Start Type in Generators: What It Is and Is It Worth It?

Start Type Explained for Generators

The start type refers to how a generator initiates its engine. This spec matters because it defines the physical effort and convenience required to power on your unit. You will typically see two main categories in portable generator listings: electric start and remote start. Understanding these differences helps you choose a device that matches your physical capabilities and usage patterns.

Electric start uses a battery-powered motor to crank the engine. Instead of pulling a recoil cord, you press a button. This mechanism is standard on most mid-to-large portable generators. It reduces physical strain significantly. You do not need to tug on a rope, which can be difficult if you have limited upper body strength or are wearing bulky gloves in cold weather. The system relies on a small internal battery that charges while the generator runs. If that battery dies, you may fall back to manual recoil, if the model includes that option.

Remote start takes convenience further. It allows you to ignite the engine from a distance using a handheld remote control. This is useful if you are already inside a home or vehicle and do not want to step out into the rain or snow. It is also helpful if the generator is located in a hard-to-reach spot, such as behind a fence or in a basement corner. Not all portable units offer this feature. It often adds weight and complexity to the design.

When shopping, check the product specifications for these labels. Some listings may simply say "push button start," which is electric. Others will explicitly mention a remote. This spec is a key factor in user experience. If you plan to use your generator frequently or in harsh conditions, the start type explained in the specs will guide you toward a more comfortable operation. Manual recoil is rarely found on modern portable power stations, as they use battery inversion instead of combustion engines.

Electric Start vs Remote Start

Electric Start

Electric start uses a push-button ignition powered by the generator’s internal battery. You press a button to crank the engine, removing the need to pull a recoil cord. This method is practical for heavy units where manual starting is difficult. For example, the Generac 12,500W Tri-Fuel Generator relies on this system. It suits users who prioritize consistent starting power over wireless convenience. The trade-off is that you must be near the unit to start it. You also need to maintain the starting battery to ensure reliability.

Remote Start

Remote start allows you to initiate the engine from a distance using a handheld remote control. This feature adds significant convenience, especially for large home backup units. The Westinghouse 12500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator includes this capability alongside electric start. It suits homeowners who want to start the generator from inside their house or away from the noise. The trade-off is added complexity and cost. You must carry the remote and replace its batteries. It also requires a compatible transfer switch for full automatic operation during outages.

Is Electric Or Remote Start Worth It

Who needs it

You should prioritize electric start if you are managing heavy portable generators. Pulling a recoil cord on a unit that weighs over fifty pounds is physically demanding and often impractical. The electric ignition system uses the internal battery to crank the engine with a simple button press. This reduces physical strain significantly, allowing you to start the unit quickly without wrestling with a manual cord. Remote start becomes essential if you need to operate the generator from a distance. This feature is critical for camping scenarios where you want to keep noise away from your tent or sleeping area. It also adds a layer of safety by allowing you to start the unit without being directly next to the exhaust or engine components. If you value convenience and ease of use over minimal weight, these start types are valuable investments for your setup.

Who can skip it

You can skip electric and remote start features if you are using small, lightweight generators for occasional backup power. Manual recoil starters are reliable and keep the overall weight and complexity of the unit lower. For users who prioritize portability and cost efficiency, the extra battery and wiring required for electric ignition add unnecessary bulk. If you only need to power a few essential devices for short periods, the physical effort of pulling a cord is negligible. Focus your budget on higher wattage capacity or fuel efficiency instead. These features add cost without improving performance for light-duty tasks. Manual starters also have fewer electronic components that could potentially fail, making them a robust choice for simple, infrequent use cases where convenience is not a primary concern.

Generator Start Type Glossary

Electric Start

Ignition powered by an internal battery via a push button. It eliminates manual recoil pulling, making it ideal for heavy units over fifty pounds.

Remote Start

Ignition triggered by a handheld key fob or smartphone app. It allows you to power on the generator from a safe distance without approaching the unit.

Recoil Start

Manual ignition requiring you to pull a cord to crank the engine. It is the simplest method but demands significant physical effort, especially for large engines.

Internal Battery

A dedicated lead-acid or lithium battery that powers the starter motor. This battery must be charged to operate electric or remote start systems effectively.

Starter Motor

An electric motor that cranks the engine when activated. It converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical motion to initiate the combustion cycle.

Key Fob

A small wireless transmitter used for remote start ignition. It sends a signal to the generator to start the engine without physical contact with the unit.

