Investing in backup generators is crucial for both homeowners and businesses. These generators act as a crucial support system during power failures, making sure that your home or business functions without any disruptions. However, it’s important to note that all backup generators are not the same. The ideal ones are dependable, effective, and capable of supplying the necessary power. Operating an unsuitable backup generator can result in operational issues, decreased productivity, and may also lead to electrical harm. Therefore, picking the correct backup generator is a significant decision.
The ideal backup generator should provide consistent, reliable power during outages. It should also be fuel-efficient and emit minimal noise. The size of the generator and its wattage output should match your power needs. Using a too-small generator would lead to inadequate power supply, while a too-large generator would be wasteful and inefficient. More so, the generator should have built-in safety features and be easy to maintain and service.
When shopping for a backup generator, it is essential to look out for necessary specifications such as fuel type, wattage, run time, and number of outlets. Pay attention to the transfer switch type, noise level and any additional features like a remote-start option or a fuel gauge.
In this article, we guide you through the process of buying the best backup generator. We’ve spent a significant amount of time researching and testing various backup generations to identify the ones that stand out for their performance, reliability, and user-friendliness. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and keep the power running no matter the situation.
Best Backup Generator
Choosing the right backup generator is crucial for uninterrupted power supply, energy efficiency, and equipment durability. The generator should match your power needs, consume fuel efficiently, and have low noise emissions. With a multitude of options available on the market, it could be daunting to pick the most suitable one. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best backup generators based on our extensive research, tests, and customer reviews to help you make the right choice for your needs.
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Black and Blue
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful generator for your home or RV, the DuroMax XP12000EH might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The DuroMax XP12000EH is a dual fuel generator, which means you can use it with gasoline or propane, depending on your preference and availability.
- With a peak wattage of 12,000 watts and a running wattage of 9,500 watts, this generator can power up to 10 circuits in your home, including essential appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and TVs.
- The electric start is easy to use, and the generator also comes with a recoil pull start for backup. Plus, the remote start feature is a nice touch.
Cons
- The noise level of the DuroMax XP12000EH is quite high, with a rated sound level of 74 dBA and a maximum sound level of 80 dBA. This might not be ideal if you plan to use the generator in a residential area.
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 210 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The fuel gauge could be more accurate, as it tends to show a full tank even when it’s not.
We’ve used the DuroMax XP12000EH to power our home during a power outage, and it performed well. We were able to keep our fridge, freezer, and essential lights running, which was a big help. The dual fuel capability was also a plus, as we were able to switch to propane when gasoline supplies ran low.
The generator is easy to set up and use, and the remote start feature is a nice touch. However, the noise level is quite high, so we had to place the generator outside. The generator is also quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
Overall, we would recommend the DuroMax XP12000EH to anyone in need of a reliable and powerful generator for their home or RV. Just be aware of the noise level and weight, and make sure you have a safe and secure place to store the generator when not in use.
Portable Power Station 300W (Peak 600W), GRECELL 288Wh Solar Generator with 60W USB-C PD Output, 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet Backup Lithium Battery for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Home Blackout
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile portable power station, the GRECELL Portable Power Station is a great option.
Pros
- The pure sine wave output ensures that sensitive devices such as CPAP machines, mini fridges, and TVs can run smoothly without any interference or damage.
- The 60W USB-C PD output allows for fast charging of compatible devices such as laptops, making it a great option for remote work or studying.
- The battery capacity of 288Wh and solar input of 300W make it capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously, making it a great option for outdoor activities or emergencies.
Cons
- The size and weight of the power station may make it less than ideal for some users who need to move it frequently.
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
- The solar panel is not included and must be purchased separately if you plan to use it for recharging.
We’ve used the GRECELL Portable Power Station for camping and emergency power needs, and it has performed well in both situations. The pure sine wave output ensures that sensitive devices such as CPAP machines and mini fridges run smoothly without any interference or damage. The 60W USB-C PD output allows for fast charging of compatible devices such as laptops, making it a great option for remote work or studying.
The battery capacity of 288Wh and solar input of 300W make it capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously, making it a great option for outdoor activities or emergencies. We’ve been able to power a mini fridge, CPAP machine, and LED lights all at the same time without any issues.
One thing to note is that the size and weight of the power station may make it less than ideal for some users who need to move it frequently. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other options on the market. Lastly, the solar panel is not included and must be purchased separately if you plan to use it for recharging.
Overall, we would recommend the GRECELL Portable Power Station to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile portable power source.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/200W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Emergency (Solar Panel Optional)
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a pure sine wave AC outlet, this power station can power almost any delicate devices such as CPAP machines, mini fridges, and more.
- The high-speed charging technology supports up to 60% charge in just 1 hour with an optional solar panel (sold separately) under full sun.
