Best Generator for Long Term Power Outage

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Generators are indeed a true advancement of engineering and technology. A few decades ago no one would have thought that they could get a power supply apart from the main grid.

Today, there are generators of various types and shapes. Some are small, while some are big, some are more powerful than others and some are simply more good-looking.

But if you are looking for a generator that can supply you with power for long hours, then you should definitely read on.

The following lists down the ten best generators out there, coupled with a buying guide that will help you get your way around these marvelous feats of engineering.

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10 Best Generator for Long Term Power Outage Reviews

Here is my list of the 10 Best Generator for Long Term Power Outage 2021;

1. Craftsman Portable Generator Powered by Briggs & Stratton

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Overview

The Craftsman Portable generator is indeed a wonder to behold. It comes equipped with the latest features that deliver high-end performance and give you the peace of mind that you deserve.

The generator offers 3500 running watts and 4735 starting watts. This means you can power up almost the entire house with this machine. Plus, there’s this state-of-the-art carbon monoxide (CO) detection technology that shuts down the generator whenever CO levels are high.

And you wouldn’t be disappointed by the 196cc OHV engine that is incredibly durable and ensures the generator lasts for long.

As far as the fuel tank is concerned, you would be surprised to know that the tank can hold up to 6 gallons of fuel at a time. And on top of this, you get a full 19-hours of run-time at 50% load.

In addition, the generator comes with four 120V household duplex outlets along with a 120V/30-amp RV outlet. Lastly, it features high-quality wheels that would never get punctured, along with a foldable handle that makes the generator very easy to carry.

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2. All Power America Dual Fuel Portable Generator

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Overview

With dual-fuel capability and low-noise operation, the All Power America APGG12000GL is a sturdy generator that makes sure your entire home gets enough power whenever or wherever you need it the most.

Featuring a decibel rating of just 76 dB, the generator is incredibly quiet and can hold up to 8 gallons of fuel at a time. This can give a run-time of as much as 10 hours at 50% load.

Also, the generator can work on both gas and LPG. With gas, the running watts come out to be 9000, while start-up watts are 12000. On LPG, however, starting watts are 9500, while running watts are 7250.

In addition, you get two start-up options. That is, you can start the generator very conveniently through an electric start button or if that’s something you don’t like, you can use the recoil option.

The generator comes with 2 120V AC 20-amp outlets, one 120V twist-lock AC 30-amp outlet, one 120/240V twist-lock AC 30-amp outlet, and one AC 120V/240V 50-amp outlet.

There’s also an hour meter and you will also benefit from a free battery which comes included. Additionally, the generator comes with a wheel kit that allows you to enjoy extra portability through the never-go-flat tires.

Lastly, the generator houses a durable 459cc OHV engine that has air-cooling capabilities to ensure that everything stays intact and the engine remains in perfect condition for years to come.

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3. Briggs & Stratton CARB Compliant Portable Generator

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Overview

Not many generators in the market give us the high-end performance that we expect and demand. However, with the Briggs and Stratton S3500 model, you can rest assured that you will get what you pay for.

Having a powerful 208cc OHV engine, the generator is incredibly durable and will work to maximum efficiency in order to provide the long-hour power supply that you need during critical times of power outages.

Plus, you also get a state-of-the-art, Carbon Monoxide Guard Technology that allows the generator to keep monitoring CO levels. Once they reach critical levels, the generator shuts down automatically.

Then there are ample outlets to get all your appliances up and running in no time. For starters, there are two 120V GFCI outlets that will help you connect the generator to the relevant appliances. In addition, there’s a 120V RV outlet for extra versatility.

The strong metal fuel tank can hold up to 4 gallons of fuel at a time and give a run-time of 8-hours at 50% load. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the comforts of power.

And if you are worried about carrying the generator from place to place, then you would be glad to know that the generator has a pair of wheels attached that will never get punctured.

Along with this, there’s a convenient handle. All of this makes it very easy to move the generator around. Lastly, there’s a power surge alternator that gives short surges of power to start up some heavy appliances.

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4. DEWALT Portable Generator for Long Term Power Outage

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Overview

The DEWALT PMC165700.01 is a true work of engineering. Not only is it lightweight, but it also provides exceptional performance that is sure to make you feel happy and comfortable.

To begin with, the generator comes housed in a steel tube that is 1.25 inches thick that makes everything extra strong and ensures the generator does not become victim to wear and tear.

The generator can be operated through gas and comes with sturdy wheels that help you in moving the generator from place to place. Plus, there’s a handle that you can use for better portability.

In addition, there’s a built-in safeguard mechanism that shuts down the generator whenever oil levels are low.

