Most people looking for the best generator for home backup want to get an affordable, powerful, and reliable product that lets them power household devices which are essential for their daily lives.
One should think this would be easy to achieve, but on the contrary, if you don’t how to choose a generator for home backup then you might have to deal with problems such as:
- Provision of an irregular stream of voltage which not only is annoying but could also ruin your electric gadgets
- High levels of noise that ruins the whole experience of using a home backup generator
- Inefficient use of fuel which gets really expensive to maintain
- Small fuel tanks which provide a short runtime
Taking into consideration all these issues, I took it personally and made sure to research and test many generators to arrive at a nice selection so you didn’t have to waste time on this.
List Of The Best Generators For Home Backup
The next 10 generators were personally tested by me and I found them to be great for home backup electricity:
- 1) Wen 56200I 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
- 2) Duromax Xp4850Eh Dual Fuel Portable Generator For Home Backup
- 3) Honda 663520 Eu2200 120V Portable Inverter Generator
- 4) Westinghouse Wgen7500 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts Generator For Home Backup
- 5) Champion 6250-Watt Dh Series Open Frame Generator For Home Backup
- 6) Generac 7127 Iq3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
- 7) Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
- 8) Westinghouse Wgen3600 Portable Generator For Home Backup
- 9) Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Rv Ready Portable Generator For Home Backup
- 10) Baldr Portable Power Station 330W Portable Solar Generators For Home Backup
1. Wen 56200I 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
This WEN 56200i generator performs great in that department as it provides 9.4 hours of runtime and a fuel tank of 1 gallon which is more than enough to power most of the basic electronics needed in a household.
Moreover, it has the advantage of operating at only 53 decibels and is CARB Compliant which means that not only the generator will make almost no noise, but it will reduce its carbon emissions.
Pros
- Epa Iii And Carb Compliant 79.7 Cc 4-Stroke Ohv Engine Produces 2000 Surge Watts And 1600, Rated Watts
- Engine Operates At 53 Decibels
- Two Three-Prong 120V Receptacles, One 12V Dc Receptacle, And One 5V USB Ports
- 1 Gallon Fuel Tank
- 9.4 Hours Quarter-Load
Cons
- Lack Of Wheels Might Be Inconvenient
2. Duromax Xp4850Eh Dual Fuel Portable Generator For Home Backup
This DuroMax generator has 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts which means it can power really heavy electric equipment for the household, such as lights and air conditioners.
Moreover, it has very convenient features like an automatic shutdown when the generator is running on low oil which substantially increases its lifespan.
A huge drawback for most generators destined to power household equipment is the level of noise they make.
And, in that sense, this DuroMax generator surpasses expectations as it offers a noise level of 69db which is really low for a generator that has this level of wattage.
Pros
- With 4,850 Starting Watts And 3,850 Running Watts
- Runs On Gasoline Or Propane
- Automatically Shut Down of The Generator Off When It Senses That The Oil Is Low
- Complies With Emissions Standards All Duromax Generators Are Both Approved By The Epa (Environmental Protection Agency) And Carb (California Air Resources Board)
- Noise Level 69 Db.
- Fuel Tank Capacity (Gasoline) 3.96 Gallons.
Cons
- Poor Assembly Instructions (But Manageable)
3. Honda 663520 Eu2200 120V 2200-Watt 0.95 Gallon Portable Inverter Generator With Co-Minder
This Honda power generator performs really well in that sense as it offers 8.1 hours of runtime and it does it on less than a gallon of fuel, which speaks to its fuel efficiency.
When spending hundreds of dollars on a generator you’ll also want to enjoy various convenient features that don’t seem essential at first, but that in combination can improve the utility one takes out of a product like this.
This is why, during the testing period, I loved features such as its weight, which is only 47 pounds making this generator fairly lightweight, and its low working noise which stands between 48 to 57 decibels that’s quieter than a conversation between two people.
