Power outages can occur due to a host of reasons, such as a fault in the grid, a natural disaster such as hurricanes, windstorms, etc. Regardless of the reason for outages, the fact is that entire communities may have to live without power for days or even weeks.
Are you tired of stumbling around in the dark without power? There is no internet or power to charge your phones, laptops, and tablets. We can’t even imagine life without electricity. After all, nobody wants to go back to the stone ages.
Getting a generator for your home to provide backup power in case of an outage is a necessary part of being prepared for the worst. Are you wondering what the best generators to use in a home are? Understanding the importance of getting a generator for your home is one thing. Buying a generator is a whole different matter.
Generators come in all shapes and sizes. The most commonly used generators are the portable ones, but there are a lot of manufacturers with their own products out there. Even they have a lot of differences from one model to the next. You cannot pick out a random generator and pray that it will work out fine for meeting the needs of your home when the power goes out.
Buying a generator for your home should be an educated decision. There are a number of factors that you have to consider for buying a model that stands out from the rest.
We have prepared this guide to equip you with all the information you need to buy a generator for your home that will suit your needs. We will first cover the best generators for home use in the market right now. After that, we will take a look at the factors that can help you to make the best purchase decision.
Products Being Reviewed in This Article
Last update on 2023-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Top 3 Best Generators for Homes Compared
Last update on 2023-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Generators for Homes Reviews
Our Top Pick Westinghouse 7500W WGen7500 Portable Gas Powered Generator
This Westinghouse generator is another great addition to this list of the best generators for home use. The WGen7500 is one of the highest capacity generators produced by Westinghouse in its WGen series and it was designed specifically for the purpose of providing a convenient source of backup power.
Westinghouse is a huge name when it comes to portable generator manufacturers and its WGen series was made keeping the homeowner in mind. The WGen7500 is an easy to maintain and simple to use generator that includes all the necessary features that allow a regular person to use it at home. The model is a simple plug and go machine so you can start using the generator as soon as it arrives.
The 420cc 4-stroke OHV engine pumps out an impressive 9,500W peak and 7,500W running power output. With this generator, you can go about using most, if not all, of your appliances on backup power. Through it all, a remarkable aspect of the generator is the impressive 70 decibel noise it produces. Usually, you can expect a generator of this power to produce much more noise.
This feature-rich generator also gives you the capability to start it electronically with a push start system or with a remote. This means you no longer have to yank on a pull cord for a recoil start. The digital data center on the generator displays all the information about the generator. At just over 200 lbs, this generator does not weigh too much and it’s never-flat wheels allow you to move it around wherever you need to take it.
PROS
- Lengthy 14-hour run time with 50% load
- Wheels do not go flat
- 6.6 gallon fuel tank capacity
- EPA, CARB, and CSA compliant generator
- Full of safety features
- Much quieter than expected
CONS
- Although this is not our experience some customers reported that the customer support is not very helpful
Rockpals 300W Portable Generator Lithium Power Station
The second entry on the list is a power station that a lot of homeowners have come to love due to the convenient power source it is in case of emergencies. The Rockpals 300W Portable Generator is a Lithium ion powered system that you can charge using your home’s regular 110V AC power or through a DC 12-24V input that facilitates connection to Rockpals solar panels that are sold separately.
The device comes with a 12V port, a 24V DC outlet, three 12V DC outlets and two USB 3.0 ports with fast charging capability. It also has two more USB ports with a 1A/2.1A capability. You can rely on this power station to power most of your small electronics, charge your laptop, your phones, tablets, and even a mini fridge. It might not be enough to power up all the heavy appliances in your house but it keeps some of the essentials powered up with its 300Wh output capability.
Each of the sections of ports can be turned on with a dedicated button for all of them. Turning them on activates the LCD display that provides you with the information on the current voltage and the watts being used. There is a handle on the 300W Power Station that slides out of the top when lifted and four rubber feet that keep it slightly above the ground when stationary.
The best way to charge the power station is through the 110V connection, taking just four hours and 15 minutes. With the solar panels, charging takes a longer time, depending on how much the panels are exposed to but it definitely takes longer than the 110V connection. It is an efficient power station that can meet most of your needs during a power outage. It has the power to keep your devices going over a couple of days and provide light through an extended outage.
