's stated running watts. The title's first figure is often the starting figure, so the running figure will be lower.
Recent updates
- : First published.