What Is The Best Inverter Generator For Home Backup?

In the USA, power outages occur once or twice a year for an average of three hours. Due to severe weather, power outages can last for days or even weeks. 

Food spoils, pipes freeze, and walls become mouldy when there is a power outage. At first, generators are the first solution that comes to mind. 

It is very important to choose the right size of generator for your needs. In the market, there are two types of generators, traditional generators and inverter generators. 

Why inverter generators: They are more expensive than traditional generators, but they produce clean power for sensitive equipment, emit fewer harmful emissions into the environment, and are quieter.  There are also cons associated with inverter generators such as upfront cost etc.

We listed the best inverter generators for home backup in case of a power outage in this article. 

Generators are selected keeping in mind essential equipment at home, such as the freezer (1200 surge, 700 operating), washing machine (1600 surge, 800 operating), LED TV (100), Air conditioner (1800,1200), sump pump(1200,800), led lights (15×6=90), fans (5×100=500), laptop(30 watt), and phone charger(30Watt). 

To run all the above devices together, we need a generator with a starting power of 5800 watts and a running power of 4250 watts.

List Of Best Inverter Generators For Home Backup — Editor’s Top Choices

Champion is a reputable company in the generator market and they produce high-quality generators. It can easily power the essential items of the home in power outages.

Our research has led us to conclude that Champion Power Equipment 100520 is the best inverter generator for home backup. 

This is an open frame gasoline powered inverter generator that delivers 8750 starting watts and 7000 running watts. 

The unit is 30% quieter and 25% quieter than a traditional 7000 watt gasoline powered generator. 

A push start option can be used to start the generator, and its cold start technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. 

This generator weighs 155.4 pounds, which is 25% lighter than its traditional counterpart. Due to its metal construction, it is very durable. 

Storage and transportation are made easy and convenient by the generator’s folding handle and non-flat tires. 

The powerful 420cc engine can power the refrigerator, air conditioner, fans, lights, and power gadgets at once. 

The unit is based on inverter technology that adjusts engine speed according to demand, which is why it is quieter than its counterpart. From 23 feet away, it produces a noise of 72 dba. 

In case a 4.2 gallon gasoline tank is filled, it can run for up to 10.5 hours at 25% load. 

There is less than 3% distortion in the current wave, which is why you can connect your sensitive electronics with confidence. 

Four 120V/20A common household outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and one 12V DC automotive style outlet are available. They are all rubber covered for safety. 

The panel has a 4-mod meter that shows current runtime, overall runtime of the unit, voltage, and current frequency. 

The economy mode of the generator saves fuel, lowers noise level, and prolongs engine life by adjusting engine speed according to power requirements. 

The generator has three light indicators, one for ready to use, one for overload, and one for low oil. 

Upon low oil, the generator shuts down to prevent damage to the unit for safety reasons. 

It complies with CARB and EPA regulations. 

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is the second best inverter generator for home backup. It can run one window air conditioner, a refrigerator, lights, and fans. 

The generator has a starting power of 6500 watts and a running power of 5000 watts. 

The generator is 30% lighter, 45% more compact, and 60% quieter than traditional generators, thanks to its noise-cancelling shells. 

With little effort, the generator can be started by pulling the recoil. 

It is lighter and more compact than its traditional counterpart. It weighs 144.5 lbs. 

The suitcase-style handle and no flat tires make its storage and transportation hassle-free. 

Similarly to other inverters, the generator can power sensitive equipment including laptops, smartphones, televisions and gaming systems. 

It is possible to run the generator for up to 14 hours on a full tank.

The economy mode reduces noise and saves oil by adjusting the speed of the engine subject to the plugged devices.

Small devices and high-end equipment can be powered by the 306cc OHV engine. 

The generator is 60% quieter than a traditional counterpart that produces 66 decibels. This frame is made up of steel and enclosed in a protective shell that reduces sound.

The generator has four 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and two 5V USB outlets with rubber covers. 

If the oil level is low, the generator is automatically shut off for safety reasons. 

Furthermore, the generator has a CO monitor that automatically stops it if the CO level gets dangerously high. 

The generator is CARB-compliant and EPA-certified.

In our honest opinion, the Champion 100519 is the third best portable inverter generator for home backup. The unit is capable of handling all the necessities of a mid-range home.

