Table Of Content
Select machines are dual-fuel generators, meaning they can run on more than one of these fuel sources. We found that those who gave this generator positive reviews praised how simple it was to start and its durable, versatile design. However, some customers found that this product got damaged too easily, and others said it was overly loud.
Generac GP6500 Portable Generator
Gas generators weigh anywhere from 50 to 300 pounds, so they’re often on wheels. The one downside to propane is that it creates fewer BTUs (British Thermal Units, a measurement of energy) than the same amount of gasoline. So, a generator running on propane will have slightly reduced starting and running watts. On the plus side, though, it will also run a little quieter than those that run on gasoline. In the right situation, one of these generators can be a fit, but we think that—for the most part—gas and battery options offer more convenience in portability and replenishing the supply.
Predator 9500-Watt Inverter Generator
Electrostatic generators were used when the connection between magnetism and electricity was discovered. Wind turbines, steam turbines, and gas turbines are the common sources of large scale mechanical energy. In principle, any electrical generator can also serve as an electric motor or vice versa. Here, we offer guidance on how to choose the generator that’s right for your situation, along with details on each category of generator we test and a CR recommendation and product review in each category. Generac Guardian 3-Phase 20kW Automatic Standby Generator Wi-Fi Enabled runs about $5,599 on average. The Generac PowerPact 7,500 Watt Standby Generator runs about $2,049 on average.
Buying Guide to Portable Generators
“We were testing kitchen appliances at the time, so the generator even powered a few extra refrigerators, in addition to my home’s central air, major appliances and electronics. I’ll never live in a home again without a standby generator.” The unit is loaded with convenience features, including remote monitoring, which is helpful if a storm strikes when you're away from home. It's also very quiet, maintaining 54 dB(A) — normal conversation level — during standard operation. For this guide, we focused on portable inverter generators in the 2,200-watt range. These models are small—about the size of a piece of luggage—and as long as you can lift about 50 pounds, they’re portable. Their size and modest power output make them ideal for camping, tailgating, and doing light construction work.
Best Portable Generators of 2024 - CNET
Best Portable Generators of 2024.
Posted: Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This kinetic energy rotates the shaft of the generators and produces electricity. This also applies if you live in an area prone to severe weather events, such as blizzards, ice storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, where a large number of homes in your area may be affected at the same time. You can click on any generator type to jump down to a list of its pros and cons, as well as a specific product recommendation and review for each. You should expect to pay $1,500 at the least and $7,500 at the most, depending on the type of generator you need and the cost of labor in your area. With a yes or no based on whether a generator included overload protection, each product gained or lost points totaling 5% of the total ranking. Those living in warmer regions or simply worried about a generator overheating may appreciate this category at 5% of the total ranking.
About 85 people die each year in the U.S. from generator-related CO poisoning, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many portable generator models now feature an automatic shutoff, a low-CO engine, or both to reduce these risks. And so, Consumer Reports puts every gas-burning generator through a rigorous safety test.
Fuel type and capacity
To use a portable generator overnight, ensure you have enough fuel to run your generator that long. Also, make sure your generator doesn't run afoul of your local noise ordinances. Another solid dual-fuel model, the DuroMax XP4850EH has 4,850 starting watts and 3,850 running watts.
In addition to the CO-detection feature, the EU2200i has Bluetooth connectivity with a control app that gives you a clear view of the current power draw and offers maintenance reminders. The Honda EU2200i is a lot more expensive than most other generators of its size, typically cresting $1,000, and we don’t take such an investment lightly. But given the overall quality and reliability of the EU2200i and its abilities compared with the other models, we think it’s worth the money. For camping, recreational use, or light-duty emergency backup, we recommend the Honda EU2200i 2,200-watt inverter generator.
Generally speaking, if you’re just looking to keep a few devices charged, 2,000W is the most you’ll need. If you expect to be powering a full home, however, you will want at least 7,500W. Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry thanks to its sturdy handle, this is about as portable as generators can get. The 20- and 30-amp outlets allow you to use a typical AC plug or larger RV plug, and it’s equipped with an array of safety features to make sure nothing goes awry.
When in need of temporary power for medical, heating, cooling or electrical reasons, Angi’s electricians can help. In keeping with that theme, our Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. At the time of publishing, our team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations. Our research showed that customers recommended tis generator for being affordable and easy to assemble. Several customers also liked its long runtime and industry-leading efficiency. However, we did notice some unsatisfied customers had issues with operating the generator’s battery or communicating with the company’s customer service team.
Midsized inverter generators have ample power to run a fridge and a window AC or space heater, as you can see in our interactive tool above. Small recreational models are compact enough to toss into the back of a pickup to power a TV and cooktop at a tailgate, and can be used to charge phones and laptops, as well as lamps and small kitchen appliances. When shopping for a whole house generator, it’s important to make sure you purchase the right transfer switch. This component is a crucial link between your generator and your home’s electrical system. To determine how much power you’ll need for your generator, you can either use an online wattage calculator, the wattage information on your appliances or your electrical bill. We recommend multiplying the total wattage of your appliances by 1.5 to give yourself a safe margin of error.
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