Choosing a home backup generator comes down to one honest question: what do you absolutely need to keep running, and for how long? A solar battery handles essentials through a 12-hour outage silently and safely indoors. A 5,000W gas generator covers most of a home. An 8,000W+ unit handles everything including central AC. We've tested all three categories. Here's what we found.
Quick Comparison
| Generator | Type | Running Watts | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac GP8000E | Gas | 8,000W | Whole home incl. AC | 4.5/5 |
| Champion 8750 | Dual Fuel | 7,000W | Whole home, fuel flexibility | 4.4/5 |
| Westinghouse iGen4500 | Inverter Gas | 3,700W | Most homes, quiet operation | 4.5/5 |
| EcoFlow Delta Pro | Solar Battery | 3,600W | Essentials + AC, silent | 4.8/5 |
| Bluetti AC200P | Solar Battery | 2,000W | Essentials, long runtime | 4.4/5 |
Our Reviews
Generac GP8000E
The Generac GP8000E is our top pick for homeowners who need serious, reliable whole-home backup. Generac's in-house OHV engine, 8,000W continuous output, electric start, and automatic voltage regulation combine into the most dependable gas generator in this wattage class. It handles central AC, well pumps, sump pumps, and a full household load simultaneously — no other portable gas generator at this price does it better.
The trade-offs are real: it's 214 lbs, runs at 74 dB, and drinks about 0.8 gallons of gas per hour at moderate load. Plan your fuel storage accordingly and keep it outside — CO is not negotiable.
Pros
- 8,000W — handles central AC and well pump simultaneously
- Generac OHV engine — most reliable in class
- Electric start standard
- AVR for clean, stable power
- 10+ hour runtime per tank at 50% load
Cons
- 214 lbs — needs wheel kit to move
- 74 dB — loud
- Gas only — no propane option
- Must be outdoors — CO hazard
Champion 8750W Dual Fuel
The Champion 8750 earns its spot because of one feature: dual fuel. During extended outages when gas stations run dry, being able to switch to propane — which stores indefinitely and can be pre-stocked in large quantities — is a genuine strategic advantage. It runs on gasoline (7,500W rated) or propane (6,250W rated). Champion's build quality has improved significantly over recent years and their support has earned a solid reputation.
Pros
- Dual fuel — gas or propane flexibility
- 7,500W on gas, 6,250W on propane
- Electric start
- Quieter than Generac at comparable load
- Champion's support reputation has improved greatly
Cons
- Slightly less power than Generac GP8000E on gas
- Propane output 17% lower than gas
- Heavier than listed in some reviews
Westinghouse iGen4500
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is an inverter generator — meaning it automatically adjusts engine speed to match the load, producing significantly less noise (52 dB) and burning less fuel at light loads. At 3,700W running, it covers most households without central AC beautifully. The clean sine wave output (THD <3%) makes it safe for every sensitive electronic. If your neighbors are close or noise matters, this is the gas generator pick.
Pros
- 52 dB — dramatically quieter than conventional generators
- Inverter technology — safe for laptops, CPAP, medical devices
- Fuel efficient at partial loads
- Dual fuel (gas + propane)
- Remote start key fob included
- Relatively lightweight at 98 lbs
Cons
- 3,700W — won't run central AC
- Higher price per watt than conventional generators
- Smaller fuel tank than larger units
EcoFlow Delta Pro
If silence, indoor safety, and no fuel costs matter more than raw wattage, the EcoFlow Delta Pro belongs on this list. It won't power central AC for more than 2 hours, but it handles every other household essential — refrigerator, lights, router, TV, laptop, phone, CPAP — for 8–14 hours on a charge. It recharges in 50 minutes from a wall outlet or from solar panels. Zero noise. Zero emissions. Safe to run next to sleeping children.
Pros
- Silent operation — safe indoors
- No fuel costs — recharges from solar or wall
- 3,600Wh — 8–14 hrs on essentials
- 50-minute fast charge
- LFP battery — 3,500+ cycle life
- Expandable to 10.8kWh
Cons
- Won't sustain central AC through a long outage
- 99 lbs
- Premium price
- Depends on wall power or sun to recharge
Gas vs Solar: Which Is Right for You?
The honest answer depends on your specific situation. Gas generators produce more raw wattage for the money and can run indefinitely as long as you have fuel. Solar battery generators are silent, safe indoors, produce no emissions, and cost nothing to run — but have lower wattage ceilings and need time to recharge.
Many serious preppers own both: a solar battery station for the first 12–24 hours of any outage (no noise, no fuel runs at midnight), and a gas generator as backup for extended outages when the battery depletes and the grid stays down. See our complete solar vs gas generator guide →