- Equipped with three pure sine wave AC outlets (290W), two USB-A ports (12W), and one DC car port (144W), this power station can charge up to 6 devices at the same time.
Cons
- The solar panels are sold separately, which can be a downside for those who want a complete solar generator package.
- At 6.6 pounds, this power station is relatively heavy compared to other portable options.
- The price point may be higher than some other portable power stations on the market.
Overall, we were impressed with the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240’s ability to power a variety of devices, including our CPAP machine and mini fridge. The high-speed charging technology was also a standout feature, allowing us to quickly recharge the battery.
One thing to keep in mind is that the solar panels are sold separately, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, the power station is slightly heavier than some other options on the market. However, we believe that the benefits of the pure sine wave AC outlet and multiple charging ports make this power station a great choice for those in need of a reliable and powerful portable power source.
200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator With 110V AC Outlet/2 DC Ports/3 USB Ports, Backup Battery Pack Power Supply for CPAP Outdoor Advture Load Trip Camping Emergency
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile portable power station, the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station is a great option.
Pros
- The 200W pure sine wave inverter provides stable power for sensitive devices such as CPAP machines, mini fridges, and TVs.
- The 40800mAh battery capacity can charge a CPAP machine 28-30 times, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or emergency power outages.
- The 110V AC outlet, 2 DC ports, and 3 USB ports provide ample charging options for a variety of devices.
Cons
- The charging speed may be slower than some other portable power stations on the market.
- The handle on top may be flimsy and not sturdy enough for heavy lifting.
- The device may emit a slight odor upon opening the package.
We’ve used the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station for camping trips and emergency power outages, and it has performed well in both situations. The pure sine wave inverter ensures that sensitive devices such as CPAP machines and TVs receive stable power, and the variety of charging options makes it easy to charge multiple devices at once.
The 40800mAh battery capacity is also a major selling point, as it can charge a CPAP machine multiple times on a single charge. This makes it ideal for extended camping trips or power outages that may last for several days.
While the charging speed may be slower than some other portable power stations, we’ve found that it still charges devices fairly quickly. The handle on top may also be flimsy and not sturdy enough for heavy lifting, so it’s important to be careful when moving the device.
Overall, we would recommend the FlashFish 200W Portable Power Station to anyone in need of a reliable and versatile portable power source. It’s a great option for camping trips, emergency power outages, and any other situation where a stable power source is necessary.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
If you’re in the market for a powerful home backup generator, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The dual fuel capability allows for either gas or propane power, making it a versatile option for those who want to be prepared for any situation.
- The remote electric start is a convenient feature that allows you to start the generator from up to 160 feet away, making it easy to use even if you’re not physically near the generator.
- The transfer switch readiness means that you can easily connect the generator to your home’s electrical system, providing backup power to your entire home.
Cons
- The noise level is relatively high, with a rated sound level of 68 dBA, which may be a concern for those who live in noise-sensitive areas.
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 93 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or transport.
- The price point is relatively high, which may be a concern for those on a tight budget.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter, and we were impressed with its performance. The dual fuel capability is a standout feature, as it allows you to switch between gas and propane power depending on what’s available. The remote electric start is also a convenient feature that makes it easy to start the generator from a distance.
One potential downside to the generator is its noise level, which is relatively high at 68 dBA. This may be a concern for those who live in noise-sensitive areas or who want to use the generator at night. Additionally, the generator is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around or transport.
Overall, we think that the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Powered Inverter is a solid choice for those in need of a powerful home backup generator. Its dual fuel capability, remote electric start, and transfer switch readiness make it a versatile and convenient option, even if its noise level and price point may be a bit of a drawback.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best backup generator, there are several factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you choose a generator that meets your needs and provides reliable power during an outage.
Power Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a backup generator is its power capacity. The power capacity of a generator is measured in watts, and it determines how much power the generator can produce. When choosing a generator, it is important to consider the amount of power you need to keep your home or business running during an outage.
To determine the power capacity you need, make a list of all the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. Be sure to include the wattage of each appliance, and add up the total wattage to get your overall power needs.
Fuel Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing a backup generator is its fuel type. Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the fuel type that best meets your needs.
Gasoline-powered generators are generally more affordable and easier to find, but they can be noisy and emit fumes. Propane-powered generators are quieter and emit fewer fumes, but they can be more expensive. Natural gas-powered generators are the most convenient, as they do not require refueling, but they are also the most expensive.
Noise Level
When choosing a backup generator, it is important to consider its noise level. Generators can be very loud, which can be disruptive to your home or business. Look for a generator with a low decibel rating to minimize noise.
Portability
If you plan to use your backup generator for camping or other outdoor activities, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for a generator that is lightweight and easy to transport.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the generator. Look for a generator that is built to last and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best backup generator to meet your needs and provide reliable power during an outage.
