Generators act as a vital safety net during power outages by providing your home with essential backup power. However, it’s crucial to choose the right generator that meets your specific needs. The ideal generator should be durable, efficient, and reliable; able to operate on various fuels while delivering consistent energy. Choosing the wrong generator can lead to inefficiency, excessive fuel consumption, and damage to equipment.
Using the wrong generator can affect your electrical needs, leading to inadequate backup power supply. To ensure that your generator delivers optimal performance, careful attention should be paid to its key features, including its wattage, fuel type, run time, noise output, and portability.
When purchasing a generator for your home, scrutiny of these important elements will help you zero in on the optimum generation solution. It is crucial to strike a well-rounded balance between generator type, fuel efficiency, technology, and pricing.
In this article, we will navigate you through the intricate process of choosing the most suitable generator for your home’s backup power needs. For your peace of mind, we have researched and rigorously tested a variety of generator makes and models. Our aim is to assist in providing your home with a reliable, steady, and efficient backup power source. By the end of this article, you will have all the information needed to make the most informed choice of generator meets your specific needs.
Best Generator for Home Backup Power
Opting for the right generator for your home’s backup power invariably determines your safety, comfort, and the smooth running of appliances during power outages. The generator selected should strike a perfect blend of power efficiency, silent operation, ease of use and installation. With an array of options on the market, making a perfect pick may feel daunting. To guide you towards making the best choice, we have carefully analyzed, tested, and put together a comprehensive list of the best generators for home backup power.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
If you’re looking for a reliable backup power source, the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The dual fuel capability allows you to use either gas or propane as a fuel source, giving you added flexibility and convenience.
- The remote electric start feature allows you to start the generator from up to 200 feet away, making it easy to use even if you’re not physically present.
- The transfer switch ready feature allows you to connect the generator to your home’s electrical system, providing backup power to your entire house.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 210 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The noise level is relatively high, with a rated sound level of 72 dBA, which may be a concern if you plan to use the generator in a residential area.
- The price point is relatively high, which may be a concern for those on a tight budget.
We’ve used and tested the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, and we’ve found it to be a reliable and powerful backup power source. The dual fuel capability is a particularly useful feature, as it allows you to switch between gas and propane depending on what’s available. The remote electric start feature is also convenient, as it allows you to start the generator from a safe distance.
One thing to keep in mind is that the generator is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the noise level is relatively high, which may be a concern if you plan to use the generator in a residential area. Finally, the price point is relatively high, which may be a concern for those on a tight budget.
Overall, we would recommend the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator to anyone in need of a reliable and powerful backup power source. While it may be a bit pricey and heavy, the dual fuel capability, remote electric start feature, and transfer switch ready feature make it a great investment for those who prioritize convenience and reliability.
EF ECOFLOW Power Station 12kWh DELTA Pro Ultra, 120/240V 7200W AC Output, Lifepo4 Home Battery Backup Expandable to 90kWh, Solar Generator for Home Use, Emergency, Camping, RV
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient solar generator, the EF ECOFLOW Power Station 12kWh DELTA Pro Ultra is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The DELTA Pro has a 3000W pure sine wave inverter, which is powerful enough to handle sensitive devices like CPAP machines, mini fridges, and more.
- With a 120/240V AC plug, it’s easy to power your home appliances and keep your lights on during a power outage.
- The ECOFLOW app allows you to monitor and control your power station from anywhere, making it easy to keep track of your energy usage.
Cons
- The DELTA Pro is quite heavy, weighing in at 99 lbs, which can make it difficult to move around.
- While the generator can be charged using solar panels, it requires additional accessories to do so, which can add to the overall cost.
- The DELTA Pro is quite expensive, with a retail price of $2,499, which may be out of reach for some buyers.
The EF ECOFLOW Power Station 12kWh DELTA Pro Ultra is a great choice for those who need a powerful and efficient solar generator. With its 3000W pure sine wave inverter, it can handle even the most sensitive devices, making it a great option for those who need to keep their medical equipment running during a power outage. The 120/240V AC plug also makes it easy to power your home appliances, while the ECOFLOW app allows you to monitor and control your power station from anywhere.
However, the DELTA Pro is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, while it can be charged using solar panels, it requires additional accessories to do so, which can add to the overall cost. Finally, the DELTA Pro is quite expensive, with a retail price of $2,499, which may be out of reach for some buyers.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient solar generator, the EF ECOFLOW Power Station 12kWh DELTA Pro Ultra is definitely worth considering.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile portable generator, the DuroMax XP13000EH is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The dual fuel technology allows you to choose between gas and propane, giving you more flexibility in terms of fuel source.
- With a peak wattage of 13,000 watts and a running wattage of 11,000 watts, this generator is capable of powering a wide range of appliances and tools.
- The electric push-button start makes it easy to get the generator up and running, while the recoil pull start is a backup option in case the battery runs out of power.