Pros
- Advanced Carbon Monoxide Detection System
- It O Perates At 48 To 57 Dba
- The Fuel Off” Position Allows The Engine To Continue To Run Until The Majority Of The Fuel In The Carburetor Is Consumed And The Engine Shuts Off
- Stamped Metal Recoil Rope Insert On The Eu2200I – Reducing Potential Damage To The Body Of The Generator
- Increased Ventilation Area, Resulting In Improved Cooling Of Key Components
- Automatically Shuts The Engine Off When Low Oil Is Detected
- Meets Usda Standards For Areas Where Spark Arrestors Are Required For Operation
- Electronic Circuit Breaker Protects The Generator From Overloading
- Weighs Just Over 47 Pounds
- Honda’s Inverter Technology Which Means Stable, Clean Power In A Smaller, Lighter Package
- Runs Up To 8.1 Hrs On Less Than A Gallon Of Fuel
- A Bigger Oil Filler Opening, Longer Spout, And Larger Oil Drain Gutter Make For Easier And Cleaner Oil Changes
Cons
- Might Be A Bit Noisy
4. Westinghouse Wgen7500 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts Generator For Home Backup
Well, that’s exactly what the guys at Westinghouse did with this WGen7500 generator as it offers 7,500 running watts and 9,500 peak watts which in combination with its 11 hours of running time is perfect to maintain all my electric products powered.
Additionally, this generator has come with really cool convenient features such as its electric start backed by an emergency coil start, which in combination with its automatic shutdown when running low on oil or when an overload is detected transforms this Westinghouse generator into one of the most advanced generators I have ever tested.
Pros
- 7,500 Running Watts, 9,500 Peak Watts
- Runs For Up To 11 Hours On A 6.6 Gal.
- Westinghouse Engine Constructed With A Durable Cast Iron Sleeve
- Push-Button Electric Start Pairs With Key Fob And Is Backed By Emergency Recoil Start
- Weighing 192 Lb.
- As Low As 72 Dba Operating Volume
- Vft Display Gives Real-Time Updates With The Voltage Output, Frequency, And Lifetime Hours
- Safe And Convenient With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown, Automatic Voltage Regulation, And Overload Protection
Cons
- It’S Not Recommended For Foul Weather
5. Champion 6250-Watt Dh Series Open Frame Generator For Home Backup
This Champion 6250 generator for home backup surpassed my expectations in that sense as it came with 6250 starting watts and 5000 running watts which, in combination, provided 12.5 hours of run time which is sufficient runtime for me and my family.
This generator also performed well in other sectors too, as it came with:
- A noise level of only 69 decibels, which is lower than the noise made in a conversation between people
- The possibility to monitor various important indicators related to frequency, voltage, and operating hours
- Economy fuel mode
- A flexible oil funnel, which is very hard to find in competing generators for home bakcup
Pros
- Quiet Technology And Extended Run Time: 69 Dba Noise Level
- 6250 Starting Watts And 5000 Running Watts
- Up To 12.5 Hours Run Time On Gasoline
- Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design Which Makes It Really Quiet And Lightweight
- Clean Power And Economy Mode: Confidently Connect Your Sensitive Electronics And Save Fuel
- Intelligauge: Monitor Voltage, Frequency, And Operating Hours With Ease
- Assembled Epa Certified And Carb Compliant Inverter With Confidence
- Flexible Oil Funnel
Cons
- Does Not Have An Electric Start (Not A Big Issue For Me)
6. Generac 7127 Iq3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
In the case of this Generac 7127, the wattage it provides is 3500 starting watts and 3000 running watts which is enough to power most of my vital gadgets all day long.
This generator also surpassed my expectations in terms of convenience as it came with attributes such as its digital smart LCD which gave me useful information about relevant indicators of the generator (such as status, hour meter, wattage meter, etc)
Moreover, it came with an electric start that made the experience of using this generator substantially better.
Pros
- Durable Steel Enclosure, Clean Inverter Power, And Easy Portability
- 3500 Starting Watts / 3000 Running Watts
- Digital Smart Lcd With Digital Wattage Meter, Run Time Remaining Display, Generator Status, Hour Meter, And Fuel Level
- USB Ports
- Electric Start With Power Dial Start/Run/Stop
- 109.1 Pounds
Cons
- The Access Hole Through Plastic Cover To Remove Spark Plug Might Be A Big Small For Some Hands
7. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator For Home Backup
Why? Well because it comes with great features such as its 2000 starting watts and 1700 running watts, and its 11.5 hours of runtime which let anybody power most of their essential household equipment for most of the day.
It also runs at 58 decibels of noise level which is quite good for a generator of this level of power, given that a conversation between people runs around 75 decibels.
