When it comes to emergency preparedness, having a reliable generator is essential. In the event of a power outage, a quality generator can provide you with the electricity you need to keep your home running smoothly. But not all generators are created equal. For preppers, a generator that is portable, durable, and fuel-efficient is a must-have.
In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various prepper generators to identify the best ones on the market. We understand that preppers need a generator that can withstand harsh conditions, be easily transported, and run for an extended period without refueling. Our goal is to help you find the generator that best fits your needs and budget.
When looking for a prepper generator, there are several critical factors to consider. The type of fuel the generator uses, its power output, and its runtime are all important. Additionally, the weight and size of the generator can impact its portability. We took all of these factors into account when testing and reviewing the generators on our list.
After extensive research and testing, we have identified the top prepper generators available. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or simply want a reliable source of backup power, we’ve got you covered.
Top 3 Best Prepper Generators
Pulsar 7,250-Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Inverter
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
As preppers, we know that having a reliable source of power is crucial in case of emergencies. A good generator can keep your essential appliances running, charge your devices, and provide light during a power outage. With so many options on the market, we’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best prepper generators available. Our list includes generators with various power outputs, fuel types, and portability options, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
We highly recommend the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful generator for their home or outdoor activities.
Pros
- The generator produces 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts, providing enough power for most households during an emergency event.
- The Push-Button Electric Start and wireless remote key fob make starting the generator easy and effortless.
- The generator has a built-in fuel gauge, automatic low oil shutdown, and GFCI household outlets for added protection.
Cons
- The generator is heavy and moderately loud, which is typical for generators of this size.
- The generator requires minimal assembly, which may be challenging for some users.
- The generator is not suitable for use in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a powerful and easy-to-use power source that can keep your home prepared for emergency events. The generator operates for up to 11 hours on a 6.6-gallon fuel tank and features a 420cc 4-Stroke OHV Westinghouse Engine constructed for durability. The L14-30R outlet is Transfer Switch Ready, connecting straight to your home for total household power and eliminating the hassle of annoying extension cords or power strips.
The generator is easy to care for with a VFT Data Center to share real-time updates on maintenance information, ensuring long life and lasting utility. A hardened-steel frame with added roll bars, foam grip handle, and never-flat wheels lets you easily transport this generator on the go while rubber outlet covers provide added protection from the environment.
In conclusion, the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is a reliable and powerful generator that can provide enough power for most households during an emergency event. Its easy-to-use features and added protection make it a great investment for anyone looking for a generator.
Pulsar 7,250-Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with Remote Start
If you’re looking for a reliable generator that can handle your power needs during emergencies, the Pulsar 7,250-Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with Remote Start is worth considering.
Pros
- The generator is super quiet, making it ideal for use in residential areas without disturbing your neighbors.
- It’s a dual fuel generator, meaning it can run on both gasoline and propane, giving you flexibility in fuel options.
- The generator has a digital control center that displays hours, voltage, load, and frequency, making it easy to monitor its performance.
Cons
- The generator is relatively heavy, weighing 118 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- Some customers have reported issues with the generator shutting down unexpectedly, especially when running at low loads.
- The generator’s price point is relatively high compared to other models on the market.
Overall, we believe that the Pulsar 7,250-Watt Super Quiet Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with Remote Start is a solid choice for preppers looking for a reliable generator that can handle their power needs during emergencies. Its super quiet operation, dual fuel capability, and digital control center make it a convenient and efficient option. However, its weight and price point may be a drawback for some customers.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re in need of a reliable and powerful generator, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The dual-fuel feature allows you to switch between gasoline and propane, giving you flexibility and options in case of emergency situations.
- With up to 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, this generator is powerful enough to keep your home appliances and electronics running for hours.
- The intuitive control panel makes it easy to use, with clear labels and easy-to-access outlets.
Cons
- At 210 pounds, this generator is quite heavy and may be difficult to move around without assistance.
- Some users have reported that the generator is quite loud, making it difficult to use in quiet neighborhoods or campsites.
- While the generator comes with a 3-year limited warranty, some users have reported difficulty with customer service and getting replacement parts.
Overall, we highly recommend the Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful generator for emergency situations. With its dual-fuel feature, intuitive control panel, and impressive power output, this generator is a great investment for peace of mind.
MaXpeedingrods 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered
If you’re looking for a compact and lightweight generator for outdoor living and travel, the MaXpeedingrods 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered is a great option. With its versatile power supply, extended run time, and clean power, this generator is ideal for home backup power under extreme weather.
Pros
- The generator is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for outdoor living and travel.
- It can easily power a small house, RV, food truck, and more with its 3500 peak watts and 3000 running watts.
- The inverter technology produces clean pure sine wave power, providing safe, high-quality current for sensitive equipment without damaging electronics.