Lastly, and most importantly, the generator weighs just 192 pounds and delivers starting watts of 8750 and running watts of 7000.

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5. Generac Portable Generator for Long Term Power Outage

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Overview

If you are looking for a lightweight and durable generator that will let you enjoy all the power you need, then the Generac 5939 GP5500 is definitely the one for you.

Equipped with a heavy-duty 389-cc OHV engine that is splash lubricated for extended durability, the generator gives a power supply of as much as 10 hours at 50% load. It offers starting watts of 6875 and running watts of 5500.

Also, the generator has a strong fuel tank that is made out of steel and can hold 6.7 gallons of fuel at a time.

In addition, whenever oil levels are low, the generator will shut down automatically. Along with this, the generator has an hour meter as well that provides regular alerts for maintenance.

Finally, to enhance portability, there are sturdy wheels attached to the generator that let you conveniently move the generator without any fuss. You can also make use of the fold-down handle to lift the generator when needed.

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6. Powermate Gas Inverter Generator for Long Run

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Overview

The Powermate PM3000i is a truly innovative inverter generator that not only features a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, but also delivers great performance without any compromises.

Firstly, the generator is incredibly quiet and weighs only 59.5 pounds. This makes the generator extremely convenient to operate and manage as it can be used effectively in emergency situations without causing much disturbance.

Secondly, the generator provides an ample amount of power, giving 3000 starting watts and 2300 running watts. In addition, the total harmonic distortion (THD) is less than 3%. This makes it ideal to power up sensitive devices such as phones and computers.

Furthermore, it contains a strong and powerful fuel tank that can hold up to 1.06 gallons of fuel and provide a run-time of up to 5.8 hours at 25% load.

However, the best thing about this generator is its RPM+ technology. This allows the generator to adjust the RPM of the engine according to the required power demands. This helps in reducing harmful emissions and in conserving fuel consumption.

It is equipped with an OHV engine and comes with the mechanism of shutting itself down automatically whenever oil levels are below a certain critical value.

Additionally, its start-up system allows you to ignite the engine through two different modes normal and cold-start. It is a recoil start with a power-dial. You can use the dial to either switch off the generator, run it as usual, or do a cold-start.

This is extremely helpful in cold weather where normal generators take some time to start.

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7. Durostar Long Run Dual Fuel Portable Generator

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Overview

Having a powerful 208-cc 4-stroke OHV engine, the Durostar DS4850EH is indeed the perfect generator for all sorts of heavy-duty power needs. The Durostar brand is already a trusted name, and the DS4850EH surely lives up to that.

The generator provides a whooping 4850 starting watts and 3850 running watts. It can easily be used to power up large appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and so on.

Also, the generator is pretty versatile as it can be run on both propane and gasoline. Of course, propane is always a much safer option and it prolongs engine life. And the fuel tank can hold up to 3.9 gallons of fuel at a time.

Further, the generator features 2 protected GFCI 120V 20-amp household outlets, and one 120V/240V 30-amp twist-lock outlet. Also, there’s a 12V DC charging outlet which means you can charge batteries and other things quite conveniently.

Lastly, the overall weight of the generator is just 122 pounds so it’s relatively lightweight, and comes with a pair of non-flat tires and a handle, making it easy to move.

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8. TogoPower Portable Generator for Backup Home Use

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Overview

There aren’t many generators that offer you the flexibility of taking them anywhere at any time no matter what the situation is. There are lesser still which come with a holistic and compact design that just makes you want to use them.

The TogoPower Portable Generator, however, is just the one that fulfills all these specs. It has a highly lightweight design that lets you carry it to wherever you want without any hassle.

It runs on gasoline and has a durable fuel tank that can hold up to 1.05 gallons at a time and provide 6 hours of run-time at 50% load. Plus, there’s a built-in circuit breaker which provides extra safety by ensuring that no circuit issues damage the engine.

And speaking of the engine, the generator houses a 2-stroke 63-cc OHV engine that is great for providing power to small items like computers, phones, and emergency lights.

Not to mention, the generator delivers starting watts of 1000 and 800 running watts. It provides 120V of AC power without any interruptions.

Lastly, it features a recoil start-up system which lets you power up the generator in no time.

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9. Generac Portable Generator for Long Hours Use

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Overview

Generac features on this list yet again. And surely, it is deserved. After all, the Generac brand echoes with quality and affordability, both at the same time.

Likewise, the Generac 7678 GP3600 is an outstanding model that will surely give your appliances the power they need.

It offers 4500 starting watts and 3600 running watts and comes with the Power Rush Advanced Technology. What this means is that the generator is capable of generating 40% extra power at start-up to power up various items at your home.

