11 Best Emergency Generators: Be Prepared for the Rainy Day

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.