Best Home Backup Generator: Expert Reviews and Buying Tips
Power cuts can mess up everything—your comfort, safety, and even your food. That’s why a good home backup generator really matters. It keeps your lights on and your essentials running when the power goes out.
We’re sharing the best home backup generators and what makes them great. You’ll also learn what to check before buying one and how to choose the right size for your home. Let’s get into it!
Best Generators for Home Backup Power
Home backup generators are now smarter and more efficient than ever. They are now among supplies tips for emergency preparedness. We’ve picked five top options that stand out for their power, reliability, and what real users say about them. Let’s go through each one.
1. EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X
The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X is a smart and powerful home backup system that can handle just about anything. It gives you strong, flexible, and efficient energy control, keeping your home running even when the grid fails. With up to 12 kW of power and room to expand up to 180 kWh, this best solar generator for home backup is built for homes that want serious backup and clean energy use.
Key Features:
Delivers 12 kW split-phase AC output (LRA 178A) and can smoothly start and run a 5-ton air conditioner.
Battery capacity expands from 6 kWh to 180 kWh for long backup times.
Solar input reaches up to 10 kW, charging to 80% in just about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The Smart Home Panel 3 and Gateway offer detailed circuit control and AI-based backup planning.
Plug-and-play modular design with 5P8 quick-connect makes setup and expansion fast and simple.
Best For: Homes that want the best solar generators for home backup, full-house power, eco-friendly energy, off-grid use in cold winters, or EV charging. It’s ideal when you want something scalable for long outages.
EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X
2. Generac Guardian 24kW
A trusted standby choice for homeowners who never want to worry about blackouts. Its automatic response, natural gas supply, and strong 24kW output make it a true home powerhouse.
Key Features:
24kW output powers 2,500 sq ft homes, including 240V appliances like dryers.
Auto-starts in seconds on natural gas for unlimited fuel during storms.
Wi-Fi app monitoring, True Power™ for clean electronics, and RhinoCoat™ weatherproof enclosure.
5-year warranty with Mobile Link™ remote alerts.
Best For: Large homes needing whole-house reliability in outage-prone areas, perfect for code-compliant setups.
3. Honda EU7000iS
Quiet confidence in a compact frame. This inverter generator delivers clean, stable energy with impressive fuel efficiency, perfect for powering essentials without disrupting the peace.
Key Features:
7,000W peak/5,500W running with <3% distortion for sensitive gear.
Runs up to 18 hours on 5.1-gal tank; 52-60dB noise like a conversation.
Electronic fuel injection, CO-MINDER safety, and Bluetooth app for monitoring.
Parallel capable with wheels for easy mobility.
Best For: Partial home backup or RV camping where silence and portability matter, great for electronics without permanent wiring.
4. Champion 8,500W Dual-Fuel
The Champion 8,500W Dual-Fuel is an affordable portable option. Built for convenience and flexibility, this model gives you dependable power on either gas or propane. It is among the best household backup generators for beginners.
Key Features:
8,500W peak/6,750W running on gas or propane for 11-14 hours runtime.
Electric start, CO Shield® auto-shutoff, and Intelligauge for voltage/hours tracking.
64dB quiet operation with EZ Start Dial and Cold Start tech for winters.
CARB-compliant low emissions and 3-year warranty.
Best For: Budget-conscious users powering fridges, lights, and small AC, simple outdoor setup for short outages.
5. Westinghouse WGen9500DF
Tough, heavy, and built to work. The WGen9500DF handles long hours and high loads with ease, powering major appliances or job-site tools without breaking a sweat.
Key Features:
12,500W peak/9,500W running on gas/propane for 12-hour runtime.
Remote electric start, transfer-switch ready with 50A RV outlet.
Automatic low-oil shutdown, GFCI outlets, and built-in fuel gauge.
Heavy-duty wheels and 3-year warranty for durability.
Best For: Medium homes or job sites handling sumps/heaters in cold snaps, though noisier at 74dB, so site it away from windows.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Home Backup Generator?
Picking a home backup generator isn’t hard once you know what to look for. Think about how much power you need, what fuel it uses, how loud it is, and how easy it is to set up. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one.
Power Capacity
Calculate how many appliances you want to run at once, from refrigerators to air conditioners. A whole-home system may need 10–24 kW, while portable models can handle essentials with 5–9 kW.
