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Portable generators can get you by in an emergency, but they are not in the same league as standby generators. To use the portable generator, you need to drag it out and safely string all the extension cords. You then need to add fuel on a regular basis, day and night. It can be a hassle.
You also need to be very careful about placing the generator near the partially open window or door that the cords pass through. The carbon monoxide fumes from the engine exhaust can drift indoors.
My standby generator produces 17,000 watts of power. This isn't enough to completely power everything in my home, but it will allow me to keep my boiler working, as well as all the recirculation pumps. My refrigerator, electric oven and many lights also will be powered. I'll even have plenty of power to operate my well pump. This means that as long as my buried 1,000-gallon propane tank doesn't run dry, I'll be able to survive for weeks.
Standby generators require periodic maintenance, as they contain engines that spin the actual generator. Often you can do this maintenance yourself. If you want a company to do this, it can take care of it.
