In a world where uninterrupted power is crucial for both everyday living and unexpected emergencies, having the best backup generator becomes a cornerstone of preparedness.
As we step into 2024, the demand for reliable and efficient backup power solutions continues to grow, prompting a closer look at the top picks available in the market. Whether safeguarding your home during storm-related outages, ensuring a seamless camping experience, or preparing for unexpected emergencies, the right backup generator can make all the difference.
Join us as we explore and evaluate the best backup generators in 2024, considering factors such as power capacity, fuel versatility, portability, and innovative features.
Discover the generators that stand out for their performance, reliability, and ability to provide peace of mind in the face of power uncertainties. Your search for the perfect backup generator begins here, as we present the top picks to consider in 2024.
Best Backup Generators for Home & Emergency Use | Top 5 Picks of 2024
Selecting the right backup generator involves considering power output, fuel type, reliability, and ease of use. Here are some top-rated options known for their performance:
1. Generac 7210 24kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator
Generac’s Guardian Series stands as the #1 home standby generator brand, delivering automatic backup power to safeguard your home and loved ones during power outages.
Included with FREE Mobile Link, monitor your generator’s status globally through your phone, tablet, or computer. Powered by your existing LP or natural gas supply, it starts within seconds of detecting power loss and runs until utility power resumes. Opt for essential circuit coverage or whole-house protection.
Engineered and made in the U.S.A., the series ensures cost-effective installation, featuring removable door panels, a minimal ground preparation base pad, and efficient wiring techniques.
Generac’s G-force engine, purpose-built and rigorously tested, provides reliable, low-maintenance power. With 24/7 customer support and a vast nationwide dealer network, it’s the pinnacle in home standby generators.
Key Features:
- Remote Monitoring Anywhere: Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity enables real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts from anywhere.
- Whole House Protection: Equipped with a 200-amp SER transfer switch for comprehensive outdoor coverage during outages.
- Long-Term Assurance: Backed by a 5-Year Limited Warranty for lasting performance and reliability.
- High-Quality 24kW Power: True Power Technology ensures clean, stable 24,000-watt power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion.
- Crafted for Excellence: Proudly engineered and assembled in the USA, featuring the purpose-built G-Force Engine for reliability and reduced maintenance.
- Easy Installation: Recommended for installation by certified and licensed electricians for a seamless setup.
PROs | CONs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Mobile Link for Remote Monitoring | Requires Installation by Professional Electrician |
Whole House Protection with 200-amp SER Transfer Switch | Weighs 455 Pounds – Heavy Installation |
5-Year Limited Warranty | |
True Power Technology for Stable Power | |
Engineered and Assembled in the USA |
2. ERAYAK 2400W Portable Inverter Generator | Best Emergency Power Backup Generator
Introducing the ERAYAK 2400W Portable Inverter Generator, a reliable power solution for home use, camping, and emergencies. Powered by a robust 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV gas engine, it delivers 2,400 starting watts and 1,800 running watts.
Perfect for sensitive home appliances, this generator features two covered 120V outlets, a 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports for charging various devices. Weighing only 42 pounds, its compact design and built-in handle make it highly portable.
With a super quiet operation at 52 dBA, it’s ideal for camping, tailgating, or powering essential home devices. The generator is equipped with Cold Start Technology, Automatic Shut Down, Fuel Efficient, and Automatic Idle Control for user convenience. Erayak’s Electronic Speed Control Mode optimizes engine performance for extended runtime, running up to 14.4 hours at 25% load with the 0.95-gallon gasoline tank.
The Permanent Magnet Brushless motor ensures long life and stable pure sine wave power for sensitive electronics. ERAYAK provides a 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support, including essential accessories like an oil kettle, cigarette lighter cable, and repair tools.
Key Features:
- Portable & Lightweight: Weighing only 42 pounds, it is easy to carry with a built-in handle and compact design.
- Super Quiet Operation: Operates at 52 dBA, perfect for camping, tailgating, or powering essential home devices without disturbance.
- Smart Generator with LED, LCD: Easy power management with a fully assembled 3-in-1 switch for hassle-free setup.
- ESC – Fuel Saving: Electronic Speed Control Mode optimizes engine performance, offering up to 14.4 hours of runtime at 25% load.
