The Best Generators For Power Outages For 2024

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best Generators For Power Outages
Best Generators For Power Outages

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Westinghouse 12500 Watt Portable Generator

Get reliable power when you need it with the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Portable Generator. This generator is packed with features including a dependable Push-Button Electric Start technology for easy starting and stopping. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator

With the DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. This generator is powered by a 210cc OHV engine, which provides plenty of power to handle multiple devices. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: Champion Power Equipment Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Get the power you need with the Champion Power Equipment Dual Fuel Portable Generator. This 7500-watt generator can operate on either gasoline or propane, giving you the flexibility to get your job done even during emergency situations. Read Review

5. Best For Households: A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator

Get the power you need with A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt Portable Generator. With its sizeable 7-gallon gasoline fuel tank, this generator can provide an average run time of up to 7 hours at 100% load and up to 9 hours at 50% load. Read Review

A power outage can be an incredibly inconvenient experience, leaving you without electricity for days at a time. However, with the right generator, you can keep the lights on and your appliances running during a blackout. Generators are an essential backup power source that can provide reliable, clean energy to your home.

With a wide range of generators available on the market, choosing the right one is vital. Whether you're looking for the best generators for power outages for your entire home or just one appliance, there are plenty of options to ensure you stay powered during a power out. You can find the generator that meets your needs and b from traditional gas-powered generators to the more modern solar-powered ones.

After spending hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best generators for power outages is Westinghouse 12500 Watt Portable Generator because with a simple push of a button on the key fob, you can turn on and turn off the generator from a distance of up to 260 feet away. We've added a buying guide as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Westinghouse 12500 Watt Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.8
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

The dependable push-button electric start technology included in the Westinghouse Portable Generator makes starting and stopping the generator a breeze. With one simple push of a button on the key fob, you can turn on and turn off the generator from a distance of up to 260 feet away. In addition, the generator can also be started conventionally by employing the recoil start, which offers an increased degree of beginning dependability.

When the power works out, an L14-30R 120/240V 30A outlet allows you to quickly and easily connect the generator to the electrical circuits in your home that are the most important to you by utilizing an extension cord to connect to a transfer switch that was already installed. Therefore, it will simultaneously power all of your essential appliances, including the air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pump. It would be ideal if this generator had an inverter feature, though.

TOP Choice #2 DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.6
DuroMax

Because it has a starting wattage of 4,400 and a running wattage of 3,500, this unit can handle electrical appliances with big loads, including lights, a refrigerator, a home air conditioner, and high-amperage power tools. The DuroMax 210cc OHV engine gives plenty of power to tackle various duties, including powering high-voltage appliances and heavy-duty power equipment. 

This product is suitable for power outages at home, on job sites, camping, or in RVs. This generator is safeguarded by the low Oil Shutoff feature, which turns off the generator as soon as it detects dangerously low oil levels. In addition,  the variety of outlets in the power panel can be compatible with many electrical appliances. However, this product has a slight drawback: the heat shield screw may become loose after a long time, causing a rattle when running. Therefore, you need to tighten it again to ensure it continues working well.

TOP Choice #3 Champion Power Equipment Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.4
Champion Power Equipment

Thanks to this product's dual fuel function, the 439cc engine can operate on gasoline or propane. Additionally, the Volt GuardTM protects the generator against electrical voltage spikes. A solid recoil start and Champion's Cold Start Technology ensure a fast ignition even in chilly conditions. The U-shaped handle can be folded away, making it simple to store, and the attached wheel kit features tires that never need to be inflated, so transporting it is a breeze.

This generator has a starting power of 8400 watts, a running capacity of 6750 watts, and a run time of 5.5 hours at 50% load when a 20-pound propane tank powers it. In addition, there is a propane pipe that is 6 feet long and has a regulator already put into it. INTELLIGAUGE capability enables you to monitor power production and tracking of maintenance intervals by keeping track of voltage, hertz, and runtime hours. Although this product may be a bit noisy after a long usage time, you don't need to worry about it because it doesn't affect any of its functions.

The 457cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine in the generator can reach speeds of up to 3600 RPM, allowing it to deliver dependable power for all your requirements. The reliable electric start technology enables you to turn on the generator with the flick of a switch. However, it may take a little extra time to start up in cold weather. In addition, thanks to the 9.5-inch wheels and the fold-down handles that save room,  you can carry this product everywhere.

Using the WEN 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator, you can generate power from different resources. Thanks to the dual fuel design, you can choose the fueling type most convenient for you, gasoline or LPG, and turn on the generator using the keyed electric start. Its 6.6 gallons of gasoline for a runtime of 8.5 hours at half-load, or it is possible to utilize the 47-inch LPG hose included for an immediate connection to propane tanks. It can generate power at voltages of 120V (AC), 240V (AC), or 12V (DC), which will allow you to run things like lights, TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, and other necessities. 

