Best Generator For Emergency Preparedness

In situations where there is a sudden power outage, you might have thought of an alternative that would keep you out of the dark until the power is restored. Or maybe you have heavy power tools that need to be powered for site use or even a personal project. There is power-generating equipment just for emergency cases like these. They are called generators, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and specifications. With a generator, you are always prepared for power emergencies and can easily run a cord from the outside to inside your home. Let’s take a look at some of the best generators for you. 

Model	Best For	Buy Here
DuroMax XP13000HX [amazon fields="B086Z452V9" value="thumb"]	Raw power	Buy on Amazon
Duro Max DS4850EH [amazon fields="B07G3GX1XX" value="thumb"]	Flexibility (duel fuel)	Buy on Amazon
DuroMax XP12000EH [amazon fields="B01M0N8256" value="thumb"]	Best overall for emergencies	Buy on Amazon
Westinghouse WGen7500 [amazon fields="B01N80F68E" value="thumb"]	Compromise (power/ price)	Buy on Amazon
Champion 3400 [amazon fields="B01FAWMMEY" value="thumb"]	Portability	Buy on Amazon
Briggs & Stratton 030801 [amazon fields="B089NRJ9BL" value="thumb"]	Fuel economy	Buy on Amazon

DuroMax XP13000HX

[amazon box=”B086Z452V9″]

The DuroMax XP1300HX is a great portable generator for emergency preparedness equipped with a digital multimeter designed to display the voltage output, the number of hours the generator has run for, and the number of hours until maintenance services are required. It is a DuroMax brand that has a dimension of 30×29×26 inches (l×b×h) and weighs 240 pounds. It is designed to run on either gasoline or propane, depending on your choice of fuel. 

The fuel interface is positioned to face forward, switching between gasoline and propane fluid. Switching it on is such an easy exercise with the push-button start feature. It has been equipped with the ability to keep you and the ecosystem safe from carbon monoxide toxins. How? By automatically shutting off the generator if an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected in the atmosphere.

It has been built with copper windings and a 500cc OHV Duromax engine for durability and long-lasting effect. It has a power panel loaded with four 120v GFC, one household outlet, one 120v 30AMP outlet, one 120/240v 350 AMP lock outlet, and a 120/240v 50AMP outlet. This makes switch transfer relatively easy. The DuroMax XP13000HX has a starting power of 13,000 watts of power and can provide power for household uses, including lights, blenders, air conditioners, and other appliances. 

Pros

• It is highly durable.
•  User-friendly.
•  Has a minimum noise level.
•  It is portable for easy transportation.
•  It is also approved across all 50 states.

DuroStar DS4850EH

[amazon box=”B07G3GX1XX”]

This generator is power-generating equipment that produces 4850 watts with a dimension of 24×17×17 inches (l×b×h) and weighs 122 pounds. It gives a voltage of 120 volts and can power heavy appliances. You can also use it indoors to power appliances like lights, refrigerators, air conditioning, cell phones, rechargeables, and so on. 

With Durostar DS4850EH, you are presented with the choice to use either propane or gasoline. This generator can run conveniently on any of the two fuel types. It has two 10cc OHV engines, which are very powerful and do well with heavy-duty appliances. It also has two 120v household GFCI portals and one 120/240v 30A twist lock portal. It has a 12v DC charging port for charging external batteries. You can decide to run your generator on 120v and 240v simultaneously or just 120v alone.

 Pros

• It is easy to use, durable, produces minimum noise, and is worth every penny.
•  You can use it for household appliances as well as heavy-duty appliances. 
• You can also use it in recreational vehicles (RVs)
• You can choose what fuel type you prefer to use.

DuroMax XP12000EH

[amazon box=”B01M0N8256″]

This product is under the DuroMax brand designed to run on dual fuel (gasoline and propane). It runs on a DuroMax 457cc OHV engine with a starting watt of 12000 and a running watt of 9500 watts when fueled by gasoline and with a keyed electric start, putting it on a breeze.

The panel of the DuroMax XP12000EH has two 120v/20 Amp outlets, one 120v/30 Amp outlet, and also a 50 Amp heavy-duty outlet for your heavy appliances. You can maximize the power obtained from your generator from each 120v port, and you can also decide to operate the 120v and the 240v simultaneously. It comes with features such as a voltmeter, circuit breakers, oil indicator, DuroMax’s MX2 switch, which can also serve as a 120-volt amp for heavy appliances.

It has a starting power of 11,400 watts and a running power of 9025 when it is running on propane. Propane helps it last longer and allows you to cut costs. It is made of 100% copper windings for durability.

