Of course, there may be a power outage, especially when lightning flashes and zaps a transformer in your area. But, does this mean you must stay in the dark? Or stop your appliances from running?
Well, there are different ways to keep your electrical appliances running during a power outage. And one way is by getting a home generator for power outage.
Home generators are lifesaving because they are an easy solution to an inconvenience caused by power outage. Thanks to technology, you can now power a home generator with multiple fuel types.
They are of different types. So, you can choose to buy portable, standby or inverter home generators. They also come in different sizes and watts. Your choice depends on your power need, fuel options and the ease of use of the generator. While portable home generators are travel-friendly, standby home generators are expensive.
Buying the best home generator can be tricky, especially if you don’t know so much about it. In this review, you will find the best home generator for power outage and answers to all your questions to make the right choice.
Read also: Best Generators For Your Home
Our Top Picks – Home Generators For Power Outages
Best Overall: DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator
This multipurpose generator is one of few portable generators that offer 12000W to cater to all your needs.
Best Backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator
With 9500 watts power capacity, 12 hours run time and dual fuel technology; it serves as a great backup generator that is fit for your home.
Best for Small Homes: Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator
If you want clean power without exhaust, you will enjoy this 2500-watt inverter generator in your small home.
Best Standby: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
You can enjoy almost an instant power supply after a power outage in your home with this standby generator. Its house smart switch transfer and a mobile link monitoring system is top notch.
Best Budget: A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator
This affordable portable model generator can power essential appliances in your home for about 7.5 hours at full capacity. You will enjoy its excellent features.
1. Best Overall: DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator
Dimensions: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
Weight: 224 pounds
Power Output: 12000 Watts
Type: Portable
Fuel Type: Propane or gasoline
Warranty: 3 years
What We Like
- Keyed electric start and optional recoil start
- Built-in spark arrestor for smooth operation
What We Don’t Like
- It is heavy
- Wheels not so smooth
The DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is definitely what you will need in your home. The generator is specially made for power outages. Its 12000 wattage gives it the strength to power heavy appliances without any hassles.
To start this generator is very easy. You can either start it manually using recoil start or keyed electric start. And if you like a generator you can power with multiple fuels, you can’t go wrong with this generator because you can run it on either gasoline or propane.
For your various power needs, it features two 120/20AMP outlets, a 50AMP outlet and a 120/240v 30AMP outlet. Thanks to its noise reducing muffler, you will not experience the usual humming that comes with generators.
With its built-in arrestor, the generator operates smoothly. In fact, you can easily change its location with its handle and rugged solid fill tires.
At 224 pounds, the generator may require a bit physical strength while carrying from one place to another. So, if you want something as light as a feather, don’t go for this generator.
2. Best Backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator
Dimensions: 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches
Weight: 211 Pounds
Type: Portable
Power Output: 9500 Watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline or Propane
Warranty: 3 years
What We Like
- Automatic low oil shut-off
- Multiple starters
What We Don’t Like
- No cold start technology
Westinghouse is a household name when it comes to quality. And this generator is no exception. The generator stands out for its ability to run up to 12 hours at full capacity.
Unlike equals, you can start this generator in the comfort of your room because it has a remote starter.
Another cool thing about the generator is that it comes with safety rubber covers to protect you when you use its 3 different outlets. The generator is also made with polyurethane tyre so you can easily move it in and out of your home. Interestingly, the wheel is heat resistant. Even more, you don’t have to worry about low oil. This is because the generator features automatic low oil shut-off.
3. Best for Small Homes: Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator
Dimensions: 17.3 x 12 x 17.7 inches
Weight: 39 pounds
Power Output: 2500 Watts
Type: Inverter
Fuel Type: Solar
Warranty: 3 years
What We Like
- Cold start technology adaptive to cold
- Very quiet operation
What We Don’t Like
- It can’t power heavy appliances
- No wheels
For short-term use, you will enjoy this ultra-lightweight inverter generator. The Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator offers 2500 watts of power with the 4-stroke 79cc engine. If you don’t want noise, this 53 dB generator is worth having. Even though the fuel tank cannot accommodate more than 1.1 gallons, it can run for 11.5 hours.
The icing on this excellent product allows you to connect it with another 2500-watt champion inverter to increase your power output. This should be your go-to generator to charge your phone directly with its handy dual USB adapter.
You can even connect with the two 120v household outlets. It comes with low oil shut-off and can function in cold weather. Besides your home, you can easily carry it along to camp. And the fact that it requires no assembly is another plus.
4. Best Standby: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator
Dimensions: 48 x 25 x 29 inches
Weight: 515 pounds
Power Output: 22000 watts
Type: Standby
Fuel Type: Gasoline or Propane
Warranty: 5 years
What We Like
- Smart transfer switch
- All-weather aluminium enclosure
What We Don’t Like
- Battery sold separately
Alternatively, you can go for Generac 7045 22kW/19.5kW Home Standby Generator if you prefer a stationed generator. It operates on a quiet self-test mode to ensure that it runs with less noise and consumes less fuel. This generator can work in the cold because of its insulated, corrosion-resistant and powder-coated finish.
