This short review will give you a look at a few generator options that will give you the best bang for your buck, as well as offering dependability, reliability and reduced noise volume for residential use. But before we go through the basic list of recommendations let’s take a quick look at the types of home generators we will be looking at…
Generac 8000-Watt 120/240-Volt Electric Start Portable Generator Model 7676
What is a portable generator? Portable generators are actually the most commonly used generator on the market. Because they are highly portable you can move them almost anywhere. Most often you will see them being used for camping, in an RV or as a temporary unit in a home. They are also very affordable. Portable generators run on various fuels such as gas, propane and diesel and come with a 120-volt outlet, similar to the ones in your home. With a portable generator you have the option of connecting your appliances directly to the generator or to the transfer switch, allowing you to use your home power outlets instead.
What is a standby generator? A standby generator, otherwise known as a residential generator, is a little heftier in price compared to the portable generator, but they hold enough power to take care of your entire homes electrical needs. Standby generators are installed on gravel or a cement slab outside in a permanent location. Many people like to place the generator in the same area as their air conditioner. The generator can then be wired to the home’s electrical system and connected to the local utility gas line or liquid propane. One of the great advantages of standby generators is that they can automatically sense a power outage through an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). and will start and stop the generator on its own. Since standby generators connect to your home’s electrical system, you do require permits and a professional installation technician, so you should never try to hook one up yourself!
The picks- Standby Generators
The air-cooled Generac PowerPact 7.5kW Generator can run on propane or natural gas. Not only does it have an attractive rust resistant galvaneal steel enclosure but it is virtually a hands-free system. It also comes with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). This model is rugged, reliable and ultimately worries free.
Briggs and Stratton 10kW Standby Generator
This Briggs and Stratton 10kW generator model 45081 has a commercial-grade Vanguard V-Twin engine and includes a 100-Amp 16-Circuit automatic transfer switch. Similar Briggs and Stratton models have a whole-house ATS. An optional wireless monitoring system or Infohub monitoring keep you informed of generator status without leaving the house. This 10kW generator is fueled by natural gas or propane.
For those with bigger homes or just bigger power needs, the Generac 22kW 70432 Guardian Home Standby Generator is calling your name! This is a durable, strong and dependable machine built to last. It is powered by natural gas or propane and provides fast acting protection for your home.
The picks- Portable
The Generac Portable GP series GP17500E Electric start generator has a high performance alternator and low tone muffler, making it powerful and quiet. It is a very well-known and trusted brand so you know you are getting a good price, a good product and a good warranty. As a bonus it has easy-to-grip fixed handles making it easy to maneuver.
The Cummins Onan 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator with Remote Electric Start offers a good price point given its power output and numerous features. This Ultra quiet and fuel efficient portable is Travel Trailer ready with a TTR-30 outlet and can operate in parallel with another Cummins Onan Inverter Generator. One tank of fuel can last up to 18 hours at 25% load. This is a great Portable RV Generator or Camping Generator.
I hope this article review was helping in narrowing down your choices when it comes to portable and standby generators. Please remember to consider the size of your home and the wattage you will need before making your purchase.
