Power outages are common and can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Whether due to a storm, a blown transformer, or an overloaded grid, losing power is never a pleasant experience.

However, with the right generator, you can keep the lights on and stay connected to the outside world until the power comes back.

In this article, we will discuss the best home generators for a power outage in 2023 and provide a safety guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right generator for your needs.

We will cover everything from fuel types and wattage requirements to safety tips and maintenance guidelines so that you can be fully prepared for any power outage that comes your way.

Our Top Picks – Home Generators For Power Outages

Best Overall: DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator

The DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile generator that can handle various power needs. With a peak output of 12,000 watts and a rated output of 9,500, this generator can power everything from home appliances to power tools and even RVs.

One of the standout features of the DuroMax XP12000EH is its dual fuel capability, which means that it can run on either gasoline or propane. This gives you greater flexibility and peace of mind, as you can switch between fuels depending on availability or your personal preferences.

In addition to its power and fuel versatility, the DuroMax XP12000EH also has a number of safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for powering your home during an outage. These include a low oil shut-off sensor, a spark arrestor, and a circuit breaker that protects against overloads.

The DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is a great all-around option that delivers power, versatility, and safety. Whether you need it for emergency backup power or outdoor adventures, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator

 

Regarding backup power, you need a generator that you can rely on to provide consistent and reliable power when you need it most. The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator is an excellent choice for backup power, thanks to its powerful and efficient engine and easy-to-use design.

With a peak output of 12,500 watts and a rated output of 9,500 watts, the WGen9500DF can power all of your essential home appliances during an outage, including your refrigerator, sump pump, and HVAC system.

Plus, its dual-fuel capability allows you to switch between gasoline and propane depending on your needs and fuel availability. One of the standout features of the WGen9500DF is its remote start capability, which allows you to start and stop the generator from up to 260 feet away using a key fob.

This makes it easy to operate the generator from the safety and comfort of your home without having to brave the elements to start it up. In addition to its power and convenience features, the WGen9500DF also has some safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for backup power.0

These include a low oil shutdown sensor, a circuit breaker that protects against overloads, and an automatic voltage regulator that ensures stable and consistent power output.

The Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator is a top choice for backup power thanks to its power, efficiency, convenience, and safety features. Whether you need it for emergency backup power or outdoor adventures, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best for Small Homes: Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator

If you have a small home or only need to power a few essential appliances during an outage, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is an excellent choice. This generator is lightweight, compact, and highly efficient, making it ideal for smaller power needs.

With a peak output of 3,400 watts and a rated output of 3,100 watts, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator can power your essential home appliances, including your refrigerator, lights, and electronics.

Its advanced inverter technology also ensures clean and stable power output, so you can safely power your sensitive electronics without worrying about surges or voltage fluctuations.

One of the standout features of the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is its quiet operation, thanks to its low decibel rating of 59 dBA. This makes it an excellent option for residential areas or uses in campgrounds or other noise-sensitive environments.

In addition to its power and quiet operation, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator also has a number of safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for powering your home. These include a low oil shut-off sensor, overload protection, and a USDA-approved spark arrestor.

Overall, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is a top choice for tiny homes or anyone needing to power only a few essential appliances during an outage. With its power, efficiency, quiet operation, and safety features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Standby: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

When it comes to standby generators, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is a top choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and powerful backup power solution.

This generator is designed to automatically turn on and off in the event of a power outage, so you never have to worry about being without power.

With a peak output of 22,000 watts and a rated output of 19,500, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator can power your entire home during an outage, including your HVAC system, large appliances, and electronics. In addition, it’s quiet operation and sleek design make it an excellent option for residential areas.

One of the standout features of the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is its advanced monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, which allow you to easily monitor the status of your generator from anywhere using a mobile app or computer.

This makes it easy to stay informed about your generator’s performance and maintenance needs, so you can ensure it’s always ready when needed.

In addition to its power and monitoring features, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator also has some safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for backup power. These include a low oil shutdown sensor, overload protection, and a GFCI outlet that protects against electrical shocks.

