3 Portable Generator Options That Can Power Your Home in an Emergency

Electricity is a daily need that many of us take for granted. Besides paying the electric bill, we don’t need to overthink how we plan to keep the lights running in our homes. So, what happens during the rare emergency situation or blackout when the electricity goes out?

Generators power your home when you need it most. Like an air conditioning unit, whole house generators are permanently installed outside homes. However, their portable counterparts are free to move and relocate around properties compared to whole house generators.

Why Use a Portable Generator For Emergencies

What are the benefits of a portable generator?

• Transportable.

Portable generators last a lifetime and provide a reliable power source that workers can easily transport between jobs, homes, and campsites.

• Easy to refuel.

More often than not, portable generators run on gas, diesel, or propane. While their power isn’t unlimited, they are ideal for emergencies and short-term use. In addition, keeping fuel on hand will efficiently allow you to refuel when it’s time.

• Affordable.

Compared to whole house generators, it’s not difficult to find a portable generator that fits most budgets.

3 Portable Generator Options That Can Power Your Home in an Emergency

If you are in the market for a generator that can power your home in an emergency, it’s essential to invest in a reliable and trustworthy one. Here are three popular portable generators brands that millions of Americans already rely on:

Pulsar 5250W Dual-Fuel Generator

Run time: 12 hours at 50% load

Fuel tank: 4 gallons

Watts: 5250/4250 (gasoline), 4750/3850 (LPG)

Start type: Electric, recoil

Weight: 115 pounds

Best Features:

• Switch & Go technology to easily switch between LPG and Gasoline fuel sources while it’s running
• 3 in 1 digital meter, Low Oil Indicator, and Low Oil Shutdown
• Never flat wheels for easy mobility

Pulsar generators have made a name for themselves as affordable and easy to use. However, this model is also known for being loud enough to require ear protection.

Generac 5735 Gas Powered Portable Generator 

Run time: 10 hours

Fuel tank: 16 gallons

Watts: 17500 watts

Start type: Electric

Weight: 390 pounds

Best Features:

• Electric start for easy use
• Can power a 5-ton air conditioner
• Known for being dependable

Few portable generators can power an air conditioner comfortably. Unfortunately, this also means sacrificing fuel efficiency. Additionally, at just under 400 pounds, Generac’s 5735 model is quite heavy.

Briggs & Stratton 3,500 Portable

Run time: 10 hours at 50% load

Fuel tank: 4 gallons

Watts: 3,500 watts

Start type: Manual recoil

Weight: 121.3 lb

Best Features:

• CO Guard that automatically turns off the engine when carbon monoxide levels get too high
• Lightweight for easy mobility
• Folding handle and never-flat wheels

Thanks to the CO Guard and fuel gauge, Briggs & Stratton 3,500 portable generator gets five stars for safety. However, it offers the basics of just two standard outlets.

Be Prepared With a Portable Generator

Finding the perfect portable generator for your situation means being prepared for any disaster that comes your way.

Whether you require a basic power source that works for a few hours or a heavy-duty option that will power all your devices for the day, our Midwest Generator Solutions team is happy to help point you in the right direction.