Recoil Cord

A handle attached to a spring-loaded rope for manual starting. Pulling it spins the engine flywheel to begin operation, requiring no electricity or batteries.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1

Generac 12,500W Tri-Fuel Generator with EFI

Best for: Homeowners needing CO safety and tri-fuel flexibility

Start Type

Electric Start (what this guide is about)

Running Wattage

8550 W (Propane), 7000 W (Natural Gas)

Fuel Type

Tri Fuel (Gas, Propane, Natural Gas)

Output Ports

1 GFCI duplex, 1 L14-30R, 1 NEMA 14-50R

Voltage

120V, 120V/240V

Application

Home, RV

View on Amazon: Generac 12,500W Tri-Fuel Generator with EFI Affiliate link

This Generac unit offers electric start with recoil backup and tri-fuel capability. It runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. The control panel includes a 50A outlet for transfer switches. COsense technology monitors carbon monoxide and shuts the unit down if levels are dangerous. It provides up to 14 hours of runtime on gasoline at 25% load. The steel-tube cradle and never-flat wheels aid mobility for this 227-pound generator.

Pros

• Tri-fuel operation with single-dial switching
• Electric start with recoil backup and included battery
• COsense automatic shutdown technology
• 50A outlet for transfer switch connection
• Up to 14 hours runtime on gasoline

Cons

• Heavy at 227 pounds
• Smaller propane runtime of 6 hours
• No remote start feature

Good fit if

• You need automatic carbon monoxide protection
• You want to connect to a home transfer switch
• You prefer electric start with a pull-cord backup

Skip if

• You require remote start capability
• You need a lighter unit under 200 pounds
• You only use propane for extended periods

Verdict: Generac 12,500 Watt Tri-Fuel Electric Start suits homeowners who prioritize safety features like COsense and flexible fuel options over remote convenience. It fits users who can manage its weight and need a 50A outlet for whole-house backup.

2

Westinghouse 12500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator

Best for: Home backup with remote start

Start Type

Electric Start, Remote Start (what this guide is about)

Running Wattage

9,500 W (gas) / 8,500 W (propane)

Surge Wattage

12,500 W (gas) / 11,200 W (propane)

Fuel Type

Dual Fuel (Gas and Propane)

Voltage

120V/240V

Application

Home

View on Amazon: Westinghouse 12500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator Affiliate link

This Westinghouse generator offers 12,500 peak watts on gasoline and 11,200 on propane. It features electric start, remote start via key fob, and a transfer switch ready outlet. The 457cc engine includes a digital VFT display. You get 12 hours of runtime on gas. It is built for home backup needs with multiple outlet options.

Pros

• Dual fuel capability with 12,500W peak on gas
• Remote start with included key fob
• Transfer switch ready L14-30R outlet
• Digital VFT display for real-time monitoring

Cons

• Heavy at 210 pounds
• Larger footprint than compact units
• No CO sensor in this specific model

Good fit if

• You need remote start convenience
• You require transfer switch readiness
• You want dual fuel flexibility

Skip if

• You need ultra-portable weight
• You require carbon monoxide detection
• You only use propane

Verdict: Westinghouse 12500W Dual Fuel Generator suits homeowners needing heavy power and remote operation. It fits those who want transfer switch integration without carrying the unit.

3

GENMAX 10500W Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator

Best for: High-power home backup with fuel flexibility

Start Type

Remote Start (what this guide is about)

Running Wattage

8500W Gas, 8000W LPG, 6800W NG

Surge Wattage

10500W Gas, 9500W LPG, 8400W NG

Fuel Type

Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas

Output Ports

1x L14-30R, 1x 14-50R, 4x 5-20R, 1x DC

Voltage

120V, 120/240V

View on Amazon: GENMAX 10500W Tri-Fuel Inverter Generator Affiliate link

This GENMAX unit delivers 10,500 starting watts on gasoline and offers tri-fuel flexibility with propane and natural gas options. It features remote start, electric start, and automatic transfer switch compatibility. The 304-pound build supports heavy loads like air conditioners. You should consider this model if you need high surge capacity and multiple fuel sources for home backup.

Pros

• Tri-fuel capability supports gasoline, propane, and natural gas
• 10,500 starting watts on gasoline for heavy loads
• Includes remote start, electric start, and ATS control
• Multiple outlets including 50A and 30A connections

Cons

• Heavy 304-pound weight limits portability
• Bonding plug for neutral bonding is sold separately
• LPG starting watts are lower than gasoline

Good fit if

• You need high starting watts for large appliances
• You want fuel flexibility for extended outages
• You require remote start and automatic transfer switch readiness

Skip if

• You need a lightweight unit for easy transport
• You prefer a lighter weight under 200 pounds
• You want a bonding plug included in the box

Verdict: GENMAX 10500W Tri-Fuel Generator suits users needing high surge capacity and fuel options. It fits those prioritizing power output and remote convenience over lightweight portability.

