Top 5 Best Generators in 2024

Many issues can be resolved by having a backup generator ready to go when the power goes out. It prevents food spoilage by keeping your refrigerator cold. It guarantees that vital medical equipment keeps working, averting an emergency. Naturally, it also keeps the light on. You know that you and your family won’t have to suffer in the dark the instant a generator starts up.

It’s true that while we adore portable generators in all forms and sizes, the majority are unable to completely restore power to your house. Either a larger portable generator or a more permanent backup power plant is needed for reliable backup power, even for simply the necessities. In any case, you should be sure that a quality home generator is a wise investment.

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Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Generators in 2024

1.Generac Guardian 26KW Home Backup Generator

Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

While whole-home generators usually evoke visions of massive machinery, Generac’s offering in the category is small (relatively speaking) but yet highly powerful, earning it the top rank on our list.

It could power a small refrigerator, a stove, a refrigerator (normal size), a coffee maker, a laptop/phone charger, a TV, and a central HVAC system, even though the longest we operated it in an emergency was around an hour. It was discovered that the noise produced by the Generac Guardian is manageable.

This generator saves space and produces more power than similar models, enough to run the big appliances in your house. Its G-Force engine ensures dependable operation and reduces the need for regular maintenance. Additionally, when the power goes out, you’ll appreciate the 200-amp automatic transfer switch that lets you turn on your backup power with a flip of your finger.

As a result, every Guardian Series Home backup generator comes with Mobile Link Remote Monitoring for free, allowing you to use a smartphone, tablet, or PC to check on the standby generator’s status from anywhere in the globe. It also has a feature called Quiet-Test Self-Test Mode, which allows you to test for five or twelve minutes at a lower RPM. That roughly translates to less fuel usage and noise during testing.

The Generac Guardian is made of aluminum and has a powder-coated finish, making it durable and resistant to corrosion from the elements. It is intended for outdoor use.

If you decide to shortlist this generator, bear in mind that installation requires a professional and certified electrician.

2.Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Backup Portable

Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Using three distinct fuel types, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a powerful portable generator that can provide a significant amount of power. Its 9,500W operating wattage is more than sufficient to power an entire home. It’s also an excellent tool power station because it has four standard AC outlets and two high-wattage outlets. Nick also uses one to charge his RV.

Although gasoline is the most common fuel for generators, having three options for fuel makes it easier to ensure that power will continue to flow. The generator will sound slightly quieter when powered by propane or natural gas, but it only reaches 74 decibels while operating at full load on gas, which is about the same volume as a vacuum cleaner.

When the power goes out, you can start it from anywhere with a remote electric starter, which also has important safety and protection features like CO2 shutdown and low oil. It is simple to put up, operate, and repair, and the brand’s robustness is renowned for providing years of trouble-free use.

The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc’s capabilities are difficult to overstate. Nick hasn’t heard the warning signals of overload and has used it to power his whole house. Although this generator includes wheels and handles that allow for some mobility, its optimum use is as a home backup. The only thing to bear in mind is that it weighs more than 200 pounds.

3.Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator

Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The finest cheap generator on our list is this Champion Power Equipment portable generator that is compatible with RVs.

Both using and setting up this generator are simple. It could run appliances you would miss when the power goes out, such as a microwave, lights, a standard-sized refrigerator, and a coffee maker, for up to 24 hours during its longest operating period in an emergency. Based on the pricing, we would have anticipated some problems after several years of use, yet there are none to report.

During a power outage, this generator provides enough backup power for the necessities, offering a pleasing blend of versatility and convenience. Additionally, it’s a fantastic addition to weekend camping excursions or outdoor projects. RV enthusiasts will also find that this generator provides enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner.

With its dependable recoil start and Cold Start Technology, this generator makes sure you’re never left out in the cold. Additionally, it is simple to quickly check voltage, frequency, and running hours with its Intelligauge feature.

The 3500-watt portable generator from Champion Power Equipment includes a 0.6-quart oil capacity and a 4.8-gallon gas tank. Push-to-reset circuit breakers, a low oil shut-off sensor, and “Volt Guard,” an integrated surge protection system that stops overloads, are a few examples of safety features.

During a blackout, a fully charged gas tank can sustain 12 hours of operation at 50% load. Additionally, this portable generator runs at a noise level of roughly 68 dBA, which is slightly quieter and louder than a typical converter, so noise may not be the least of your concerns in an emergency.