Pros
- Weight Of 39 Pounds
- Quiet Operation Of 58 Dba From 23 Feet
- 2000 Starting Watts, 1700 Running Watts
- 11.5 Hours Run Time
- Includes Two Covered 120V 20A Household Outlets With Clean Electricity
Cons
- Bit Of A Hassle To Put Oil In It The First Time You Do It
8. Westinghouse Wgen3600 Portable Generator For Home Backup
This is why I was really surprised when reviewing this Westinghouse WGen3600 generator for home backup as it offers, for instance, 3600 running watts and a 4-gallon fuel tank big enough to run for about 13.5 hours providing a steady stream of electricity.
Moreover, it’s really portable and convenient, as it weighs 107 pounds and runs at 68 decibels which is quieter than the noise made in a normal conversation.
Pros
- 3,600 Running Watts, 4,650 Peak Watts With Recoil Start
- Runs For Up To 13.5 Hours On A 4 Gal.
- Fuel Tank With Built-In Fuel Gauge
- Westinghouse Engine Constructed With A Durable Cast Iron Sleeve
- Weighing 107 Lb.
- 68 Dba Operating Volume
- Safe And Convenient With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown, Automatic Voltage Regulation, And Overload Protection
Cons
- Does Not Have Electric Start
9. Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Rv Ready Portable Generator For Home Backup
And this is exactly what this Champion 76533 generator is, as it has features such as its motor that conveniently runs both in gasoline or propane, providing a wattage of close to 3800 watts. This is, of course, more than enough to power essential household equipment for one entire day.
It also has very convenient features that make getting this generator, an even better decision. I mean, it has an electric start with a handy toggle switch which makes turning on and off the generator insanely easy.
Finally, it gives users the possibility to track important indicators such as voltage, run time, and hertz which is useful information for various generator enthusiasts.
Pros
- Can Run On Either Gasoline Or Propane, Plus The Unit Holds 0.6-Quarts Of Oil (Included) And Has A Low Oil Shut-Off Sensor
- Power Up The 224Cc Champion Engine With The Handy Toggle Switch
- Intelligauge: Keep Track Of Voltage, Hertz And Run-Time Hours
Cons
- The Oil Drain Is Poorly Located
10. Baldr Portable Power Station 330W Portable Solar Generators For Home Backup
This is why I decided to list this BALDR generator in this article as it offers 297 watts/hour of power capacity which is more than enough to power most electronic equipment.
It also has some other cool features, such as:
- It doesn’t use gasoline, which means there are no toxic fumes and is completely environmentally friendly
- Battery management system to maximize the use and lifespan of the generator
- A weight of 7.1 pounds, which makes it portable for a generator of this level of power
- It has a wireless charger and a built-in flashlight
Pros
- 297Wh Power Capacity
- It Has 3 Charging Methods: 1) Any Compatible 100W Solar Panel. 2) Plug-In The Wall Power Socket For Charging. 3) Plug-In The 12V Socket Of The Car To Charge
- It Can Be Fully Charged Within 7-8 Hours.
- The Generator Is 7.1 Pounds
- This Generator Uses Battery Management System To Improve Battery Utilization And Extend Battery Service Life Through Short Circuit Protection, Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Overload, And Overheating Protection.
- Wireless Charger And Built-In Multi-Mode Flashlight
- No Gasoline Or Toxic Fumes
Cons
- Did Not Find A Disadvantage Here!
My Verdict: The Best Generators For Home Backup
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Rv Ready Portable Generator For Home Backup
If you want to know why I chose this Champion generator as the best generator for home backup then you should click the button down below as it will redirect you to the short review I made about it from my point of view.
Quick Comparison Table
| Name | Runtime | Convenience | Durability |
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1. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator for Home Backup  |
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2. DuroMax XP4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator for Home Backup  |
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3. Honda 663520 EU2200 120V 2200-Watt 0.95 Gallon Portable Inverter Generator with Co-Minder  |
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4. Westinghouse WGen7500 7500 Rated Watts & 9500 Peak Watts Generator for Home Backup  |
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5. Champion 6250-Watt DH Series Open Frame Generator for Home Backup  |
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6. Generac 7127 iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator for Home Backup  |
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7. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator for Home Backup  |
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8. Westinghouse WGen3600 Portable Generator for Home Backup  |
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9. Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator for Home Backup  |
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10. BALDR Portable Power Station 330W, 2019 Updated Portable Solar Generators for Home Backup  |
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How Did I Test The Best Generators For Home Backup
These are the tests I did to arrive at the list of the best generators for home backup:
Power Reliability Test
For each generator, I listed in this article I made sure to fill their tanks, turn them on and let them run with a few electric devices attached until empty.
