Whether due to a calamity that knocked the power out; for comfortable camping retreats; or to just have something to fall back on when the electricity comes in short supply — a home generator is certainly a must-have machine for any forward-thinking homeowner.
Best Home Generators
Of course, selecting the right one can be quite daunting considering the many options there are on Amazon alone. Luckily, we have taken the liberty of sorting through the options to narrow down the 10 that buyers swear by in their reviews.
1. DuroStar DS10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
- POWERFUL DUROSTAR ENGINE: The DS10000E is Powered by a 18HP 440cc OHV Durostar Engine.
- Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 439cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
- Idle Control – Lowers the RPMs of the generator when not in use, saving fuel and reducing noise. Ideal on the job site where power is used intermittently
- MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs
- Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household GFCI outlets, (1) 120V 30A twist lock outlet, (1) 240V 30A outlet, and (1) 240V 50A outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries
- 8000 Watts
- 40 x 29 x 27.5 inches
- Comes in Red/Black
- 4-Cycle Air-cooled Spark Ignition Engine
The DuroStar DS10000E comes first on the list because of its popularity with a diverse group of people. Boasting 8000 watts and several sockets with varying degrees of voltage, the home generator is versatile as it is heavy-duty. Idle controls also save fuel when not in use and the powerful DuroStar engine is more than capable of powering your home appliance in times of blackouts.
2. DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
- 10500 Watts
- 30 x 29 x 26 inches
- Comes in Blue/Grey
- 2 Stroke Engine
This generator can run on either propane or gasoline, allowing the user flexibility in choice. The flexibility of choice also extends the number of outlets that can accommodate both industrial and home purposes. With a durable all-metal build and a 500cc engine, this particular unit emphasizes being able to power an entire home.
3. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Portable Inverter (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
- Produces 2,000 starting watts with 1,600 running watts of clean and safe power for sensitive electronics such as phones, televisions, laptops, and other electronics
- Complete with A-iPower’s “Low idle” technology for an extended run time of 4 hours at 100% load and 7 hours at 50% load
- Equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown, helping keep your generator performing year after year
- Powerful 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine provides an abundant power supply yet runs at a super quiet operation of only 52 decibels
- Light weight and compact at only 48 pounds, making your tailgate or camping experience as smooth as possible
- 2000 Watts
- 22 x 13 x 20 inches
- Comes in Red/Black
- 2 Stroke Engine
If you are looking for something more lightweight, such as would be perfect for camping or extended road trips, then the A-iPower SUA2000iV comes out on top of the list of options. Its also built to be safe to use for charging your phone, laptop, or other gadgets. And at only 50 pounds, it’s as portable as they come.
4. IDEAPLAY Portable Power Station Generator (4.5 out of 5 Stars)
- 300 Watts
- 7.48 x 5.51 x 5.71 inches
- Comes in either Blue or Black
- Rechargeable Lithium Battery
I want something as lightweight as they come and can power/charge all the basic conveniences during your outdoor adventures, then the IDEAPLAY Portable Power Station really is the best option for that. In it is 67500 mAh of power and 2 sets of outlets that can charge all kinds of gadgets and/or power a small electric fan and even a LED TV. It can be recharged through either an AC outlet, your car charger, or (though not included) a solar panel attachment.
5. ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station (4.4 out of 5 Stars)
- 26000mAh/84Wh High Capacity Battery – Solar Powered Generator, 12 years lifespan, cycle more than 3000 times, storage solar generator power to battery with solar panel and supply power to LED light and mobile phone.
- Meet Long Continuous Lighting Needs – The generator built-in lights of 2 levels, full charged continue lighting up 64 hours. 3 external lamps with individual switch continue lighting up 40 hours. High brightness up to 140Lumens/W, low consumption.
- Lightweight and Compact – Portable power station, only 2.1 lbs weight, plug and play. Comes with a handle, easy to carry. Perfect emergency power backup for home and widely applicable to travel, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, expedition for outdoor activities.
