7 Best Generators For Power Outages

Why You Need a Generator Right Now

I’ve noticed that extreme weather is behind most big blackouts these days. From summer heat waves to winter storms, our power grid feels more fragile than ever. I don’t want my fridge to spoil, my lights to flicker off, or my medical gear to shut down when the power cuts out. A reliable backup generator gives me peace of mind—and it can do the same for you.

What Matters When You Shop

Before I pick a generator, I always compare a handful of specs to find what fits my needs:

Power Output: Make sure it delivers enough running watts for your essentials and extra starting watts for appliances with motors.
Fuel Type: Gasoline is easy to refuel, propane lasts longer in storage, and dual-fuel models allow you to switch if one source runs out.
Runtime & Tank Size: Check how many hours it can run at half load on a full tank.
Noise Level: Decibels matter if you live in a quiet neighborhood or plan to use it at a campsite.
Portability: Wheels, handles, and overall weight affect how easy it is to move.
Safety Features: Look for CO shut-off sensors, GFCI outlets, and transfer-switch compatibility to protect your home and family.

Generator Styles at a Glance

I sort generators into four main groups so you can match style to situation:

Portable Inverter: These pump out clean, stable power for laptops and sensitive electronics. They usually run quieter and weigh less.
Dual-Fuel Portable: You get the flexibility of switching between gasoline and propane to stretch your runtime.
Heavy-Duty Portable: Built with larger engines and more rigid frames, these deliver higher wattages and stand up to job-site use.
Standby/Home Backup: Permanently installed outside your home, these units detect power outages and automatically kick in to power your entire house.

My Top 7 Generators for Outages

I’ve tested or researched each of these models to find the best fit across budgets and needs:

1. Honda EU2200i (Best Overall Portable Inverter)

This unit delivers 2,200 watts of peak power and lasts for about eight hours on less than a gallon of gas. It runs between 48 and 57 decibels so that it won’t wake the whole campground. I love that it adapts engine speed to your load, squeezing out every drop of fuel.

2. Zhejiang Bried Portable Generators (Best Value Line)

Zhejiang Bried offers a complete lineup of gasoline generators from about 3,300 W up to 8,500 W. Their models include wheel kits, electric start options, and different tank sizes, so you can match power and price just right. You can explore their full lineup here.

3. WEN 56235i (Best Budget Inverter)

At just 39 pounds, this handheld inverter packs 1,800 watts of running power and gives around six hours of runtime on a single tank. Its total harmonic distortion stays under 1.2 percent, which means safe charging for your laptop, phone, and gaming console.

4. Westinghouse iGen4500DF (Best Dual-Fuel)

The iGen4500DF produces 3,700 running watts on gasoline and runs for up to 18 hours on propane at a quarter load. It features a remote start fob, an LED panel that shows fuel level and runtime, plus an RV outlet for easy hook-up.

5. Champion 3500-Watt Propane (Best Propane Option)

Champion’s 208 cc engine produces 3,500 watts running and can push up to 3,900 watts at startup. On propane, it has about 12 hours of runtime at half load. It does hum around 68 decibels—roughly the same as a vacuum cleaner—so keep that in mind for noise-sensitive areas.

6. DuroMax XP12000EH (Best Heavy-Duty Dual-Fuel)

This steel-framed powerhouse handles 9,500 running watts and gives you 12,000 watts at peak. You can run it on gas or propane, and its 8.3-gallon tank lasts around eight hours. It sits at 74 decibels under load, and although it weighs 238 pounds, the wheels and folding handle make it manageable.

7. Generac Guardian Series 24 kW (Best Standby/Home Backup)

Generac’s 24 kW model fits in a surprisingly small footprint outside your home. It senses an outage and automatically switches on within seconds, running your entire house and refilling its LP tank as needed. Once it’s in place, you never have to start it by hand.

How to Size Your Backup

I start by listing every appliance and device I want to run—fridge, lights, window air conditioner, and router—and note both their running and starting watts. Then I add a 15-percent buffer so my generator never runs flat out. Finally, I make sure it offers the correct voltage for my circuits (either 120 V or both 120 V and 240 V).

Quick Installation & Safety Tips

Install a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding into the grid and comply with local electrical codes. Always run your generator at least 10 feet away from doors and windows, pointing the exhaust away to avoid carbon monoxide risks. If you plan to pull heavy loads, ground the unit with a proper rod.

Keeping Your Generator Ready

I change the oil, swap the air filter, and inspect the spark plug every 50 hours of use. For off-season storage, I treat gasoline with a stabilizer and run the unit for a few minutes each month to keep seals fresh. I also schedule a professional tune-up once a year to catch any issues early.

Wrapping Up

I hope this guide helps you find the right generator for your home or adventures. With the right model in hand, you’ll keep your lights on, protect your food, and rest easy through any outage. Happy generator hunting!