Often built on a wheeled base and small enough to move around easily

You’ll have to move it, plug it in, and start the engine when you lose power

Lower output than standby units

Typically capable of powering home appliances with low to moderate power needs

Can often support one power-hungry appliance (such as a furnace or water heater) at a time

More affordable than standby generators

Costs less to have installed than standby generators

Can be connected to your home’s electric panel via a transfer switch

Often feature outlets for extension cords

Noisier than standby generators

Require large amounts of fuel during extended outages

Should be periodically started between uses

Usually run on gasoline, diesel, or propane