Also, the generator doesn’t weigh a lot. The overall weight of the generator is just 104.7 pounds. Plus, the fuel tank is made out of strong steel, which means it is highly durable. There’s an associated fuel gauge as well that helps in monitoring fuel levels.

Moreover, the generator is equipped with a long-lasting OHV engine which is splash lubricated, making it stronger and more efficient.

Lastly, the Generac 7678 comes with a low-oil shutdown mechanism, which means that the generator will switch itself off whenever oil is low. This protects the engine from possible damage.

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10. Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator

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Overview

Ever thought of owning a generator that can actually let you charge your phone’s battery, no matter wherever you were? Or perhaps, you wanted to have a generator whose weight is as light as a suitcase?

Well, if yes, then the Champion 100692 is probably the generator that comes closest to these wishes.

With a weight of just 39.5 pounds, the generator comes with inverter technology and provides up to 2000 watts of starting power and 1700 watts of running power.

Also, the generator is not only lightweight, but it also makes almost no noise when operating. That is, the overall decibel rating of the generator is just 58 dBA at a distance of 23 feet.

The generator features a fuel tank that can hold up to 1.1 gallons of fuel at a time. This provides a run-time of up to 11.5 hours that is incredibly clean having a THD of less than 3%.

Also, the generator features a durable 4-stroke OHV 79-cc engine that is sure to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

And as we come to the power outlets, you will find that the generator has two 120V 20-amp outlets and a 12V DC outlet. And as mentioned earlier, the great thing about this generator is that there are 2 1-amp USB ports that you can use to directly charge your phone or laptop.

The generator also comes with battery charging cables, engine oil, and an oil funnel. There’s a low-oil indicator as well, along with an AC output indicator on the main panel.

Finally, if you feel the power of one is less, then you can easily get two of these and connect them together through the clip-on parallel kit to double the power output.

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Buying Guide

The science of generators is indeed a relatively complex one. But when breaking it down into simple parts, generators are not so alien after all. But of course, buying a generator adds an extra level of complexity.

This is because you not only need to know what makes up a generator, you also need to understand the many tricks played on by witty advertisers and sellers. This means you need to filter out things that are the most relevant to quality.

We all know how difficult it is to find things that offer both quality and affordability. Due to such intricacies, the below guide will help you understand the many blows and whistles that are associated with the purchase of a generator.

The guide is pretty easy to follow. There aren’t many technical concepts involved. Those who are new to the art of buying electric generators, are strongly recommended to go through this. It is sure to make your life a lot easier.

And if you are a seasoned purchaser, then this guide may still offer a thing or two that you may benefit from. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Fuel Type

Generators usually work on gasoline. But there are generators that can work on two different types of fuel. For instance, some brands allow you to use both LPG and gasoline. These are called dual-fuel generators.

Of course, each type of fuel has its own advantages and disadvantages. As far as gasoline is concerned, it is undoubtedly more powerful. Burning it produces more energy than burning any other fuel.

However, burning gas isn’t easy. It takes time. Due to this, burning gas can produce a lot of pollutants and this makes it less environmentally friendly. LPG, on the other hand, is quite the opposite.

It is eco-friendly and burns quite easily. In the list above, many generators are advertised as being compatible with propane. Propane is just another type of LPG. Butane is the other one. But you’ll hardly find generators that use Butane as the fuel.

LPG tends to burn easily so it does not produce many toxic particles. It is a bit cheaper than gas as well. However, it does not produce as much power as gasoline. This is why you will see that most heavy-duty generators have gasoline as their primary fuel source.

So as far as which is better or worse, it entirely depends on your own preferences. If you feel you will need a generator to power up a lot of heavy appliances for long hours, then a gas generator would be perfect.

However, if you are worried about cost and pollution, then LPG is the way to go.

Voltage Fluctuation levels

The next thing that is quite important is how much does a generator’s voltage fluctuate. That is, generators are just another power source that provides electricity. Electricity can either be clean or distorted.

What this means is that electricity can fluctuate. A lot of fluctuation is bad for electronic items. This is especially true for things like laptops or mobile phones. If the supplied voltage or current distorts a lot, it can damage the batteries of these sensitive devices.

In formal terms, these fluctuations are known as Total Harmonic Distortion or THD for short. It is measured in percentages and tells how much a generator’s voltage or current fluctuates.

It is recommended to get a generator that has a THD of at most 5%. This is particularly useful if you want a generator to power up sensitive items at your house. Some generators claim to have a THD of even less than 3%. However, such generators do not provide much power.