- 2 Charging Ways – Solar panel charging: 4.2V/18W high-quality solar panel, charging 1 day, lighting up to 2.5 days. USB charging: suits for wall plug, battery, car, etc.(TIPS: When charging, please turn on the blue switch)
- Our Guarantee – This solar power generator is reliable. We offer 2 Year Warranty and 90-Day FULL REFUND service if our generator kit doesn’t meet your needs! * JUST BUY IT NOW*
- 84 Watt Hours
- 6.3 x 4.2 x 6.9 inches
- Comes in Green
- 2.6 Kilograms
One of the more sustainable options, the ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station offers portable and eco-friendly electricity. The unit itself can serve as a lamp during camping and comes with several external lights that can be attached to it. There is a USB port that can easily charge your phone.
Overall, if you live in a place where a full-sized generator is impractical, then a small portable power station might be more ideal in times of need. Ones like the ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station are more than enough to cover the basics until regular power is restored.
6. WAWUI Portable Power Station (4.3 out of 5 Stars)
- Perfect Solar Power Station for Home & Camping – WAWUI portable solar power generator with solar panel, 13000mAh/42Wh high capacity battery, over 12 years lifespan, cycle more than 3000 times, perfect emergency power backup for home, travel, camping. Rechargeable solar generator system, storage solar generator power to battery with solar panel and supply power to LED light and mobile phone.
- Meet Continuous Lighting Needs – The portable power station with solar panel, built-in lights of 2 levels and 3 extra bright white LED bulbs, great ideal to bring you lightness with low power consumption, more durable to use, constant current IC driver, good stability, brightness always maintained above 100LM.
- Multiple Charging Ways – The quiet solar power generator with 5V/5W high-quality solar panel, charging 1 day, lighting up to 32 hours. USB charging: suits for wall plug, battery, car, etc.(TIPS: When charging, please turn on the blue switch). Portable mini solar power station, widely applicable to camping, hiking, expedition, hunting and home as emergency power supply.
- Easy to Carry – The mini solar power station with solar panel, battery and light bulbs, easy to carry. Compact design, easy installation. Anti-dust design, DC& USB output, safe and reliable.
- Reliable Solar Electric Generator – The camping&home mini solar power generator is reliable, the life span is more than 12 years. Great gifts for your family and friends.JUST BUY WITH CONFIDENCE!
- 42 Watt Hours
- 6.3 x 4.2 x 6.9 inches
- Comes in Green
- 2.6 Kilograms
With many similarities to the ECO-WORTHY 84Wh Portable Power Station, the only difference is that this product is cheaper and has lower wattage hours. In that sense, it is more of a solar-powered power bank that can charge your gadgets and light your home in times of need. It’s also handy to have in your car in case of emergencies.
7. UPEOR Solar Generator Lighting System/Portable Solar Power Generator (4.1 out of 5 Stars)
- What can it do for you? : Rechargeable battery solar generator system with larger power capacity 8000mAh,storage solar generator power to battery and supply power to LED light and mobile phone.Perfect emergency power backup for home, travel, camping, phones, lights.
- What does it have? : Digital LED Display. Built-in MP3 player & radio, support USB & SD card. Built-in FM Radio. 4 Ports 3.7 V output to LED light, 2 USB 5V DC Output for your tablets, iPhone, iPad, laptops, fans, digital camera and USB shaver charged up.
- How to charge it? : Quickly be charged by 6V solar panel(4 hours fully charged). Two methods for you to choose. Easy and Fast ! TIP: When you charge at home, the lights on the body will turn red. When you use it by the solar panel, the light will be green.
- Why do we design it this way? : Portable and small size for outdoor. Size:6.9*6.5*3.0 inch, weight:3.3Lb. Cute and easy to handle,can easily put it in your backpack or car, take to everywhere need power. Widely applicable to camping, hiking, fishing, expedition, hunting, outdoor activities.
- What is the warranty policy? : Use BMS (battery management system) to improve battery utilization, prevent short circuit,over current,over power,low voltage,over temperature, ensuring complete protection for you and your devices.Bonus accessories with 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 30 days no-questions-asked return policy. Value for money guaranteed, no worry for the portable solar power generator.