Overall, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is a top choice for homeowners looking for a powerful and reliable standby generator that can keep their home powered during an outage.

With its advanced features, quiet operation, and safety features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Budget: A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator

 

If you’re on a tight budget but still need a reliable backup power solution, the A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator is an excellent choice. This generator is designed to provide reliable power at an affordable price, making it an excellent option for homeowners who don’t want to break the bank.

With a peak output of 4,500 watts and a rated output of 3,500 watts, the A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator can power your essential home appliances during an outage, including your refrigerator, lights, and electronics.

In addition, it’s an easy-to-use design, and durable construction makes it an excellent option for outdoor adventures or DIY projects. One of the standout features of the A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator is its fuel efficiency, thanks to its automatic voltage regulator and low idle control.

So, in the long run, you can get more power out of less fuel to save money on fuel costs. In addition to its power and fuel efficiency, the A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator has several safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for backup power.

These include a low oil shutdown sensor, overload protection, and a circuit breaker that protects against electrical overloads. Overall, the A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator is a top choice for budget-conscious homeowners who need a reliable backup power solution.

This generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations with its affordability, power, fuel efficiency, and safety features.

Best Overall: DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator

When it comes to finding the best home generator for a power outage, the DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is a top choice for homeowners. This generator is designed to provide reliable and powerful backup power in a portable and versatile package.

With a peak output of 12,000 watts and a rated output of 9,500 watts, the DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator can power your entire home during an outage, including your HVAC system, large appliances, and electronics.

In addition, its dual fuel capability (gasoline or propane) gives you added flexibility and convenience. One of the standout features of the DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is its durability and rugged construction, which makes it an excellent option for outdoor use or powering tools and equipment on job sites.

It also has built-in safety features, including a low oil shutoff sensor, circuit breaker protection, and a spark arrestor. In addition to its power and durability, the DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator has some convenience features that make it easy to use and maintain.

These include an electric start, a digital voltmeter, and a noise-reducing muffler. The DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator is the best choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and powerful backup power solution.

With its power, dual fuel capability, durability, safety, and convenience features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator

For homeowners looking for a powerful and reliable backup power solution, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator is a top choice. This generator is designed to provide reliable and efficient backup power for your home during a power outage.

With a peak output of 12,500 watts and a rated output of 9,500 watts, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator can power your essential home appliances, including your refrigerator, lights, and electronics.

In addition, its dual-fuel capability (gasoline or propane) adds flexibility and convenience. One of the standout features of the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator is its efficiency and extended run time, thanks to its large fuel tank and fuel-efficient engine.

This means you can run your generator for more extended periods without having to refuel so that you can stay powered up during extended outages.

In addition to its power and efficiency, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator has some built-in safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for backup power. These include a low oil shutdown sensor, overload protection, and a spark arrestor.

Overall, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator is the best backup generator for homeowners looking for a reliable and powerful backup power solution. With its power, efficiency, dual fuel capability, and safety features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best for Small Homes: Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator

If you live in a smaller home and need a backup power solution that is both efficient and portable, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is an excellent choice. This generator is designed to provide reliable and clean power in a compact, lightweight package.

With a peak output of 3,400 watts and a rated output of 3,100 watts, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator can power your essential home appliances, including your refrigerator, lights, and electronics.

Its inverter technology also ensures the power output is clean and stable, which is necessary for sensitive electronics. One of the standout features of the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is its efficiency and quiet operation, thanks to its advanced engine design and noise-reducing muffler.

This means you can run your generator for extended periods without disturbing neighbors or creating excess noise. In addition to its efficiency and quiet operation, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator also has several convenience features that make it easy to use and maintain.

These include an electric start, a digital display, and a fuel shutoff valve. Overall, the Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator is the best option for homeowners with smaller homes who need a reliable and efficient backup power solution.

With its power, efficiency, quiet operation, and convenience features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Standby: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator

For homeowners looking for a reliable and automatic standby generator that can provide backup power during extended outages, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is a top choice. This generator is designed to turn on when your home experiences a power outage, automatically providing reliable and continuous backup power.