Capacity of Engine

The capacity of the engine tells how powerful a generator’s engine is. The more the capacity, the more the engine is suited for heavy-duty tasks. Engine capacity is measured in cubic centimeters or CC for short.

Basically, today’s generators work by burning fuel within a complex framework. The internal combustion engine is what such engines are called. They burn fuel to produce energy that is finally converted into electrical energy as the output.

Quite simply, the engine is made of one or more cylinders. Each cylinder has a piston placed inside. There are certain other moving parts such as the camshaft and belts that cause the piston to move up or down.

Fuel such as gas is caused to move into the cylinder as the piston moves down. Then, the piston begins to move back up. This causes the pressure of the fuel to increase within the cylinder. This leads the fuel to burn and produce energy.

Now, the distance that the piston moves downward in a cylinder is what is referred to as the capacity of the engine. The more it moves down, the more fuel the cylinder can let in. And as the piston moves, more fuel can be burnt to produce a lot more energy.

So, it seems that engines with larger engine capacities have more power. But the biggest downside of high-capacity engines is that they consume a lot of fuel.

And so, it goes without saying that if you are buying a generator with an engine that has a lot of capacity, then bear in mind the running costs as well.

Power

Of course, we all want a generator that gives the highest possible power. But the main thing to understand here is the power rating advertised for each generator.

You will be given two values of power starting watts and running watts. Starting watts are always more than running watts. As the name implies, the power produced by the generator to start up the appliances is what is called starting watts.

Running watts, on the other hand, is the power required to keep the appliances in operation.

Sometimes, manufacturers may just tell you the starting watts value without mentioning whether it is starting or running. So, make sure you find out about this. And check the power requirements of your own house as well to know which generator would be best.

Noise Levels

Peace and quiet are what humans have always been striving for. But alas, it’s not something easy to get. And it’s pretty much the same with electric generators.

It should be quite obvious that generators that are meant for heavy-duty stuff are rarely quiet. But generators these days do have the ability to support heavy appliances while not making a lot of noise

You can find out about the noise level of the generator by checking its decibel rating. It is usually written as dBA. The lower the dBA, the lesser the noise it would make. Anything below 60 dBA can be considered as quiet.

Anything below 40 dBA is incredibly quiet. But such generators are meant for light work.

Outlets

Generators today come with a number of different outlets to allow you to plug in different devices and appliances directly to the generator.

Each outlet can have a different voltage or current rating. You should make sure that the generator you are getting has the appropriate outlets. In some cases, you can get GFCI outlets.

GFCI stands for ground-fault circuit interrupter and a GFCI switch is quite safe. This is because it breaks off the circuit when it finds that current or voltage flow is not consistent. This helps prevent any sort of damage to the connected appliance.

Conclusion

If you have gone through this guide, then you can be assured that you won’t face much trouble when going out there in the market.

As always, make sure you clearly find out the power ratings of all your appliances at your house that you would like to power up. Add the running watts of all such appliances and then add the maximum starting watts.

The generator’s starting watts should be higher than this value at least. And always ensure that you do not over-burden the generator by plugging in too many devices.

Lastly, if you want the generator to last longer, keep checking the oil levels and do not use a fuel type that the generator is not compatible with.

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People Also Asked

Here are a few questions that will help you to get more into heavy-duty generators;

What is the Best Generator for Long Term Power Outage?

Here is my list of the 10 Best Generator for Long Term Power Outage 2021;

1. Craftsman Portable Generator by Briggs & Stratton
2. All Power America Dual Fuel Portable Generator
3. Briggs & Stratton CARB Compliant Portable Generator
4. DEWALT Portable Generator for Long Term Power Outage
5. Generac Portable Generator for Long Term Power Outage
6. Powermate Gas Inverter Generator for Long Run
7. Durostar Long Run Dual Fuel Portable Generator
8. TogoPower Portable Generator for Backup Home Use
9. Generac Portable Generator for Long Hours Use
10. Champion Power Portable Inverter Generator

Do generators work on multiple fuel sources?

Yes. But one at a time. There are generators that can work on both gas and LPG. But do keep in mind that the power ratings may change with each type.

For instance, on gas, a generator might deliver more starting and running watts, than when it is on LPG.

Is a 2-stroke engine better than a 4-stroke one?

In terms of performance, the 4-stroke engine definitely wins. But the downside of a 4-stroke engine is that it requires more maintenance. Also, 4-stroke engines tend to be heavier than 2-stroke engines, and more expensive as well

Can generators power up your house for a full day?

A full day consists of 24 hours. It is unlikely that a generator can work for so long non-stop. At most, a powerful generator may give 19 hours of run-time.