Today, indoor generators are the best to go for option in case of power outages. There are many types of generators, and each offers specific functions for specific needs.
The indoor generator is gaining a lot of popularity in homes. Unlike the traditional generators, which are large and petrol or gas-powered, the generator uses a rechargeable lithium battery.
It is affordable, quiet, and does not produce smoke or fumes. These characteristics make this generator fit for indoor use hence the name indoor generator.
The indoor generator is a compact and portable power source. It’s specifically designed to help you in power outages. You can also use this generator to power your outdoor activities.
So, here are the best five best indoor generators that will offer you a backup power supply in case of anything. Let’s check them up
1. Jackery Portable Power Station
2. Access 100- Watts Portable Generator
3. Goal Zero Yeti Generator
4. Rockpals 300W Portable Generator
5. Briggs and Stratton P2400
1. Jackery Portable Power Station
The Explorer 500 is an indoor generator that is great for apartments. The portable power station is compact and exceptionally durable and can also withstand outdoor conditions.
Because of its small size, you can store the generator in mobile homes and RVs. The portable power station is powerful enough to power a projector, Pellet smoker, fans, RV lights, and even a small blender despite the size.
Specifications
- Wattage: 500 watts
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Battery capacity: 518Wh
- Total power outlets: 1
Key Features
The portable power station made by Jackery features three USB ports. You can comfortably charge your cell phones and other devices that have a USB connector.
It comes with a built-in sine wave inverter. This function offers protection to your devices, such as the laptop, in case of power surges.
Another great feature is the rechargeable backup battery. You can quickly recharge the battery using a socket outlet or solar panels. The battery is also long-lasting and can charge a cell phone up to 53 charges.
The portable power station has an LCD which makes it easy to use. From the LCD, you can see the charging wattage, use wattage, and charge level.
However, this portable power station cannot support devices that need more than 500 watts. These include appliances like the heater, coffee maker, hairdryer, and microwave.
The Explorer 500 does not come with a cable adaptor or charging solar panels. But still, it’s a great backup generator for your home.
PROS
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Easily portable
Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Quiet operation
CONS
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Power output is not strong
2. Access 100- Watts Portable Generator Power Station
If you love camping, you might come across this 100-watts portable generator. The Access 100-watts portable generator can operate several appliances and is an ideal choice for camping, emergency, and weekend trips.
Specifications
- Wattage: 100 watts
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Battery capacity: 150Wh
- Total power outlets: 7
Features
The portable power generator offers 100 watts. Meaning it’s only possible to connect devices that are 100 watts and below.
If the devices exceed this wattage, it automatically switches off the AC inverter. It's one of the protective measures of the power station.
The Access portable power generator is compact with a handle and weighs 3.3 pounds. This design makes it travel-friendly. Because of its compactness and lightweight, you can carry it to the place you visit.
The several charging options are also another great thing about Access. Regardless of where you are, you can still charge the portable power generator.
You can charge the Paxcess using a solar panel which is usually sold differently. The best solar panel for this machine is the Paxcess 50W solar panel. You won't need other adapters to work with it, and it fully recharges the battery within 7-9 hours.
You can also recharge it from the 12V adapter in your car. Here it will take about 9 hours for the battery to recharge fully. The last recharge option is from the wall plug, where it takes about 8 hours.
It offers 2* 5V USB ports for charging your DSLR camera, iPad, iPhone, RC helicopter, and many more.
The power station has been built with premium components, and this makes it quite durable. It is drop-tested, study and has a fire-resistant shell that makes it resistant to the rigors of any outdoor adventures.
It also has an excellent battery management system that controls the temperature and voltage. This ensures that you and your devices have protection.
In addition to offering portable power, the power station provides you with safe, clean, and reliable energy.
PROS
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Safety measures
Lightweight
Reliable
CONS
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Cannot power large electrical appliances
3. Goal Zero Yeti
The Goal Zero Yeti is a reliable and robust generator that you can depend on. It is lightweight and has a high-capacity source of on-demand power.
This portable power station has the latest battery technology, ideal for charging cameras, tablets, phones, and more.
It's a great alternative to the gasoline generator and can run lights, small appliances, and some medical devices in case of outages.
Specification
- Wattage: 428 watts
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Voltage: 10.8
- Battery capacity: 428Wh
- Total power outlets: 7
Key Features
The Goal Zero Yeti can power up to seven devices at once. It has two 12V ports, three USB ports, and two AC outlets.
The ports have been uniquely upgraded to offer you the power you need for your phones, tablets, lights, and many more.
The rechargeable lithium battery gives silent and clean power. You can charge the battery in two ways.
The portable generator comes with a cable that allows you to recharge it from the wall outlet in only seven hours.
You can also recharge it using a solar panel which takes only 4 hours. The machine has another unique feature known as “pass-through” intelligence. It allows you to use the portable generator while it charges from the sun.
The informative LCD makes it easy to use. From the display, you will know the amount of power left.