 Pros

• Has a noise muffler that keeps the noise it makes at a minimum.
• It features handles and solid tires for easy transportation.
• It is user-friendly. 
• It is durable and lasts longer with proper maintenance.
• It has a 30-day warranty for replacements and a year’s warranty for parts.

Cons

• Cost of shipping and freight charges are the buyer’s responsibilities. 

Westinghouse WGen7500

[amazon box=”B01N80F68E”]

It has 7500 running watts and peak watts of 9500 and is powered by a 420cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHv engine. Its panel can accommodate a 5-20R 120v household duplex port and an L14-30R 120/240v twist lock port with a rubber covering for all ports providing safe operating space for the user and protection for the user ports.

The Westinghouse WGen7500 has a fuel tank with a 6.6-gallon capacity and, once filled, can allow the generator to run for 11 hours. Take note that the Westinghouse WGen7500 generators have been tested in the factory, and so they may come with a little left-over oil and may smell of oil or fuel. It has a low-oil shutdown mechanism and a CARB sensor that automatically shuts down the generator if a high level of carbon monoxide is detected. It has features like a fuel gauge, a digital hour reader, a 12v battery charger, and a key fob with an electric and recoil start.

With a key fob, you can start and stop your generator with just a push of a button at a distance of up to 260 feet away from your generator. It also comes with a user’s manual, oil funnel, and tool kit.

Pros

• Easily assembled
• Comes with a 3-year warranty coverage
• It is durable
• It is portable.

Cons

• Noisy

Champion 3400-Watt Dual fuel

[amazon box=”B01FAWMMEY”]

The champion 3400-watt dual fuel, as the name indicates, can run on either propane or gasoline with starting watts of 3400 and running watts of 3100 for gasoline. It can run for about 7.5 hours on gas and 14.5 hours on propane. It generates clean power, so you can also charge your sensitive appliances with it. 

It comes with a 120v 30A RV, two 120v 20A household outlets, and a 12v DC outlet with a dual USB adapter. It also has a low oil shutoff sensor and produces a noise level of 59 dBA, making very little noise.

Pros

• Portable
• Light 
• No need for assembling
• Easy to handle
• Minimum noise level
• 3-year limited warranty and free tech support.
• Dual fuel choices
• Starts without a fuss in the cold weather.

Cons

• It might not have enough oomph to power everything at once.

Briggs & Stratton 030801

[amazon box=”B089NRJ9BL”]

The Briggs & Stratton 030801 is an inverter technology that produces clean power, making it safe to power your sensitive appliances. The engine speed is automatically adjusted depending on the load on it. It is quiet, with an operating volume of 58dBA. It is run on a SAE30 4-stroke engine using up to 0.5 liters of oil.

On its panel are two 230v household sockets, one 12v DC charging outlet, and two 5v USB ports for powering household equipment. It has a CO sensor, making it eco-friendly. A full tank of 3.8 liters can run for up to 8 hours on a 25% load, and you can use it for camping, Rv, emergency power substitute, etc.

Pros

• Doesn’t need batteries
• Low noise
• Light to carry
• Clean power
• Portable.

Cons

• Somewhat anemic compared to the rest

What To Look For In A Portable Generator

When purchasing a portable generator, there are certain things you need to look out for. Things like;

• The size of the fuel tank. You would not want to keep feeding your generator fuel every 2 hours due to a very small fuel tank.
• Fuel type:
  • What type of fuel does it use? 
  • Is it gasoline, diesel, propane, or solar? 
  • Is it cost-effective? 
  • Can you afford it? 
  • Does it have dual fuel options?
• Start mechanism. Do you prefer an electric start or a recoil start? Or even a key fob with both electric and recoil starts
• CO sensor. Does it have a CO sensor that makes it eco-friendly if it runs on gas or diesel?
• Handlebars and wheels for easy transportation.
• Wattage. How much power do you need it for, and how much of that can it give to you? 
• Running hours. It should run for a minimum of 10 hours at a stretch.

Types Of Generators

You’re probably puzzled about what types of generators to get. You would agree that a generator sure helps beat the odds of being stranded during a blackout, unprecedented disaster, or an emergency.

However, just as the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks.” Although our subject is more mechanical than human, it isn’t bereft of its application. There are different types of generators to choose from for every situation, use, and preference, depending on what you need.

•  Inverter generators.
• Dual-fuel generators.
• Portable generators.
• Diesel generators.
• Open frame.
•  Hybrid.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators operate by generating AC power, converting it via a rectifier to DC power, and then inverting it back to AC power to provide a long-lasting and stable current to appliances or equipment; however, the case may be.  

