One of the main advantages of traditional open frame generators is their robust power output over which inverter generators cannot compare. They are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact models suitable for camping trips to larger units capable of powering entire households during outages. With their higher wattage capacity, they can easily handle heavy loads, making them a suitable option for both residential and commercial applications.
Traditional open frame generators are known generally for their durability and reliability. Constructed with sturdy materials, many of them can withstand rough handling and challenging environmental conditions. This makes them a viable option for work in construction sites, outdoor events, and other demanding scenarios where durability as well as power is essential.
Compared to the more advanced technology used in inverter generators, traditional open frame generators are typically cheaper. Their more simple design and construction enables manufacturers to offer these generators at a lower price, making them an attractive choice for users on a budget.
While both types of generators are classified as being portable, those built with traditional technology are much more bulky and heavier due to their design and the components needed for their operation.
Inverters are generally more compact and much more lightweight, making them easier to transport and store. These can be important features for those who may be physically unable to handle the bigger generators, as well as being so much more portable and useful for recreational purposes where portable power can make activities so much more fun.
While all of the above features may for some people make a compelling case, inverters cannot compete with traditiional generators in terms of their power outputs. If you need sheer power, perhaps for connecting into your home supply for serious home backup, then a traditional generator will be your best option if a dedicated standby generator is out of the question.
Model: SUA12000ED
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 12000
Gas Running Watts: 9000
Propane Starting Watts: 10800
Propane: Running Watts: 8100
Weight (lbs): 228
Noise (dB): 78
The A-iPower SUA12000ED is a powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator. It has a big and robust 459cc OHV 4-stroke engine which is built to perform year after year. An electric start is provided so you can get your generator up and running quickly and easily whenever you need it. It might be just the thing you are looking for to power all your major household appliances in an emergency.
Model: WGen9500DF
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 12500
Gas Running Watts: 9500
Propane Starting Watts: 11199
Propane: Running Watts: 8500
Weight (lbs): 220
Noise (dB): 74
The dual fuel variant of the WGen9500, also housed in a hardened-steel open frame. It too has an electric start and a remote key fob and could be an ideal solution for backup power for much your home. Able to support heavy work on a job site it can also power campsite trailers.
Model: WGen9500
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 12500
Gas Running Watts: 9500
Weight (lbs): 220
Noise (dB): 74
An RV-Ready high-power portable generator that is housed in a robust hardened-steel open frame. It comes with an electric start and a key fob for remote starting. It could be an excellent option for home backup power during outages, and it can support some heavy work on a job site.
Model: WGen7500
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 9500
Gas Running Watts: 7500
Weight (lbs): 192
Noise (dB): 72
In the realm of portable generators we now approach some of the most powerful units. This model is designed to generate backup power for much, if not all, of your home during blackouts. While it’s called a portable, it’s a very heavy generator and you won’t want to move it too often.
Model: WGen3600
Electric Start: No
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4650
Gas Running Watts: 3600
Weight (lbs): 107
Noise (dB): 68
This model is aimed at a growing number of people who need backup power during a power outage. It may also be a good oprion if you are looking for a generator to power your travel trailer, or for other outdoor recreational activities, as well as work on remote job sites.
Model: WGen12000
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 15000
Gas Running Watts: 12000
Weight (lbs): 352
Noise (dB): 74
The most powerful portable generator made by Westinghouse, it’s housed in a hardened-steel open frame and comes with both a push-button electric start and a wireless key fob for remote starting. It’s a great option to power many of your home’s power-hungry appliances during blackouts.
Model: GN6000
Electric Start: No
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Closed frame inverter
Gas Starting Watts: 6000
Gas Running Watts: 5000
Weight (lbs): 119
Noise (dB): 69
This is an open frame model which is both compact and reasonably powerful. It’s a decent option for emergency power backup of basic essentials in your home. It can also be a power source for an RV or camper and for powering tools away from home and on job sites.
Model: DF475T
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4750
Gas Running Watts: 3800
Propane Starting Watts: 4351
Propane: Running Watts: 3500
Weight (lbs): 105.8
Noise (dB): 69
A medium-power dual fuel open frame generator similar to the single (gas) fuelled WEN 56475, but with 120v and 240v outputs making it a good choice for powering essential equipment during an outage. It has an electric start and can be used with an RV and enhance other recreational activities.
Model: 1100T
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 11000
Gas Running Watts: 8300
Propane Starting Watts: 9500
Propane: Running Watts: 7500
Weight (lbs): 213.8
Noise (dB): 72
One of the more powerful models from WEN, it has some outstanding features such as dual fuel, 120/240v versatility and an electric start. It’s output can easily power lights, TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, and other heavy-duty essentials. It’s an ideal emergency backup solution.
