11 Best Emergency Generators: Be Prepared for the Rainy Day

Human’s demand for power has followed the same trajectory as technological innovations. As new and better technologies emerge, the consumption of energy increases because these new technologies have their ways of attracting more consumers and they are usually effective for more applications. The need for reliable power backup increases in the same manner as the need for power. However, in every part of the world, the occurrence of power failure continues. In fact, it has increased in some parts of the planet due to an increased occurrence of natural disasters. The best emergency generators of all kinds have stepped in to save the day in most cases of power failure emergencies.

Evaluation and assessment of generators have also increased due to the numerous options present in the market. Some of these models are only slightly different from each other while others differ widely. Indeed, a few pounds of weight, a few decibels of noise, or a few watts of output power could make one generator model suitable for you and another totally unsuitable. This further emphasizes the necessity for evaluation and assessment of emergency generators which should be guided by your needs.

This article includes a review of 11 best emergency generators that have been found to be excellent in their unique ways and features. We believe, without any iota of doubt, that this review will make a huge difference and be of great benefit to you when choosing an emergency generator. Explore!

Overview table

Emergency generators come in handy whenever you face issues of emergency power failure. Although most situations of power failures occur as emergencies, our belief is that with adequate preparation through the provision of emergency generators, you will never feel the pains associated with emergency power failures.

Be it a standby generator, a portable generator, or something in between, our goal is to guide you through the process of exploring the generator market and the process of choosing a generator that truly serves you in all your needs.

 

Editor choice 1 Westinghouse WGen7500
10
Westinghouse WGen7500
(Best Portable Emergency Generator)

The right generator to go for if what you desire are premium features at a reasonable price and its 9,000 watts starting power means all your appliances are powerfully backed up.

10
2 Generac 5735 GP17500E
9.9
Generac 5735 GP17500E
(Best Powerful Emergency Generator)

The GP17500E is in short, the most powerful portable generator you can find around and you’re sure to get maximum satisfaction for every penny spent on it.

9.9
3 Honda Eu7000iat1
9.8
Honda Eu7000iat1
(Best Inverter Emergency Generator)

Honda Eu7000iat1 7,000 Watt offers reliable and safe power capacity than most people expect from an inverter generator. With this generator, you’re assured of the necessary power to stay on top of your game.

9.8
4 Generac 7033 Guardian Series
9.8
Generac 7033 Guardian Series
(Best Standby Emergency Generator for Home)

With an investment in Generac 7033, your whole life is powered. With excellent fuel flexibility and giving so quiet a noise while generating so much power, it has proven to be one of the best home standby generators you will find in the market.

9.8
5 WEN 56475
9.7
WEN 56475
(Best Emergency Generator for The Money)

This is a generator made to suit every purpose and occasion, highly durable, reliable, and extremely fuel-efficient, you will get the best value for your money with this generator.

9.7
6 WEN 5613K
9.6
WEN 5613K
(Best Emergency Generator for Worksites)

Combines the amazing power output attribute of a conventional home standby generator with the flexibility and handiness of a portable generator to give you the peace of mind you seek in your dream generator.

9.6
7 Pulsar PG10000B16
9.5
Pulsar PG10000B16
(Best Portable Dual Fuel Emergency Generator)

If you’re in need of a workhorse or a power-beast that gets the job done while always looking strong for its dual-fuel capability, then the Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel is recommended.

9.5
8 DuroMax XP12000EH
9.5
DuroMax XP12000EH
(Best High-Powered Dual Fuel Emergency Generator)

If you desire a generator that is durable, cost-effective and capable to provide the optimum power necessary to fire up all of your household appliances, the DuroMax XP12000EH is your best bet.

9.5
9 Westinghouse iGen4500
9.3
Westinghouse iGen4500
(Best Fuel-efficient Emergency Generator)

Portability, fuel efficiency, long-running time and the capacity to generate enough power to run most of your household appliances are some of the desirable features of an ideal emergency generator. So, if you are looking for a high-powered generator that offers all the above-stated advantages, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is one of your best choices.

9.3
10 Cat RP12000E
9.2
Cat RP12000E
(Best Heavy-Duty Emergency Generator)

If you desire a multipurpose generator that serves all of your household electrical needs and is powerful enough for light commercial use and worksites the Cat RP12000E comes in handy.

