Generators are essential for powering our homes and businesses during power outages or when off the grid. However, with so many options available, choosing the best generator for your needs can be a daunting task. In this article, we will be discussing the best generator for the money.
When it comes to generators, there are two primary types: portable and standby. Portable generators are ideal for powering small appliances and electronics, making them a popular choice for camping and outdoor activities. Standby generators, on the other hand, are designed to power your entire home or business and are generally more expensive.
When looking for the best generator for the money, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, you need to determine the amount of power you need. This will depend on the size of your home or business and the appliances you want to power. Secondly, you need to consider the fuel type. Generators can run on gasoline, propane, or diesel, and each has its pros and cons. Finally, you need to think about the noise level, runtime, and overall durability of the generator.
After extensive research and testing, we have identified the top generator for the money. Our pick offers excellent value for its price, providing ample power, fuel efficiency, and durability. In the following sections, we will discuss its features, pros, and cons in detail.
Top 3 Best Generators for the Money
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
We understand the importance of having a reliable generator, especially during power outages or when you’re camping in the great outdoors. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best generators for the money. Our team has extensively researched and tested various generators to ensure that we provide you with the most reliable and cost-effective options. Whether you’re looking for a portable generator or a standby option for your home, our list has got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable generator that can power your entire home during a power outage, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great choice. With a peak wattage of 12,500 and a running wattage of 9,500, this generator can handle all your essential appliances and electronics.
Pros
- The dual fuel capability allows you to use either gasoline or propane, giving you more flexibility and options.
- The remote start key fob makes starting the generator effortless and convenient.
- The intuitive control panel makes it easy to hook up all your appliances with a single cord.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 210 pounds, so it may be difficult to move around.
- The noise level is relatively high at 74 dB, so it may not be suitable for use in quiet residential areas.
- The generator requires some assembly, so it may take some time and effort to get it up and running.
We were impressed with the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator’s performance and features. During a recent power outage, it kept our home running smoothly for over 12 hours on a single tank of gas. The VFT data center was particularly useful for keeping track of the generator’s performance and maintenance needs.
Overall, we highly recommend the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful backup power source.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
If you’re looking for a portable power station for your outdoor activities or emergency preparedness, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option.
Pros
- The power station is equipped with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack that can deliver stable and safe 300W power through its 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets.
- It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapter when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
- The power station can recharge itself and charge up to 6 devices at the same time with its 2 AC outlets, 1 PD 60W USB-C port, 1 fast charge 3.0 port, 1 USB-A port, and 1 DC car port.
Cons
- The power station weighs 7.1 pounds, which may not be as lightweight as some other portable power stations on the market.
- The solar panel is not included with the power station but can be purchased separately.
- The power station may not be powerful enough for heavy-duty appliances such as refrigerators or power tools.
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a reliable and convenient power source for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency situations. With its safe and steady power supply and various charging options, it can keep your devices charged and ready to go. However, it may not be the best option if you need to power heavy-duty appliances or if you’re looking for the lightest option available.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a portable power station that can deliver stable and safe power to your devices, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is definitely worth considering.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
If you’re in need of a reliable and powerful portable power station, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With 1002Wh of capacity and 8 outlets, this power station can power up to 90% of your home appliances, making it perfect for outdoor activities and home backup power needs.
- The Explorer 1000 can be fully charged with 2 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels (sold separately) within 6 hours or only 5.5 hours via AC wall outlet charging.
- The pure sine wave inverter delivers constant voltage that protects equipment from damage, and the power station features industry-leading cylindrical batteries that meet UL safety standards.
Cons
- The Jackery Explorer 1000 is quite heavy, weighing in at 22 pounds, which may not be ideal for those who need a lightweight option.
- The recharge time can be slow, which may be an issue for those who need a quick recharge.
- The solar panels needed to fully charge the power station are sold separately, which may be an additional expense for some users.
Overall, we highly recommend the Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station for those in need of a reliable and powerful portable power source. Its impressive capacity and range of outlets make it a versatile option for outdoor activities and home backup power needs.
In our experience, the power station is easy to use and set up, with an ergonomic handle for easy grip. We also appreciate the UL safety certification and impact-resistance class 9 rating, which give us peace of mind when using it outdoors.
If you’re in the market for a portable power station, be sure to check out the Jackery Explorer 1000.
EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) 2016Wh with 160W Solar Panel
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Endless Solar Power: The EcoFlow DELTA Max(2000) MPPT Controller guarantees full recharge with 160W solar panels with zero pollution emission. Use it as a solar powered generator for your home by powering appliances and tools on renewable energy.
- Power Pretty Much Anything: With 2400W output, you can power up to 15 devices at once. Power 3400W appliances with X-Boost on. That means during a power outage or blackout, you can continue to power your fridge, dryer, and more. That’s the industry gold standard for a portable power station of this size and capacity.
