Introduction
To have a good home and comfortable life, you must plan and prepare carefully. The weather can be highly unpredictable, causing power outages, etc.
It means you need to invest in an efficient backup power generator. It'll ensure your home and business are running in case a disaster happens, or there is a power outage.
You will need a generator with the best ratings to power your home and business effectively. The article lists the five best-rated generators in the market.
When selecting this generator, the considerations are the right size, power output, and other features like multiple outlets and electric start, etc. Here is more information on the different generator models.
The Five Best Rated Generators
- Generac GP6500 Portable Generator
Specifications
- Item weight: 178.5 pounds
- Run time: 10.5 hours
- Watts: 6500
- Fuel tank capacity: 6.9 gallons
- Weight: 177 pounds
Features
The generator size is perfect, not too small, and not too big. The Generac GP6500 portable generator offers 6500 watts of power output. The power is enough to run your household devices during prolonged outages, such as refrigerators, TVs, lights, etc.
The generator has five power outlets; thus, you'll be able to power several devices such as lights, laptops, fridges, etc. It has a tester that functions similarly to the CO sense feature. The tester will automatically shut down the generator if it detects high levels of the poisonous gas.
The Generac GP6500 pack has convenience features such as a durable, never-flat wheel. The wheels allow easy portability. It has a large-capacity tank with a fuel gauge that's easy to read. Therefore, it will be pretty hard to run out of gas. The low-oil shutoff feature also ensures the engine doesn't overheat because of low oil levels.
Pros
- Great power output
- Easily portable
- CO safety measure
- Large fuel tank capacity
Cons
- Heavy (177 pounds)
Bestseller (lists)
2. A-iPower SUA12000E 1200 Watt Portable Generator
The iPower SUA 12000E is among the best heavy-duty portable generators on the market.
Specifications
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 9000 watts
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Tank volume: 7 gallon
- Runtime: 7 hours
- Engine type: 4 strokes
- Item weight: 206 pounds
Features
The A-iPower generator is special equipment. The generator can run for extended periods at maximum capacity. Most generators in the market are only ideal for temporary situations. The generator runs flawlessly and can indeed offer you a run time of up to 7 hours.
The generator offers running watts of 9000 and starting watts of 12000, which is enough power for all your home appliances. You can use this power to power your camping ground, construction site, and home appliances like the refrigerator, TV, lights, etc.
The large fuel tank capacity of 7 gallons is another excellent feature. It offers the fuel tank capacity offers the generator a run time of 7 hours when at 100% load. However, the runtime can reach up to 9 hours if at 50% load. It has several outlets that will enable you to power multiple devices such as phones, lights, etc.
The significant part is that the outlets have rubber covers which add to safety. The generator has convenience features such as the electric start capability. It means you can easily and quickly start up the generator at any time. Another convenience feature is the low oil alert light plus the low oil automatic shutdown.
Therefore your engine can't overheat because of low oil levels. Plus, some convenience features help keep your engine better year after year. The engine is four-stroke and 459cc, and this makes it quite powerful.
Pros
- Easy portability
- Large fuel tank
- Easy to assemble
3. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
The Generac is among the best easy start and portable gas generators in the market.
Specifications
- Wattage: 1700
- Item weight: 46.6 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Voltage: 120 volts
Features
The Generac generator is unique, but it does not feature the push-button starter, unlike others on the list. However, the generator is still easy to use, something uncommon in most gas-powered generators.
The generator amazingly starts on the first pull after you add fuel. The generator is compact, quiet, and has an engine that offers maximum starting watts of 2200 and 1700 running watts.
It means the 2200 watts generator can power multiple devices in your home, RV, or camp. The generator has true power technology to provide stable and clean power. The power is ideal for sensitive appliances and tools. It has a 1.3-gallon tank that gives a runtime of 10.75 hours when at 25% load.
It has the economy mode that makes it fuel-efficient, plus the noise reduction technology makes it quieter. It has the LED status lights alert, which is a convenience feature.
It will alert in case of an overload, low oil, etc. The generator is also parallel ready; therefore, you can connect it to another inverter. Therefore you will access twice as much power that one offers.
The generator has an integrated choke/run/off knob that makes the startup procedure simpler. The inbuilt handle makes it easily portable. Today there are several 2200-watt generators on the market, but this one is slightly better than them.
Pros
- Easily portable
- LED status light alert
- Fuel efficient
- Easy to use
Cons
- A little louder
Bestseller (lists)
Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter, Orange Everything Else
- Quiet, Compact, Easy to use. AC rated output running Watts: 1700, AC maximum output starting Watts: 2200. Rated 120 VAC Amperage-14.1
- Truepower technology provides clean, stable power ideal for sensitive electronics, tools and appliances while the 1.2 gallon fuel tank allows 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load
- Built-in handle makes it easy to transport and the integrated OFF/RUN/CHOKE knob simplifies startup procedures
- Economy mode provides excellent fuel economy a... Read More
4. Champion 3800- Watt Dual Fuel Generator
The champion model is among the best dual-fuel portable generators on the market. The generator's quality is excellent. It means the company did assemble it with pride. Plus, the duel fuel ability also makes it more appealing.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 208cc
- Item weight: 104.9 pounds
- Output wattage: 3500 watts
- Fuel type: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), gasoline
- Runtime: 14 hours
- Voltage: 120 volts
Features
The generator can operate on dual fuel, i.e., gasoline and propane. It's the one feature that most users appreciate. Most people are not worried that gas will gum up the engine with propane. Propane is usually clean.
