The 10 Best Portable Generators For Home Of 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Portable Generators For Home
Best Portable Generators For Home

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Champion Power Equipment 8750W Generator

Keep the power on with the Champion Power Equipment Generator. This inverter generator is 30% quieter and 25% lighter than a traditional Champion 7000-watt generator. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator

The Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator is just what you're looking for in a generator that can provide all the essentials for an average-sized home during a power outage. Read Review

3. Best Reliable: WEN DF1100T Generator

Get reliable power anytime, anywhere with the WEN Portable Generator. The 457cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine ensures maximum efficiency and performance. Read Review

4. Best Adjustable: DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator

This is a reliable powerhouse that delivers impressive performance. Equipped with a high-capacity engine, various power outlets, and essential safety features, this generator is designed to handle heavy loads and provide you with peace of mind. Read Review

5. Best Powerful: PowerSmart Inverter Generator

Introducing the PowerSmart Inverter Generator - your perfect companion for outdoor adventures, RV trips, and home backup. With its 4-stroke OHV engine, 4400 peak watts, and 3500 running watts, this generator provides reliable power wherever you go. Read Review

Are you looking for a generator to power your home in an emergency or during a power outage? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Portable generators are an invaluable asset for any home, and they’re becoming increasingly popular due to their versatility. Portable generators are a great way to ensure you have electricity during an emergency, and they can also provide power for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.

But with so many models on the market, knowing which is right for you can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best portable generators for your home. We’ll look at the features to consider, the different types of portable generators available, and our top picks for the best portable generators for your home. So, let’s get started.

We think the highly recommended product for the best portable generators for home is Champion Power Equipment 8750W Generator. This generator has an effective mechanical design that reduces the overall weight and footprint by a quarter of the original amount. If you need more alternatives and in-depth guidance, you may explore the following.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Champion Power Equipment 8750W Generator
Our Score:
9.8
Champion Power Equipment

This generator has an effective mechanical design that reduces the overall weight and footprint by a quarter of the original amount. Moreover, the Economy Mode on this product monitors power consumption in real-time to reduce the electrical load, resulting in quieter operation, longer engine life, and better fuel economy. 

Although this product may be a bit noisy when operating, it is still an excellent choice for every family. You can more easily keep track of voltage, frequency, and total working time with the help of Intekeepss. The reliable 420cc engine delivers 8750 starting and 7000 running watts, sufficient for powering electric appliances. This generator has a storage capacity of 1.2 quarts of oil, and it comes standard with a low oil shut-off sensor and a Quick Drain oil tube for easy access to the engine oil when maintenance is required.

TOP Choice #2 Westinghouse WGen7500 Generator
Our Score:
9.6
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment

This generator has a peak power output of 9,500 watts and a running power output of 7,500 watts to power various electric appliances. It is conveniently equipped with a Push-Button Electric Start and a wireless remote key fob. The minor drawback is that the funnel comes with this product which is a bit short, so pour it with two hands when you add oil to this product to avoid spilling oil out.

The L14-30R outlet is Transfer Switch Ready, which can connect directly to your home for total household power. This eliminates the need for cumbersome extension cords or power strips, saving you time and aggravation with a VFT Data Center that allows real-time updates to be shared on maintenance information, ensuring that it will have a long life and continued utility. Its generator's hardened steel frame, extra roll bars, foam grip handle, and never-flat wheels make it easy to transport it anywhere. In addition, the rubber outlet covers offer additional protection from the outdoors.

TOP Choice #3 WEN DF1100T Generator
Our Score:
9.5
WEN

This product can generate power at a voltage of 120V (AC), 240V (AC), or 12V (DC), which will allow you to run things like your lights, TV, refrigerator, sump pump, power tools, and other necessities. With this WEN 11,000-Watt Generator, you can generate electricity from two resources. It can produce up to 9,500 surge watts and 7,500 running watts when using propane, but it can produce up to 11,000 surge watts and 8,300 running watts when using gasoline. The LPG hose measuring 47 inches that are included in the package enables an instant connection to propane tanks.

