Power outages can happen anytime, and they can be a nightmare if you’re not prepared. A backup generator can be a lifesaver during these situations, providing you with power to keep your home running smoothly. However, finding the best generator for backup can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the product.
When looking for a backup generator, there are several things to consider. The first thing you need to think about is the size of the generator. You’ll want to choose a generator that can provide enough power for your home’s needs. Other factors to consider include the type of fuel the generator uses, the noise level, and the runtime.
To help you find the best generator for backup, we spent countless hours researching and testing ten models. We looked at each generator’s features, performance, and price to identify the ones that offer the best value for your money. In this article, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the right generator for your backup power needs.
Top pick
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile generator that can handle heavy loads.
With its Dual Fuel technology, you can run it on propane or gasoline, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. The generator is also EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states.
Editor’s choice
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
In my experience, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful and reliable backup generator that can provide peace of mind during power outages. The dual fuel feature is particularly useful, as it allows you to switch between gasoline and propane depending on your needs.
Best Generators for Backup
When the power goes out unexpectedly, having a reliable backup generator can make all the difference. Whether you need to keep the lights on, power your appliances, or charge your devices, a backup generator ensures that you’re never left in the dark. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best generators for backup power, based on factors such as fuel efficiency, noise level, and overall performance. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a powerful generator that provides the power normally found in stationary home standby units but in a portable package, then DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great choice.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile generator that can handle heavy loads. With its Dual Fuel technology, you can run it on propane or gasoline, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. The generator is also EPA and CARB approved for use in all 50 states.
Pros
- The Dual Fuel technology allows the generator to be run on propane or gasoline.
- With 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, home conditioners, and high amperage power tools.
- The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 1 120/240V 50A heavy-duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and 2 120V 20A household outlets.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing 234 pounds, and can be difficult to move around.
- The noise level is quite high, so it can be disturbing if you’re using it in a residential area.
- The generator requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets, making it compatible with a range of applications. However, the generator is quite heavy, so it can be difficult to move around. Additionally, the noise level is quite high, so it may not be suitable for use in a residential area. Finally, the generator requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
Overall, the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful backup generator.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful generator for backup purposes, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent option.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful and reliable backup generator that can provide peace of mind during power outages. The dual fuel feature is particularly useful, as it allows you to switch between gasoline and propane depending on your needs.
Pros
- The generator produces up to 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, making it capable of powering major appliances and electronics.
- The dual fuel feature allows you to operate the generator on gasoline or propane, providing flexibility and convenience.
- The generator is equipped with a remote start key fob and push-button electric start, making it easy to start and use.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy at 211 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported issues with the starter grinding on the flywheel or not outputting power properly.
- The generator is relatively loud, which may be a concern for some users.
The remote start key fob and push-button electric start make it easy to operate, and the generator is equipped with a range of outlets to power various appliances and devices. However, the generator is quite heavy and can be difficult to move around, and some users have reported issues with the starter or output power.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile backup generator, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is definitely worth considering.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable power station for your outdoor activities, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Explorer 300 features a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack that can power up to 6 devices at the same time, making it ideal for camping, road trips, and other outdoor activities. It can be recharged through the wall outlet and USB-C port simultaneously in just 2 hours, or through the car outlet or a Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel.
Pros
- Recharges quickly through wall outlet and USB-C port
- Safe and steady power supply with Pure Sine Wave AC outlets
- Can recharge itself and charge up to 6 devices simultaneously
Cons
- Solar panel not included
- Only 2 AC outlets
- Shorter runtime compared to larger models
The power station is equipped with 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power, as well as a PD 60W USB-C port, a fast charge 3.0 port, a USB-A port, and a DC car port. It weighs only 7.1 pounds, making it easy to carry around.
One downside is that the solar panel is not included, but the power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. It also has only 2 AC outlets, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the runtime is shorter compared to larger models.
Overall, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a reliable and versatile power station that can meet your outdoor power needs.
Buying Guide
When choosing a generator for backup, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this section, we will discuss the key features to look for when shopping for a generator.
Power Output
The first and most important factor to consider when choosing a generator is the power output. You need to determine how much power you will need to keep your essential appliances and electronics running during a power outage. To do this, you should make a list of all the appliances and electronics you will need to power during an outage and add up their wattage requirements. This will give you an idea of the minimum power output you will need from your generator.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on different types of fuel, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its pros and cons, so you should consider which one will be the most convenient and cost-effective for your needs. Gasoline is widely available and easy to store, but it can be expensive and has a shorter shelf life than other fuels. Propane is clean-burning and has a longer shelf life, but it can be more expensive and requires a separate tank. Diesel is more fuel-efficient and has a longer lifespan, but it can be more expensive and requires more maintenance.
Run Time
The run time of a generator refers to how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. This is an important factor to consider if you expect to be without power for an extended period. Look for a generator with a longer run time if you anticipate needing power for several days or more.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, so if you live in a residential area, you should consider the noise level of the generator you choose. Look for a generator with a low decibel rating to minimize noise pollution.
Portability
Finally, consider the portability of the generator. If you plan to use it for camping or other outdoor activities, you will want a generator that is easy to transport. Look for a generator with wheels and handles for easy maneuverability.
In summary, when shopping for a generator for backup, consider the power output, fuel type, run time, noise level, and portability to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