Even though you have to get a separate battery, you can monitor the battery status easily on the multilingual LCD. You can even link the generator to your mobile device and monitor the status from anywhere in the world. It features 200 amp NEMA 3 smart transfer switch and produces about 22kW power.
5. Best Budget: A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator
Dimensions: 23.4 x 23 x 21.3 inches
Weight: 111 pounds
Power Output: 4500 Watts
Type: Portable
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Warranty: 3 years
What We Like
- Low oil alert light
- Power-coated steel frame for protection
What We Don’t Like
- The start-up is manual
- Can only be powered by gasoline
The A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator is ready to work every season. Producing 4,500 watts, this generator can power essential household appliances and is even useful at construction sites. You will enjoy the 223 cc OHV stroke engine that comes with low oil alert light for the sake of maintenance.
Once the generator is low on oil, there is an automatic shut-off system in place. The 4 gallon fuel tank is large enough to take you for more than 7.5 hours. Interestingly, you can easily fold the handle of the generator so you can make it a travel companion.
Final Verdict
To be honest, all the generators in this review will serve you well during power outage. But the DuroMax 12000W Portable Generator stands out among them. Not only that the generator offer great power out, it is also best for all season. Besides, its different outlets let you connect at all times. Despite its efficacy, it does not make noise like most generators in its category do.
What kind of home generator do I need for power outages?
Generally, homeowners use between 3,000 and 6,000-watts portable generators. The kind of generator you need for power outage depends on the power consumption in your home. The average home uses about 7,500 watts of power, so a generator that produces 9,000 watts would be sufficient. If you have electric appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators, you’ll need a generator that produces more power. Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW), so be sure to select one that’s large enough for your needs. Also, if you experience prolonged power outages regularly, you will need a generator with a longer running time.
There are many different types of generators, but the two most common are portable generators and standby generators. Portable generators are small, lightweight devices that can be easily moved around and used in a variety of different locations. Standby generators are larger and must be installed by a professional, but they offer a more reliable source of power during an outage. When choosing a generator, it is important to consider the size of your home, the average length of power outages in your area, and your budget. With so many factors to consider, it is best to consult with a qualified electrician to find the right generator for your needs.
What size generator do I need to power my house?
The size of your generator is dependent on the number of appliances you want to power. Overloading small generator with too many appliances can damage devices connected to it. On the other hand, if you buy excessively big generator, you will spend more on installation and fueling.
When choosing a generator for your home, it is important to select one that is properly sized for your needs. The size of the generator will determine the amount of power it can provide. A small generator may be able to power a few crucial appliances, while a larger one could run the entire house. To determine what size generator you need, start by making a list of the devices and appliances you want to be able to run. Then, consult a professional to help you select the right model. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect generator to keep your home running smoothly during an outage.
What is the most reliable whole house generator?
When the power goes out, a whole house generator can keep your home running as usual. There are a few things to consider when choosing a generator, such as fuel type, power output, and noise level. The most important thing is to choose a generator that is reliable and easy to use.
The most popular fuel type for generators is gasoline. Gasoline generators are typically less expensive than other types, and they’re easy to find parts for if they break down. However, they can be difficult to start in cold weather, and they’re not as efficient as some other types of generators. These are going to be the most reliable whole house generators.
Diesel generators are more expensive than gasoline generators, but they’re much more efficient. They’re also easier to start in cold weather. However, diesel can be difficult to find in some areas, and it’s not as clean-burning as other fuels.
Natural gas generators are the most expensive option, but they’re the cleanest-burning and most efficient type of generator. They’re also the quietest, making them a good choice if you live in an urban area. However, natural gas generators require a connection to a natural gas line, which may not be available in all areas.
Finally, make sure to choose a generator that’s quiet enough for your liking. Some generators produce a lot of noise, while others run relatively quietly. If noise is a concern for you, look for a generator that’s specifically designed to run quietly.
What is a good size generator for emergencies?
In case of emergency, you should buy a mid-size emergency portable generator usually between 6000 and 8000 watts. With this, you can easily power essentials in your home. Depending on the type of emergency, you may need a small, portable generator that can power a few essentials, or a large, industrial-sized generator that can keep your entire home or business running. In any case, it is important to consult with an expert to ensure that you choose a generator that is properly sized for your needs.
How do I choose an emergency generator?
When the power goes out, an emergency generator can keep your home or business running. But how do you choose the right one? There are a few things to consider. First, you’ll need to decide what type of fuel you want to use. Gasoline, propane, and natural gas are all common options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so make sure to do your research before making a decision. Second, you’ll need to determine how much power you’ll need. The size of the generator should be based on the wattage of the appliances and electronics you want to run. Lastly, consider your budget. Emergency generators can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. By taking these factors into account, you can find the right emergency generator for your needs.
