Best Generators for Home Use that are Affordable 

The best generators for home use are the best way to stay connected and comfortable during a power outage. Generators are becoming increasingly ubiquitous as severe weather events become more common. The sound of dozens of generators humming throughout the area is familiar to anybody who lives in a suburb where power outages frequently occur during storms.

What are the best generators for a home?

What are the Best Generators for Home Use?

A generator keeps your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer when there is no electricity. In addition, it can keep your food cold, your kitchen cooking, and your computers and phones charged. A generator used to be a valuable piece of equipment to have on hand in case of a power outage.

However, power interruptions caused by severe weather are making generators increasingly necessary. However, while a generator can save your life, it can also be harmful if you don't use it properly. Therefore, during large storms, people are more likely to purchase generators.

They may neglect important safety precautions during the setup since they are working by flashlight and in haste to get the electricity up and running. Every year, dozens of individuals die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by generators.

Always run a generator outside, at least 20 feet away from your house. Direct the exhaust away from the house. Before starting a generator, check and make sure your house has functional carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms and on every level. These are the best generators for home use.

The Best Generators for Home Use

1. DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready

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DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable...

• Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy...
• Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and...
• Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to...
• MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between...
• Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum...

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The best portable generator handles big loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high-amperage power tools. It has 5,500 beginning watts and 4,500 operating watts. This portable generator can run on gasoline or propane, giving you more alternatives for fuel.

The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that can tackle a variety of tasks. It includes high-voltage appliances and heavy-duty power equipment. MX2 technology enables you to get the most power out of each 120-volt receptacle. You can run the portable generator at 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V only at full power.

It is suitable for use with recreational vehicles (RVs). The power panel offers (2) 120V home GFCI outlets and (1) 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet for optimal compatibility with your applications. A voltmeter and 12V DC charging connections are also on the panel for charging external batteries.

2. Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start

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Champion Power Equipment 201052 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start,...

• DUAL FUEL: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or...
• ELECTRIC START: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch
• INTELLIGAUGE: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and...
• OUTLETS: One 120V 30A RV outlet (TT-30R), one 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R) and two 120V 20A...
• CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from...

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The Champion power equipment 201052 3800-watt dual fuel RV ready portable generator is the ideal blend of convenience and adaptability. The Champion generator makes it easier than ever to power your life, whether you need power for your house or your RV.

This unit can also provide enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner. A battery is in the simple electric start. Cold start technology assures a quick start in cold weather.

The 224cc engine in Champion's strong 3800-watt generator with an electric start is dual fuel. It has intelligauge, volt guard, and cold start technology. On gasoline, it can run for up to 14 hours, and on propane, it can run for up to 10.5 hours.

Champion Support backs up your purchase with a 3-year limited warranty and a lifetime help desk that is completely free. It has a 6.5-foot propane pipe with a built-in regulator. It provides 4275 beginning watts and 3420 running watts that run for 10.5 hours at 50% load while using a 20-pound propane tank.

A 120V 30A (TT-30R) RV outlet, a 120V 30A outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A residential outlets are among the outlets with covers for protection (5-20R). In addition, the volt guard's built-in surge protector protects your appliances and equipment from damage caused by power surges.

3. Westinghouse Storm Portable Generator with Electric Start

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Westinghouse 6600 Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready 30A...

• 6600 Peak Watts & 5300 Running Watts; Electric Start; 4.7 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge; Up to...
• Features One 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Receptacle, and...
• Plug-and-Play: Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, Wheel Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get...
• Powered by a 274cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With...
• All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum...

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The storm-ready gas-powered portable generators by Westinghouse WGen5300s have 6600 Peak Watts and 5300 Rated Watts. The creators of WGen5300s considered adaptability and dependability. It provides more power in a lighter, more compact form, 133.2 lb.

It has a tough 274cc 4-stroke OHV Westinghouse engine that can run for up to 13.5 hours on a 4.7-gallon tank of gas and has an integrated fuel gauge. The WGen5300s is conveniently ready to go for home backup power or your recreational vehicle. It is combined with a VFT Data Center to keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance.

The WGen5300s can operate on 120/240V or only 120V with the help of a 120/240-volt switch selector, giving them more power and versatility. In addition, a connection to your home is possible using a transfer switch and an L14-30R 30A 120/240V twist-lock plug. It allows you to power your appliances when you need them most.