This is an open frame gasoline generator that produces 6250 peak watts and 5000 running watts. 

This generator is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than a traditional 5000 watt generator. 

The 301cc champion engine can power multiple devices or two higher power equipment simultaneously. 

At 25% load, the generator can run for 13.5 hours on 4.2 gallons of gasoline. 

The inverter technology makes the generator quieter than conventional ones. At 23 feet, it produces 69 dba. 

You can connect sensitive equipment to the generator with confidence since the generator has less than 3% THD. 

The manual recoil start method can be used to start the generator with little effort. Cold start technology ensures a quick start in cold weather. 

It weighs 122 pounds and the whole body is made of metal that makes it very durable. 

The generator can be carried anywhere without any hassle due to its foldaway handle and never flat tires. 

The generator has four 120V/20A common household outlets, one 120V/240V 30A twist lock outlet, and one 12V DC outlet for charging batteries and a USB adapter.

In economy mode, the generator adjusts the engine speed according to the attached device, saving fuel, reducing noise, and extending engine life. 

The generator is equipped with an intelligent gauge that monitors voltage production, frequency of current, and runtime. 

The generator has three light indicators: one for ready, one for overload, and one for low oil.

The generator is CARB compliant, and EPA certified.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 is the fourth best inverter generator for home backup in our list. 

Westinghouse makes quality products and is a very popular and reliable brand. It can handle the power of a mid-sized home. 

This is a gasoline powered inverter generator that delivers 4500 peak watts and 3700 rated watts. 

The generator has three start options: a manual recoil start, an electric push start, and a wireless key fob. 

The wheels never go flat, it weighs 93 pounds, and its telescopic handle is simple to use. 

This 3.4-gallon gasoline tank has a runtime of up to 18 hours, so you won’t have to go to the gas station repeatedly. 

This generator has less than three percent THD, so it can be used with sensitive electronics very confidently. 

In the event of a power outage, this 224cc OHV 4-stroke engine can light up your house. 

The generator is very quiet, as it only produces 52 DBA, which is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation. 

It has two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, and two USB outlets rated 5V 2.1A and 1A. There are also covers on all outlets. 

Efficiency mode automatically adjusts engine speed according to requirements, saving fuel up to 30% to 50% compared to traditional generators and reducing noise. 

An LED data center displays fuel level, power output, remaining runtime, voltage output, and total runtime on a rotating basis. 

There are indicators for low oil level, overload, and output ready. 

Parallel capability means that any compatible Westinghouse generator can be paired with this generator to increase the power output. 

Upon detecting low levels of oil, the generator shuts itself down to protect it from damage. 

CARB compliance and EPA certification ensure it is eco-friendly.

Pulsar is a well known brand of electrical equipment that prides itself on quality products. That is why we placed the Pulsar G450RN in fifth place as the best portable inverter generator for home backup.

It is a gasoline-powered inverter generator with 4700 peak watts and 3700 rated watts. 

Both electric and recoil start methods can be used to start the generator. The generator can also be started with a wireless remote control.

The generator weighs 108 pounds, but it has telescopic handles and never flat 5 inch tires, making transportation and storage easy.

A 224cc OHV engine can easily provide backup power to the home in case of a power outage. 

It can run for up to 15 hours at half load on a 3.4 gallon fuel tank. 

The unit has two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, one 12V/8A DC outlet, and one 5V USB outlet. 

The generator produces a very clean sine wave necessary for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones, and music players.

The generator gives off 63 dba of sound and is visually silent from a distance of 10 feet.

In the economy mode of the generator, fuel is saved, noise is reduced by reducing the engine speed as needed.

Using parallel ports on the panel, two pulsar generators can be combined to increase power if necessary.

On the panel, there are three lights. The lights indicate when the generator is ready for output, if there is more power drawn than its capability, and when the oil level is low. 

The Generator is CARB approved and EPA certified.

In terms of generators, DuroMax is one of the more recognizable brands. The unit is designed to provide small to medium-sized houses with power. 

We placed DuroMax XP4500iH in sixth position as the best portable inverter generator for home backup.

It has a peak power of 4500 watts and a running power of 3600 watts. Its peak power is 4275 watts and its running power is 3420 watts on propane.