9.2
11 Champion 76533
9.1
Champion 76533
(Best Budget Emergency Generator for The Money)

This model is fuel-efficient and affordable, while at the same time it offers you excellence in performance as a portable power backup system for your household necessities and some worksite activities.

9.1

1 Editor choice

Westinghouse WGen7500 – Best Portable Emergency Generator

Features

  • 4-stroke OHV engine with 3,600 RPM
  • Starting watts: 9500
  • Running watts: 7500
  • Two 120V 20A duplex receptacles and one 120/240V 30A twist-lock receptacle
  • Quiet Mufflers for a 64 dB noise
  • Automatic spark arrestor
  • Transfer switch for indoor or outdoor installation
  • Gas powered
  • Remote control
  • CSA, EPA and CARB approved

The fact that this model was made by Westinghouse already says a lot about this generator. For over 100 years of innovative manufacturing, Westinghouse continues to offer products that answer to the needs of its fans all over the world. No doubt, the Westinghouse WGen7500 is one of the best generators from this manufacturer that has won the trust of millions of consumers due to its strength and durability.

Featuring a starting power of 9,000 watts and a continuous power of 7,500 watts, it is the most powerful of all the members of the Westinghouse WGEN series. It is sure to power all your necessary appliances at home, as well as outdoor equipment on your work site.

Westinghouse WGen7500 -1

Although it has the structure of any other regular generators and weighs 200 pounds, its strong wheels and steel handles make it relatively convenient for mobility. Its large size is as well rewarded by its 6.6 gallons fuel tank size that will run the generator for 10 hours at 50% load capacity. A good indicator of its fuel efficiency.

What is the most excellent about this generator is its three-way On/Off options. You can fire-it-up by the simple press of a remote control, a single push of an electric button, or the use of a recoil starter. Also featuring yellow-colored marks that help through an already easy starting process, starting this generator is truly a very easy task.

Apart from the open steel frames that protects its entire physical structure, it features low oil shutoff that automatically switch off the generator when the oil is running low or in case of oil overheating, as well as overload and circuit protections; all working together to protect the engine.

Positives
  • It powers all necessities
  • It is strong, durable, and works effectively at very low temperatures
  • It has a reliable 3-year warranty
  • 3 starting options
  • Relatively quiet
  • Many safety features
Negatives
  • At 200 pounds weight, it is relatively heavy
  • Its 64 decibels noise level will require you to station it far enough to prevent the corresponding inconvenience.
2

Generac 5735 GP17500E – Best Powerful Emergency Generator

Features

  • Generac’s OHVI engine which incorporates full pressure lubrication with automotive-style spin-on oil filter for durability
  • Starting watts: 26.2500
  • Running watts: 17.500
  • Idle control
  • Electric start with battery and plug-in charger
  • Outlets include: one 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex, one 120V 20A GFCI 5-20R Duplex, two 120V L5-30R 30A TwistLock, one 125/250V 30A L14-30R TwistLock, one 125/250V 14-50R 50A Straight Blade, and one 12VDC 10A
  • CSA, EPA and CARB approved

If you see the features of this generator without seeing the pictures, you will imagine a giant generator just planted in one corner, dishing out power without any option for its owner to use it elsewhere. Indeed, with a starting power of 26,250 Watts and a running power of 17,500 Watts, the Generac 5735 GP17500E has fewer competitors in the market than most of the generators in this review.

Having such a power backup plan for your home or your construction site means you don’t have to be going through the horror of choosing which appliances to put-on due to limited power output.
When it comes to the safety of your devices and appliances, although not an inverter generator, the very high power capacity of Generac 5735 GP17500E command great voltage and frequency stability.

In addition, it has strong pneumatic wheels and tires that confer it with needed mobility for a generator of its size. For more convenience, the operability of this gas-powered generator comes with ease – it features both an electronic starter and a recoil starter.

It is equipped with automatic fuel consumption and noise regulation that work with the amount of load put on the generator. With this feature, you only have to pay for what you truly use.
Its protective features include low oil automatic shutdown and circuit breakers for outlets in case of overload. It also has hardened steel frames for optimum physical protection, with curved edges to prevent any potential injuries or discomfort around it.

