Top 9 Best Inverter Generators For Backup Power (2024)

When the cooler weather rolls in, having a reliable source of backup power can make all the difference. Whether it’s keeping the lights on during unexpected outages or ensuring your home stays warm and cozy, a good inverter generator can be a game-changer.

These generators have been tried and tested by Consumer Reports, so you know they’ll get you the best bang for your buck. These are the top nine inverter generators for 2024, ranging from large to mini generators.

EU7000is with CO-MINDER

Priced at $4,499, the Honda EU7000is with CO-MINDER might make you gulp at the cost, but this generator earns its keep. It’s a whisper in the wind compared to others, offering fuel efficiency and dependability that can flex with your home’s energy highs and lows.

On a daily, it sips between 8 to 16 gallons of gas—half what you’d expect from others its size—while delivering the same punch. It’s kitted out with an electric start, fuel gauge, and a crucial CO safety shutoff.

Just a heads up, there’s a recall on some units sold from December 2022 through May 2023 due to a fuel cap issue, so do check yours if it’s from that batch.

Wen GN875iX

For those feeling sticker shock from the Honda, the Wen GN875iX offers a more wallet-friendly option, priced between $986 and $1,279. This one gets the nod from Consumer Reports, matching the top-tier Honda in how it manages and delivers power, though it does so with a bit more rumble.

While it only runs between 5 to 10 hours, it compensates by cranking out more power (7,000 watts versus Honda’s 5,550 watts) and is easier on your back at just 160 pounds. If you’re looking for strong performance without draining your bank account, Wen is worth a look.

Westinghouse iGen4500c with CO Sensor

At a price point between $899 and $1,079, the Westinghouse iGen4500C stands out in the midsized generator game. It doesn’t just meet expectations; it surpasses them, especially in power quality and delivery where it shines bright.

With a 3,700-watt output, it’s not just about power; it’s also about endurance, boasting a run time of 11 to 23 hours—topping its class. It operates smoothly and quietly, making it a discreet yet dependable companion for any home, especially when the unexpected hits as the seasons change.

Champion 201049

The Champion 201049 is a budget-friendly beast at $622.59, punching well above its weight in terms of power delivery and quality. If the Westinghouse is a bit steep and you’re looking for something more in the Honda EU3000iS’s league without the hefty tag, this 3,650-watt model might just be your match. It’s fairly quiet for its class and light enough at 88 pounds to move around without breaking a sweat.

Features like the fuel gauge, low-oil shutoff, and an hour meter for tracking maintenance make it user-friendly. Plus, it’s equipped with reliable CO safety technology, making it a smart pick for any family’s safety toolkit.

Champion 201317

If you’re after a mix of affordability and performance, the Champion 201317 stands out with a tempting price tag of just $499. This 1,850-watt generator doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep with excellent ratings in power delivery, quality, and noise control, making it a standout in its category.

Weighing in at just 48 pounds, it’s a breeze to lug around, whether you’re headed to a tailgate party or setting up camp in an RV.

While its 5 to 11-hour runtime is typical for its size, it’s the portability and price that really set this unit apart. Need a bit more juice? The Champion 100571 steps it up to 2,300 watts without stretching your budget too thin.

Yamaha EF2200iS with CO Sensor

The Yamaha EF2200iS, priced between $949 and $1,319, matches the Champion 201317 in overall excellence but asks a bit more from your wallet. This model proves that good things come in small packages, delivering high-quality power that’s clean and consistent—essential for keeping your gadgets safe.

It’s also one of the quieter models on the market, making it a considerate neighbor at crowded campsites or during late-night backups at home. Offering 1,800 watts and a 6 to 12-hour runtime, this Yamaha is a solid choice for anyone who values reliability and doesn’t mind investing in superior performance.

DeWalt DXGNI2200

At a price range of $699 to $799, the DeWalt DXGNI2200 stands as a solid choice if you’re eyeing something less pricey than the Yamaha yet still dependable.

This 1,700-watt generator checks all the right boxes for delivering clean and stable power, and it keeps things relatively quiet—just what you need when the house goes silent during a blackout.

Tipping the scales at 56 pounds, it’s easy enough to move around, making it versatile for both home use and outdoor adventures. The only hitch might be its 4 to 10-hour runtime, which is a tad on the lower side for its class, but it’s a reliable performer that won’t let you down when you need it most.

Honda EU1000i

The Honda EU1000i might set you back about $899, but it’s an investment in peace of mind and power reliability. Weighing only 32 pounds, it’s a lightweight champion in our lineup, delivering a smooth 900 watts that handle everything from lights to laptops without a hiccup. Its power quality is top-notch, maintaining steady, high voltage that ensures your sensitive electronics stay safe.

The Honda EU1000i also runs incredibly quietly, blending into the background noise of your everyday. The price point is higher than other models of similar output, but for that extra cost, you get unmatched performance that’s hard to beat.

Genmax GM1200i

With a price tag between $329.99 and $349.00, the Genmax GM1200i offers an economical alternative without skimping on quality. If you’re wary of the Honda EU1000i’s steeper cost, this model delivers similar high marks in power delivery and quality, ensuring that it can handle your energy needs efficiently.

It’s user-friendly and quiet enough for gatherings or nights out under the stars, making it a perfect companion for tailgating or camping adventures.

However, it does miss out on having an hour meter, a handy feature for maintenance tracking. Keeping tabs on usage time will be on you, so it’s good to keep a maintenance log to ensure this little workhorse keeps running smoothly without a hitch.