A TT-30R 30A 120V outlet allows you to power your camper or travel trailer with just one cord. It is the ideal companion to have with you when you're on the road or on the go. In addition, the WGen5300s includes an electronic start with a manual choke that eliminates the need for a recoil cable for hassle-free operating at all times.

4. Champion 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

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Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter with Quiet Technology

• Quiet technology and extended run time: 69 dba noise level is great for your next project or home...
• Advanced open frame inverter design: 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional Champion...
• Clean power and economy mode: confidently connect your sensitive electronics and save fuel
• Intelligauge: Monitor voltage, frequency and operating hours with ease; Frequency: 60 Hz
• Champion Support: includes 3-year limited Warranty with free lifetime technical support from...

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Power your life with a 6250-watt open frame portable inverter generator with quiet technology. The Champion 6250-watt generator is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a standard 5000-watt generator. This inverter is the cost-effective and advanced power solution you need. It has quiet technology, extended run time, economy mode, and clean power output.

The starting wattage is 6250W, 3500 watts of continuous power with a 301cc OHV 4-stroke engine. It has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank with up to 13.5 hours of running time. The product dimensions are 26.6" x 25.6" x 23.7".USB adapter, wheel kit, flexible oil funnel, battery charging cables, handle, vibration mounts come in the box.

Champion Support and the countrywide network of service centers will provide 3-year limited and FREE lifetime technical support for your purchase. Transport and storage are a breeze thanks to the foldaway handle and never-flat tires.

A 120/240V 30A locking outlet (L14-30R), four 120V 20A GFCI protected home outlets (5-20R), and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet is among the outlets covered by this inverter. It also includes a dual USB adaptor and battery-charging cables. The cold start technology enables a quick start in cold conditions. The Intelligauge monitors voltage, frequency, and operating hours.

5. Durostar DS4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator

DuroStar DS4850EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator-4850 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric...

• Plenty of Power – With 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts, this unit can handle heavy...
• Dual Fuel Technology – This generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and...
• Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 210cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to...
• MX2 Technology - Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between...
• Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum...

Buy on Amazon

The Durostar portable generator handles big loads. They include lights, a refrigerator, a home air conditioner, and high-amperage power tools. It has 4,850 beginning watts and 3,850 operating watts. It has dual-fuel technology. Meaning that this portable generator can run on either gasoline or propane, offering you more fuel options.

The DuroStar 210cc OHV engine is powerful. It handles a variety of tasks, including high-voltage appliances and heavy-duty power equipment. The MX2 technology enables you to get the most power out of each 120-volt receptacle. In addition, you can run the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously or at 120V only at full power.

It is suitable for use with recreational vehicles (RVs). The power panel contains two 120V domestic GFCI outlets and one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet for optimal compatibility with your applications. A voltmeter and 12V DC charging connections are also on the panel for charging external batteries.

Types of Generators

1. Home Standby Generators

Generators that are permanently placed and connected to a residence are known as standby generators. They are the best generators for home use. During power outages, these can either power selected vital circuits or provide electricity to the entire house. In addition, standby generators feature technologies that monitor utility power and automatically activate a power loss.

2. Portable Generators

The best portable generators are often known as backup generators. They are used to supply power when and where it is required. Some generators are more portable than other generators. The tiniest models are easy to pick up and carry. Most portable generators incorporate wheels and a handle to make transportation easier.

Picking them up to load or transport them, however, may require two people. So instead, use the standard outlets on the generator's front panel to plug in appliances, power tools, and other items. Several varieties of a twist-lock plug may provide up to 240 volts and can power circuits in a home using a manual transfer switch.

3. Inverters Generators

Inverter generators are often portable, but their operation is considerably and technically distinct from portable generators. Inverter generators produce AC power at 120/240 volts. They produce AC in the same way as the others. It is then transformed to DC power 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. The sine wave of alternating current in typical generators has variable degrees of distortion.

Most electrical gadgets aren't affected by current distortion or surges. But, sensitive electronics such as tablets, laptops, televisions, and other intelligent devices. With "clean" power and constant voltage, these devices will survive longer. However, inverter generators can be much more expensive due to the extra complexity.

4. Portable Power Stations

They are battery banks that store electrical power. Charge the power stations using a conventional electrical outlet or solar panels instead of fuel, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Solar-powered power plants are also known as solar generators. They provide a renewable source of energy as long as the sun is shining.

Portable power stations are often small and light, making them highly portable. They're also almost silent when they're running. Furthermore, because they emit no toxic fumes, they can be used securely indoors.

