The prices here range from $330 to $900. These units are all gasoline powered and are classified as portable generators.

The lightweight champ in this comparison is the $330 Blue Max GEN4000B 6.5 HP generator with a fuel capacity just under 4-gallons, 9 Hours at 1/2 Load, and 3500-watt at 75% capacity. The construction could be stronger but this generator has the right price for its 4000-watt class, but is loud and non-CARB compliant. Next up is the also non-CARB compliant ETQ TG32P12 which, for a few dollars more, will get you a longer 13 hours of run time at 50% load which is great for true emergencies and long days on the work site. Add to that the noise level here is the quietest one in the comparison.

Going up the price ladder is the $460 PowerMax XP4400 4,400 Watt generator. This generator is also relatively quiet but has less run time than the ETQ, going for only 8 hours at 50% and is rated at 3500-watts continuous. On the high side is the Coleman PM0435003 Powermate generator which is powered by a 10-HP Subaru engine making it the most powerful and at $900, the most expensive generator here. The Coleman is running at 5000-watts with a peak of 6250. Add to that a 6 gallon take which gives up 11 hours of run time at 50%. There are also lots of other design features that help to justify the $900 price point.

Usual considerations are how often you'll be using this unit, the Coleman's Subaru engine is a known workhorse, beyond that check manufacturers warranties. Also consider storage and the amount and type of connections you'll need.