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Keep the lights on and your appliances running with these top models.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Most common portable backup generators…produce carbon monoxide, he says.
double-check your home is equipped with battery-operatedsmoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Better yet, find a generator with carbon monoxide sensors.
The Honda generator runs on gas, holding just under a gallon of fuel.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
To learn more about how we tested portable generators, check out our testing process below.
The gas tank is awkwardly located, which made it difficult to fill.
Its fairly quiet for a generatorwe were able to have conversations while it was onthough still moderately disruptive.
The Honda generator runs on gas, holding just under a gallon of fuel.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
At 2,200 watts, thepower outputis limited and it only runs for up to eight hours.
But, as an inverter generator, it provides stable and reliable power while running.
While setting it up was easy, filling the gas tank was a chore.
To fill it precisely, we had to use a funnel and glass container to pour the fuel.
Its extremely heavy and requires at least two people to move.
Its important that the best portable generator for home use has enough wattage to supply power to essential appliances.
We had zero problems starting up the engineit took only a single pull to get the motor running.
The generator easily managed its load and never shut off throughout the testing period.
This is a fairly eco-friendly model thats both CARB-compliant and EPA-certified.
A display on the body allows you to monitor power output, voltage, and runtime.
In our opinion, the noise was no worse than youraverage lawn mower.
As a no-frills option, it lacks the extras common with more expensive models, like app compatibility.
It does include an oil funnel to help you add fuel without mess.
Product Details: Fuel:Gas |Engine:208cc single-cylinder OHV Champion engine |Size:23.2 x 18.5 x 19.9 in.
It cant handle too many heavy appliances at the same time.
The generator should run for about 10 hours on a single tank of gas.
It includes multiple 120-volt and USB outlets.
The LCD display shows fuel usage, run time, and more.
you’re free to monitor and control the generator remotely with the Ryobi GenControl app.
Product Details: Fuel:Gas |Engine:OEM Branded Engine |Size:19 x 12.5 x 22 in.
We also noted whether it had an electric, manual, pull, or remote start.
We assessed portability by looking at factors such as weight and whether there were handles or wheels included.
For generators with apps, we connected the devices and tested the available features.
We noted the overall readability of any digital displays or fuel gauges.
We also looked at the price and assessed the value for money.
But its extremely heavy and way too loud, so its probably best foran emergency situation.
Gas is the most common, and most readily available for homeowners.
However, there are downsides.
Some battery-powered generators can also be charged via a cars outlet, and there are alsosolar-powered generators.
To refuel, a generator should always be turned off and allowed to cool for at least 15 minutes.
Credit: Amazon
Topping up an overheated generator with gas could potentially cause an immediate fire or even an explosion.
throw in
There are three primarytypes of portable generators.
Theyre usually powered by readily available resources such as gasoline or solar and tend to be more affordable.
The Champion portable generator offers four 120V outlets: two 20A, one 30A RV, and one 30A locking.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Meanwhile, standby generators can power an entire home, turning on automatically should an outage occur.
Their commercial-grade engines and large fuel tanks make them the most expensive option.
They are more expensive, Mock says, But generators running on propane generally require less maintenance.
During emergencies and storms, youre far less likely to disturb the neighbors (or yourself).
Portable generators may fall between 20 and 200 pounds.
Some generator brands also sell wheel kits separately.
Their tanks are also small, so they need more frequent refueling, he says.
One more thing to consider?
What is the difference between a portable generator and an inverter generator?
They are safer for your electronics, too, as they provide a higher quality electrical output.
Inverter generators have the ability to vary the engine speed depending on the load, Williams says.
They are more pleasant to live with because they are quieter, especially when running on a low load.
Can a portable generator power a whole house?
How much do portable generators cost?
The cost of a portable generator varies greatly based on a combination of wattage and features.
Its starting wattage should be more than enough to keep your lights and appliances running for hours.
Kat is also the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.
This story was updated byNorAdila Hepburn, a contributor to Better Homes & Gardens.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: The Home Depot
Built-in wheels made the Ryobi the easiest generator to transport.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
