Where to purchase generators

And, unlike many generators, it will also shut off if it detects unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. For something a bit more portable, consider this generator from Honda, which offers 1, watts of running power and 2, watts of starting power.

Just put the generator outside, plug an extension cord into one of its three-prong outlets, and run the cord inside to your equipment. Those are just a few selections — you can find options from the same brands in lower or higher wattages, if you need, with prices that'll match.

While Buckley notes most of these are pretty user-friendly, he stresses the significance of proper safety precautions. Home standby generators, like this Generac model, are designed to be a more semi-permanent installation. Finally, if all that seems too involved and you just want something that can keep your laptop powered while you travel, a portable power station is much lower maintenance — albeit less versatile.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Lifehacker and How-To Geek. IE 11 is not supported. But for the most uninterrupted level of power, some whole home generators offer up to 48, watts. Unlike portable generators which require you to manually initiate the power transfer, home standby generators equipped with automatic start and connected to a professionally installed transfer switch can make the transition happen seamlessly and without assistance from the homeowner.

If you experience frequent or prolonged power outages, a whole home generator is the most practical option. It will minimize or eliminate downtime and offers the longest run times. When professionally installed, a home generator also eliminates concerns over exhaust fumes and is safe from the elements inside its year-round housing.

For all these conveniences, though, you can expect to make a considerable investment. While you may not be using your generator on a regular basis, you want to know that you can fire it up on any given day and it will be ready for use. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile.

Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The 7 Best Home Generators of Keep the power on when the electricity goes out. By Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process.

Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Enough power for comfort and convenience, this home generator covers up to 16 circuits and can be monitored via Wi-Fi.

Best Budget:. With a amp transfer switch and coverage for 8 circuits, this affordable model keeps essential items up and running. Best Quiet:. Best for Small Homes:. Its small footprint also makes it easier to install the generator closer to the home in narrow yards. Best Air-Cooled:. Best Single-Phase:. Versatile, adaptable, and easy to use, this single-phase generator is suitable for most residential operations and built to last.

Best Liquid-Cooled :. Keep your generator from overheating with a coolant system that protects it from the effects of a heavy load and hot climates. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. Why Trust The Spruce. What to Look for. Standout Features. View On Lowe's. The 7 Best Portable Generators. The 21 Best Emergency Kit Essentials of View On Northerntool.

The 5 Best Gas Cans. Final Verdict If you're looking for a well-equipped generator for your most commonly used appliances and conveniences, the 10 kW Generac Guardian Home Generator view at Lowe's is a good choice. Article Sources. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.

Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Continue to 5 of 7 below. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for TheSpruce. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

Stabilizer must be added to your fuel for prolonged storage. These models can quickly produce deadly levels of carbon monoxide. The battery required for electric start, however, might not be included. They have more sophisticated exhaust systems, which also help tamp down noise.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, many new generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space; some also have engines that emit less CO in the first place. Recent test data from CR shows that this safety feature is likely to save lives. Consumer Reports recommends a portable generator only if it passes our newly expanded CO safety technology test. Even if your generator has this potentially lifesaving feature, we still advise consumers to follow our longstanding safety guidelines: Always operate a generator a minimum of 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from any windows, doors, air conditioners, and other structures.

Consider these options to make sure you get the best generator for your needs. More brands than ever offer models with this technology, including heavyweights such as Generac, Honda, and Ryobi. In fact, we have over a dozen generators in our ratings with a CO safety shutoff. Low-CO Engine An additional safety feature that brands such as Ryobi and Echo are using to guard against risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Automatic Start When the power goes off, the generator goes on—without you lifting a finger. Electric Start Several portable models offer this push-button alternative to the hassle of pull-starting the engine. Stationary models have automatic starting. Alternative Fuel Capacity Most portable models run only on gasoline, though some come equipped to run on a propane tank or natural-gas line and others can be converted with kits.

Fuel Gauge Especially during long blackouts, you may appreciate the ability to see at a glance how much fuel remains in your portable generator. Low-Oil Shutoff If oil falls below minimum levels, the generator shuts down to prevent engine damage.

See the next section on transfer switches. Removable Console This connects to the generator so that you can plug in appliances without running potentially risky extension cords outdoors. The short answer: It safely connects a home standby or portable generator to your circuit panel via one cable.

And a transfer switch is infinitely more convenient. With a transfer switch, you can power entire circuits in your home with no extension cords. With a stationary model, the transfer switch turns on automatically.

Be sure to have your electrician walk you through the procedure. One tip that will make prioritizing easier is to determine which outlets and appliances are controlled by each circuit breaker in your panel, and label them accordingly. That way, you can make sure the electrician connects the circuits for all your essentials. Want to save money? We respect your privacy. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me.