- Reliable Backup Power: Permanent magnet brushless motor provides stable pure sine wave power for sensitive electronics with extended engine life.
- Easy to Use: Fully assembled with hassle-free setup and various outlets for versatile use.
- Erayak Support: Includes a 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support and essential accessories.
PROs | CONs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Portable and Lightweight | Lower Running Watts Compared to Competitors |
Super Quiet Operation | Limited 120V Outlets |
Smart Generator with LED, LCD | |
Fuel-Efficient ESC Mode | |
Reliable Backup Power with Pure Sine Wave |
3. Champion 12.5kW Home Standby Generator with 100-Amp Outdoor Rated Automatic Transfer
Introducing the Champion 12.5-kW Home Standby Generator, a powerful and reliable solution to keep your home seamlessly powered during outages.
Manufactured by Champion Power Equipment, this generator comes with a 100-Amp Outdoor-Rated Automatic Transfer Switch for convenient and automatic operation. With 12 available circuits, it ensures essential appliances and systems receive power without interruption.
Operating on propane (LPG) or natural gas (NG), this generator provides 12,500 watts of continuous power on propane and 11,000 watts on natural gas. The 24-volt starting system operates flawlessly in sub-zero or extreme heat conditions (-22°F to 104°F) without the need for a warming kit.
This Champion generator is designed with advanced sound dampening and a specially engineered low-tone muffler, ensuring it operates at a residential-friendly 63 dBA noise level – the quietest in its class.
The generator is entirely automatic, performing weekly self-diagnostic tests for reliability. With no refueling, manual operation, or extension cords needed, it offers a hassle-free experience during power outages. Champion backs this product with a 10-year limited warranty and FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.
Key Features:
- Totally Automatic Operation: ATS100 Emergency Essentials Automatic Transfer Switch with 12 available circuits for seamless power during outages.
- Quietest-in-Class Operation: Operates at a residential-friendly 63 dBA noise level, thanks to advanced sound dampening and a specially designed low-tone muffler.
- Reliable Starting System: 24-volt starting system operates in sub-zero or extreme heat conditions without a warming kit.
- Powerful Performance: Provides 12,500 watts of continuous power on propane and 11,000 watts on natural gas.
- No Refueling or Manual Operation: Hassle-free operation with no need for refueling, manual intervention, or extension cords.
- Champion Support: Includes a 10-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts.
PROs | CONS
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Totally Automatic Operation | Heavy Weight – 455.5 Pounds |
Quietest-in-Class Operation | Limited Color Options (White, Black) |
Reliable Starting System | |
Powerful Performance | |
No Refueling or Manual Operation |
4. Kohler 20kW Standby Generator with 200amp TS | Best 20kW Generator for Backup
Introducing the KOHLER 20kW Standby Generator with a 200amp Transfer Switch, a premium power solution designed for residential use. This generator, powered by a reliable KOHLER Command PRO engine, offers advanced features to ensure your home stays powered during outages. With a robust 20 KW capacity, it automatically restores power within 10 seconds, providing advanced voltage and frequency regulation to protect valuable electronics.
This generator is versatile, compatible with both natural gas (18kW) and liquid propane (20kW), allowing for seamless switching between the two fuel sources in the field. The package includes an RXT 200-amp outdoor-rated, service entrance rated automatic transfer switch for convenient and automatic power transfer.
The KOHLER Command PRO engine, a 30.9 HP V-2 999 CC engine, is designed and tested for tough commercial applications, featuring hydraulic valve lifters that eliminate the need for lengthy break-in periods and expensive valve adjustments.
The PowerBoost technology ensures the generator can start large loads, such as central air conditioners, without compromising power to other appliances. With special features like overload protection, muffler, hour meter, dual fuel capability, and automatic idle control, this generator is a comprehensive and reliable power solution.
Key Features:
- Quick Power Restoration: Restores power in just 10 seconds, providing advanced voltage and frequency regulation.
- Dual Fuel Capability: Compatible with natural gas (18kW) or liquid propane (20kW) with easy switching between the two in the field.
- RXT 200-amp Transfer Switch: Outdoor-rated, service entrance rated automatic transfer switch included for seamless power transfer.