This product generates 12,000 beginning and 9,000 operating watts, which power your tools at the job site, when camping, or to power household appliances. The generator's sturdy 459 cc OHV 4-stroke engine ensures dependable performance. In addition, it has a low oil alert light and an automatic shutoff option to help maintain this generator's durability.

The A-iPower generator provides clean and safe electricity to all of your essential household appliances, such as your air conditioner, refrigerator, and sump pump, in the case of a power outage. The large gasoline fuel tank, which has a capacity of 7 gallons, can run for an average of 7 hours at 100% load and 9 hours at 50% load. With the Electric Start functionality, you can quickly and easily start your generator whenever necessary. Although the battery may eventually wear out after a prolonged time, this generator is still an excellent choice for every home.

This DuroMax generator offers a power level cost-effectively. It features a 500cc OHV DuroMax Engine, which is ideal for a backup power supply in case of a power outage, storm, or another emergency at home. In addition, this generator offers reliable power for various electrical systems and components, such as lighting, home appliances, and even central air conditioning systems.

It is equipped with CO Alert Technology, which enables it to turn off automatically if it detects an unsafe level of carbon monoxide in the air around it. This safeguard is in place if the generator finds itself enclosed. It is easy to alter the type of fuel used in the car in a matter of seconds thanks to a digital multimeter, a start button, and an interface for the energy located at the front of the vehicle. Although this generator is a bit heavy, you can carry it everywhere thanks to the wheels.

7 Champion Power Equipment Powerful Generator
Our Score:
8.7
Champion Power Equipment

This feature-packed generator has enough power to start and run an air conditioner with 15,000 BTUs. You can also use it to power the essentials in your home if there is a power outage. With the wireless remote key fob, you can stop the generator quickly from a distance of feet away. The hassle-free electric start comes complete with Cold Start Technology provides a fast ignition even when the temperature is low. 

The Intelligauge from Champion generator allows you to keep track of the voltage, frequency, and total operating hours. Thanks to the foldable easy-grip handle and the supplied wheel kit, you can quickly move the generator wherever you want. This unit has a starting power of 4375 watts and a running power of 3500 watts, making it capable of handling your needs in the event of a power outage. In addition to this, the Volt GuardTM prevents overload and safeguards your electronic devices from voltage spikes. Some tiny cotter pins may fall out when transporting too much, but you don't need to worry about it because it doesn't affect any of its functions.

More To Consider

8 Powermate P0081100 Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.6
Powermate

Our buying guide to pick best generators for power outages for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best generators for power outages? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

FAQs

Can I Use The Generator During Inclement Weather?

Although you can use your generator in any weather or temperature, protect it from the elements whenever it is not being used to stop it from shorting out and rusting. It is not recommended to run the generator indoors.

Does The Portable Generator Need To Be Grounded?

Yes. It is important that the generator be correctly grounded in order to protect your safety. The generator must be grounded properly to avoid electrocution. Grounding is a subject matter that must be adhered to by all authorities, federal and state.

Can I Vent The Exhaust Out Of An Enclosed Area?

No. The generator should not be used in enclosed areas or homes. The portable generators can only be run outdoors where there is adequate ventilation. As with all gasoline engines exhaust, generators contain poisonous carbon monoxide.

How Do You Safely Run A Home Generator?

A whole-home generator or standby generator must be connected to a switch. This disconnects your circuit panel and the electrical grid, allowing power to flow through the circuits from the generator.
You must manually start the power transfer for portable generators. These products have different safety requirements.

What Regular Maintenance Should Be Performed On A Home Generator?

You should get basic maintenance information from the manufacturer of any generator that you buy. However, most generator models will work fine if you follow these guidelines.
Run the generator at least 30 minutes per month or perform a weekly self test
When storing a gasoline-powered generator, add fuel stabilizer.
Regular oil changes are a must for your generator.

Where Is The Best Place To Put Your Home Generator?

Natural gas generators do not produce as much fumes than natural gas ranges. Gasoline-powered generators can produce carbon monoxide exhaust fumes, which is why it's important to select the ideal location. These are the reasons why utility companies and local codes often have specific requirements for placement.
A generator should generally be located at least 5ft from any windows or doors. While some generators are able to be mounted as close as 18inches from the house, it is still important that the generator is at least 5ft away from any air intake areas on the property.
It is not advisable to use portable generators in an indoor environment, such as a garage. This type of generator is best placed outdoors, away from windows and doors.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best generators for power outages for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider AIVOLT 4200 Watt Open Frame Quiet Inverter Generator as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

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