Model: 56475
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4750
Gas Running Watts: 3750
Weight (lbs): 112.5
Noise (dB): 67
A medium-power and competitively priced open frame generator equipped that is equipped with an electric start. It’s fairly compact size makes it good for use with an RV and on camping trips. It can also act as an independent source for some home backup power during an emergency.
Model: GP3500iO
Electric Start: No
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Inverter
Gas Starting Watts: 3500
Gas Running Watts: 3000
Weight (lbs): 74.3
Noise (dB): 0
The Generac GP3500iO is an open frame inverter featuring advanced PowerRush™ technology, which delivers over 50% more starting power. It’s both quiet and light and is an ideal companion for camping and your RV. It’s can aslo help power essential appliances when the grid goes down.
Model: GP3600
Electric Start: No
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4500
Gas Running Watts: 3600
Weight (lbs): 105
Noise (dB): 0
The Generac GP3600 is an open frame generator that aims to provide you with backup power for multiple appliances in emergency situations. It’s also used by owners as a power source for their RVs, for camping trips, and working with power tools away from a utility electricity supply.
Model: GP8000E
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 10000
Gas Running Watts: 8000
Weight (lbs): 198
Noise (dB): 0
The GP8000E offers impressive outputs that make it a favorite for emergency power or recreational use. It’s OHV engine is housed in a hardened 1.25 inch steel-tube cradle and comes with a large-capacity tank and fuel gauge, covered outlets, heavy-duty no-flat wheels, and a fold-down handle for easy transport.
Model: DS10000EH
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 8000
Gas Running Watts: 10000
Propane Starting Watts: 9500
Propane: Running Watts: 7600
Weight (lbs): 220
Noise (dB): 72
The DuroStar DS10000EH is produced by the DuroMax brand of generators and is the dual fuel version of the DuroStar DS10000E. Both these models rank in DuroStar upper-end power lineup. This variant is primarily for those who want lots of power plus dual fuel flexibility.
Model: DS10000E
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 8000
Gas Running Watts: 10000
Weight (lbs): 218
Noise (dB): 72
From the DuroMax brand, this DuroStar DS10000E is one of the most powerful gasoline-only devices in DuroStar’s lineup. It’s aimed largely at people who demand the security of plenty of home standby power when connected into their home, and for working on larger jobsites.
Model: XP5500EH
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 5500
Gas Running Watts: 4499
Propane Starting Watts: 5225
Propane: Running Watts: 4275
Weight (lbs): 124
Noise (dB): 69
The DuroMax XP5500EH is a dual fuel generator with medium power and 120v and 240v capabilities. It’s built with an all-metal construction for greater durability and reliability in tough conditions and could be your solution for some emergency backup, basic jobsite work, and recreational use.
Model: XP4850EH
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4850
Gas Running Watts: 3850
Propane Starting Watts: 4608
Propane: Running Watts: 3658
Weight (lbs): 122
Noise (dB): 69
Designed to be a user-friendly and highly versatile dual fuel portable power unit to cater for any emergency. Its 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine can power lights, a refrigerator, and a smaller home air conditioner. It has an all-metal construction for durability in tough conditions.
Model: XP4400E
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 4400
Gas Running Watts: 3500
Weight (lbs): 122
Noise (dB): 69
This gas-powered generator is a dependable workhorse able to keep your lights on in a blackout. Its 4-stroke OHV 212cc engine provides enough output to power lights and a refrigerator and even a small home air conditioner. It has an electric start and is fairly compact. It may be ideal for those who don’t need anything bigger.
Model: XP15000E
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Gasoline
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 15000
Gas Running Watts: 12000
Weight (lbs): 380
Noise (dB): 84
The XP15000E is the most powerful gas-powered generator produced by DuroMax. Its big and robust 713cc V-twin engine provides the sort of power you’ll find in a large fixed standby generator but offers you all the benefits of portability. It’s an ideal solution for home backup and jobsites and is perfect for anyone looking for a high-end power source.
Model: XP13000EH
Electric Start: Yes
Fuel: Dual Fuel
Technology: Traditional open frame
Gas Starting Watts: 13000
Gas Running Watts: 10500
Propane Starting Watts: 12350
Propane: Running Watts: 9975
Weight (lbs): 234
Noise (dB): 74
With dual duel capbility the DuroMax XP13000EH is a very powerful and flexible model. Powered by a 500cc OHV engine, it provides similar power to a fixed home standby units and can easily power your lights, small and large appliances, and your central A/C system.