With a peak output of 22,000 watts and a rated output of 19,500 watts, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator can power your entire home, including your HVAC system, large appliances, and electronics.

In addition, its automatic transfer switch ensures that power is restored to your home within seconds of an outage, so you can continue to run your home as if nothing happened.

One of the standout features of the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is its advanced monitoring and diagnostic system, which constantly monitors the generator and alerts you to any issues before they become a problem. This ensures your generator is always ready to go when needed without any unexpected downtime.

In addition to its reliability and advanced monitoring system, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator also has a number of built-in safety features that make it a reliable and safe option for backup power.

These include a low oil shutdown sensor, overload protection, and a digital controller that provides real-time information about the generator’s status.

Overall, the Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is the best option for homeowners looking for a reliable, automatic standby generator that can provide backup power during extended outages.

With its power, reliability, advanced monitoring system, and safety features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Best Budget: A-ipower SUA4500 Gas Generator

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a reliable and affordable backup power solution, the A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator is an excellent option. This generator is designed to provide reliable power at a budget-friendly price.

With a peak output of 4,500 watts and a rated output of 3,500 watts, the A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator can power your essential home appliances, including your refrigerator, lights, and electronics. Its fuel-efficient engine also ensures you can run your generator longer without refueling.

One of the standout features of the A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator is its durability and portability, thanks to its rugged steel frame and large wheels. This means you can quickly move your generator to where you need it, and it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

In addition to its durability and portability, the A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator also has several convenience features that make it easy to use and maintain. These include an electric start, a low oil shutdown sensor, and a digital hour meter.

Overall, the A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator is the best option for homeowners on a budget who need a reliable and affordable backup power solution. With its power, durability, portability, and convenience features, this generator will meet your needs and exceed your expectations without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict

When selecting the best home generator for a power outage, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget. After reviewing the top options, here’s our final verdict:

• Best Overall: DuroMax XP12000EH Portable Generator – This generator is a top choice for those who need a powerful and versatile generator that can handle a wide range of power needs.
• Best Backup: Westinghouse WGen9500DF Portable Generator – This generator is an excellent option for those who need a reliable and durable backup power solution that can provide power for extended periods.
• Best for Small Homes: Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator – This generator is the best choice for those who live in smaller homes and need a portable and efficient backup power solution.
• Best Standby: Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator – This is the top choice for those needing a reliable and automatic standby generator that can provide power during extended outages.
• Best Budget: A-iPower SUA4500 Gas Generator – This generator is the best option for homeowners on a tight budget who need a reliable and affordable backup power solution.

Ultimately, the best home generator for a power outage will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering factors such as power output, reliability, portability, and convenience, you can select the generator that best meets your needs and provides reliable backup power.

What kind of home generator do I need for power outages?

The type of home generator you need for power outages depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a home generator for power outages:

1. Power output: Consider the power output you need to run the essential appliances in your home during an outage. Look for a generator with a wattage that meets or exceeds your power needs.
2. Fuel type: Home generators can run on propane, natural gas, or gasoline. Consider which fuel type is readily available in your area and which is most convenient.
3. Portability: If you need a generator that can be easily moved, look for a portable generator with wheels and handles.
4. Run time: Consider how long you need the generator to run without refueling. Look for a generator that offers a long run time to run for extended periods without interruption.
5. Automatic transfer switch: If you want a generator that can automatically switch on and off when the power goes out, consider a generator with an automatic transfer switch.

Overall, the best home generator for power outages meets your specific power needs, is reliable and durable, and is easy to use and maintain.

What size generator do I need to power my house?

The generator size you need to power your house will depend on your home’s power needs. Here are some steps to help you estimate the size of the generator you need:

1. List the essential appliances and electronics you want to power during an outage. These may include refrigerators, lights, heating and cooling systems, and medical equipment, if necessary.
2. Check the wattage of each of these items. You can usually find this information on the label or in the owner’s manual.
3. Add up the total wattage to get the complete power requirements for your home. This will give you an estimate of the minimum wattage you need in a generator.
4. Consider adding a safety margin of at least 20% to your estimate to account for unexpected power surges and ensure your generator can handle the load.