Although inverter generators vary, an average number of their types are built with a safety switch to cut off carbon-monoxide emissions. This cut-out happens when it is measured to reach dangerous levels in the atmosphere.  

Another reason you should consider this a first choice would be the design of fluctuating its power output based on the amount of power required, instead of running full throttle like other conventional generators. Moreover, if you are looking for the quietest generator for emergency preparedness, an invertor might be your best option.

An inverter generator comes in three sizes:

Large Size

It weighs 250 pounds and generates a total of 5000 watts. It is built with a wheel as its size doesn’t permit you to lug it around easily. It’s an excellent generator to settle for large-scale output.

 Mid Sized

This one weighs about 80 pounds and generates approximately 2,500 to 4,500 watts. It’s not as heavy as the large-sized inverter generator, so moving it about might not pose much of a challenge. It also gives off low carbon monoxide emissions and runs quietly.

Recreational Sze

The smallest of them all, weighing 50 to 60 pounds and generating power of about 2000 watts. If you love to go camping or fancy a small carry-along powerhouse, this is a good choice. However, if you are concerned about global warming, this is a poor choice as it emits a lot of carbon monoxide.  

A fact you should be acquainted with is that it could very well drill a hole in your pocket or cause your purse to lose weight. However, with those specs, it is worth it.  

Dual-Fuel Generators

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to purchase certain fuels but realize that the station is a great way off?

You may have trouble storing large drums of diesel due to space or other issues. You should also ensure that you know when they are running low on gas so they don’t break.

Worse, having to deal with complications to health and environment, complaints from neighbors and probable authorities because of carbon monoxide emissions?

Well, allow me to inform you that Dual fuel generators help solve 80percent of those problems stated.

As its name implies, a dual-fuel generator is designed to generate power sourced from multiple fuel sources. It runs on two forms of fuel, and a popular combination is gasoline and propane.  

It has a lot of advantages over single-fuel generator sets. One of them is the obvious one; it can run on both gasoline or propane, depending on the one available in your area.

It either uses a combination of both fuels or switches between one or the other interchangeably. Switching between both fuel sources is as easy as turning a knob, making it easy to operate to an extent.

Having a dual-fuel generator set is exciting enough, and it offers many advantages over traditional generators. Here are a few:

Pros

Long Run Time

 It’s only natural that it would be able to run long hours at a stretch. Its interchangeable fuel feature makes this possible. Switch to the other without stress when you’re out of one fuel source.

Economical

 It is more economical fuel-wise. It runs on gasoline and propane. While gasoline might prove challenging to purchase and store, propane is cheaper.

Environment Friendly

It runs on diesel or propane and biodiesel, and natural gas. Unlike its competitors that use diesel and leave a mess of carbon monoxide behind, it doesn’t. Using propane and natural gas eliminates the life-threatening and environment-polluting fumes.

Cons

Like everything there is, it also has its cons. It isn’t perfect and has a side worth being informed about should you choose this gen set in the future.  

Maintenance

Keeping a close watch on the generator set and maintaining it constantly is required due to its fuel mixture or interchangeable features. Mismanagement of the generator set could prove disastrous. 

Cost

The cost of these generators is higher than that of single-fuel generators. Consider your budget before purchasing a dual-fuel generator set.  

Not Suitable For Low Power

Due to its nature, it generates a large power output. This automatically restricts you from utilizing it for low power outputs.

 Complex

Its complexity comes into play when mixing the fuels. There is a needed amount of both fuel sources. Adding too much or too little could give the same result as a failed rocket launch. Just saying.

Portable Generators

Do you need a generator to run your DIY projects, power up your phones when camping, or your RV? The manufacturers of the portable generator sets had you in mind.

A portable inverter generator has been built to an accessible carry-on state. Eliminating the discomfort of carrying heavier generators.  

The portable generator is cute and all, but it is known for emitting high levels of carbon monoxide gas. The gas is colorless and odorless, and very poisonous to humans.

If you choose to get this generator set, refrain from placing it in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is said to kill about a 60percent of generator users yearly.  

Pros

• Easy to move about.
• Its size allows for fuel conservation.

Cons

• It releases a dangerous level of carbon monoxide.

Diesel Generators

So far, overviews of generators that operate on a small to medium scale have been given. You’re probably searching for generators that can pack a punch. Well, you’re in the right section.  

Diesel generators combine diesel engines and electric generators to provide electrical energy. Its size also depends on its capacity.  

