Power outages are an inconvenience that many homeowners experience, especially during storms or natural disasters. Having a backup generator ensures that your home remains powered during these times, allowing you to continue with daily activities, keep food cold, and maintain security systems. Small home backup generators are the perfect solution for those who need an efficient and compact power source without taking up too much space or consuming too much fuel.
In this article, we’ll explore the best small home backup generators on the market today. We’ll provide detailed reviews, compare their features, and offer helpful tips to guide your purchasing decision.
Why Do You Need a Small Backup Generator?
Having a small backup generator can make a significant difference when you experience a power outage. Unlike larger, industrial generators, small home generators are designed to be portable, easy to use, and affordable for most households.
Here are some reasons why a small backup generator is an essential investment for your home:
Ensures Comfort: Power outages can be disruptive to your home, especially when it comes to heating, cooling, and food storage. A small generator ensures that you can maintain essential functions like running your fridge, heating, and lights.
Cost-Effective: Compared to larger systems, small generators are more affordable and don’t require extensive installation. They are also more fuel-efficient, allowing for lower operational costs.
Portability: A small backup generator can be easily stored in a shed or garage and moved to any part of your home where power is needed. This makes them ideal for a variety of situations, whether at home or on the go.
Emergency Preparedness: During emergencies like storms, earthquakes, or other natural events, small generators can provide essential power to keep critical appliances running, such as medical devices, sump pumps, or communication equipment.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Small Backup Generator
Before you invest in a small backup generator, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that the unit fits your home’s needs.
Here are the key factors to evaluate:
Power Capacity
Power capacity is one of the most critical aspects of choosing a backup generator. This determines how many devices or appliances the generator can power simultaneously. The generator’s power capacity is typically measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).
Small generators for home use generally range from 1,000 to 7,500 watts. To calculate the required wattage for your home, list the appliances you want to power during an outage and add up their wattages.
For example:
- A refrigerator might need 600 to 800 watts
- A microwave requires about 1,000 watts
- Lighting can consume anywhere between 60 and 500 watts, depending on the number of bulbs
It’s important to have a generator that can handle the combined wattage of all the appliances you need. Always choose a generator with a higher wattage than your total needs to ensure a margin of safety.
Fuel Type
The type of fuel your generator uses will impact its operation cost, efficiency, and convenience.
Here are the most common fuel types for small home backup generators:
Gasoline: Gasoline-powered generators are the most popular and widely available. They are convenient, easy to store, and start quickly, but they require frequent refueling and have a shorter runtime compared to other fuel types.
Propane: Propane is a cleaner alternative to gasoline, producing fewer emissions. It has a longer shelf life and is often preferred for homes in remote areas without natural gas access. However, propane generators can be more expensive to operate.
Natural Gas: If you have natural gas lines running to your home, a natural gas generator is a great option. These generators provide a continuous power supply and don’t require refueling, but they are generally larger and more expensive to install.
Diesel: Diesel generators are more powerful and fuel-efficient, but they tend to be larger and noisier. They are better suited for larger homes or commercial purposes.
Noise Level
When selecting a small backup generator, consider how noisy it will be during operation. Noise levels are typically measured in decibels (dB). A generator running at 60-70 dB is similar to the noise level of a normal conversation or air conditioner.
If your home is in a residential area with noise restrictions, consider quieter models. Many small generators come with noise-reducing features such as mufflers or soundproof casings, which make them much less disruptive.
Run Time
The run time of a generator indicates how long it can operate on a single tank of fuel. For small home backup generators, run time can range from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the fuel type and the load being powered.
- Gasoline-powered generators typically offer a shorter runtime, usually between 4 and 8 hours.
- Propane and natural gas generators generally provide longer runtimes, sometimes up to 12 hours or more, as they burn fuel more efficiently.
When choosing a generator, ensure that its run time matches your needs. If you expect long power outages, select a model with a longer run time to minimize the need for refueling.
Best Small Home Backup Generators for 2025
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s dive into the best small home backup generators available today. These generators are compact, reliable, and capable of keeping your home powered during outages.
1. Honda EU2200i
The Honda EU2200i is a top-rated small generator known for its quiet operation and fuel efficiency. This 2,200-watt inverter generator is ideal for small homes, providing enough power for essential appliances like refrigerators and lights.
Features:
Power: 2,200 watts (running), 2,800 watts (starting)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Noise Level: 48 to 57 dB
Run Time: Up to 8.1 hours at 25% load
Weight: 47 lbs
Pros: Quiet operation, compact size, reliable brand
Cons: Expensive compared to similar models
The Honda EU2200i is perfect for homeowners who need reliable power without the noise. It is known for its durability and longevity, making it a great long-term investment.
2. Westinghouse iGen4500
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is a powerful inverter generator that offers both versatility and performance. It can handle higher loads than smaller models and is ideal for homes with more power demands.
Features:
Power: 3,700 watts (running), 4,500 watts (starting)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Noise Level: 52 dB
Run Time: Up to 18 hours at 25% load
Weight: 93 lbs
Pros: Long run time, efficient, remote start feature
Cons: Heavier than other models
This generator is perfect for medium-sized homes, offering enough power for larger appliances and long run times, making it a reliable backup solution.
3. Champion 100519
The Champion 100519 is another excellent option for homeowners looking for a compact and efficient backup generator. It provides enough power for essential appliances and offers great portability.
Features:
Power: 2,000 watts (running), 2,500 watts (starting)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Noise Level: 53 dB
Run Time: 11 hours at 25% load
Weight: 39 lbs
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, quiet operation
Cons: Limited power for larger homes
This generator is ideal for smaller homes or those with limited power needs. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to store and transport.
4. Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200
The Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 is a reliable inverter generator that combines quiet operation with portability. It’s perfect for those who need to keep the basics running during an outage.
Features:
Power: 2,200 watts (running), 2,750 watts (starting)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Noise Level: 59 dB
Run Time: Up to 8 hours at 25% load
Weight: 55 lbs
Pros: Portable, affordable, stable power output
Cons: Slightly noisier than other models
This generator is an excellent choice for homeowners who prioritize ease of use and portability. It offers enough power to keep basic household devices operational.
5. Yamaha EF2000iSv2
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is a high-performance inverter generator known for its quiet operation and fuel efficiency. It’s great for providing power to essential appliances like lights and fans during power outages.
Features:
Power: 1,600 watts (running), 2,000 watts (starting)
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Noise Level: 51.5 dB
Run Time: Up to 10.5 hours at 25% load
Weight: 44 lbs
Pros: Quiet, fuel-efficient, compact
Cons: Limited power for larger appliances
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is perfect for smaller homes or for those who only need to power a few essential appliances. Its quiet operation makes it ideal for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best small home backup generator depends on your specific needs, such as power capacity, fuel type, noise level, and runtime. The generators we’ve reviewed in this article are all highly rated for their reliability, efficiency, and portability.
Whether you need a generator for a small apartment or a medium-sized house, there are plenty of options available. Be sure to assess your power needs and choose a model that offers the right balance of performance and convenience.
By investing in a high-quality small backup generator, you can ensure that your home remains powered during outages and emergencies, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