Furthermore, the 457cc 4-stroke air-cooled OHV engine in the generator can reach speeds of up to 3600 RPM, allowing it to deliver dependable power for all your requirements. The 9.5-inch wheels and the fold-down handles will enable you to store and transport them everywhere. Although threads on the screws holding the battery may rust after a prolonged time, you don't need to worry about it because this generator still works well.

4 DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator
Our Score:
9.3
DuroStar

Regarding power, the DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator is a true workhorse. With its 4,000 peak and 3,300 running watts, it effortlessly handles various demanding tasks. This generator covers you, from powering your household appliances like lights, refrigerators, and air conditioners to tackling high-amperage power tools.

Its powerful 208cc OHV engine is robust and reliable, ensuring that you have ample power to handle multiple jobs with ease. The power panel on the DuroStar DS4000S is thoughtfully designed, offering maximum compatibility with a selection of outlets. It includes two 120V household outlets and one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, allowing you to connect various devices. Additionally, the built-in voltmeter lets you quickly measure the voltage output, providing precise information.

Nonetheless, due to its robust construction and powerful engine, it can be pretty challenging to carry around. However, considering the immense power it offers, this slight inconvenience is a small trade-off.

5 PowerSmart Inverter Generator
Our Score:
9.1
PowerSmart

The PowerSmart Inverter Generator is a powerhouse packed into a compact design. Its 4-stroke OHV engine ensures optimal performance, delivering 4400 watts and 3500 running watts. The parallel system allows you to increase the output power for even more convenience.

Moreover, it can run for an impressive 16 hours in economy mode, ensuring maximum fuel efficiency and longer operation. The digital display is a handy addition, showing voltage, frequency, session run time, and total run time for easy monitoring. With a range of outlets, including a 120V 30A RV outlet, 2x 120V 20A household outlets, and 2x 5V USB ports, this generator offers versatile connectivity options for your devices. Plus, its clean power output ensures less than 3% THD, protecting sensitive electronics from power surges.

The only issue is that it may occasionally cut out. While this can be inconvenient, it's a minor drawback considering the generator's overall performance and impressive features.

6 TogoPower Portable Generator
Our Score:
8.9
TogoPower

The TogoPower GG1000 gas generator is a dependable backup power source, whether you're at home, on a camping trip, or working on a job site. Its starting power of 1000W and running power of 800W makes it suitable for various small household appliances, such as blenders, coffee pots, blow dryers, and more. The 120V AC output voltage provides enough power to keep your devices running smoothly.

The generator's efficiency is further enhanced by its 90# Petrol & Oil mixing (50:1), allowing it to run for up to six hours when the 1.1-gallon tank is full. The 63cc two-stroke OHV air-cooled engine delivers ample power for handling different appliances. Its compact size makes it convenient to carry around, ensuring power availability wherever you need it. 

On the downside, the plug cap wire can sometimes come undone from the spring. But this issue can be easily addressed, so you don't need to worry about that.

7 A-iPower SUA4500 Generator
Our Score:
8.7
A-iPower

This 4,500-watt generator is suitable for various electric appliances because it has a starting capacity of 4,500 watts and an operating capacity of 3,500. This generator may power your tools, camping gear, or home appliances at the building site. The reliable operation of this generator is ensured by its robust 223 ccs OHV 4-stroke engine. In addition, it comes equipped with a low oil alert light and an automatic shutoff feature if the oil level drops too low, contributing to its lifetime. 

The A-iPower generator offers a small control panel that is ergonomically designed to be easy to reach and allows easy, user-friendly access and visibility to the panel. This generator is one of the most excellent options for your day-to-day needs because it has built-in portability in the form of a folding handle, sturdy wheels, and a durable powder-coated steel frame. The huge gasoline fuel tank that holds 4 gallons of fuel allows for an average run of 7 and a half hours when operating at 100% load and 11 hours while operating at 50%. Even though this product is a bit heavy, it is still moved everywhere thanks to the flexible wheels.  