It is imperative to note its sizing to avoid a low load or a power shortage. 

It ranges from sets that generate 8 to 30 kilowatts (for homes, small shops, and offices) to industrial generators. Industrial generators have a generating range of 8 to 2000 kilowatts (3 phases).  

Like all other generators, diesel generators act as a primary function of emergency generators and have a secondary role. It functions secondarily by generating power for large land vehicles like railroad locomotives. It also acts as an auxiliary power source for ships.

If you happen to have a warehouse full of heavy-duty machinery, the diesel generator is a good choice. However, you’ll have to deal with the storage problem that comes with drums of diesel you’ll need to store.  

Open Frame Generators

Have you had a problem with the maintenance of generators in the past? Perhaps, in areas of air circulation and all? Then you should know about Open frame generators.

Open frame generators provide optimal access for maintenance of hidden parts in other generators. Its features differ majorly in its appearance. It has a part cut-out for the radiator to allow it to blow hot air out directly.  

Its sizes range between 4 to 10 kilowatts and 10 to 20 kilowatts. It’s a lightweight generator set that can be used comfortably at construction sites. Providing workers with reduced noise and an effective generator set. It is also designed to manage space.

Open frame generators are all well and good, but their use during cold periods call for extra vigilance.  

Hybrid Generators

Like all things, hybrid generators have a knack for merging two or more technologies or modes of generating electricity. It is designed to do so smoothly in a bid to the produced power needed.  

Hybrid generators combine fuel from conventional generators with a renewable source from an external point. Its result is a highly efficient energy system.  

It has a couple of advantages:

• It is friendly to the environment.
•  It makes very little noise.
• Its fuel consumption will leave you with spare change in your pocket!
• It is designed to detect a power outage and immediately assist, facilitating an uninterrupted power supply.
•  It is portable. It is made to be compact and easily movable.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of generators do I need for an emergency?

Every once in a while, we cannot avoid the inevitability of emergencies in the form of power outages. This makes us rely on generators as a backup source. There are many kinds of generators to choose from, but the XP13000HX Dual fuel portable generator is a great choice. Not only is it dual fuel, but it is also portable. Making it a reliable power source in times of emergencies.

What kind of generators does FEMA use?

FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency. Naturally, they collaborate with citizens to protect against, respond to and handle disasters. Blackouts are a regular occurrence during disasters. It is only natural for FEMA to use emergency power generators in such a situation since it is the most appropriate for what they do. According to the FEMA website, they use 10GE-00-GENR – Generators.

What is a good generator for power outages? 

A good generator for power outages is the hybrid generator. It is designed to detect power outages and automatically come on when it happens. When you purchase a generator for emergency use, just ensure that you pick the best time to buy one as the prices can vary wildly.

How many watts do I need for an emergency generator?

The watts needed for an emergency generator are 6000 to 8000 watts. This range of watts covers the majority of household appliances. At least the necessary ones needed to stay comfortable until power is restored.

How big of a generator do I need for a 3000 sq. Ft. house?

The generator needed for 3000 sq. Ft house should have a large running wattage of about 6000 running watts with about 8000 starting watts. It isn’t the size of the generator but the amount of power it gives out.

What is a good-sized generator for an emergency?

Simply, a home standby generator can generate a power of 20000 watts off natural gas or propane. This wattage would suffice to carry home appliances for a long time. Especially since power sometimes takes days to be restored.

What to power with a generator in an emergency?

Emergency situations are not the time to indulge in luxury like attempting to power your coffee maker. Therefore, it is crucial to power only those critical appliances to survive the impending disaster.

Will a 4000-watt generator run central air? 

The answer is no. Most emergency generators can run household appliances, but not all of them simultaneously. A 5000 watt generator cannot do that, much less a 4000-watt generator.

Are inverter generators better than other power generators?

It depends on your objective. An inverter generator consumes less fuel and causes less noise than other generator types. On the other hand, power generators trump inverter generators in terms of power output.

What are running watts and starting watts in a generator? 

Starting watts are the surges needed to power up the generator to get it running. The running watts are the watts that are measured when the generator runs over a long period. All equipment has a starting watt and a running watt. It is essential to note your generator’s running and starting watts before purchase. Neglecting to do so could cause your generator to run at its peak, which will end up burning it out, cutting short its lifespan.

What is the best backup generator for disaster preparedness? 

Portable generators are the best generators to have on hand during a disaster. Should a natural disaster force you to leave your home, it’s easy to move about. Whether you use it at home or on a campsite, it comes in handy, regardless of its size.