Again, when you consider its incredible power output and its 16 gallons fuel tank that can run for at least 10 hours at 50% load, then you will feel comfortable with its 390 pounds weight.

Positives
  • It has an incredible power output that guarantees huge power backup, especially for homes.
  • It is relatively cheap for its capacity
  • It has a fuel gauge
  • Idle control reduces noise and conserves fuel
  • Hour meter tracks maintenance intervals
  • It has wheels and a handle for portability
Negatives
  • It is heavy
  • Nosier than other models (70-75 dB)
3

Honda Eu7000iat1 – Best Inverter Emergency Generator

Features

  • GX390EFI engine (one of the best in the world)
  • Starting watts: 7000
  • Running watts: 5500
  • It has both two duplex 120V 20A GFCI protected outlets; a 30A 120V twist-lock outlet and a 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet
  • Low oil and overload alarm with electronic circuit breakers
  • Electric starter and a backup recoil starter in case the battery fails
  • Capable of using wired remote control

Honda is already a household name associated with many innovative technologies and manufacturing, and the Honda Eu7000iat1 is, in fact, arguably one of the company’s best portable generators. Now, that’s an understatement because the Honda Eu7000iat1 7 is one of the best inverter generators in the market that will offer so much power.

Inverter generators are associated with relatively low power output, but this generator is an incredible power backup system contained in so small a body and on top of that ultra-quiet at 52-60 dB.

It is truly a modern-day generator that does not only give clean power with fewer emissions but with its advanced inverter technology, it gives a pretty clean sine wave which is a mark of reliability and safety for your devices.

Honda Eu7000iat1_4

In spite of its small size and portability, it can still take-in 5.1 gallons of fuel for a runtime of 18 hours when it is 25% loaded or 6.5 hours when fully loaded. Also, it features a pair of convenient and foldable steel handles with which the generator can pulled or pushed on a strong pair of rubber wheels.

Its fuel injection technology ensures efficient usage of fuel and lowers maintenance costs. Plus, its interactive interface features an LCD display of the wattage, runtime, engine speed, fuel gauge, low oil warning lights. They are useful diagnostic tools for servicing the generator.

Positives
  • Pretty quiet for its output
  • You enjoy a 3-year residential and commercial warranty
  • Strong and durable, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures
  • Safe for sensitive devices
  • Fuel efficient thanks to fuel injection technology
Negatives
  • Quite heavy at 261 pounds of weight
  • Some customers have complained about the starter button being tough to use when new
  • Relatively expensive
4

Generac 7033 Guardian Series – Best Standby Emergency Generator for Home

Features

  • Generac’s G-force engine
  • Starting watts: 10.000
  • Running watts: 11.000
  • Runs on propane and natural gas
  • Multilingual LCD display
  • 200A NEMA 3 (indoor/outdoor rated) whole house smart transfer switch
  • 64 dB of noise
  • Less than 5%THD

The price and design of this product already indicated that it was not just made for the power but it was made to satisfy a taste and to produce power in the most convenient way possible.

Through Generac’s Evolution Controller, which features LCD indicators, you’re able to monitor generator status and maintenance requirements to make sure your generator is at the top of its game. Although sold separately, it uses Mobile Link Remote Monitoring through which you’re able to monitor the status of your generator from anywhere in the world via your tablet, smartphone, or PC. Interestingly, you’re able to connect your account to your authorized service dealer for convenient assistance.

However, you need not do a lot of monitoring because this generator automatically kicks-in within seconds of power loss to save the day until utility power returns. Additionally, its True Power Technology ensures the safety of all your connected sensitive electronics and appliances.

Its beauty is not only in its well-designed structure but also in the materials used by Generac. Its body is made of tough, durable, Rhinocoat powder-coated, corrosion-resistant aluminum which is perfect for all weather conditions.

Quite fuel-flexible, it runs on two types of fuel: liquid propane and natural gas, which give maximum continuous power ratings of 11,000 watts and 10,000 watts respectively. Its flexibility does not end there, you get to determine the load on the generator, you can choose to power just a few essentials or the whole house. Your choice!

Positives
  • You get to enjoy 5 years warranty, 24/7/365 customer support from the manufacturer
  • Powerful enough for home backup
  • It runs on two types of fuel
  • It can with extreme weather conditions
  • Online monitoring
  • Quiet test self-test mode
Negatives
  • Its battery, Generac 5819 Model is sold separately
  • Quite high maintenance and repair costs
  • It does not have circuit breakers for switch
5

WEN 56475 – Best Emergency Generator for The Money

Features

  • Starting watts: 4750
  • Running watts: 3750
  • Low-oil shutdown mechanism, overload circuit protection, spark arrestor, and automatic voltage regulator
  • Outlets include two 120V receptacles, one 120V RV receptacle, and one 30-AMP 3-Prong receptacle
  • Wheel kit and fold-down handles
  • CARB & EPA compliant

Everything about the design of this product indicates the manufacturer’s objective of making a generator that is adequate for homes, job sites, and outdoor outings such as camping and road trips. In fact, the RV ports it came with means that the generator was also made with RVs in mind.

It uses a 223cc OHV engine which musters 3750 rated wattage and a 4750 surge wattage that affords you the capacity to conveniently run such appliances as your television, freezer, light bulbs, and other necessities.

This gas-powered generator is just as fuel-efficient as more expensive options; with its 4 gallons fuel tank, it will run for 11 hours at half load. To ensure the generator performs optimally, it features a digital readout, through which you’re able to monitor oil changes and maintenance schedules.

Interestingly, it features a keyless electric start that affords you uncommon convenience of just pushing a button instead of the conventional recoil starter found in some generators. There is also an upgrade on the key-turning electric starter found in most modern-day generators.

No doubt, the WEN 56475 4750-Watt is a powerhouse of physical strength and mechanical ruggedness.

Positives
  • Affordable
  • Highly fuel-efficient
  • Efficient for both recreational and household power
  • Multiple outlets suitable for different devices and appliances
  • You enjoy 2 years warranty and impeccable customer support
Negatives
  • Relatively small fuel tank when compared to similar products.
  • You have to buy the transfer switch separately.
6

WEN 5613K – Best Emergency Generator for Worksites

Features

  • 4-stroke OHV twin-cylinder engine
  • Starting watts: 13.000
  • Running watts: 11.000
  • 120V and 240V output at 60 Hz
  • Receptacles include: Four 120V 20A outlets, 120V 30A RV outlet, 120/240V 30A twist lock, 240V outlet and 12V DC car-charger-style outlet
  • Indoor transfer switch
  • Electric start with follow-come battery
  • CARB compliant and EPA certified

Most people will like portable quiet generators that are smaller than conventional generators and probably furnished with efficient inverter technology, but only a few such generators can generate enough power that will give you peace of mind during power emergencies without having to hold some of your favorite appliances’ hostage. This is where portable conventional generators like the WEN 5613K come in.

With a surge power of 13,000 watts and a rated power of 11,000 watts, you’re not only sure of power for a few hours of emergency but also for an emergency. In fact, this is a generator made for day-in day-out heavy-duty applications.

WEN 5613K -4

Its 8 gallons gasoline tank will run for 7.5 hours at 50% load, this means you can power your essential appliances: air conditioners, refrigerator, and light bulbs throughout the night without the need to wake up to refill your generator.

For weighing up to 344 pounds, it is not the usual portable generator but it came with wheel kit and foldable handles that make it portable enough for convenient use on worksites as well.

You’re kept updated with the status of this generator and maintenance routine through its interactive LED screen. Moreover, this generator has some self-protection features such as a low oil shutdown system, runtime counter for maintenance, voltage meter to prevent overload, and air-cooling system to prevent the engine from overheating. Your electronics are also secured with its automatic voltage regulator feature.

Keep in mind that its power output capability is parallel by its noise. At 25% load, this generator will give 82 dB of noise which is enough to keep you and your neighbors awake.

Positives
  • Very powerful, yet portable
  • Convenient LCD screen ensures easier maintenance
  • Its 120V and 240V output is compatible with a wide variety of electrical devices
  • It has 2 years warranty and reliable customer support
  • Safety features
Negatives
  • 344 pounds of weight is considered heavy
  • 82 dB of noise at just 25% load constitutes noise pollution
7

Pulsar PG10000B16 – Best Portable Dual Fuel Emergency Generator

Features

  • 420cc, 15 HP, OHV, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine
  • Starting/running watts (Gas): 10.000/8000
  • Starting/running watts (LPG): 9000/7000
  • Low oil indicator and shutoff
  • Switch and Go technology
  • Never-flat wheels and drop-down handles
  • Propane hose for quick connection to a gas cylinder

When you get to know this generator, you won’t be disappointed with the hunch you had when you saw the name. When compared to common generators you may agree that the Pulsar 10,000W Dual Fuel Portable Generator is in a league of its own.

It is uniquely furnished with a dual fuel feature that enables it to use both liquid propane and gasoline, depending on your convenience. Incredibly, you can transition between the two fuel sources while in use without any interruption in power supply through its Switch and Go technology.

Its relatively big structure and 200 pounds weight is supported by durable steel frames, while its two wheels and two steel stands strongly provide extra-support wherever it’s placed. Also, its dropdown handles afford the flexibility of movement.

Pulsar PG10000B16 -3

It is capable of accommodating about 6.6 gallons of gasoline for 12 hours of continuous operation when it’s 50% loaded, such a long runtime is a great for such power outputs. Its fuel level and corresponding running time are clearly displayed by an hour-meter that helps you prevent fuel emergency.

You can conveniently and safely power all your devices with peace of mind using any of its numerous outlets which include four 120V outlets, one 120V/240V twist-lock outlet, and one 120/240V 50A RV port.

There is no hassle in operation with its electric push start which the manufacturer backed-up with a simple recoil starter.

Unlike many generators in this review, this generator really makes noise, mostly above 70 dB, and it is advised that you use ANSI-approved ear protection whenever you’re around it to prevent hearing impairment. The noise could be coupled with sputtering but it’s not a big deal as the shaking will be limited to the same spot.

Positives
  • You get to enjoy dual-fuel benefits with convenient switch
  • It has an RV outlet
  • You enjoy greater power for every penny spent
  • Runs comparatively long
  • Electric start with a recoil backup
Negatives
  • Its one-year limited warranty is quite short
  • It makes noise and sputters
  • At 200 pounds of weight, it is a heavy machine
8

DuroMax XP12000EH – Best High-Powered Dual Fuel Emergency Generator

Features

  • Starting watts: 12.000
  • Running watts: 10.000
  • Low oil indicator and automatic shutdown.
  • Circuit breakers, volt meter
  • DuroMax’s unique MX2 switch that doubles its amperage with heavy loads.
  • Noise-reducing muffler for smooth and quiet running
  • Idle control
  • Spark arrestor
  • Its panel includes two 120V/20AMP outlets, one 120V/30AMP twist Lock outlet, a 120/240V 30AMP outlet and a 50AMP heavy duty outlet
  • It is EPA and CARB approved

Over the past few years, DuroMax has introduced some very reliable, efficient and customer friendly generators into the market, the DuroMax XP12000EH (which is also known as the beast) is a perfect example of this.

This generator, with so much power output, features a portable engine that can run on both gasoline and liquid propane, thus, providing the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. It can be connected to your home’s natural gas supply, thereby, increasing safety and reducing the overall cost of usage and maintenance. Moreover, do not forget that propane is quite more affordable and 33% more efficient than gasoline, and it can be stored indefinitely.

DuroMax XP12000EH-1

One amazing feature about the DuroMax XP12000E is that it has the capacity to run for over 8 hours. While running on liquid propane, this beast has the capacity to generate 12000 watts which is perfect for powering all of your household appliances and even some equipment on your job site.

Although it possesses the traditional recoil cable like most big generators, the DuroMax XP12000EH also have an electric start button which makes it really easy to operate and its durable solid fill tires makes it easily transported over any terrain.

One major drawback that is often ascribed to generators with this capacity is the unbearable amount of noise that they produce. This does not hold with the DuroMax XP12000EH which only generates 72dBa of sound and this is generally considered to be quiet for a generator of its size and power.