More To Consider

10 GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator
Our Score:
7.9
GENMAX

Our Tips to decide which one among best portable generators for home is the best

Researchers all know how difficult it is to make a decision when there are so many options. It's something that originally stood out, and you want to get the most bang for your buck, but our advice will help you make good decisions.

Before making a purchase, please read the following key factors to save oneself time and prevent trouble later.

Wattage

A generator's wattage is the measure of its ability to provide power for whatever it plugs into. This information is crucial to understand about any generator that you are considering.
However, this number does not represent the entire picture. Wattage is made up of three parts: power needed to turn on an appliance and power required to maintain it running. It also includes power necessary to sustain a power surge, which is when regular juice returns to normal and all appliances start to work again. Many appliances use more power for startup than their run energy consumption. You could overload your generator when you turn on appliances and other devices. If the generator can't provide enough power, it could overload. You need to know how many watts your generator can generate, depending on whether it is powering just one item or the whole house.
An increase in generator costs is generally associated with a higher wattage. Most people agree that it's better to have enough power than not to be able to run your fridge or keep cool by a fan.

Fuel Source

Generators are generally powered by either gasoline, natural gas or propane.
The majority of portable generators run on gasoline and can generally keep fridges and lights running for several hours. These generators can't be relied upon for long-term power backups, such as when there is no electricity for several days.
Propane and natural gas are used more often for large home-standby generators. These fuels can be used for larger home standby generators as they are cleaner-burning and offer on-demand power.
Solar or battery-powered power sources are an alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. These machines have different capabilities, and their run time can vary widely. However, they might be the best match for you if your power requirements are less than minimal. They are typically used for camping only, not home.

Automatic Start

Whole home generators can automatically start when power goes out. This allows the generator to automatically start supplying power when there is no electricity from the utility. This feature is usually only available on standby generators, and not portables. These systems can provide peace of mind and may be more expensive than the security that your generator will automatically turn on without interrupting vital systems like heating and cooling.

Size

Installing home generators requires space. So make sure that you consider the dimensions of all models. You can find generators in a variety of sizes, from smaller units measuring less than 3ft to more large units measuring 5ft or more. A general rule of thumb is that the generator with the highest power rating will be larger.
Be aware that the clearance between your home and generator may be determined by local codes or model specifications. A small generator may require only 18 inches of clearance.

Warranties

A warranty is usually included with the purchase of a generator. The warranty covers both labor and parts for most residential inverter and portable generators. For standby generators which can be larger investments, you will usually get a 3- to 52024 warranty period.
Certain warranties may also include travel expenses for technicians to visit the generator and fix it. However, this depends on which manufacturer you are using.

Type

You need to decide which generator type is best for you: a portable or standby generator. This will help you decide if you just want the lights to stay on or if you need to power other electrical components such as the refrigerator, window, central air conditioner, and the fridge.

FAQs

What is a portable generator for home use?

A portable generator for home use is a type of backup power source that can be used in case of an emergency or power outage. Portable generators are typically powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane and can provide power to a variety of devices and appliances.

How do I choose the right portable generator for my home?

When selecting a portable generator for home use, you should consider the type of power output you need for your home, the size of the generator, and your budget. Make sure to research the wattage requirements of the devices and appliances you plan to use with the generator and choose a generator that can provide enough power for your needs.

What safety measures should I take when using a portable generator?

Always read and follow all safety instructions that come with your generator. When using the generator, make sure to keep it at least 20 feet away from your house and other buildings to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run the generator in an enclosed space and never refuel the generator while it is running.

Conclusion

Follow these guidelines to ensure that you purchase best portable generators for home in 2024. Take into account what characteristics are most essential for your topmost issue right now, and then look into different products that meet those requirements. If you are unable to choose a product, please see PryMAX 330W Portable Power Station 296Wh Portable Solar GeneratorP for another option.

With this advice, you should be able to find a great new product with much less difficulty! Do you have any inquiries? Please notify us as soon as possible.


0 ratings

About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio