These generators can power your home safely and reliably when needed — but most models don't come cheap
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When the power goes out, you'll want backup. But what if your Plan B isn’t reliable?
Fortunately, Consumer Reports compiled its list of the best generators currently on the market. Its testing lab considers these models reliable, efficient, and safe, giving you some peace of mind when you need it most.
Continue reading to see which generators, including portable and inverter models, made the list and why.
Credit: Home Depot
The Generac XT8500EFI model was rated the best portable generator by Consumer Reports. It's gasoline-powered and costs $1,100. It received top scores for its power delivery and quality, and won praise for providing clean power (meaning it's safe for sensitive electronics) and handling surges very well. But CR warned that the model is noisy, even if you’re two dozen feet away. It recommends using hearing protection if you’re standing close to it.
Credit: Honda
Inverter generators are more expensive than portable ones due to their more complicated mechanics. If you’re planning on buying one, CR recommends the Honda $HMC EU7000is with Co-Minder, which costs $4,500. Its testers said the Honda “delivered more than enough wattage to power our test appliances and handled surges very well.” It’s also fairly quiet, includes an electric start, and provides clean power, albeit not in the environmental sense. The one con listed was it lacks a fuel shutoff.
Credit: Generac
If you want to buy a home standby generator, CR recommends the Generac G007043, which costs between $6,155 and $6,360 and is propane or natural gas-powered. It provides electronics-safe power with consistent high voltage, has plenty of wattage to power appliances, and includes a low-oil shutoff. It doesn’t come with an electric-start feature, but you can buy a model with one for an extra $200.
Credit: Ecoflow
CR rated the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station as the best portable power station. It's powered through an included solar panel and costs between $1,400 and $3,700, depending on the retailer and model, and if you want an extra battery. CR liked that it had 2 regular and 2 fast-charging USB-A ports and two standard USB-C ports. It also displays the time for a full charge, has carry handles and wheels, and an app.