Positives
  • It has a dual fuel capability
  • Suitable for many devices and appliances
  • Many outlets to power most of the household demanding needs
  • It is covered by a 3-year warranty
  • Runs long hours on both liquids
Negatives
  • With a weight of 236 pounds, it is relatively heavy
9

Westinghouse iGen4500 – Best Fuel-efficient Emergency Generator

Features

  • Starting watts: 4500
  • Running watts: 3700
  • It has an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and circuit breaker protection
  • Less than 3% THD
  • Efficiency mode for efficient fuel consumption
  • LED display of runtime, power output, fuel level, and voltage
  • EPA, USFS and CARB approved

Some of the features that we find most fascinating about this inverter generator include its portable size and relatively light weight (93 pounds). The weight even feels lighter when you consider its highly compacted design, a firm top handle that you can use to pick it up, and an alternative draw-out handle that you can use to pull it on its wheels. These make it easy for you to carry it along to wherever you may require the need for additional power supply.

Additionally, the Westinghouse iGen4500 uses a recoil start, an electric start, and a remote-controlled start for quick, hassle-free starting process. This generator is always ready for use anytime and anywhere – be it at home, in the camp, or in a recreational vehicle, featuring a 5-20R 120V duplex household outlet, an RV-ready TT-30 30A outlet and two USB outlet.

Westinghouse iGen4500 -5

With a starting power of 4500 watts and a running power of 3700 watts, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is capable of running most of your household appliances, power your recreational vehicles, and supply power to your camping tents. The iGen4500 produces a stable power supply with less than 3THD, for the safe running all kinds of sensitive household electronic appliances like the refrigerator, electric fan, television, tablet, light bulb, computer, and even microwave.

Unlike most generators, the iGen4500 is very quiet when in operation, producing sounds which could be as low as 52 dB, making it very suitable for both indoors and outdoor recreational activities. This generator can run for up to 18 hours on 3.4 gallons of gas, so it’s quite cost efficient.

Positives
  • It is comparatively lightweight and portable
  • Very fuel efficient
  • It is extremely quiet
  • It is covered by a 3-year warranty with free lifetime technical support
  • Easy and flexible to start
  • It is safe for sensitive electronics
Negatives
  • It is relatively expensive
  • Not so powerful
10

Cat RP12000E – Best Heavy-Duty Emergency Generator

Features

  • 670cc v-twin OHV engine
  • Starting watts: 15.000
  • Running watts: 12.000
  • Less than 5% THD
  • Idle mode
  • 9 total outlets, including 20A, 30A, and 50A receptacles
  • LED-lighted operator station

The CAT generators, like other heavy-duty CAT equipment, are generally known to be user friendly, durable, safe and suitable to be used for household electrical needs and they are also powerful enough to withstand rough handling on job sites and business outfits. The Cat RP12000E shares all of the afore mentioned advantages with the rest of the series.

It delivers a starting power of 15kW and 12kW of long-lasting running power for heavy duty applications in a balanced fuss-free design. The Cat RP12000E has a low harmonic distortion (THD < 5%) and this makes it really safe for running very sensitive household electronic appliances as well as light scale industrial equipment like the table saws, air compressors, harmer drill, furnace and AC units.

This generator has a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons and this enables it to run for over 11 hours at 50% load, without the need to stop and refuel. Its engine has a low idle mode option which automatically keeps the fuel consumption levels in check to ensure a friendly running cost. Apart from the fuel efficiency function, it also minimizes wear and tear in the engine, thus extending the lifespan of the generator.

CAT RP12000E-1

The Cat RP12000E has an automatic voltage regulator which helps it to maintain consistent power, it has a fuel gauge that allows you to know how much fuel you have left at a glance and a low oil shutoff mechanism which protects the generator when the oil level gets too low.

Although this generally-steels a weight of 348 pounds, it has a removable lifting eye, a foldable handle, and a durable all steel wheel, all working together to improve its mobility from one location to the other. And apart from the recoil start, the Cat RP12000E has an electric start dial which makes operation easy and quite convenient.

Positives
  • Suitable for both household and light commercial use
  • It is safe for sensitive electronics
  • User-friendly control panel for itch-free operation
  • It has a 2-year warranty that is extended to 3-year if registered within 30 days of purchase
  • It is fuel-efficient
  • Comparatively quiet
Negatives
  • With a weight of 348 pounds, the Cat RP12000E is relatively heavy.
11

Champion 76533 – Best Budget Emergency Generator for The Money

Features

  • 224cc engine
  • Starting/running watts (Gas): 4750/3800
  • Starting/running watts (LPG): 4275/3420
  • A 3.4-gallon fuel tank
  • An automatic low oil shut-off sensor which provides protection for the engine when the oil level is getting too low.
  • Noise level of 68dBA from 23 feet
  • RV ready

Over the past few decades, Champion power equipment are known to always set the standard for excellence when it comes to performance, so with the Champion 76533, there is much to lookout for.

The Champion 76533 is a dual fuel generator that runs on both gas and liquid propane and it comes with a patented fuel selector switch that allows you to change between these two fuel sources quickly and easily, thus providing the flexibility of fuel choice with unparalleled convenience.

When running on liquid propane, this generator can generate a startup power of 4275 watts and a running power of 3420 watts and run for 10.5 hours at half load. When running on gasoline, it has a startup power of 4750 watts and a running power of 3800 watts while running for 9 hours at half load.

The generator is powered by a 224cc engine with a touch start, push button electric start which comes with an internal battery charger that charges the battery as the generator runs. In addition to this, it also has the traditional recoil start which could stand as an alternative startup system if anything goes wrong with the electric start. The generator comes with two 20A and one 30A socket outlets, all of which come with individual circuit breakers to protect the appliances connected to them.

The Champion 76533 can easily be moved from one location to the other all thanks to its wheels, axle scheme, robust steel frame and its fold-down handles.

Positives
  • A cold start technology which optimizes the engine to start, easily in cold weather
  • Its dual fuel nature affords flexibility
  • With the electric start button, it is easy to operate
  • Low oil sensor provides protection for the engine when the oil level is getting too low
  • It has a 3-year warranty that assures reliability
Negatives
  • It is relatively noisy; you’ve got to place it at a reasonable distance

Buyer’s Guide

Power outages can happen at any time for one reason or the other (the power grid breaking down, a storm or a huge cyclone) which is why it’s best that you have an emergency generator at home just in case there is a power emergency in your neighborhood, no matter which part of the world you need.

Having a generator in your home is an assurance that your life won’t be suspended whenever your utility power has problem. You will be able to power your daily activities like microwaving your meals, powering your washing machine, vacuum cleaner, heater, computer, refrigerator filled with food and air conditioners among others.

However, you can’t just buy any generator for your emergency needs. You have to carefully choose your emergency generator based on your needs and preferences which is why you need an emergency generator buyer’s guide. This article contains a full guide of what you need to consider when buying your emergency generator.

Before we go into the guide proper, let’s look at the three broad categories of generators that you can find in the market.

Westinghouse iGen4500 -6

Standby Generators

Standby generators are power backup systems which usually come in large sizes such that they need to be installed in a fixed position/place, connected to your house circuit, and interchangeable via a transfer switch whenever utility power fails. The large sizes of standby generators are usually rewarded with very high power output capacities, enough to run your everyday electrical appliances from few hours to days at a stretch. Standby generators are good for people living in places with bad power supply or where storms and natural calamities like tornados and hurricanes are common occurrences. Additionally, homes, firms, and hotels and resorts that can’t afford power failure make use of standby generators. Standby generators usually have automatic startup such that the generator automatically senses power outage and switch on itself within seconds of utility power loss.

11 Best Emergency Generators Be Prepared for the Rainy Day-6

Portable Emergency Generators

Portable generators are named as such because they can be moved from one location to another much easily than standby generators. Portable generators can be easily rolled out when you need power and stowed away in the basement or somewhere else when normal utility power is back. This means that a portable generator doesn’t need a permanent location. Portable generators are quite ideal as simply alternative power supply for people who always have utility power or for powering outdoor activities such as open-air events, campgrounds, and recreational vehicles. Usually, portable emergency generators need to be connected through an extension cord to your home electric panel and most of them need to be manually started with a recoil starter or electric starter to generate power. Portable generators generally generate less power than standby generators when compared in term of costs.

However, a broad group of generators are now in the market that falls in-between these two groups. They are designed to be effective. There are powerful generators that are always ready to start at any time, and they are also built to be portable.

What to Look Out for in Emergency Generators

Fuel Tank Size and Fuel Efficiency

To choose your emergency generator, you need to consider its fuel tank capacity very carefully. You want a generator with a good tank size so that you don’t have to keep going back to fill the tank over and over again. You also need a good emergency generator model with great fuel efficiency, like the Westinghouse iGen4500 portable inverter generator, so as to minimize your running costs.