The main downsides are that they're usually more expensive than traditional portable generators and have substantially lower power ratings. In short, they can't power a complete house. Hence they are not the best generators for home use. They can, however, be utilized to power a few essential items during a power outage.

What to Look for in the Best Generators for Home Use

1. Warranties

A manufacturer's guarantee will typically protect your investment in a generator. Most household portable and inverter generators come with a two- or three-year parts and labor guarantee.

More expensive standby generators usually come with a three- or five-year warranty. Some warranties also cover travel expenses for a technician to come out and service the generator, but this varies by manufacturer and model. So again, read the fine print carefully to see what is covered.

2. Watts

The watts produced by a generator indicate how much power it has available to run the connected device. It's one of the most important things to think about when buying a generator. Add up the wattage of the appliances you're most likely to use at the same time to find out the number of watts you'll need in a generator.

It will give you a rough sense of how much power your generator will need to handle. Pay attention to the difference between starting and running watts. When compared to regular running energy use, many appliances demand a bigger burst of electricity during startup.

You may overload the generator if you don't account for the starting watts when starting appliances or other equipment. You're unlikely to start every appliance or gadget on your generator at the same time. Therefore, you need to add in the highest beginning wattage to your total watts necessary.

When shopping for a generator, more watts of power usually means more money. However, it's better to have enough electricity than to be left in the dark or to have to choose between operating your refrigerator or staying cool with a fan.

3. Source of Energy

Gasoline, natural gas, or propane are the most common fuel sources for generators. The most common generators run on gasoline, but they have additional warnings about exhaust emissions and carbon monoxide toxicity. Always operate a gas generator outside of any enclosed structure where adequate ventilation is available.

Take precautions to ensure that gasoline is stored appropriately during periods when the generator is not in use. One way to keep the gasoline in your generator ready to use is to use a fuel stabilizer. For larger home standby generators, propane and natural gas are more typically used. These fuels are also typically thought to be cleaner-burning and offer power on demand.

Solar or battery-powered generators are an alternative to fuel-powered generators. These generators' capabilities and run times vary widely. However, they might be the correct fit if you only need a small amount of power. Many battery-powered generators can also be used as a safe interior power source.

4. Starts on its Own

When the power goes off, specific whole-house generators will automatically turn on. This function allows the generator to begin producing electricity to your home's electrical system without the need for a manual startup, which is familiar with portable generators.

Any generator with an automatic start function is handy if you travel for long periods or have a second homeThe peace of mind that comes with knowing your generator will automatically kick in to keep essential systems running is worth the extra price tag that these systems sometimes come with. Such as a sump pump, heating and cooling system, and so on.

It's important to note that this isn't the same as an electronic start. It allows you to start your generator with a button rather than the recoil start seen in most small motor machines. Even if your generator has an electric start, you'll still need to start it manually to get power flowing.

5. Transfer Switch

Look for a generator that can be installed to function with a transfer switch if you want to utilize your generator to power hardwired equipment. A professionally installed transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the power grid. It supplies power from your generator to your home's electrical grid's authorized circuits.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. How to Determine the Correct Generator Size?

To choose the correct size generator, you must first know what you intend to power with it. For generators, manufacturers provide two figures. That is the beginning watts and running watts. The first surge necessary to start appliances or tools with powerful electric motors or compressors is starting watts.

These devices use significantly less power to run constantly after they have been started. Many manufacturers provide a chart with estimated power requirements for common appliances and tools, which can figure out how much power is needed.

The amount can alternatively be computed by adding the power consumption of individual appliances and multiplying it by the number of appliances. Next, multiply the voltage (typically 120 volts) by the amps (amperage) necessary to power the device to get watts (usually found on a tag attached to the appliance). Carry out this procedure for each item that the generator will power.

2. What Size Generator Do I need to Power a House?

The average American home requires between 5,000 and 7,500 watts to run. Most home generator power capacities start at 10,000 watts and go up from there.

3. What is the Minimum Distance a Generator must be from the house?

According to National Fire Protection Association rules, smaller generators must be at least 18 inches away from an outside wall. However, local codes have more strict requirements. Professional installers should be familiar with local codes and can assist you in determining the best location for your generator.

4. Why should I Invest in a Home Generator?

Home generators are more expensive to install. However, they last much longer than portable generators and provide peace of mind that you and your household are protected in the event of power outages.