- Reliable KOHLER Command PRO Engine: 30.9 HP V-2 999 CC engine designed for tough commercial applications, with hydraulic valve lifters for reduced maintenance.
- PowerBoost Technology: Provides power to start large loads like central air conditioners without sacrificing power to other appliances.
- Comprehensive Features: Overload protection, muffler, hour meter, dual fuel capability, and automatic idle control for enhanced functionality.
PROs | CONs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Quick Power Restoration | Heavy Weight – 485 Pounds |
Dual Fuel Capability | Limited Color Options |
RXT 200-amp Transfer Switch | |
Reliable KOHLER Command PRO Engine | |
PowerBoost Technology |
5. Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station | Top Solar Generator for Home Backup
Introducing the Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, a versatile and clean energy solution for camping, emergencies, and outdoor activities. With a generous 1002Wh capacity and 3x1000W AC outlets, this portable power station offers a reliable source of power for various devices.
It embraces clean and unlimited solar energy with a smart MPPT controller for optimal charging efficiency. Fully charging in just 6 hours with two Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (sold separately) or 5.5 hours via AC wall outlet, it’s an ideal companion for camping or emergency storage.
The power station is designed for ease of use, featuring an ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and a simple setup within 60 seconds for outstanding charging efficiency. Safety is a priority with industry-leading cylindrical batteries meeting UL safety standards and certified with Impact-Resistance Class 9, passing the UL drop test.
With a pure sine wave inverter delivering constant voltage, the Explorer 1000 protects your equipment from damage. Power almost anything with 1002Wh (1000W AC output power) and 8 outlets, including AC outlets, USB-A, USB-A quick charge 3.0, USB-C PD, and a car outlet.
It’s perfect for outdoor off-grid activities and home backup power, capable of powering appliances like refrigerators, TVs, mini coolers, electric grills, fans, and more.
Key Features:
- Clean and Unlimited Solar Energy: Utilize smart MPPT controller for optimal charging efficiency with 100% green energy.
- Easy to Use: Ergonomic handle for an easy grip, and quick setup within 60 seconds for efficient charging.
- Safe & Reliable: Features industry-leading cylindrical batteries meeting UL safety standards and Impact-Resistance Class 9.
- Power Anything: 1002Wh capacity, 1000W AC output power, and 8 outlets to power various devices.
- Versatile Charging Options: Fully charged in 6 hours with two SolarSaga 100W solar panels or 5.5 hours via AC wall outlet.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Power appliances like refrigerators, TVs, electric grills, and more for outdoor and home needs.
What You Get:
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station (1002Wh Portable Power Station)
- AC Adapter
- Car Charger Cable
- SolarSaga Parallel Adapter Cable
- User Manual
Note: The Explorer 1000 has certain wattage limitations; please check your device’s specifications before connecting.
PROs | CONs
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Clean and Unlimited Solar Energy | Device Wattage Limitation |
Easy to Use | Requires Separate Purchase of Solar Panels |
Safe & Reliable | |
Versatile Charging Options | |
Multi-Device Compatibility |
Conclusion:
When selecting a backup generator, consider your specific power needs, available fuel types, warranty coverage, and any essential features.
Professional installation and compliance with local building codes ensure safety and optimal performance. These top-rated backup generators provide reliable power backup during outages, ensuring continuity for essential appliances and devices in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A backup generator is a device that automatically provides electricity during power outages. It’s crucial for maintaining essential power to your home, ensuring comfort, safety, and functionality during emergencies or planned outages.
Calculate your power requirements by listing essential appliances and devices. Choose a generator with a wattage capacity exceeding this sum, considering potential future additions or higher power needs during emergencies.
Backup generators commonly use propane, natural gas, gasoline, or diesel. The best fuel type depends on factors like availability, storage convenience, and the generator’s intended use. Propane and natural gas are often preferred for home use.
No, it is not safe to use a backup generator indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should always be operated in well-ventilated outdoor spaces, away from windows, doors, and air intakes.
Regular maintenance is essential. Perform monthly checks for fuel levels, oil changes, and inspect the generator for any signs of wear. Additionally, schedule professional servicing at least once a year to ensure optimal performance and longevity.