The generator has a starting wattage of 4375 watts and a running wattage of 3500 watts (gasoline) and 3950 watts (propane). It also includes safety features such as the trust volt guard built-in surge protector. The surge protector ensures there are no overloads.
It has several power outlets that will allow you to connect your home appliances and devices such as TV, refrigerator, lights, etc. It also features the intelligence that tracks hours, hertz, and voltage. Therefore you can easily monitor the power output amount. Plus, it makes it easier to carry out maintenance. The champion generator comes with a three-year limited warranty.
The company has excellent champion support that guarantees you a lifetime and free technical support. Overall the generator is fantastic and will give you the power you need. The dual-fuel capability is the selling point for this unit.
Pros
- Dual fuel
- Easy to assemble
- Versatility
Bestseller (lists)
Champion Power Equipment 200965 4375/3500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator, RV Ready Everything Else
- ... Read More
5. Cat 6500/8125 – Watt Electric Start Portable Generator
The cat generator is among the best electric start portable generators on the market.
Specifications
- Engine type: 4 strokes
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Engine displacement: 420 cc
- Total power outlets: 6
- Item weight: 187 pounds
- Wattage: 6500 watts
Features
The one feature that makes this generator great is the electric start. The feature will indeed offer a fantastic experience. There's no hassle of pulling the cord. All you need to do is ensure the battery has proper charge. The generator comes with both lithium-ion and lead-acid power sources.
The good thing is that you can find the battery at different power levels. The generator has a running wattage of 6500 watts and starting wattage of 8125 watts which is quite powerful for all your home appliances.
It can offer you a runtime of 12 hours which is enough to run your home or office throughout the day or night. The six outlets are enough to connect multiple devices such as phones, laptops, lights, etc.
It has an LED-lit control panel that offers convenience, and thus you can efficiently operate the generator. It has a single-side operation that makes it incredibly easy to use.
The generator also features solid rubber wheels and double-hinged handles that make it easily portable. You'll also find packaging tools in the assembly, making it easy to assemble. Plus, there's the engine oil and funnel.
The generator comes with a three-year warranty. The warranty covers the term and includes full-time service.
Pros
- Electric start
- Easily portable
- LED control panel
Bestseller (lists)
Cat RP6500E 6500 Running Watts and 8125 Starting Watts with Electric Start Gas Powered Portable Generator 490-6490 Patio, Lawn & Garden
- ... Read More
The Tips for Servicing and Maintaining Your Generator
The generator is valuable power equipment that needs regular maintenance. Most people usually forget about their generators once they sort the power outage or an occasion is over.
However, this is not advisable and might be costly in the long run. It's because, in the next emergency, the generator might fail you by not starting.
You might surely lose a lot in the process. You need to ensure that the generator runs strong and can use it anytime. Here are some of the maintenance tips for your generator.
- Run the generator every few months
Running the generator after some months recharges the electric starter's battery and ensures it's fresh. It will save in emergencies; you won't stress recharging the battery. However, every time you run the generator, it should be in an area with good ventilation. It will help you to avoid breathing harmful fumes.
- Always check the fuel lines.
The generator's fuel lines tend to tear clog or crack after some time and usage. Such issues will prevent proper fuel supply to the fuel system. Therefore your generator won't run efficiently.
There are several DIY solutions for cleaning fuel lines with a clog. However, it's advisable to replace any problematic or worn-out fuel line. They are available in several different sizes and are cheap.
- Check your generator's fuel routinely.
You can be using the general a couple of times in a year; however, there are several things you need to do to your fuel and tank. The first rule is never to leave old gasoline in the generator's tank.
You should also prevent stale fuel by adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank. Always empty any remaining gas at least once yearly. The oils should not also sit in the tank for extended periods.
Plus, you need to know that the shelf life of the generator's oil is approximately five years. The generator's gas also stales after this time.
- Check the spark plugs.
Most generators won't start if the spark plug is bad. Dirt is one thing that affects the efficiency of the spark plug. It, therefore, compromises the connection. The plug can also be on its last leg, making igniting quite troublesome. You need to know that the generator will struggle to power if the plug doesn't create an electric arc.
Ensure the engine is excellent before removing and inspecting the plug. If it's dirty, clean it using the wire brush and reinsert it using a torque wrench. It would be best if you were keen not to over-crank and strip the plug threads. It will undoubtedly compromise your connection and can damage your engine.
- Replace or clean the air filter
Experts think replacing a dirty air filter is the ideal solution. It's excellent advice since these filters are in the process of wearing down.
If the filter is damaged or rips, it can be harmful if you neglect the generator. If you decide to clean the air filter, do it with extreme caution to avoid tearing it.
Wash the filter with soapy water and gently dry it using a clean cloth. Alternatively, you can allow it to dry for 24 hours.
Conclusion
As mentioned, severally, the power generator is essential equipment. It's ideal for those living in areas that experience frequent power outages.
The generator can also offer power to your camp and other home projects. However, many people find it tricky to select the best generator for their needs.
The generators come with different price tags; therefore, one can't know which is worth the investment. The article has a list of the five best-rated generators.
