When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a reliable generator can be crucial for providing backup power during power outages or other emergency situations. The best generator for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, the Westinghouse WGen7500 stands out as the optimal generator for high power needs. For medium power requirements, the XP5500EH is a reliable choice. And for basic power needs, the Generac GP2200i is an excellent option.
Quick Pick
High Power
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen7500
Medium Power
DuroMax XP5500EH
Basic Needs
Generac GP2200I Portable Inverter
1-Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen7500
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 420cc
Start Method >> Remote / Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 72 dB
Weight >> 196 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 6.6 gal
Dimension >> 27.2″ L x 26.1″ W x 26″ H
Watts>> 9500/7500
Runtime>> 11hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA
If you have a high power requirement then Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen7500 is the best generator for emergency preparedness.
Wattage: It gives 9500 surge watts and 7500 running watts.
Build: The generator has a 420cc OHV engine, weighs 196 pounds, has a steel frame, wheel kit, and foldable handles.
Runtime/Fuel: It has a 6.6 gallon gasoline tank which provides 11 hours of hour time at half load.
Outlets: It has four 120V/20A GFCI house outlets, one 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and it is a smart switch ready generator.
Start Methods: It can be started with three methods: Remote start, electric push start, and manual recoil method
Sound: It produces 72 dB of sound.
Fuel: This generator is operated on gasoline.
Meter: It has a VFT meter which shows voltage, frequency, and runtime of the unit.
Safety and Certification: It has overload protection, and low oil auto shut off technology which keeps it safe from damage. It is CARB and EPA certified.
Extra Features: It has a fuel gauge which is helpful in determining when refuelling is necessary. It has a charging port for the battery and a battery status indicator.
2-DuroMax XP5500EH
Fuel Type >> gasoline / propane
Engine Size >> 224cc
Start Method >> Electric / Recoil
Sound >> 69 dB
Weight >> 142lbs
Gasoline Tank >> 3.9 gal
Dimension >> 25″ L x 22″ W x 22″ H
Watts>> 5500/4500 (gas), 5225/4275 (propane)
Runtime>> 9hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Wheels, Foldable Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA
If you have a medium power requirement then DuroMax XP5500EH is the best generator for emergency preparedness.
Wattage: It provides 5500 surge watts and 4500 running watts on gasoline. Also, It gives 5225 surge watts and 4275 running watts on propane
Build: It has foldable handles, wheel kit, metal frame, 142 pounds weight that makes.
Runtime/Fuel: It can run up to 9 hours at half load on 3.9 gallon fuel tank
Outlets: It has two 120V/20A GFCI outlets, one 120/240V 30A Twist lock outlet.
Start Methods: Both electric and manual recoil start methods are available.
Sound: It produces 69 dB of sound .
Fuel: It is dual fuel that can be powered by either propane or gasoline.
Meter: It has an analogue voltmeter.
Safety and Certification: It has Voltage regulator, and auto shut off technology that automatically shut off on low oil level. It is CARB compliant and EPA approved.
3-Generac GP2200I Portable Inverter
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 80cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Weight >> 46 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1.2 gal
Dimension >> 19.7″ L x 11.4″ W x 17.9″ H
Watts>> 2200/1700
Runtime>> 10.75hrs @ 25% load
Transportation>> Solid Handle
Certification>> CARB, EPA
The Generac GP2200I is a portable inverter generator that is best for emergency preparedness in case you have basic power requirements such as essentials.
An 80cc OHV engine enables it to produce 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts. With a recoil start method and a start dial, the generator is easy to operate.
The engine can run for up to 10.75 hours at 25% load on a 1.2 gallon gasoline tank. It is virtually silent from a distance.
Its weight and compact design make it very portable, weighing only 46 pounds. With its carry handle, it is extremely convenient to carry wherever you go.
On the panel there are two 120V 20A common house outlets, a USB port of 5V/1.5A, and all outlets are covered. There is no meter on the panel, but there are three indicators: output ready, low oil, and overload.
Parallel kits allow two generators to be combined to generate more power. There is an economy switch on the generator, which leads to more fuel efficiency and quieter operation.
In order to protect the unit from damage, it automatically shuts down if the oil level is too low. The current produced by the unit has less than 3% THD, making it suitable for sensitive electronics.
It is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved.
Things You consider before Buying a Generator
Power Output
Determine the amount of power you’ll need during an emergency. Make a list of essential appliances and devices you would like to power, such as refrigerators, lights, communication devices, or medical equipment. Look for a generator with adequate wattage to handle your power requirements.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on various fuel types, including gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Consider the availability and accessibility of different fuels in your area, as well as their storage requirements. Propane and natural gas generators are often preferred for their cleaner emissions and longer shelf life.
Run time and fuel efficiency
Look for a generator that offers a decent run time on a full tank of fuel. Fuel efficiency is important, especially during prolonged emergencies when fuel availability might be limited. Some generators have features like an economy mode to optimize fuel consumption.
Portability
Depending on your needs, you may require a portable generator that can be easily moved or a standby generator that is permanently installed. Portable generators are versatile and can be used in multiple locations, while standby generators provide seamless automatic power during outages.
Noise
Consider the noise level of the generator, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or require a quieter environment. Inverter generators are known for their quieter operation compared to conventional generators.
Safety features
Look for generators with safety features like automatic low-oil shutdown, circuit breakers, and overload protection. These features help protect the generator and connected devices from damage.