Generally, a 5,000- to the 7,000-watt generator should be sufficient to power most essential appliances and electronics in a small to medium-sized home during an outage. However, larger homes or homes with higher power needs may require a larger generator with a capacity of 10,000 watts or more.

It’s important to note that the size of the generator you need will also depend on the specific appliances and electronics you want to power, as some items may require more power to start up than they do to run continuously.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional electrician or generator installer to help you select the correct size generator for your home.

What is the most reliable whole-house generator?

Many reliable whole-house generators are on the market, but one of the most popular and highly recommended brands is Generac. Generac has been a leading manufacturer of generators for over 60 years and offers a wide range of high-quality whole-house generators to meet the power needs of any home.

The Generac 7043 Home Standby Generator is popular for homeowners looking for a reliable whole-house generator. It has a capacity of 22,000 watts, enough to power most homes during an outage.

It also features an automatic transfer switch, which can automatically switch on and off when the power goes out, providing seamless backup power to your home. In addition to its reliability, Generac offers excellent customer support and a strong product warranty.

Their generators are designed to be easy to install and maintain, and they offer a variety of models and sizes to meet the needs of different homes and power requirements.

Of course, other reliable whole-house generator brands are also available, and it’s essential to do your research and consult a professional to find the best generator for your specific needs and circumstances.

What is a good size generator for emergencies?

A good size generator for emergencies will depend on your home’s power needs or the specific situation you are preparing for. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the correct size generator for emergencies:

1. Determine your power needs: List the essential appliances and electronics you want to power during an emergency, such as refrigerators, lights, heating and cooling systems, and medical equipment, if necessary. Then, check the wattage of each item and add up the total to get an estimate of your minimum wattage requirement.
2. Add a safety margin: To ensure that your generator can handle unexpected power surges and to allow for future power needs, it’s recommended to add a safety margin of at least 20% to your total wattage estimate.
3. Choose a generator size: As a general rule of thumb, a 5,000- to the 7,000-watt generator should be sufficient to power most essential appliances and electronics in a small to medium-sized home during an emergency. However, larger homes or homes with higher power needs may require a larger generator with a capacity of 10,000 watts or more.
4. Consider portability: If you need a generator that can be easily moved, look for a portable generator with wheels and handles.
5. Fuel type: Consider the fuel type that is readily available in your area and which one is most convenient for you. Home generators can run on propane, natural gas, or gasoline.

It’s important to note that the size of the generator you need will also depend on the specific appliances and electronics you want to power, as some items may require more power to start up than they do to run continuously.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional electrician or generator installer to help you select the correct size generator for your specific needs and circumstances.

How do I choose an emergency generator?

Choosing an emergency generator can be overwhelming, but there are several key factors to consider when making your decision. Here are some essential things to keep in mind when choosing an emergency generator:

1. Power Output: The first step in choosing an emergency generator is determining your power needs. List the appliances and electronics you want to power during an emergency and calculate the total wattage requirement. This will help you determine the minimum power output you need from a generator.
2. Fuel Type: Emergency generators can run on different fuel types, including gasoline, propane, and natural gas. Consider which fuel type is readily available in your area and which is most convenient.
3. Portability: If you need a generator that can be easily moved, look for a portable generator with wheels and handles. If you want a permanently installed generator, consider a standby generator.
4. Noise Level: Generators can be noisy, so consider the noise level of the generator you are considering. Some generators come with noise-reducing features like soundproofing and mufflers.
5. Safety Features: Look for generators with features like automatic shutoffs in case of low oil or other problems.
6. Brand and Warranty: Choose a reputable brand with a strong warranty to ensure your generator will last many years and be backed by excellent customer support.
7. Price: Determine your budget and look for generators within that range. Remember that a high-quality generator is an investment that can pay off in the long run.
8. Professional Installation: It is recommended to have your generator installed by a licensed electrician or a generator installer to ensure it is installed properly and meets all local codes and regulations.

Considering these factors, you can choose an emergency generator that meets your needs and provides reliable backup power during an emergency.