If the generators lasted the time listed in their product descriptions, on separate and repeated occasions, then I would continue with further testing.
Portability Test
This test was easy, if the generator was portable enough to be easily moved from one place to another, then it would pass the test.
Durability Test
The durability test was the hardest as I had to stress test each generator for a long period of time, which cost me a lot of money.
However, it did give me enough information to comfortably recommend what generators were made with reliable materials that would last, at least, a few years.
Must-Have Features For The Best Generators For Home Backup
For those interested in saving a lot of time, these are the attributes generators for home backup should have.
Power
The last thing you want when buying a generator is one without enough power to give a steady stream of electricity to various electric devices at the same time.
I mean, at the end of the day, you’re trying to give power to a house, right?
Thus, looking for a generator with enough wattage to charge and power various devices is first on my list of must-haves for generators.
Reliable Performance
You might think: “well, most of the generators I’m looking at should be safe to power most of my essential gadgets, regardless of the exterior conditions (i.e. hot or low temperatures). I mean, look at those prices!”
Well, the truth is not that simple as most expensive generators for home backup don’t necessarily provide a steady power source.
This is why I recommend looking for generators that offer reliable performance with a regular voltage as this is the easiest way to make sure that your equipment is not going to be wrecked by an electrical surge.
Fuel Economy
Well, this is an easy one. Fuel is expensive, I mean really expensive, we all know it.
Getting a generator that offers a strong fuel efficiency is the best way to make sure that you won’t go broke when powering your household devices.
Low Noise
A common problem with home backup generators is that they are really noisy.
I mean, even though it’s not a big issue, I really like to use generators that run around 52 to 60dba of noise. As this is the sweet spot between power and noise.
Portability & Compactness
For those people looking for a generator for home backup for camping, RV, or outdoor activities, then I think adding portability as a must-have feature is smart.
If the generator you’re looking at weighs about 200 and 250 lbs then I think it’s compact enough for these circumstances.
Durability
Nobody wants to see their hard-earned money wasted on a generator that doesn’t last more than a few months, right?
Well, if you don’t want to suffer that frustration, then going for a generator manufactured by a recognizable brand, that uses quality materials in their products and that has good reviews is a good start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Generators For Home Backup Need To Be Maintained?
Yes.
Just like any car with a motor, a generator needs regular oil and filter changes to make sure that no problems will come up in the future.
What’s The Advantage Of An Aluminum Enclosure In A Generator For Home Backup?
When it comes to a generator for home backup, the last thing someone wants is to get one that doesn’t last more than a few months.
This is why aluminum enclosures started to appear in current generators as this material has the advantage of being rust and corrosion resistant which makes it perfect for humid environments and the unstoppable pass of time.
Pro-tip: For those interested in skipping getting an aluminum enclosure (or not) and running the generator indoors, make sure to read this article.
Can A Generator For Home Backup Replace Utility Service?
This is an easy one: NO
Fuel costs are really high in comparison with the utility bill mainly because you have to pay the fuel on your own while the electric bill is divided by thousands of customers that live nearby you.
How Do I Correctly Choose A Generator’S Size For My Home?
The process for measuring the size of the generator you need for your home backup is simple:
- Make sure to measure how much electricity (wattage) your essential devices need to run for a day or a half of a day
- Think of how long you will need or want the generator to provide electricity
- Calculate the level of wattage in total you will need to power all your household equipment
- Read the specifications of every generator and choose accordingly
What Type Of Oil Should I Use To Maintain A Generator For Home Backup?
You will have to read the user’s manual to get an exact answer.
However, it is safe to say that a SAE rated oil that meets the requirements for fuel engines should be fine to use as oil for your generator for home backup.
In my case, I use the SAE 30, both with my generator and lawnmower.
What Happens If The Generator Gets Overloaded?
Nasty things can happen if a generator gets overloaded. I mean it could:
- Ruin your household equipment and devices
- Ruin the generator itself
- Catch on fire
- Break and release hazardous gasses or just leak fuel
- Make you lose thousands of dollars on repairs
The best way to make sure that this does not happen is by doing two of the following things:
- Calculate the needed wattage: Make sure that the household devices you will hook to the generators at the same time need the amount of wattage your generator offers
- Get a generator with overload protection: This is key. Nowadays there are a lot of brands that offer overload protection. What it does, is basically turning off the power in the generator before reaching an electric overload, which avoids all the headaches I previously mentioned