11 Best Emergency Generators Be Prepared for the Rainy Day-3

Fuel Type

Another important factor to consider is the fuel type of your generator. Generally, standby generators run on propane while portable generators use gasoline. However, there are models of either of these categories of generators that run on natural gas like the Cat RP 12000E Portable generator. There are also dual fuel generators, like the Champion 76533 Portable generator and the Pulsar PG10000B16 Dual Fuel Portable Generator, that can run on two types of fuel. Although dual fuel powered generators are usually more expensive, they are a better option because you have better flexibility with the type of fuel you use.

Budget

One key thing to consider when buying an emergency generator is your budget. Your budget determines if you’re going to get a generator that can easily replace your utility power and all its responsibilities (that is, run all the electrical appliances that you can run on utility power) or one that produces just enough power to run some necessary appliances and light up your house.

11 Best Emergency Generators Be Prepared for the Rainy Day-1

Noise level

All generators usually produce noise, albeit in varying amounts. Usually, smaller generators produce less noise while large size generators produce more noise. It is very important to consider the noise level of your generator when making a choice of generator. This is because you have to consider your neighbors, apart from your own convenience. You may also need to consider the amount of space you have outside your home. Why? Because you may need to move your generator a little distance away from your home to prevent the noise from disturbing you. Since standby generators are usually less mobile than portable generators, you would need to get a fixed position for your standby generator that is a considerable distance from your home depending on the amount of noise it produces. The DuroMax XP12000EH is an example of a quiet generator that gives so little noise when compared to the amount of power it generates.

Emission Compliance

You need to familiarize yourself with local laws regarding generator emissions and compliance before you decide on the generator to buy. California seems to have the strictest laws against emissions in the United States, any generator deemed legal in California can surely be used in any part of the country. No matter where you live, keep in mind that you have to minimize emissions as much as possible to protect our planet.

11 Best Emergency Generators Be Prepared for the Rainy Day-4

Wattage

It is important that you understand the significance of wattage ratings before you buy an emergency generator. Generally, generators usually have starting wattage and running wattage. Where starting wattage is the power that a generator produces when you start up an appliance and the running wattage is the power the generator produces while running your appliances. The most important wattage is the running wattage of your generator because the starting wattage is only available for a few seconds when an appliance starts up.

Portability

The ease of mobility or transportability is very important for consideration when buying a generator. What will shape your choice is the purpose for which you intend to buy the generator. If you just need a power backup that can just guarantee you constant power supply at home with no interest in size, you can consider power packed standby generators, like the Generac 7033 Guardian Series, that can power everything you can think of at home. However, if your purpose is to get a generator that you can pick up at any time for outdoor use, then ultra-lightweight generators like the WEN 56202i Inverter Generator that weighs 38.6 lbs.

In addition to the above factors, you also need to consider the ease of operating the generator (from the starting process to the maintenance), the safety of your devices and appliances (such as the safety of its USB ports and receptacles), the voltage compatibility (most appliances at home use 120V or 240V), and if you will need the generator to be parallel capable (especially when it comes to portable generators).

If you take the factors discussed in this article into consideration when choosing your emergency generator, choosing the best emergency generator that suits your power supply needs and preferences will be very easy and much more rewarding.

11 Best Emergency Generators Be Prepared for the Rainy Day

Conclusion

In conclusion, the same way you can avoid emergencies through adequate preparations in other situations, so also you can turn a supposedly emergency power outage situation into an ordinary power outage through an adequate provision of good emergency generators for yourself at home, work, and outdoor events.

It’s better to put a lot of things into consideration whenever you shop for emergency generators. However, a factor that is supreme in our considerations is the need for versatility – the ability for a generator to be handy both at home and on-the-go. There are some emergency generators on this list that fit that description but we recommend the Westinghouse WGen7500 because it has a bit of everything one can desire in an emergency generator. It’s not only useful for indoor power emergencies but also adequate to transport to solve an outdoor power problem. On top of that it offers great power.

However, the 11 best emergency generators have been well-analyzed and laid bare, the decision is now yours to prepare for the rainy day. Be empowered!

You have read the article! Great job! Do not forget to rate the article.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

      Leave a reply

      GeneratorWar
      Login/Register access is temporary disabled