Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Whole-Home Backup Power: Generators & Power Stations
10
items Standby, portable, and battery backup for keeping the fridge, furnace, and well running, from someone who runs a Generac 25kW at home. Honest pros and cons from real owners.
Sections
4
Standby Generators
Portable & Dual-Fuel Generators
Whole-Home Batteries
Solar & Recharging
Standby Generators
Power is ALWAYS ON at my house!! I used the prior model of this generator at my previous house for 17 years. When I built new, I installed this one with a transfer switch. Now…Instant and automatic power, seconds after a blackout. This model is sized...
Why it's here: Automatic whole-home standby
What reviewers like: Liquid-cooled, automatic, whole-home capacity
Common complaints: Alternator/engine failures, oil leaks, slow warranty service (OffGrid Compare, r/Generator); 2024 class action filed (status unverified)
Best for: Whole-home backup with a dealer maintenance plan
Why it's here: Automatic whole-home standby
What reviewers like: Liquid-cooled, automatic, whole-home capacity
Common complaints: Alternator/engine failures, oil leaks, slow warranty service (OffGrid Compare, r/Generator); 2024 class action filed (status unverified)
Best for: Whole-home backup with a dealer maintenance plan
Generac Protector 25kW Standby Generator
Portable & Dual-Fuel Generators
Call me crazy. I HAVE THIS in my garage as rescue power for my family members / neighbors and as a back-up for my whole home Generac. This is truly a well built Generator. It is super easy to use and bullet proof reliable. Get this if you would like ...
Westinghouse 28000W Peak Home Backup Generator
Why it's here: Big dual-fuel portable
What reviewers like: 4.5 stars from 470 Walmart ratings; owners run central AC
Common complaints: 246 lb; GFCI outlets trip with some loads (Power Equipment Forum); flimsy cover
Best for: Whole-house via an interlock; a Champion 4500 is enough for essentials
What reviewers like: 4.5 stars from 470 Walmart ratings; owners run central AC
Common complaints: 246 lb; GFCI outlets trip with some loads (Power Equipment Forum); flimsy cover
Best for: Whole-house via an interlock; a Champion 4500 is enough for essentials
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Generator
Why it's here: Value dual-fuel inverter
What reviewers like: 3,500W running, propane option, electric start
Common complaints: 105 lb; louder (about 61 dBA)
Best for: Most homes on a budget
What reviewers like: 3,500W running, propane option, electric start
Common complaints: 105 lb; louder (about 61 dBA)
Best for: Most homes on a budget
Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter (100889)
Why it's here: Benchmark small inverter
What reviewers like: Reliability, quiet 48-57 dBA, 47 lb
Common complaints: Gas-only; only 1,800W running; check recall status (Consumer Reports)
Best for: Fridge/furnace backup; Champion is cheaper for more watts
What reviewers like: Reliability, quiet 48-57 dBA, 47 lb
Common complaints: Gas-only; only 1,800W running; check recall status (Consumer Reports)
Best for: Fridge/furnace backup; Champion is cheaper for more watts
Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
In my humble opinion… EVERYONE needs BUG OUT power. ERAYAK make great Generators. The 4500 puts out 3500 Watts continuous running power. It is SUPER quiet and for the power output, it feels very light. (50lbs+/-) If you don't have the budget for a wh...
Why it's here: Budget inverter
What reviewers like: Price
Common complaints: Trouble starting RV AC; overload faults; slow support (iRV2)
Best for: Light loads; verify surge needs
Why it's here: Budget inverter
What reviewers like: Price
Common complaints: Trouble starting RV AC; overload faults; slow support (iRV2)
Best for: Light loads; verify surge needs
Erayak 4500W Inverter Generator
Whole-Home Batteries
Why it's here: Whole-home battery
What reviewers like: Very fast charging; quiet; 10ms UPS (Energy Savvy Homes, Solar Waypoint)
Common complaints: About $2,799; some firmware/warranty complaints (StationArena)
Best for: First whole-home battery
What reviewers like: Very fast charging; quiet; 10ms UPS (Energy Savvy Homes, Solar Waypoint)
Common complaints: About $2,799; some firmware/warranty complaints (StationArena)
Best for: First whole-home battery
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3
Why it's here: Highest-output battery
What reviewers like: 6,000W, 120/240V, expandable (TheSolarLab)
Common complaints: 60V solar input limits; no pass-through; noise (Solar Waypoint)
Best for: Heavy loads, rooftop solar owners
What reviewers like: 6,000W, 120/240V, expandable (TheSolarLab)
Common complaints: 60V solar input limits; no pass-through; noise (Solar Waypoint)
Best for: Heavy loads, rooftop solar owners
Anker SOLIX F3800
Solar & Recharging
Why it's here: Recharge without fuel
What reviewers like: 300-380W real output in good sun (WalkingSolar)
Common complaints: About 35 lb; stand sags; not for permanent mounting
Best for: DELTA owners
What reviewers like: 300-380W real output in good sun (WalkingSolar)
Common complaints: About 35 lb; stand sags; not for permanent mounting
Best for: DELTA owners
EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel
Why it's here: Recharges DELTA Pro batteries
What reviewers like: Auto-starts to refill a DELTA Pro/Max; one tank adds about 5.4kWh (Outdoor Life)
Common complaints: Needs a DELTA Pro/Max plus an adapter; 62.8 lb
Best for: DELTA Pro 3 owners
What reviewers like: Auto-starts to refill a DELTA Pro/Max; one tank adds about 5.4kWh (Outdoor Life)
Common complaints: Needs a DELTA Pro/Max plus an adapter; 62.8 lb
Best for: DELTA Pro 3 owners
EcoFlow Smart Generator (Dual Fuel)