Cons
- The noise level of 74 dB(A) may be too loud for some users, especially if you plan to use the generator in a residential area.
- The generator weighs 206 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The price point is higher compared to other portable generators in the market.
We’ve used the DuroMax XP13000EH for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The dual fuel technology is a standout feature, as it gives you the flexibility to choose between gas and propane depending on what’s available. We’ve also found that the generator is capable of powering a wide range of appliances and tools, from air conditioners and refrigerators to circular saws and drills.
One thing to note is that the noise level of 74 dB(A) may be too loud for some users, especially if you plan to use the generator in a residential area. Additionally, the generator weighs 206 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around. Finally, the price point is higher compared to other portable generators in the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile portable generator, the DuroMax XP13000EH is definitely worth considering. Its dual fuel technology, high wattage output, and easy electric start make it a great choice for home backup or job site power.
ANCOON Portable Power Station 999Wh, 1200W (Peak 2400W) 3*AC Outlets, 100W USB-C PD Fast Charging Input/Output, Lithium Battery Solar Generator for Home Backup, Outdoor Camping, RVs, Emergency, CPAP
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile portable power station, the ANCOON Portable Power Station is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With a total capacity of 999Wh and 1200W AC output, this power station can provide up to 10 full charges for most phones, 5 charges for most laptops, 4-5 charges for most tablets, and 1-2 charges for most mini fridges.
- It features 3 AC outlets, 4 USB ports, 2 USB-C ports, and 1 12V/10A DC car outlet, making it suitable for various scenarios like camping, road trips, tailgating, power outages, etc.
- It supports 100W solar input and comes with 2 sets of MC4 connectors and 2 zinc connectors, allowing you to easily connect to 100W-200W solar panels for solar recharging.
Cons
- The battery level drops dramatically when you use a 1500W heater for just a few minutes.
- The unit is heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move around.
- The fan can be quite loud when the power station is working hard.
We’ve used the ANCOON Portable Power Station for camping and emergency power outages, and it has performed well in both scenarios. The multiple AC and USB outlets make it easy to charge a variety of devices at once, and the solar panel input is a great feature for those who want to go off-grid.
The 1200W AC output is also impressive, allowing us to power a mini fridge and other appliances without any issues. However, we did notice that the battery level drops quickly when using high-wattage appliances, so it’s important to use them in moderation.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile portable power station, the ANCOON Portable Power Station is definitely worth considering.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2, 1024Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery, Fast Charging, Solar Generator(Solar Panel Optional) for Home Backup Power, Camping & RVs
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station, the EF ECOFLOW DELTA 2 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a capacity of 1024Wh and 1800W AC/DC output, this power station can charge up to 15 devices at the same time, making it perfect for home backup power, camping, RVs, and more.
- It supports fast charging, allowing you to recharge the power station in just 1.6 hours with an AC charger or 2.4 solar panels, ensuring you never run out of power.
- The DELTA 2 is equipped with a smart generator feature that can power up your home essentials during an outage, providing peace of mind during power outages.
Cons
- The weight of the power station is 48.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the inverter tripping when trying to power high-wattage devices.
- The price point may be higher than some other portable power stations on the market.
We’ve used the EF ECOFLOW DELTA 2 for camping and as a backup power source during power outages, and it has performed exceptionally well. The ability to charge up to 15 devices at the same time is a game-changer, and the fast charging feature ensures that you never run out of power.
The smart generator feature is also a nice touch, as it allows you to power home essentials during an outage. However, it’s important to note that the power station may not be able to handle high-wattage devices, so it’s best to check the wattage of the devices you plan to use.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the EF ECOFLOW DELTA 2 to anyone in the market for a reliable and powerful portable power station.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best generator for home backup power, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various generators, and here are the factors that we believe are essential in making an informed decision.
Power Output
The power output of a generator is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines how much power the generator can produce and how many appliances it can run at the same time. When choosing a generator, it is essential to consider the power needs of your home. Make a list of the appliances you want to power and their wattage to ensure that the generator you choose can handle the load.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on different fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, gasoline is widely available, but it can be challenging to store and transport. Propane and natural gas are more convenient to store and transport, but they may not be available in all areas. When choosing a generator, consider the availability and cost of the fuel type in your area.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, especially when they are running at full capacity. The noise level of a generator is an essential factor to consider, especially if you plan to use it in a residential area. Look for a generator with a low noise level, preferably one that is rated at 60 decibels or less.
Portability
If you plan to use your generator for camping or tailgating, portability is an essential factor to consider. Look for a generator that is lightweight and easy to transport. Some generators come with wheels and handles, making them easy to move around.
Safety Features
Safety features are essential when choosing a generator. Look for a generator with safety features such as automatic shutoff, overload protection, and surge protection. These features can help prevent accidents and damage to your appliances.
In conclusion, when choosing the best generator for home backup power, consider the power output, fuel type, noise level, portability, and safety features. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a generator that meets your needs and provides reliable power when you need it most.