On a 2.64 gallon tank of gasoline, the generator can run for up to 8 hours. If a 20-lpg cylinder is attached to it, it will run for 11 hours.

There are three ways to start this unit: wireless remote start, electric push start, and manual recoil. 

A telescopic suit briefcase type handle and a weight of 130 pounds make it easy to carry in a car. 

It produces clean, sive waves that can be used to run sensitive equipment without worry.

Multiple devices at home or heavy equipment can be easily run with a 223cc OHV engine. 

At 25% load, the generator produces about 65 db of sound, which is quiet. 

On the panel, there are two 120V/20A common household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, one USB-A outlet, and one USB type-c outlet. 

In order to increase power, two generators can be connected in parallel. 

A LCD display shows runtime, output voltage, and load level on the unit’s panel.

A compatible Automatic Transfer Switch can be connected to the generator’s ATS outlet.

A low oil shut off system prevents the unit from getting damaged when it senses low oil. 

Three light outputs indicate whether the unit is ready, overloaded, or low on oil. 

It is EPA-certified and CARB-compliant, making it environmentally friendly.

The Westinghouse iGen4200 is the seventh best inverter generator for home backup in case of power outages.

The generator is a gasoline-powered open frame inverter. 

The generator produces 4200 peak watts and 3500 rated watts on gasoline.

There is only one manual recoil start method on the generator.

It weighs 80 pounds and is made of metal, so it is durable. 

Since it does not have a wheel, you must lift it up with solid handles for transportation and storage.

Its 212cc OHV 4 stroke Westinghouse engine can be used to run multiple devices or heavy equipment.

You can run it for up to 18 hours with a gasoline tank that holds 2.6 gallons, which will save your gas station visits.

Three lights indicate output ready, overload, and low oil level on the generator.

The unit has two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, and two 5V/2.1A and 1A USB ports.

Efficiency mode automatically adjusts the engine speed according to the attached device, saving fuel, reducing noise levels, and prolonging engine life. 

64 dB of noise is produced by the unit. 

It produces THD less than 3%, making it ideal for sensitive equipment such as phones, laptops, and entertainment systems.

The unit has a display data center that provides the unit’s runtime, voltage output, and current frequency.

Safety features include overload protection and automatic shutdown on low oil levels. 

The unit is EPA-certified and CARB-compliant.

The Champion is one of the best brands in generator making. We placed Champion 200954 at eighth position as best inverter generator for home backup in case of sudden power outage.

It can handle the load of a small home and power multiple devices simultaneously. 

It is a gasoline-powered open frame inverter generator.

It produces 4250 starting watts and 3500 running watts, which is good for home backups.

Despite cold weather, the generator starts quickly with its manual recoil start method.

It weighs 75 pounds and is lightweight. 

As it does not have wheels, it must be lifted for transportation.

Due to its inverter technology, you can use it confidently for sensitive electronics with fluctuating current. 

The generator has a 224cc engine that can run some essential items simultaneously.

With its 2.3 gallon gasoline tank, it can run for up to 22 hours. 

In economy mode, the engine adjusts its speed automatically according to power requirements, which saves fuel and reduces noise.

The generator includes two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30 RV outlet, one 12V Dc outlet, and a dual port USB adapter that can be connected to a 12V outlet.

Parallel connectivity of two generators can increase power when they are combined.

It produces a sound level of 64db from 23 feet, which is a bit louder than normal speech.

There are three light indicators on the unit: economy mode, low oil level, and AC overload reset.

Four intelli gauge meters display sessional runtime, total runtime, voltage output, and frequency. 

Low shutoff technology prevents damage to the unit by automatically shutting it off.

The unit is EPA certified, and CARB compliant.

Wen is a leading brand of electrical equipment. The WEN 56380i is one of their best products. We placed it ninth position as the best inverter generator for home backup in case of power outage.

Small houses with a few essential items can use this device for their power needs.

WEN 56380i is an inverter gasoline generator.

It produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 watts, which makes it a good choice for home backup during a power outage.

At half load, the generator can run for up to 8.5 hours on a 2.2 gallon tank of gasoline.

Multiple devices or high-power equipment can be powered by the 212cc OHV 4 stroke engine.