Cons
- The generator has a limited runtime of 8.3 hours @25% load (750w load) or 4.5 hours at 50% load (1500w load).
- It has a limited number of power outlets, featuring 1 x 120V 30 amp RV outlet, 2 x 120V 20 amp outlets, and 2 x 5V DC USB outlets.
- The generator has a limited warranty period of 2 years from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser.
We’ve used this generator on several camping trips and it has performed well. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport, and the clean power ensures that our sensitive electronics are not damaged. However, the limited runtime and number of power outlets may be a drawback for some users. Overall, we would recommend the MaXpeedingrods 3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Gas Powered for anyone in need of a compact and reliable generator for outdoor living and travel.
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful generator, the DuroMax XP12000EH is a great option. With its dual fuel technology, you can choose to run the generator on either gasoline or propane, providing you with the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
Pros
- The XP12000EH is a powerful generator, offering 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, making it capable of handling heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
- With DuroMax MX2 technology, you can get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V simultaneously or at 120 only with full power.
- The generator’s dual fuel technology allows you to protect your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 224 pounds. While it comes with a handle kit and runs on rugged and durable solid-fill tires, it may still be difficult to move around.
- While the generator’s noise reducing muffler helps to keep it quiet, it may still be loud enough to disturb neighbors or campsite companions.
- The generator’s instruction manual may lack clarity and completeness, making it difficult for some users to operate.
Overall, we highly recommend the DuroMax XP12000EH generator. Its dual fuel technology, powerful engine, and maximum power capabilities make it an excellent choice for powering your home’s essential appliances and even central A/C through any power outage, storm, or emergency event.
BILT HARD Generator 2500 Watt, Quiet Inverter Generator Portable 80cc 4 Stroke Engine, 120V AC Duplex Receptacle and 12V DC Output, Outdoor Generators for Home Backup Use and RV Ready
If you’re looking for a reliable prepper generator, the BILT HARD Generator 2500 Watt is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The pure sine wave inverter ensures less than 2.5% THD for clean and stable power.
- The generator is fuel-efficient, with a 1.37-gallon fuel tank that allows up to 13 hours of run time at 25% load.
- As low as 65 dB, the generator is quiet thanks to its double-insulated acoustic enclosure, asymmetrical cooling fans, automatic RPM control, and low tone mufflers.
Cons
- The generator is not CARB-compliant, so it may not be available in certain states.
- The parallel kit needed to connect two inverter generators is not included, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
- The generator weighs 42.8 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users.
We were impressed by the BILT HARD Generator’s performance during our testing. The pure sine wave inverter ensures stable power for sensitive electronics like LCD/plasma televisions, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices. The generator is fuel-efficient, with up to 13 hours of run time at 25% load, making it perfect for home backup use and RV ready.
The generator is also quiet, with a noise level as low as 65 dB. We appreciate the double-insulated acoustic enclosure, asymmetrical cooling fans, automatic RPM control, and low tone mufflers that contribute to the generator’s low noise level.
However, it’s worth noting that the generator is not CARB-compliant, so it may not be available in certain states. Additionally, the parallel kit needed to connect two inverter generators is not included, so you’ll need to purchase it separately. Lastly, the generator weighs 42.8 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users.
Overall, we recommend the BILT HARD Generator 2500 Watt for its reliable performance, fuel efficiency, and quiet operation.
DuroMax XP5500HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful generator that can handle all your needs during power outages or emergencies, the DuroMax XP5500HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent choice. It’s versatile, easy to use, and built to last.
Pros
- The generator delivers 5,500 watts of power, making it one of the most powerful in its class.
- The digital multimeter displays voltage, frequency, total hours run, and hours until the recommended maintenance, making it easy to keep track of the generator’s performance.
- The generator runs on gasoline or propane, giving you the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice.
Cons
- The generator is relatively heavy and bulky, which can make it difficult to transport and store.
- The generator may be noisy when running at full power, which can be a problem if you need to use it in a residential area.
- The generator may require regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
We highly recommend the DuroMax XP5500HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful generator that can handle all their needs during power outages or emergencies. It’s built to last, easy to use, and versatile enough to run on either gasoline or propane. With its powerful engine and advanced features, this generator is sure to provide you with the peace of mind you need when the power goes out.
This generator is equipped with DuroMax “CO Alert Technology” that will automatically shut down the generator if an unsafe level of carbon monoxide is detected. The fully loaded power panel includes two 120V GFCI household outlets, one 120/240V 30AMP twist-lock outlet, and a digital multimeter that displays voltage, frequency, total hours run, and hours until the recommended maintenance. The generator is built using a powerful 210cc OHV-V DuroMax engine and features ALL COPPER WINDINGS designed to make your generator last for years.