Fuel Type
Natural gas standbys offer endless supply but need pro install; portables shine with dual-fuel (gas/propane) for shortages. Battery models skip fuel altogether, charging via solar or grid—eco-friendly and silent. For solar fans, explore the best solar generators for home backup to cut energy bills long-term.
Power Quality
Inverter and battery-based units, such as EcoFlow portable power stations, deliver clean sine waves for laptops and medical gear, avoiding surges that fry devices. Output ports should include 120V/240V options, USB, and RV plugs for flexibility.
Noise and Runtime
Aim for a home backup generator under 65dB to stay neighbor-friendly and comfortable indoors. Eco modes help conserve fuel and extend runtime, while smart app controls enable remote monitoring.
Safety and Reliability
Look for CO shutoff sensors to prevent poisoning risks, especially in tight-knit neighborhoods. Low-oil alerts and overload protection keep things running smoothly without damage. For Canadian homes, choose models with cold-weather tolerance, like those handling -20°C starts.
Budget and Incentives
Consider total costs—$500–$2,000 CAD for portable generators and up to $20,000 for whole-home systems. Turn to solar energy and look for local rebates to reduce expenses. For example, the Canada Greener Homes Grant loan program funds up to $40,000 interest-free for solar upgrades that extend your backup.
Tie in efficiency perks like smart thermostat rebates—up to $100 CAD off devices that pair with your generator to optimize power use.
What Size Generator Do You Need?
Choosing the right size matters a lot. Too small, and your AC might quit in the middle of a heatwave. Too big, and you’ll spend more money than you should.
You first need to list what you need to keep on. A fridge uses about 600 watts but can jump to 2,200 when starting. Lights might use around 400 watts total. A sump pump or furnace blower takes about 800 watts each. Add a little extra—around 20%—to stay safe.
Small homes (under 1,500 sq. ft.): 3,000–5,000 watts is enough for the basics during short outages. A small portable inverter works great here.
Medium homes (1,500–2,500 sq. ft.): 6,000–10,000 watts can handle your microwave, TV, and part of your heating or cooling. Dual-fuel models usually run 8–12 hours on one tank.
Large homes or whole-house use: 12,000 watts or more will power everything, including big appliances. In cold places like Canada, plan for power surges—an AC can use up to 6,000 watts when starting.
Conclusion
A reliable generator keeps your home safe, comfortable, and functional when the grid goes dark. The best home backup generator balances power, quiet operation, and fuel efficiency to match your household’s needs.
Whether you prefer a portable option or a whole-home system, investing in dependable backup power brings security through every season. For smart, sustainable energy solutions built for modern homes, explore the latest innovations from EcoFlow.
*The brands referenced in this article are provided for informational purposes only and do not indicate any partnership with EcoFlow.
FAQs
What size backup generator to run a house?
A full-house generator in the 10,000–22,000W range can power everything—HVAC systems, large appliances, and lights. It handles heavy surges from things like air conditioners or pumps with no problem.
For just the basics, 3,000–5,000W is usually enough. That covers your fridge, lights, and a few small devices during short outages.
Add up how much power your home uses, then add about 20% more for safety. As a guide, a 2,000 sq. ft. home usually needs around 8,000W for comfortable use. A quick load test from a pro helps make sure your setup runs safely and efficiently.
What is the 20/20/20 rule for generators?
The "20/20/20 rule" is a safety guideline for using portable generators during power outages:
Keep generators 20 feet away from your home, doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup inside.
Allow a 20-minute cooldown before refueling to reduce the risk of fire from fuel vapors igniting on hot engine parts.
Install a battery-operated CO alarm priced around $20 near where you sleep to detect dangerous gas levels.
Following these steps helps ensure safe operation and reduces the risk of CO poisoning, which can be fatal.
How big of a generator does it take to run a 2000 foot house?
To power a 2000 sq ft home, especially during winter or storm outages, you'll typically need a generator with a capacity between 10,000 to 15,000 watts. This range ensures you can run essential appliances such as:
Refrigerator and freezer
Furnace or electric heating
Lighting and outlets
Sump pump (if applicable)
Medical devices
For larger homes or additional needs, consider a generator in the 15,000 to 22,000-watt range.