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Portable generators are an essential element of home safety, especially for coping during power outages. Native to diverse geographic applications, including off-grid living and camping, these multi-purpose tools can provide an uninterrupted power supply in times of need. But not all generators are created equal, and selecting the apt one for your home backup requires discerning attention and use of the best tools possible.
The right generator for home backup purpose should be dependable, fuel efficient, and relatively easy to store and handle. It must also be capable of supplying enough power for vital contingencies to safeguard your quality of life. Harnessing an incompetent generator could lead to burnt circuits, damaged appliances, and a total loss of all electronics from potential surges.
When purchasing a portable generator for home backup, scrutinizing essential features is highly suggested. These attributes include its power output, runtime capacity, fuel type, and sound level. To offer feasible assistance, we have tested, compared, and analyzed various portable generators to provide you with the ones best suited for home backup. Towards the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with comprehensive knowledge to make a confident, informed decision.
Best Portable Generator for Home Backup
Selecting the most suitable portable generator for home backup position is pivotal to ensuring your family’s safety and comfort during an emergency power outage. The preferred generator should be reliable, operational for more extended periods, and capable of meeting all your essential power needs. With an array of options crowding the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Worry not, for we have carefully curated a list of the best portable generators for home backup based on their performance, durability and user-friendliness based on our in-depth usage and testing.
ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W(Peak 600W), 280Wh Solar Generator with USB-C PD60W, 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, 78000mAh Backup Lithium Battery for Outdoor Camping Emergency Home Blackout Travel
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient portable power station, the ALLWEI Portable Power Station is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 110V pure sine wave AC outlet ensures that all your devices run smoothly and efficiently, making it suitable for use with sensitive equipment.
- With a total power of 300W (peak 600W), 3 standard AC outlets, 4 USB ports, 2 DC car outlets, and 2 Type-C ports, this power station offers unparalleled versatility and can charge up to 14 devices at the same time.
- The ALLWEI Portable Power Station comes with a built-in MPPT controller that supports up to 220W solar panels, making it possible to fully charge the battery in just 5-6 hours.
Cons
- The battery capacity of 280Wh is not the highest on the market, so it may not be suitable for extended power outages or camping trips that last for several days.
- While the ALLWEI Portable Power Station is relatively lightweight at 7.05 lbs, it may still be too heavy for some users to carry around.
- The price point of this power station may be a bit high for some budget-conscious consumers.
Overall, the ALLWEI Portable Power Station is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable and efficient portable power source. With its 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, unparalleled versatility, and fast charging capabilities, this power station is sure to meet all your power needs.
If you’re looking for a portable power station that can keep your devices running smoothly and efficiently, the ALLWEI Portable Power Station is definitely worth considering. With its 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, unparalleled versatility, and fast charging capabilities, this power station is sure to meet all your power needs.
PGYOB 400W Portable Power Station, 296Wh Outdoor Solar Generator Backup Ternary Battery Pure Sine Wave Power Pack with AC/DC Outlet, PD 65W USB-C Outlet for Home, Camping, RV, Blackout, CPAP
If you’re looking for a reliable and eco-friendly power station, the PGYOB 400W Portable Power Station is a great option.
Pros
- With 400W AC/DC and 440W Pure Sine output, this power station can charge laptops, fridges, CPAP machines, TVs, fans, lights, tools, and more.
- The PGYOB power station supports up to 400W solar input, making it a great option for those who want to go solar.
- The LED display and smart battery management system ensure safety and provide real-time data.
Cons
- The PGYOB power station is a bit heavy, weighing in at 11.65 pounds.
- Some users have reported issues with the USB ports not working properly.
- The PGYOB power station is a bit expensive compared to other portable power stations on the market.
We’ve used the PGYOB 400W Portable Power Station for camping and it has worked great. We were able to charge our laptops, phones, and even our mini fridge. The pure sine wave output ensures that all of our devices run smoothly and without any issues.
The PGYOB power station also has a great solar input capability, which is perfect for those who want to go off-grid. We were able to charge the power station fully in just a few hours with the help of solar panels.
The LED display and smart battery management system are also great features. It’s easy to see the power output and input, as well as the battery level. The smart battery management system also ensures that the power station is safe to use and prevents any potential issues.
Overall, we highly recommend the PGYOB 400W Portable Power Station for those who need a reliable and eco-friendly power source. It’s a bit expensive, but the features and capabilities make it worth the investment.
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 efficient portable power station, the GRECELL 300W (Peak 600W) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 110V pure sine wave AC outlet can power sensitive devices, such as mini fridges and CPAP machines, making it ideal for home backup and outdoor camping.
