Portable Generators

When the power goes out or the project takes you beyond the reach of an outlet, a portable generator can help keep things moving. From powering multiple household essentials during an outage to running tools and equipment at remote jobsites, portable generators provide reliable electricity when utility power isn't available.

Many people choose portable generators because they can handle larger electrical loads than other portable power options. Whether you're powering a refrigerator and sump pump during a storm, operating equipment around your property, or supplying electricity where no outlet exists, the right unit can help you stay productive, prepared, and connected.

Blain's Farm & Fleet carries portable generators designed to support home backup needs, remote work locations, outdoor projects, and everyday power demands.

FAQs About Portable Generators

What is a portable generator?

A portable generator is a movable power source designed to provide electricity when utility power isn't available. Depending on the model, portable generators can be used to operate appliances, tools, lighting, and other equipment at home, on a jobsite, or in outdoor locations.

Many models feature built-in wheels or handles to make transportation easier, allowing you to bring power wherever you need it.

Why would I choose a portable generator instead of an inverter generator?

You'd typically choose a portable generator when power output is the highest priority.

Compared to many inverter generators, portable generators are commonly used to power:

1. Multiple household appliances during outages, such as refrigerators, freezers, sump pumps, lighting, and other essential systems
2. Larger power tools and equipment, including saws, air compressors, and other jobsite tools
3. Farm and property maintenance projects, where power may be needed for equipment, outbuildings, fencing systems, or other tasks away from utility service
4. Remote jobsites, where dependable electricity is needed to support ongoing work
5. Equipment with higher electrical demands, such as larger motors, pumps, and other heavy-duty applications

Inverter generators are often favored for their quieter operation, fuel efficiency, and ability to power sensitive electronics. Portable generators are typically selected when more power is needed to support larger loads.

How many things can I run with a portable generator?

That depends on the generator's capacity and the amount of electricity each item requires.

A portable generator may be able to power several smaller items at once, such as lights, phone chargers, televisions, and other electronics. Larger appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, sump pumps, air compressors, and power tools, require more electricity and can use a significant portion of the available capacity.

A good rule of thumb is to think about everything you plan to run at the same time rather than counting the number of devices. For example, powering a few lights and charging phones requires far less electricity than running multiple appliances, tools, or equipment with electric motors.

Before choosing a model, make a list of the items you expect to use simultaneously and compare those requirements to the unit's rated and starting wattage. This can help ensure you have enough power available when you need it most.

Are portable generators as easy to move as the name implies?

That depends on the size of the unit and where you plan to use it.

Some portable generators are designed to be picked up and carried to a campsite, tailgate, or work area. Others trade portability for higher power output and may weigh considerably more. These larger models often include wheels, folding handles, or other mobility features that make them easier to move around a property, jobsite, or garage.

If you expect to transport the unit frequently, think about how you'll actually use it. Will you be lifting it into a truck, rolling it across a jobsite, moving it around a farm, or storing it in a shed between uses? Considering the generator's weight, dimensions, and mobility features can help you choose a model that's practical for your situation.

Many people find that the most portable option isn't necessarily the lightest one. It's the one they can move safely and comfortably when and where they need power.

Can I use a portable generator to power my home during an emergency?

In many cases, yes. While a portable generator may not power every electrical system in your home at the same time, many homeowners use them successfully during outages to keep essential appliances and equipment running.

Depending on the size of the unit and your home's electrical demands, a portable generator may be able to power items such as:

1. Refrigerators and freezers
2. Sump pumps
3. Furnaces and heating equipment
4. Medical equipment
5. Internet and communication devices
6. Small kitchen appliances

You may not be able to run everything in your home at the same time, but if you focus on the essentials, a portable generator can help keep the things that matter most up and running until power is restored. Keeping food cold, preventing basement flooding, staying connected, and maintaining comfort during an outage can go a long way toward reducing disruption until normal utility service returns.

If your goal is to operate most of your home's electrical systems simultaneously and automatically during an outage, a standby generator may be worth considering. But for many families, a portable generator provides a practical and flexible backup power solution for emergency situations.