When it comes to ensuring your home remains powered during an unexpected power outage, a portable electric generator can be a game-changer. After experiencing a few power cuts myself, I realized the value of having a backup plan that doesn’t rely on the electric grid. However, with so many options available, choosing the best portable electric generator for your home backup can be a daunting task. I’ve done the research, tested different models, and spoken to experts to compile this comprehensive guide on how to choose the best generator for your needs.
In this article, I’ll break down the key factors to consider, the types of generators, and provide a side-by-side comparison to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can find the right portable electric generator for your home.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Portable Electric Generator?
Before jumping into the nitty-gritty of specifications, it’s important to understand why a portable electric generator is a crucial part of your emergency preparedness plan. In the event of a power outage, your home could be left without electricity for hours, or even days, depending on the cause. If you live in an area prone to storms, hurricanes, or other weather-related disruptions, having a backup power source can ensure you continue to have access to basic needs like lighting, heating or cooling, refrigeration, and even medical equipment.
A portable generator offers several advantages over other types of generators:
- Portability: You can move it from one place to another based on where you need power.
- Affordability: They are generally less expensive than whole-house generators.
- Ease of Use: Many portable generators are user-friendly and require minimal setup.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Generator
1. Power Output (Wattage)
The most important consideration when selecting a portable electric generator is the power output, or wattage. This will determine how many appliances and devices you can run simultaneously. To calculate your power needs, you’ll want to add up the wattage of the items you plan to power during an outage. These might include lights, refrigerator, microwave, and other essential equipment.
Generators are rated by two types of wattage:
- Running Wattage: This is the amount of continuous power the generator provides while it’s running.
- Surge Wattage: This is the extra power the generator can produce for a short time to handle equipment that requires more power to start (like refrigerators or air conditioners).
For example, a generator that produces 3,000 running watts and 4,000 surge watts could handle the startup power of a refrigerator or air conditioner, but it can only run devices that require a combined 3,000 watts or less continuously.
| Appliance | Wattage Requirement |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 600 watts |
| Microwave | 1,200 watts |
| LED Lights (10) | 100 watts |
| TV (32″ LED) | 150 watts |
| Laptop | 100 watts |
2. Fuel Type
Portable generators come with a variety of fuel types, each offering its own benefits. Here are the most common options:
- Gasoline: This is the most common fuel type for portable generators. Gasoline is readily available, but it has a shorter shelf life and can be harder to store safely in large quantities.
- Propane: Propane generators are cleaner and produce fewer emissions than gasoline models. They can run for longer periods and are ideal for people who already use propane for other appliances (e.g., a barbecue).
- Dual Fuel: Some generators can run on both gasoline and propane. This gives you flexibility during emergencies when one type of fuel might be more accessible than the other.
- Diesel: Diesel generators are generally more powerful and more fuel-efficient, but they tend to be heavier and louder.
When deciding on fuel type, think about convenience and availability in your area, as well as how much storage space you have.
3. Runtime
The runtime of a generator depends on the fuel tank size and the load you’re putting on the generator. If you only need to power essential appliances, you can expect a longer runtime. However, if you’re using more powerful equipment, you’ll need to refuel more often. Some models feature larger fuel tanks, providing longer runtimes, while others are designed to be more fuel-efficient.
Most portable generators will run between 6 to 12 hours at half load, so consider your needs when selecting a generator. If you plan on using it for an extended period, you may want to prioritize fuel efficiency or a model with a larger tank.
4. Noise Level
A portable generator can be noisy, which might not be an issue in a remote location, but it can be a major concern in residential areas. The noise level of generators is typically measured in decibels (dB). For reference, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, and a chainsaw runs around 100 dB.
Some quieter models operate in the 50-60 dB range, while others can exceed 70-80 dB, which can be disruptive in a neighborhood setting. Look for generators specifically marketed as “quiet” or “low-noise” models if this is a concern for you.
| Generator Noise Level (dB) | Comparison to Common Sounds |
|---|---|
| 50 dB | Quiet conversation |
| 60 dB | Normal conversation |
| 70 dB | Vacuum cleaner |
| 80 dB | Lawnmower |
5. Portability and Weight
Another crucial consideration is the portability of the generator. While these generators are generally designed to be portable, they can still be heavy. Larger, more powerful generators can weigh up to 200 pounds or more, which might be cumbersome for someone who needs to move it regularly. On the other hand, smaller generators can weigh less than 50 pounds.
Look for models that come with wheels and handles to make moving them easier. If you have to transport the generator over long distances or frequently, portability should be high on your priority list.
6. Ease of Use and Maintenance
A generator should be easy to operate, even in a stressful emergency situation. Look for a model with clear instructions, a simple control panel, and features like automatic shut-off when the oil is low or the generator is overheating.
Maintenance is also an important factor. While some models are designed to run without much upkeep, regular maintenance like oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections are necessary to ensure longevity. Some portable generators come with features like an oil level indicator, making maintenance easier.
Types of Portable Electric Generators
Portable generators come in different types to meet specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:
- Inverter Generators: These are the quietest and most fuel-efficient types of portable generators. They are ideal for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and televisions, as they produce a stable current. Inverter generators are also smaller and lighter than traditional models.
- Conventional Generators: These are the traditional workhorse generators. While they tend to be larger and noisier, they are more affordable and can handle heavy-duty tasks like powering air conditioners or construction equipment.
- Dual Fuel Generators: As mentioned earlier, these generators can run on either gasoline or propane. They are a good choice for people who want the flexibility of switching fuel sources depending on availability.
Comparing Top Portable Generators
To help you further, here’s a comparison of some top portable generators that I’ve found to be great options based on various needs and budgets.
| Model | Type | Power Output | Fuel Type | Noise Level | Runtime (Half Load) | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | Inverter | 2,200 watts | Gasoline | 48-57 dB | 8 hours | 47 lbs | $$ |
| WEN 56200i | Inverter | 2,000 watts | Gasoline | 51 dB | 6 hours | 48 lbs | $ |
| Westinghouse WGen3600v | Conventional | 3,600 watts | Gasoline | 68 dB | 12 hours | 99 lbs | $$ |
| Champion 100263 | Dual Fuel | 4,550 watts | Gasoline/Propane | 64 dB | 8 hours | 126 lbs | $$$ |
Conclusion
Choosing the best portable electric generator for home backup doesn’t need to be a complex decision if you understand your specific power needs. Start by determining how much power you need, considering the appliances you want to keep running. Factor in the fuel type, runtime, noise level, and weight to narrow down your options. Then, consider the ease of use and maintenance requirements of the generator to make sure it’s a reliable, long-term solution.
While I’ve shared some excellent models here, remember that the best generator is one that fits both your immediate needs and long-term goals. Don’t hesitate to do more research or consult with experts to make sure you’re making the best decision. With the right portable electric generator, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is prepared for whatever comes your way.