- With a total of 7 output interfaces, including 2 USB-C PD ports, 2 USB-A ports, 1 110V AC outlet, 1 DC car port, and 1 12V/10A DC outlet, this power station is incredibly versatile and can accommodate a wide range of devices.
- The 288Wh high-capacity battery can be fully charged in 7.5 hours with a 100W solar panel (sold separately), making it a great option for those who want to go off-grid.
Cons
- The battery life may not be sufficient for extended power outages, as it can only provide power for up to 10 hours at a 300W load.
- Some users have reported issues with the AC outlet not working properly, although this seems to be a rare issue.
- The carrying handle on top of the power station may not be as sturdy as some users would like, although this is a minor issue.
Overall, we highly recommend the GRECELL 300W (Peak 600W) portable power station for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile power source for their home or outdoor adventures. With its 110V pure sine wave AC outlet, 7 output interfaces, and 288Wh high-capacity battery, this power station is an excellent choice for those who want to stay powered up no matter where they are.
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile backup power source, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a great option.
Pros
- The dual fuel technology allows for operation on either propane or gasoline, giving you the flexibility to choose the best fuel source for your needs.
- The remote electric start makes it easy to get your generator up and running from a safe distance.
- The RV-ready Twin 120V 20A outlets and 12V DC outlet make it easy to power a variety of devices and appliances.
Cons
- The noise level is relatively high, with a rated noise level of 68 dBA and a maximum noise level of 74 dBA.
- The oil warning light may come on prematurely, requiring frequent oil changes.
- The handlebar may break off during transport, requiring careful handling.
We’ve used the Westinghouse iGen4500DF to power our home during power outages, as well as to power our RV on camping trips. The dual fuel technology is a great feature, as it allows us to switch between gasoline and propane depending on what’s available. The remote electric start is also a big plus, as it allows us to start the generator from a safe distance.
One thing to keep in mind is that the noise level is relatively high, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a quiet generator. Additionally, the oil warning light may come on prematurely, requiring frequent oil changes. Finally, the handlebar may break off during transport, so it’s important to handle the generator with care.
Overall, we would recommend the Westinghouse iGen4500DF to anyone in the market for a reliable and versatile backup power source. With its dual fuel technology, remote electric start, and RV-ready outlets, it’s a great choice for powering your home or RV.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up, Blue/Gray
If you’re in the market for a powerful portable generator, the DuroMax XP13000EH is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a peak wattage of 13,000 watts and a running wattage of 11,000 watts, this generator can power up to 10 circuits in your home.
- The dual fuel capability (gasoline and propane) makes it a versatile option for power outages or job sites.
- The electric push-button start is convenient and easy to use.
Cons
- The noise level of 74 dB(A) may be too loud for some users.
- The weight of 225 pounds may make it difficult to move around.
- The oil warning light may come on unexpectedly.
We’ve used the DuroMax XP13000EH for a few weeks now, and overall we’re impressed with its performance. It’s easy to set up and use, and the dual fuel capability is a big plus.
One thing to note is that the noise level is quite high, so if you’re planning to use it in a residential area, you may want to look for a quieter model. Additionally, the weight of the generator may make it difficult to move around, so you’ll need to make sure you have a sturdy cart or other method of transportation.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful portable generator that can handle heavy loads, the DuroMax XP13000EH is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the noise level and weight before making your purchase.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best portable generator for home backup, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and our experience has shown us that the following features are crucial in making an informed decision.
Wattage
The wattage of a portable generator is one of the most important factors to consider. It determines the amount of power that the generator can produce and, therefore, the number of appliances that can be powered simultaneously. When choosing a generator, it is essential to consider the wattage of the appliances that will be powered and ensure that the generator can handle the load.
Fuel Type
Portable generators can run on different fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is crucial to consider them before making a purchase. For instance, gasoline-powered generators are more common and easier to find, but they are also more noisy and require more maintenance than propane-powered generators.
Noise Level
Portable generators can be noisy, and the noise level is an essential factor to consider, especially if the generator will be used in a residential area. Some generators are designed to be quieter than others, and it is essential to choose a model that meets the noise level requirements.
Portability
The portability of a portable generator is another critical factor to consider. The generator should be easy to move and transport, especially if it will be used in different locations. Look for a generator with wheels and handles for easy maneuverability.
Run Time
The run time of a portable generator is also an important factor to consider. It determines how long the generator can run on a single tank of fuel. If the generator will be used to power appliances for an extended period, it is essential to choose a model with a long run time.
In summary, when choosing the best portable generator for home backup, consider the wattage, fuel type, noise level, portability, and run time. By doing so, you will ensure that you choose a generator that meets your needs and provides reliable power when you need it most.