Another feature is the output/input meter and the recharge/runtime calculator. They show long the portable generator will run. Therefore you won't have to make guesses when using it.
It has a great shelf life of up to 12-month. All you need to do is ensure it is always fully charged before storing it. This way, it will be ready for use whenever you need it.
PROS
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Informative LCD
Great shelf-life
Portable
CONS
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Doesn’t include solar panel
4. Rockpals 300W Portable Generator
The Rockpals 300W is among the best indoor generators. It is a high-capacity and silent battery-powered portable generator for traveling, emergencies, and other outdoor activities.
Specifications
- Wattage: 300 watts
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Battery capacity: 280Wh
- Total power outlets: 7
Key Features
Like other indoor generators, the Rockpals 300 W uses a lithium battery. Lithium batteries are compact, lighter, and have a larger power storage capacity.
The powerful lithium-ion batteries will offer multiple charges to your laptop and smartphone. It can also power a 32 inch TV for several hours and small appliances like the mini-fridge and lights.
It has efficient and great recharging methods. You can use the portable Rockpals 100w solar panel. However, you have to buy the panel separately.
Using the solar panel to recharge the portable battery is advantageous. It’s because the portable generator has a professional built-in MPPT technology.
The technology makes the solar to charge at a faster rate than other portable generators. It will only take 4.5 – 6.5hrs. Another recharge method is by using the wall outlet using the USB-C 30W PD input.
The carport can also recharge the Rockpals within 6-7 hours while off/on- road. The last way to recharge it is by using the AC wall outlet, and it will take 4.5-5.5 hrs.
The Rockpals weigh only 7.3 pounds and are thus lightweight. Meaning it's easy to transport. You can carry it on your camping trip and to other outdoor activities.
However, this generator is a little noisy. The cooling fan does produce a slight sound. But it's not as loud as the fuel-powered portable generators because it does not have moving parts.
PROS
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Instant, clean power
Remote choke
Fast starting
CONS
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Not very powerful
5. Briggs and Stratton P2400
The Briggs and Stratton P2400 comes last on the list of the best indoor generators. The portable generator will give you the power you need for your recreation devices and camping.
Specifications
- Wattage: 1800 watts
- Weight: 56.5 pounds
- Voltage:
- Battery capacity
- Total power outlets
Key Features
The P2400 design is lightweight and compact with twin handles. This makes it easy to store and transport. The LED lights make it easy for you to monitor the system.
It will give you alerts for overload and low oil amounts. It has another unique technology known as "CO Guard."
It detects carbon monoxide levels and shuts down the portable generator when the carbon monoxide reaches harmful levels.
It has the inverter technology that makes it safe for sensitive electronic devices. The invertor offers smoother power for your gaming system, phone, or laptop.
The noise-reducing shell reduces noise and also protects the internal components of the generator.
PROS
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Portability
Faster charging
Lightweight
CONS
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Not waterproof
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Indoor Generators
Shopping for the best indoor generators can be pretty tricky. It's because there are many different types of indoor generators.
This section is a buying guide that simplifies the information about indoor generators and will help you determine the right generator you need.
- Battery capacity
The battery capacity of the indoor generator determines its potential. If the generator has more watt-hours, it will be able to power your appliances and devices for hours.
You should note that the battery capacity of the generator has a direct correlation with its weight and price.
To know the battery capacity, you will need to calculate the average watts load of all the devices and appliances you want to power.
For example, if you want to power lights (50 watts). TV (100 watts) and fridge (150 watts), the total load will be 300 watts.
There's a way you can know the total hours that the generator can power that load. You divide the generator's battery capacity in watt-hours by the total watt load.
- Output potential
When it comes to the output potential, there are two things to consider. These are the outlet availability and capacity.
If you intend to use high-powered devices like air conditioners, then your generator should be able to withstand an endless amount of high wattage.
You will also need several USB ports or AC (wall) plugs for your devices and appliances. Always consider the size of the power inverter.
The invertors come in several different sizes. If the invertor is big, it will be able to run bigger devices and appliances.
The minimum invertor for your household should have a capacity of 500 watts. This one will be able to run the standard machines in your house.
- Charging capabilities
This is another crucial factor that you need to consider when selecting an indoor generator. There are three popular ways of charging the generator.
You can do it using a solar panel, wall outlet, or a car. You should also find out how long the portable generator takes to recharge fully.
A great portable generator should be able to recharge quickly. Most of the manufacturers do offer this information on the packaging.
Purchasing an indoor generator is an inexpensive investment. Owning an indoor generator can be great for your apartment and personal use. However, it won't give the amount of power that total electricity and an outdoor generator provide.
However, it will help reduce stress by ensuring your electronics and small appliances are powered and running during outages.
Portable generators are gaining quick popularity because of their battery storage capabilities and increasing power output.
In addition, I vouch for indoor generators that can be recharged using solar. With this type of generator, you will never worry about power.
Plus, some models do come with SOS programming and flashlights to operate during emergencies.