- Waterproof & Durable: The EcoFlow 160W solar panel is waterproof to endure all weather conditions, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, climbing, hiking. You can submerge the panel in water for up to 30 minutes with no detrimental effect to the product.
Cons
- Heavy: The power box is heavy enough that it either takes two people to carry it comfortably or a small hand-truck.
- Expensive: The EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is a bit pricey compared to other portable power stations on the market.
- Separate Shipping: DELTA Max and 160W Portable Solar Panel will be shipped separately.
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In our experience, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is a reliable and durable portable power station that can power pretty much anything. It’s great for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and climbing.
The endless solar power feature is a huge plus, allowing you to recharge the power station with 160W solar panels with zero pollution emission. It’s also waterproof and can endure all weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
However, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is a bit heavy and expensive compared to other portable power stations on the market. Additionally, the DELTA Max and 160W Portable Solar Panel will be shipped separately.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station that can power pretty much anything, the EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) is definitely worth considering.
EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station that can be used for home backup power, camping, or off-grid living, then the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 is worth considering.
Pros
- Quick charging time: The DELTA 2 can be charged from 0-80% in just 50 minutes and 0-100% in 80 minutes with AC input. This is ideal when you need a quick charge using your wall outlet.
- Expandable capacity: With the standalone portable power station sporting 1kWh, you can add on extra batteries to reach up to 3kWh. This feature is ideal for camping, RVs, or off-grid living.
- Powerful output: With 1800W output, the DELTA 2 can power almost anything, including your home appliances. It has 15 outlets and its huge output can power 90% of your appliances.
Cons
- Heavy weight: At 27 pounds, the DELTA 2 is not the lightest portable power station on the market.
- Expensive: The DELTA 2 is not the most affordable portable power station, but its features and performance justify the price tag.
- Solar panel not included: To use the DELTA 2 as a solar generator, you need to purchase the solar panel separately.
We recently used the DELTA 2 during a power outage and it performed exceptionally well. We were able to power our essential home appliances with 1800W AC output by directly connecting the DELTA 2 with our home’s power inlet box with a generator cord for partial home backup. Its plug-and-play design made it easy to prepare for blackouts.
One of the standout features of the DELTA 2 is its expandable capacity. We were able to add an extra battery to increase its capacity to 2kWh, which provided us with even more power during the power outage.
Another great feature is the clean, green charging. With up to 500W of solar panel input, the DELTA 2 is a solar generator that can be charged while camping, on an RV trip, or off-grid. Its LFP (LiFePO4) battery chemistry makes for a portable power station with a 3000+ cycle life, enough for years on end of use.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a reliable and powerful portable power station with quick charging time, expandable capacity, and clean, green charging, then the EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 2 is worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best generator for your needs, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some features you should look for to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money:
Power Output
The first thing to consider is the power output of the generator. This will determine what appliances and devices you can power with the generator. Be sure to choose a generator with enough wattage to meet your needs. You can calculate your power needs by adding up the wattage of all the appliances and devices you plan to power.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Each fuel type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs. Gasoline is the most common fuel type and is widely available, but it can be expensive and has a short shelf life. Propane is cleaner burning and has a longer shelf life, but it may not be as readily available. Diesel is the most efficient and longest-lasting fuel type, but it can be expensive.
Portability
If you plan to use your generator on the go, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for a generator that is lightweight and easy to move around. Some generators come with wheels and handles for easy transport.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, so if you plan to use your generator in a residential area, noise level is an important consideration. Look for a generator with a low decibel rating to minimize noise pollution.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when choosing a generator. While you don’t want to sacrifice quality for price, you also don’t want to overspend on features you don’t need. Look for a generator that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best generator for your needs and get the most value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best generators for the money?
When it comes to finding the best generator for the money, there are a few factors to consider. Some of the most important factors include the generator’s power output, fuel efficiency, noise level, and overall build quality. Some of the top brands to consider include Honda, Champion, and Generac.
Who makes the most dependable generator?
The most dependable generator brands are those that have a reputation for producing high-quality generators that are built to last. Some of the top brands in this category include Honda, Generac, and Briggs & Stratton.
How big of a generator do I need for a 2000 sq ft house?
The size of the generator you need for a 2000 sq ft house will depend on your power needs. Generally, a generator with a power output of at least 5000 watts should be sufficient to power most of the appliances in a house of this size.
How big of a generator do I need to run a whole house?
To run a whole house, you will need a generator with a power output of at least 10,000 watts. This will allow you to power all of the appliances in your home, including your HVAC system.
What is the best portable generator for camping?
When it comes to finding the best portable generator for camping, you will want to look for a generator that is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport. Some of the top brands to consider include Honda, Yamaha, and Champion.
What are the top-rated portable generators for home use?
The top-rated portable generators for home use are those that are easy to use, reliable, and powerful enough to meet your needs. Some of the top brands in this category include Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Westinghouse.