4

DuroMax 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator

Best for: Whole-home backup with dual fuel flexibility

Start Type

Electric Start (what this guide is about)

Fuel Type

Dual Fuel

Voltage

120V, 120/240V

Application

Home, Emergency, RV

Features

Transfer Switch Ready

Dimensions

30 × 29 × 26 inches

View on Amazon: DuroMax 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator Affiliate link

The DuroMax XP13000HX offers 13,000 watts of power via electric start. It runs on gasoline or propane, letting you switch fuel types quickly. The unit includes a 50-amp transfer switch-ready outlet and CO Alert safety technology. At 245 pounds, it is built for whole-home backup. You should consider this if you need high capacity and fuel flexibility for extended outages.

Pros

• Dual fuel capability for gasoline and propane
• Electric push-button start
• 50-amp outlet ready for transfer switches
• CO Alert safety system

Cons

• Heavy at 245 pounds
• Lacks remote start capability
• No fuel gauge visible in specifications

Good fit if

• You need high wattage for whole-home backup
• You want to switch between gasoline and propane
• You require a transfer switch-ready outlet

Skip if

• You prefer lightweight portable units
• You need remote start convenience
• You require tri-fuel diesel compatibility

Verdict: DuroMax 13000-Watt Dual Fuel Generator provides robust power for homeowners needing reliable backup. It suits those who value fuel flexibility and high output over portability or remote convenience.

5

Westinghouse 6600-Watt Remote Start Generator

Best for: Home backup with remote start and transfer switch

Start Type

Electric Start, Remote Start (what this guide is about)

Running Wattage

5300 W

Surge Wattage

6600 W

Voltage

120/240V

Fuel Type

Gas

Application

Home, RV

View on Amazon: Westinghouse 6600-Watt Remote Start Generator Affiliate link

This Westinghouse unit offers 6600 peak watts and 5300 running watts for home backup. It features electric push-button start with a remote key fob, allowing you to operate it from a distance. The 274cc engine includes automatic low oil and carbon monoxide shutdowns. With a 4.7-gallon tank, you get up to 14.5 hours of run time. It is transfer-switch ready for whole-home power needs.

Pros

• Remote key fob for electric start operation
• Transfer switch ready L14-30R outlet
• Automatic low oil and CO shutdown sensors
• Up to 14.5 hours run time on gas

Cons

• Lower wattage output compared to 12,500+ watt competitors
• Heavier build at 137 pounds
• Gas only, lacking dual or tri-fuel flexibility

Good fit if

• You need reliable remote start for home backup
• You require transfer switch ready capability
• You prefer electric start over pull-start

Skip if

• You need more than 6600 peak watts
• You want to run on propane or diesel
• You prefer a lighter, easier-to-move unit

Verdict: Westinghouse 6600W Remote Electric Generator provides solid backup power with remote convenience. It suits homeowners needing transfer switch readiness without the bulk of larger, multi-fuel models.

6

GENMAX 9000W Gas Portable Generator

Best for: Users needing remote start and parallel capability

Start Type

Electric Start (what this guide is about)

Running Wattage

7600 W

Surge Wattage

9000 W

Fuel Type

Gas

Output Ports

4x GFCI, 1x 30A, 1x 50A, 2x USB

Voltage

120V/240V

View on Amazon: GENMAX 9000W Gas Portable Generator Affiliate link

This GENMAX generator delivers 9000 peak watts and 7600 running watts from a 458cc gas engine. It features electric start and remote start capabilities for convenient operation. The unit includes a digital LCD display and parallel capability to double output with a second unit. It operates at 62 dBA and includes carbon monoxide detection. This model suits users needing reliable home backup power with flexible outlet options.

Pros

• 9000 peak watts and 7600 running watts output
• Electric start and remote control key included
• Parallel capability allows doubling power with another unit
• Digital LCD display shows hours, voltage, and load level
• Carbon monoxide detection automatically shuts down the engine

Cons

• Heavy at 259 pounds
• Parallel cord sold separately
• Single fuel type (gas only)

Good fit if

• You need electric start convenience for a heavy unit
• You want remote start capability from a distance
• You plan to parallel two units for higher power

Skip if

• You require tri-fuel flexibility for propane or natural gas
• You need a lightweight unit for easy transport
• You want parallel capability included without extra purchase

Verdict: GENMAX GM9000iE 9000W Portable Generator offers solid power and remote start features for users who prioritize convenience and high output over fuel flexibility or portability.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• start type explained
• type explained