Compared to other generators on our list and others in the category, this one weighs only 103 pounds. Although most individuals should have no trouble transporting it, Since gasoline is the sole fuel that this generator uses, you’ll need to keep some on hand. Additionally, it uses a recoil start, which some users may find less convenient than an electronic start.

4.DuroMax Hybrid Portable Generator

Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

If you want “cleaner” electricity and more economy, the DuroMax XP9000iH Inverter Generator is a good choice because it adjusts engine speeds to fit your power needs.

It has a digital control panel that allows you to quickly view the power output, load level, and operating hours of the machine. Additionally, you can increase its power by connecting it to a second unit using a parallel kit (separately offered), if you require more power than 9,000 watts.

This generator is perfect for outdoor tasks, RV camping, and emergency power. It has dual-fuel technology (it can run on both gasoline and propane), an automatic transfer switch, a remote start option, and a battery tender that keeps things running smoothly in an emergency.

With 7,000 watts of continuous run power and 9,000 watts of surge power, the unit should be more than enough to power small appliances, phones, computers, and other necessities around the house.

A low oil shutoff switch that safeguards the engine, a four-wheel design for effortless mobility and storage, and quiet power at 68 decibels are just a few of the convenience and safety features.

5.Jackery Power Station

Last update on 2024-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Even the most power-hungry appliances could be operated by the Jackery Explorer 1000 in our tests, despite being light enough for the typical adult to lift and carry safely.

Among the versions we evaluated, it also has one of the largest battery capacities, making it ideal for powering most gadgets for the whole day or night, including a CPAP machine or laptop.

We adore its user-friendly panel, which displays the power in reserve as well as the input and output wattages. Additionally, compared to most portable power stations we’ve tried, it offers more output ports—three AC, two USB-A, and two USB-C—allowing you to charge a wider range of devices, including laptops, cameras, and GPS units.

In an emergency, there may not be enough gas or propane, but there is always power in the sun. Thus, Jackery’s Explorer is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a solar-powered solution.

If you use an AC wall plug, the power bank may be fully charged in five hours or six hours with two Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (separately provided).

With its 1,002 watt-hour (Wh) power output, it can run most household appliances (fridges, fans, coffee makers, etc.) in an emergency. One-touch start-up and an ergonomic handle are also incorporated. Among the other notable features are eight connectors (three AC, one USB-A, one USB-A quick charge 3.0, and one auto outlet).

Tips for Choosing the Right Generator

Size

When selecting a generator, size matters; there’s a big difference between powering microwaves and refrigerators, powering coffee makers, and charging your phones. For example, the Generac Guardian, our pick as the Best Whole-Home Generator, is a pretty robust unit. Weighing 518 pounds, this generator delivers 26,000 watts of power and can, therefore, power the larger appliances in your home. It’s professionally installed and certainly not sized for portability. 

Type

There are several types of generators to choose from when looking for one, including backup generators, portable generators, and small portable generators.

An complete house can be powered by a whole-house or standby generator. Since these units are permanent fixtures in your house, expert installation is typically necessary.

Gas or propane are the main fuels for portable generators. When there is an outage or you need emergency electricity when camping or tailgating, these are excellent options.

For people who live in smaller locations (such as condos or apartments), compact, portable power stations are a great backup power source. They can also frequently be used to temporarily power minor household appliances.

Wattage 

When purchasing a generator, the unit’s wattage need to be the most important factor to take into account. It is best to assess the size of your house, the total amount of energy used, and the quantity of equipment (or electrical loads) that you wish to have running in the event of a power loss.

Small generators, of course, will only provide enough backup power to keep your electronics charged and provide the barest minimum of lights. Larger whole-home generators, on the other hand, might be able to supply enough backup power to power large appliances, HVAC systems, and water heaters.

Larger homes will probably need more than 20,000 watts to keep everything working, even though small generators with 5,000 to 7,000 watts would be plenty for a little home.

Questions and Answers

Do I need a generator for my home?

Most homes do benefit from having a generator, according to Worthington. A standby generator could be helpful if homeowners reside in a region where rolling blackouts occur frequently in order to minimize any disruption to daily life while at home.

Worthington continues, “Homes with a sump pump benefit greatly from standby generators. Generators can guarantee that they run smoothly and effectively during blackouts to stop water damage.