PROS
- Solid construction
- Super quiet source of backup power
- Multiple ports
- Energy-efficient power station
- Comes with flashlights
CONS
- Solar charging can take a very long time
Champion Power Equipment 3500W 100554 Portable Generator
Traditional gasoline generators still are and might always be a popular source of backup power for a lot of households. If you are looking to utilize most of your appliances at home when the power goes out, the Champion Power Equipment 3500W 100554 Portable Generator could be the ideal solution for your problem.
This is a powerful generator that has a 208cc Champion single cylinder OHV engine that can produce the power you need. Convenience is a big thing with this Champion Power generator. If you want to start it up when the power goes out or switch it off when the power comes back, all you have to do is operate it from the wireless key fob up to 80 feet away. The convenient electric start option is facilitated by a battery that comes with the generator. Champion Power’s Cold Start Technology makes sure that the generator starts up without a problem even in cold weather.
The Champion Intelligauge monitors its voltage, frequency and operating hours so you can keep a track of how it’s performing and how long you have been using it before you need to refuel the generator. The 4,375W peak and 3,500W running watts make sure that you can operate all your essentials in case you don’t have power. It is a convenient generator and also one that is safe to use. The Volt Guard built-in surge protector makes sure your sensitive equipment and electronics are safe from any overloads.
Portability is also a big thing with this Champion Power generator. The foldaway easy grip handle and included wheel kit with never flat tires make sure you can move the generator to where you need it with ease. Plenty of outlets allow you to power most of the essentials at home and its 4.7 gallon fuel tank allows you to run the generator for up to 12 hours with 50% load.
PROS
- Long run time at 12 hours on 50% load
- EPA and CARB certified
- Comes with a three-year limited warranty
- Lifetime free technical support
- Low noise level at 68 decibels
CONS
- Some customers reported that it is still difficult to start in cold weather
Briggs & Stratton 6500W 30675 Q6500 Quiet Power Portable Generator
Briggs & Stratton is a popular manufacturer of portable generators and the fourth entry on the list of the best generators for homes is from its Quiet Power Series. The Briggs & Stratton 6500W 30675 Q6500 Quiet Power Portable Generator uses inverter technology which means it is more fuel-efficient, along with being quieter than traditional generators with the same output capability.
This Briggs & Stratton generator has a rated wattage of 5,000W and peak wattage of 6,500W. The output is provided by its 306cc 4-stroke OHV engine. The running noise of the generator is just 66 decibels and it has a traditional recoil start mechanism to operate. One of the things we loved about this generator is that it has a remarkable run time of 14 hours with a full tank of 5 gallons of gasoline.
There are two DC outlets, two 5v USB ports, two 120V AC outlets and a 120/240V AC twist lock outlet. You can rely on this generator to accommodate a wide range of appliances and essentials that you need to use in case of a power outage. The transfer switch ready generator is easily connectible to a breaker and can power almost anything in your house in case of an extended power outage.
The generator is highly portable, thanks to its weight of just 128 pounds with a wheel kit. Monitoring the generator’s activity is easy due to the LEDs that display both power output and the amount of hours it has been running. The light indicators alert you about low oil levels or if the generator is overloaded. The fuel levels can be determined easily with the built-in fuel gauge so you know how much you have left before you need to refuel it.
PROS
- Several accessories come included with the generator
- Uses inverter technology
- Lightweight for a generator with its output capacity
- Portable generator
- Quiet generator with just 66 decibels
CONS
- No electric start
- Not CARB compliant on emissions
Briggs & Stratton 3000W 30545 P3000 PowerSmart Series Portable Inverter Generator
The last entry on the list of the best generators you can get for your home, the Briggs & Stratton 3000W 30545 P3000 is also our top pick. It is a portable generator that fits the ideal criteria for powering most of the essential appliances at home. Easy to use, the recoil start and single power control knob make operating the generator a breeze along with the simple instructions to help you get started.
This generator uses inverter technology through its 171cc OHV engine that produces 3000W of peak and 2600W of running watts. The generator uses Briggs & Stratton Quiet Power Technology that automatically adjusts the engine’s speed to reduce the noise, save fuel and make the generator run for longer. At just 59 decibels, it is one of the quietest generators that you will see in the market.
