Best gas generators (open frame)
Gasoline-only open-frame generators are the simplest and most affordable way to get a lot of watts: a steel tube frame, a large fuel tank and a full panel of outlets, often including 240 V. They are louder and their power is less clean than an inverter's. We ranked every gas-only open-frame model in our catalogue.
- Best overall: Westinghouse WGen9500c. The highest overall score in this list (7.8/10).
- Most watts per dollar: PowerSmart DL5040 4400W Open Frame Inverter. 3,600 running watts in the $300–$500 price range.
- Quietest: Pulsar PG1202SA. Rated at 59 dB(A) by its manufacturer.
- Longest runtime: WEN GN5600 5600W. About 12 hours at half load on a 4.4 gal tank.
- Most powerful: Westinghouse WGen20000c. 20,000 running watts, 28,000 starting.
- Lightest: Aceup Energy AG1200 1200W Gas Generator. 35.5 lb for 900 running watts.
Westinghouse · Gas
Westinghouse WGen9500c
9,500 W
74 dB(A)209 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
7.6
Best value
WEN · Gas
WEN GN5600 5600W
4,500 W
104 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
7.6
CO shutoff
Generac · Gas
Generac GP8000E COsense (7715, 49ST/CSA)
8,000 W
198 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
7.5
Best value
Westinghouse · Gas
Westinghouse WGen5300cv
5,300 W
68 dB(A)134 lbCO
$500–$800Read the review →
7.4
CO shutoff
A-iPower · Gas
A-iPower GXS5000
4,000 W
68 dB(A)112 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
7.4
Remote start
Westinghouse · Gas
Westinghouse WGen7500c
7,500 W
72 dB(A)197 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
7.4
CO shutoff
DEWALT · Gas
DEWALT DXGNR8000
8,000 W
183 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
7.3
Whole-house power
DuroMax · Gas
DuroMax XP12000E
9,500 W
217 lb
$1,200–$1,800Read the review →
7.2
Best value
PowerSmart · Gas inverter
PowerSmart DB5041C 4500W Open Frame Inverter with CO Alert
3,800 W
72 dB(A)63 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
7.1
Best value
Westinghouse · Gas
Westinghouse WGen3600cv
3,600 W
68 dB(A)101 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
7.1
Whole-house power
Westinghouse · Gas
Westinghouse WGen20000c
20,000 W
74 dB(A)541 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
7.1
CO shutoff
Briggs & Stratton · Gas
Briggs & Stratton 8000 Watt Elite Series 030741
8,000 W
225 lbCO
$1,200–$1,800Read the review →
7.0
Remote start
Champion · Gas
Champion 201489 3500-Watt Wireless Remote Start RV Ready Generator
3,500 W
68 dB(A)116 lbCO
$500–$800Read the review →
6.9
Best value
PowerSmart · Gas inverter
PowerSmart DB5041 4300W Open Frame Inverter
3,500 W
72 dB(A)63 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.8
Clean inverter power
WEN · Gas inverter
WEN GN400i 4000W Open Frame Inverter
3,500 W
66 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.8
Best value
PowerSmart · Gas inverter
PowerSmart DL5040 4400W Open Frame Inverter
3,600 W
76 dB(A)61 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.8
Whole-house power
Champion · Gas
Champion 201160 12,000-Watt Electric Start Generator
12,000 W
78 dB(A)329 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
6.8
CO shutoff
Briggs & Stratton · Gas
Briggs & Stratton 7000 Watt Elite Series 030740
7,000 W
223 lbCO
$1,200–$1,800Read the review →
6.5
Remote start
Honda · Gas
Honda EM6500SX (EM6500SXK2AN)
5,500 W
64 dB(A)232 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
6.2
CO shutoff
Honda · Gas
Honda EB6500 (EB6500X1AN)
5,500 W
64 dB(A)216 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
6.1
Whole-house power
Honda · Gas
Honda EB10000 (EB10000AN)
9,000 W
71 dB(A)403 lbCO
Over $2,500Read the review →
5.6
Easy to carry
Pulsar · Gas
Pulsar PG1202SA
900 W
59 dB(A)35 lb
Under $300Read the review →
5.5
CO shutoff
Champion · Gas
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator
1,200 W
65 dB(A)58 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
5.2
Easy to carry
Aceup Energy · Gas
Aceup Energy AG1200 1200W Gas Generator
900 W
36 lb
Under $300Read the review →
No generator matches these filters.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Typical price ranges observed in November 2026.
How to choose
Watts per dollar
Open frames give the most running watts for the money. Check that the outlets match your plan: L14-30R for a transfer switch, GFCI duplex outlets for tools.
Clean power
Many recent open frames publish a harmonic distortion under 5% or 6%, acceptable for most household appliances. For sensitive electronics, an inverter is safer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving gasoline in the tank and carburetor for months: use stabilizer or run it dry.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas generators still worth buying?
Yes for raw power on a budget, jobsites and home backup. If you want propane storage, look at dual fuel models, which cost only a little more.
How long does gas last in a generator?
Untreated gasoline starts to degrade after about 30 days. With fuel stabilizer, it can last 6 to 12 months.
Is an open-frame generator safe for electronics?
Many modern ones are, if their harmonic distortion is low and they have voltage regulation (AVR). For computers and TVs, an inverter remains the safer choice.