Overview
Generator for home has become increasingly popular as harsh weather occurrences become more frequent. Anyone who lives in a suburban area that experiences frequent power outages as a result of storms is familiar with the sound of dozens of humming transformers. You also don't have to commit to a large unit in your backyard if you don't want to; there are portable variants that you can use as needed and take camping or to cookouts. The best generator for home is becoming more affordable for just about everybody who wants to keep one on hand as prices drop.
1. Best for Warm Climates – DuroMax XP12000EH
2. Best Compact – DuroMax XP13000EH
3. Best Quiet – Westinghouse iGen4500
4. Best with Electric Start – Champion Power Equipment
5. Best Budget – Westinghouse WGen3600v
What to consider before buying Best Generator for Home?
When selecting the best generator for home, there are various criteria to consider; the following are the important ones that we examined while compiling this list.
1. Types
- Standby
Generators that are permanently placed and connected to a residence are known as standby generators. During a power loss, these can either power selected, vital circuits or provide electricity to the entire house. Standby generators feature technologies that monitor utility power and activate automatically if there is a power loss.
- Portable
Portable generators, often known as backup generators, are used to supply power when and where it is required. The term "portable" is subjective; some items are more portable than others. While the smallest models may be picked up and carried, the majority of the models incorporate wheels and a handle to make transportation easier. Picking them up to load or transport them, however, may require two people. Standard outlets on the generator's front panel can be used to plug in appliances, power tools, and other items. A twist-lock plug on several versions may offer up to 240 volts and can be used to power circuits in a home via a manual transfer switch.
- Generators with Inverters
Though inverter-type generators are often portable, we categorize them separately because their operation is considerably and technically distinct from the other two. Inverter generators, like other generators, provide 120/240 volts of AC power. They produce AC current in the same way as the others, but it is then transformed to DC (Direct Current) before being inverted back to AC. Circuitry that functions as a filter flattens surges and cleans up the sine wave (or oscillating wave) of the electrical current, controls the conversion and inversion.
2. Fuel Options
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline, which is the most widely available fuel. When employing generators for emergency electricity, however, there are various difficulties to consider due to their uncommon use. The first is that when large, catastrophic storms strike and power outages last several days, local gas stations may struggle to satisfy demand, resulting in long queues. The second issue is the infrequent use of backup generators, which might go months or even years without being used.
3. Safety
A professional will install your permanent backup generator in accordance with code, at the proper distance from all windows, doors, and openings in your home, just like they did with grounding. It is done to ensure that carbon monoxide (CO, an odorless, colorless gas found in exhaust that may poison and kill people) does not build up to deadly levels as it could in a closed compartment or under a window.
In-depth Reviews
1. DuroMax XP12000EH
Best features
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Liquid-cooled technology
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Long-lasting
A liquid-cooled engine is used in this generator. Liquid-cooled engines not only regulate temperature better, but they're also quieter than air-cooled engines, making them an excellent alternative for residential locations where you don't want to bother your neighbors. It can power most households because it is a 22-kW type, but it is also extremely pricey because of the wattage and cooling system. A liquid-cooling system may take more maintenance than an air-cooled system, but it can be a lifesaver during a summer power outage if you are willing to put in the effort.
2. DuroMax XP13000EH
Best features
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Compact design
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Automatic power check
Because it barely produces 12,000 watts, it won't be able to power a whole house. However, in a little container, it can juice the basics. If you need a power backup for a few essentials but don't want to spend more than $4,000, this generator is a decent alternative. It's still an investment, but it's backed by a five-year warranty that covers parts, labor, and travel. It also does automatic weekly power checks at a low RPM to guarantee that it is operational when you need it without consuming more gasoline than necessary.
3. Westinghouse iGen4500
Best features
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Can run entire house
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Five-year warranty
This generator ensures that all of your needs are covered in situations where waiting for the electricity to come back on could be dangerous. It includes a five-year guarantee and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to keep track of your generator's status at all times, giving you peace of mind throughout the storm season. The Westinghouse 22-kW is designed to power your complete home, ensuring that you have all of the comforts of home while you wait for your regular power to be restored. It is a particularly wise investment for families with children who are still studying at home or for parents who may not be able to go to school or work when the power goes out.
4. Champion Power Equipment
Best features
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Affordable
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Portable
This generator may be under $2,000, but it's capable of keeping the inside of your house at a comfortable temperature and preventing the contents of your fridge from deteriorating. It can run up to eight circuits in your house and is far quieter than a portable generator. It has a tough aluminum shell that will keep it safe from the elements. It also comes with a three-year warranty in case anything goes wrong. The generator also has three removable sides that enable easy access in the event that it needs to be serviced.
5. Westinghouse WGen3600v
Best features
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Quiet
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Comes with plugs to make up cables
The Westinghouse WGen3600v is a large inverter that can power all of the vital circuits in a small house. With a generator of this size, the four wheels it rides on and the strong, fold-out handle that makes moving it easier can't be overstated. We were able to move it around with only one person, but lifting it required a team effort. We used two air conditioners, a portable heater, a table saw, and a planer to reach the maximum capacity. Despite the fact that it can power a variety of gadgets, we were able to conduct a conversation around the generator because it is so silent.
FAQs
1. Can AC operate with a generator?
For powering your air conditioner, a backup home generator is a wonderful alternative, but do your research beforehand. There are many various types of generators, and if your generator isn't powerful enough to manage the load, you shouldn't try to power your AC.
2. Which is better, gas or solar generator?
In terms of power duration, battery and solar-powered generators outperform gas-powered generators. If you link your battery-powered generator to a solar energy system, for example, it can replenish or store energy indefinitely. Solar generators don't need any maintenance, monitoring, or fuel to operate.
3. How do you plug a generator into your house?
Simply insert the gen wire into your generator's 20- or 30-amp outlet. The opposite end of the extension cord splits into many domestic outlets, allowing you to safely connect more extension cords indoors.
The best generator for home provides a permanent, simple solution that eliminates the difficulty and discomfort of putting up a temporary generator, which may be particularly difficult late at night or during a severe weather event. You don't have to worry about extension cords or fuel with a home generator.