In summary, the DuroMax XP5500HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent investment for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful generator that can handle all their needs during power outages or emergencies. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or dealing with a power outage, this generator is sure to provide you with the power you need to keep your lights and household appliances running smoothly.
GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
If you’re in the market for a portable generator that is ultra-quiet, lightweight, and provides clean and safe power for all kinds of electric devices, then the GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator is worth considering.
Pros
- The GENKINS industrial class 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine provides high-power that makes the generator produce 2300 starting watts with 1900 running watts of clean and safe power for all kinds of electric devices.
- The ultra-light design of the generator makes it only 48 lbs in weight. The carriage handle can make it easy to move around everywhere.
- The generator includes one 120V NEMA 5-20R household outlet with pure sine wave electricity (less than 2% THD) and dual USB adapter. It also includes one accessory RV adapter.
Cons
- While the generator is ultra-quiet, it still produces some noise. It makes only 57dB noise in 7 meters.
- The running time of the generator is 8 hours in half load, which may not be sufficient for some users.
- The generator is relatively new in the market, and there are not many customer reviews available to assess its reliability.
We recently used the GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator during a camping trip, and we were impressed with its performance. The generator started easily, and we were able to power all our electric devices without any issues. The generator’s ultra-light design made it easy to move around, and the low noise level made it RV and camper-friendly.
The GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator has several features that make it stand out from other generators in the market. The LBSC technology automatically adjusts the engine speed according to load conditions, which results in lower noise and up to 25% fuel savings. The generator also includes a parallel function that can make you have double power output by connecting to another inverters generator with the optional parallel kit.
Overall, we would recommend the GENKINS 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator to anyone looking for a portable generator that is ultra-quiet, lightweight, and provides clean and safe power for all kinds of electric devices.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best prepper generator, there are several factors to consider. We have compiled a list of features to look for when making your purchase to ensure you are getting the best product for your needs.
Power Output
The power output of a generator is one of the most important factors to consider. You want to ensure that the generator you choose has enough power to run all of your essential appliances and electronics. Look for a generator with a wattage output that matches your needs.
Fuel Type
The fuel type of a generator is another important factor to consider. Most prepper generators run on gasoline, propane, or diesel. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Run Time
The run time of a generator is how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. Look for a generator with a long run time, especially if you anticipate needing to use it for an extended period of time.
Portability
Portability is another important factor to consider when choosing a prepper generator. Look for a generator that is easy to move and transport, especially if you anticipate needing to take it with you on the go.
Noise Level
The noise level of a generator is another important factor to consider. Look for a generator with a low noise level, especially if you anticipate needing to use it in a residential area or other noise-sensitive location.
By considering these factors when choosing a prepper generator, you can ensure that you are getting the best product for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a generator for emergency preparedness?
When selecting a generator for emergency preparedness, it is important to consider the features that will best suit your needs. Some key features to look for include fuel efficiency, portability, ease of use, and safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of low oil levels. Additionally, you may want to consider generators that are specifically designed for off-grid use or that can be used with solar panels to provide sustainable power.
How do I determine the right size generator for my home’s emergency needs?
The size of the generator you need will depend on the specific power requirements of your home during an emergency. To determine the right size generator for your needs, you should consider the wattage of the appliances and devices you will need to power, as well as any additional power needs such as heating or cooling. It is generally recommended to choose a generator with a capacity that is slightly larger than your estimated needs to ensure that you have enough power in case of unexpected surges.
What are the advantages of solar generators for disaster preparedness?
Solar generators offer a number of advantages for disaster preparedness, including their ability to provide sustainable, renewable power without the need for fuel. They are also typically quieter and require less maintenance than traditional generators. Additionally, solar generators can be used in conjunction with solar panels to provide even greater energy independence and reliability.
Which generators offer the longest runtime for extended outages?
Generators with longer runtimes are ideal for extended outages, as they can provide power for longer periods of time without the need for refueling. Some generators that offer longer runtimes include those with larger fuel tanks or those that are designed to be more fuel-efficient. Additionally, some generators may offer the ability to run on multiple fuel types, such as propane or natural gas, which can help extend their runtime.
What maintenance considerations are important for standby home generators?
Standby home generators require regular maintenance to ensure that they are ready to provide power when needed. Some important maintenance considerations include regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and battery checks. It is also important to keep the generator clean and free of debris, as well as to perform regular load tests to ensure that it is functioning properly.
How do portable generators compare to standby generators for prepper use?
Portable generators are a popular choice for preppers due to their portability and versatility. However, they typically offer less power and shorter runtimes than standby generators. Standby generators, on the other hand, are designed to provide reliable, long-term power in the event of an extended outage. Ultimately, the choice between a portable or standby generator will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