Both electric and manual recoil start methods can be used for starting the generator.

The telescopic suitcase style handle and wheels kit make transportation and storage a snap. It weighs 99.2 pounds.

It has two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, two 5V USB ports, and a 12V DC outlet.

Two generators can be connected in parallel if more power is needed. 

By using the Economy mode of the generator, it automatically adjusts the speed of the engine depending on whether devices are plugged in or unplugged, preventing the use of unnecessary gasoline and providing quieter operation. 

There is a multimeter on the panel to show how much fuel is consumed, what the output is, and how long the unit runs for. 

It generates a sine wave that is clean enough for sensitive electronics such as laptops, phones, etc. 

Three lights indicate overload, low oil level, and output ready. 

In order to ensure safety, it automatically shuts off when it detects a low oil level. It also uses all the remaining fuel in the carburetor before automatically shutting off, extending its life. 

At 25% load, the unit produces less noise, about 57 db, which is equivalent to a normal conversation.

The generator is CARB-compliant and EPA-certified, so it is environmentally friendly.

The Generac is a reliable brand when it comes to generators. Here Generac GP3500iO is our last option as the best inverter generator for home backup in case of a sudden power outage.

In a small house, it’s designed to manage all the essentials due to its rush power technology.

The Generac GP3500iO is an open frame gasoline generator that is 50% quieter and 25% lighter than traditional generators. 

A power rush generator provides 50% more starting power to motor appliances that require more power to start. This allows multiple heavy equipment to be started without overloading.

It gives 3500 starting watts and 3000 running watts, which are more than enough to run several appliances at home in the event of a power outage.

A recoil manual start method can be used to start the generator.

This generator weighs 74 pounds, which is lighter, and its entire body is made of metal, so it is very durable.

It comes with a solid handle that you need to pick up with your mussel power because it does not come with wheels.

There are two 120V/20A household outlets, one 120V/30A RV outlet, and two USB ports with ratings of 5V/2.1 and 5V/1A on the panel. 

The economy mode helps reduce noise by automatically adjusting the speed of the engine according to the amount of power required.

With its parallel connectify capability, two generators can be connected in parallel if needed for some reason at home. 

There are three light indicators on the panel: low oil level warning, output ready, overload warning.

This generator produces extremely clean current, which makes it suitable for use with sensitive electronics. 

A 212cc OHV 4 stroke engine powers the generator, which can handle multiple devices simultaneously. 

With the power dial, you can easily switch between on, off, and choke positions. 

Using the 2.37 gallon gasoline tank, you can run for about 8 hours at half load, 11 hours at 25% load.

In order to ensure safety, the generator automatically shuts down when the oil levels are dangerously low. 

The unit’s runtime is indicated by an hour meter on the panel.

Its CARB compliance EPA certification ensures it is eco friendly.

Conclusion:

We outlined the 10 best inverter generators for home backup in case of a sudden power outage. Choosing an inverter generator that meets your power requirements easily is key. Our honest opinion is that Champion Power Equipment 100520 is the best inverter generator on the market. You will be able to easily manage all your home’s load needs with this generator. It can power AC, Fridge, Washer, fans, lights, and TV simultaneously. 

Faqs:

Do you need an inverter generator for home backup?

A frequently asked question is do I need an inverter generator for my house? If you want to run sensitive equipment on your generator, then it is highly recommended that you have an inverter generator in your home. Furthermore, the inverter generator emits less noise and emits less harmful emissions into the environment.

How to use an inverter generator at home?

An inverter generator can be used in the same way as a traditional generator in the home. The appliance can be directly connected to the generator through the appropriate plug. It can also be used in your main home power supply, but a proper transfer switch should be installed on the main board.

Generator vs inverter for home backup. Which is best?

Again, it depends on the specific situation. For home use, inverter generators are best if sensitive electronics or a low noise level are the main concerns. Traditional generators are also good for home backup since they are way cheaper than inverter generators.

How many hours will an inverter generator last?

A number of factors influence this, such as the power required, the fuel tank capacity of the unit. Inverter generators usually provide longer runtimes than traditional generators since they use modern technology that is fuel-efficient. 

What is a good inverter generator?

An inverter generator that meets your power needs, is easy to transport, fuel efficient, includes all the power outlets and is built well.