- 8000mAh
- 7.83 x 6.34 x 5.83 inches
- Comes in Pink
- 2.97 pounds
This sustainable power station offers more versatility in use to make up for its lower power stores. Apart from being able to provide light using 3 external light bulb attachments, it can also serve as a radio player, Mp3 player, and outlets able to charge almost every kind of gadget. It’s also quite light and portable.
8. Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station (4.6 out of 5 Stars)
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE POWER: Equipped with 6,071 Watt-Hours and seven versatile ports for power-hungry devices and appliances, the Yeti 6000X can power essential home circuits, RVs, trailers, worksites, and more
- EXPERIENCE BACKUP POWER LIKE NEVER BEFORE: Increased 2000W AC (3500W Surge) inverter allows you to brew coffee, use your portable fridge, and power phones and tablets to stay connected. Our new industry-leading inverter handles surges from power tools, medical devices, and even full-size refrigerators.
- EASY TO USE: Power a wide range of devices with seven different port options including fast-charging 60W USB-C Power Delivery, multiple USB-A ports, regulated 12V, and two 120V AC ports.
- THREE WAYS TO CHARGE: Plug the Yeti 6000X into any 600-watt wall outlet to charge it in 12 hours. You can recharge it from your car with the 12-volt adapter, or add a Goal Zero solar panel (sold separately) for faster charging.
- POWER IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND: Monitor, control, and optimize your power usage from anywhere with Yeti App 3.0. Features remote control of power in/out, real-time power consumption notifications, and charging profiles to optimize your battery life
- 2000 Watts
- 25 x 20 x 25 inches
- Come in Silver/Black
- 106 Pounds
One of the more heavy-duty options of rechargeable lithium battery power stations, it can be charged either at home, in your car, or using solar panels. It packs enough electricity to charge all your gadgets much time over and is a great companion in your travels and camping as well. You can even use it to power a fridge for upwards of 100 hours!
9. Generac GP3500iO Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator (4.6 out of 5 Stars)
- PowerRUSH Technology – Delivers over 50% more starting capacity-allowing you to do more with less
- Up to 50% quieter – ideal for noise sensitive environments/ up to 25% lighter – for improved portability
- True power technology – clean power for sensitive electronics
- RV ready – connect directly to RV to power most RV air conditioners up to 15, 000 BTU
- USB outlets and parallel ready – connect 2 units together for double the power
- 3500 Starting Watts with PowerRush Technology
- 19.7 x 16.5 x 16.4 inches
- Comes in Orange
- 74.3 Pounds
The reason it comes low on the list of suggestions is because of its priciness and lack of enough users. That being said, those who have used the Generac GP3500iO swear that it’s well worth the expense. The unit boasts USB outlets and is RV-ready — being able to power RV air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU.
10. Pikasola Wind Turbine Generator 400W (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
- Feature: Starting with low speed; high wind energy utilization; low vibration on operation, high efficiency.
- Wind Blade: 23.4inch in length, made of nylon carbon fiber. The longer the blades are, the more kinetic energy they generate and the more power they produce. Nylon material waterproof, corrosion resistant, lightweight.
- Generator: three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor. Efficient and compact ac generator with high performance NdFeB permanent magnet. A fully integrated voltage regulator that automatically shuts down when the battery is fully charged. The wind generator is controlled by MPPT intelligent microprocessor, which can effectively adjust current and voltage
- Rotating Body: with yaw adjustment system, the wind direction position is automatically read and the rotor position is adjusted to capture the maximum wind energy. The tail fin is designed according to the aerodynamic principle.
- Real Parameter, Not False: Our product parameters are Real & Actual, not False. Base on designed after repeated experimental testing. Wind turbine parameters can be customized, please contact us if you have requirement.
- 410 Watts
- 51.18 inch Wind Wheel DIameter
- Comes in White
A more out-of-the-box solution for your backup power needs, the Pikasola Wind Turbine Generator offers you the ability to harness the power of the wind to power you’re home. It can either be used as a backup during power outages or in conjunction with your regular power supply to drive down the electricity bill.
Final Thoughts
When selecting the best home generator, consider the electrical needs of your homes and what appliances or gadgets you need personally. Also, take into account your budgetary limits in order not to break the back. A home generator or power station should not only be a backup, it should also be an investment that saves you money while keeping the lights on too.