An easy to read LCD screen shows the amount of power being used, the total unit hours and even maintenance reminders to make sure you keep the generator in optimal running condition. The generator is also highly portable, thanks to its compact size and wheels. A collapsible pull handle that makes the generator resemble hand carry luggage bags makes it very easy to maneuver the generator and get it where you need it.
It has four 120V household outlets, a 12V DC outlet, a USB port and a dedicated parallel port, giving you plenty of room to plug in appliances you might need to power up. The dedicated parallel port allows you to connect two of the generators in tandem if you need more power. The fact that the generator comes with a comprehensive 24-month warranty is the cherry on the top with this Briggs & Stratton Generator.
PROS
- Parallel connectivity compatibility
- 10 hour run time with 25% load with 1.5 gallon tank
- Quiet generator with just 58 decibels
- Inverter generator technology
CONS
- Some customers who used it for RVs claim it’s not able to perform as well as advertised for RVs
Best Generators for Homes Buyers Guide
Now that you have read all about the top generators for home use, it is time to look at the information that can help you decide which one you should consider buying. Here are some tips to help you choose a generator that will match your needs.
What Do You Need The Generator For?
Ask yourself what you will need to use during a power outage at home. The generator you should go for can differ if you need something to power just lights and small appliances or if you go for computers and other major appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units.
List out all the tools and appliances that you will want to use using your backup generator.
How Much Power Do The Appliances Need?
Once you have a list of all the appliances you might find yourself using during a power outage, you need to be aware of how much power you need to start the appliances. The output needed to run appliances and starting them up can be different. Check the owner’s manual of the appliances to see the running wattage and peak wattage they require.
Calculate The Total Power Needs
After getting a handle on the peak and running wattages of all the appliances, it is time to do some math. First, you have to add up all the running wattage for the appliances you want to run with the generator. This will give you the total running watts your generator needs to be able to produce to meet your needs from a backup power source.
Next up, add the highest of the starting wattages of the appliances. This will give you an idea of the minimum peak power your generator needs to produce in order to run appliances and equipment.
With this knowledge, you know and understand the power output you need from your generator.
Generator Features That Count
There are a few more considerations you should make when you are looking for the best generator for a home, besides its power output. Let’s take a look at some of the main features to look out for in a generator.
Electric Start
While electric start capability is not a critical requirement, it is fast becoming the most preferred startup method for generators. A lot of generators for homes feature electric push start options that offer an easier alternative to the recoil pull-start mechanism. It is a matter of personal choice.
If the generator you are considering has this option, make sure it comes with a battery that will facilitate the electric start.
Portability
The matter of portability is different with each model. There are portable power stations that you can literally carry around in your hands and then there are portable generators that weigh more than 300 lbs and have wheels and pull handles on them. The heavier the generator, the less portable it will be.
At the same time, the heavier the generator is, the more power it can provide. Prioritize your power output needs but also consider the generator’s portability when you are buying a generator for your home.
Inverter Technology
Another increasingly popular feature in generators is inverter technology. An inverter technology generator essentially utilizes an engine with overhead valves, which offers a more fuel-efficient source of power as well as a less noisy generator.
If you are going for a gasoline generator, look for one that has inverter technology so that you get a more environmentally responsible backup power source as well as a more feasible generator that can run for longer than its traditional counterpart.
Final Thoughts
A generator is an important investment that you are making for your home. It is critical that you make the most informed decision when purchasing a generator because not all of them are the same.
We are confident that we have provided you with all the information you need to make the ideal purchasing decision.
Make sure that you do not rush your decision. Take your time and calculate your total power requirements and decide on a range of output power higher than that just to be on the safe side. Once you have the wattage range, consider the tips in the buying guide carefully to see which product matches your needs. That will help you to find the best possible generator for backup power at home. Lastly, once you buy a generator, educate yourself on how to keep it in optimal running condition.
As a reminder our top pick here for the best generators for home is the Westinghouse 7500W WGen7500 Portable Gas Powered Generator.
- 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 11 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge. Grounding System-Bonded Neutral .Noise Level : 72 dBA.
- Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- Powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA and CARB Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
Last update on 2023-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
