Best Quiet Portable Generator For Home Backup: Keep the Lights On Quietly

Types of Portable Generators

When choosing between generator types, consider the types of fuel each generator will need. Fuel availability and storage are important factors when maintaining your generator. Your generator fuel should be affordable to you and should be available whenever you need it. Here are the common types of generator fuels:

Gasoline

• Available and easy to buy, making it a good choice for a portable generator.
• Available in 2 to 5-gallon portable cans.
• Lasts 3 to 6 months when properly stored in an airtight container.
• Lifespan is up to 3 years when properly stored and combined with a fuel stabilizer.
• Recommended for outdoor use only.

WEN 56203i Super Quiet Generators promise to deliver high power with low noise in a portable package that is rated safe for use with electronics and more. With a decibel rating of 51, the WEN transmitter works quietly like a windowed AC unit or a medium-volume conversation.

But that's not the only plus: these generators are also rated safe for laptops, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices that tend to be prone to overload.

The Super Eco fuel tank provides more than 5 hours of power when loading, and there's also a Gas Saving Mode to save gas. This feature allows WEN 56203i to detect when objects are plugged in or unplugged, allowing it to manage fuel consumption accordingly.

Diesel oil

• Provides the most energy per gallon of all generator fuels.
• Reliable and readily available, making it a good choice for a home backup generator or commercial generator.
• Diesel generators work best when used for large jobs over long periods of time.
• Recommended for outdoor use only.
• Lasts 6 months to 1 year when properly stored and without a stabilizer added.

The Generac 6864 has an operating noise level of up to 70 dBA, and so is another one we couldn't ignore in our survey of the best quieter generator units.

With a durable and sturdy 1.25 steel frame, the Generac 6864 is a horse of a unit. This generator combines the power of an industrial-grade Yanmar LW Series 435cc diesel engine, air-cooled, direct injection, and technology that ensures less than 5% of total harmonic distortion for smooth operation. and clean, even for electronics and home appliances.

Natural gas

• Most fuels are available and cost-effective for home backup generators.
• More energy efficient per gallon than diesel, gasoline, and propane.
• Supplied through natural gas lines, so refueling is not required. No storage is required, making it the most convenient choice for residential and commercial generators.
• Never used indoors.
• The power supply is usually unaffected by power outages.

Honda's EU2200I is the next generation of the beloved EU2000i, the best quiet portable generator for home backup on Amazon. The red and black generator is compact and lightweight, with a sturdy, convenient handle.

At a quarter load, the 53 decibels produced by the Honda EU2220i are equivalent to the noise level of a quiet conversation at home. It doesn't even come close to the typical TV volume.

In other words, this generator is quiet enough that you can use it in settings with other people nearby. It's great for camping and navigating and very popular with the crowd of RVs and trailers.

Propane

• Available in liquid propane or vapor propane.
• Liquid propane is not denatured, so it can be stored for a long time.
• Burn clean.
• Never used indoors.
• Commonly used in inverter generators for RV, campers, and food trucks.

On the market, there aren’t a lot of dual-fuel inverter generator choices now. Champion 3400 dual-fuel inverter generator is generally considered to be the best available.

It is widely advertised as a great choice for an RV as it is not only quiet and compact but also has a dedicated 120V RV 30 amp outlet. At your disposal, this generator can give you power between 3100 - 3400 watts. Champion 3400W works very quietly with a higher power.

At smaller loads, it produces less than 60 dB of noise. You can compare it to a car engine idling. Even at higher loads, it stays within a reasonable range and is certainly much quieter than the cheaper open-frame mobile generator.

Biofuel

• A unique generator that burns gasoline/diesel and has a natural gas connector.
• Not for indoor use.
• Not a standard generator, so not all manufacturers offer bio-generator models.

Solar generator

• Clean, renewable energy for mobile generators.
• Solar panels can often be added to increase power output.
• Can be safely run indoors, as there are no emissions.
• Depends on solar power, so not always reliable in emergency situations.
• Power output is lower than that of other generators.

Goal Zero is one of the most famous brands in the production of portable solar panels, generators, and accessories. The Yeti 1500X Portable Lithium Battery portable power station is one of their powerful and robust solar generators. It has a 2000Wh lead-acid battery that can power up to seven different devices at the same time.

Furthermore, its versatile output ranges such as AC, 12V, and USB make it even more convenient. Yeti 1500X has an informational LCD display that lets you know the input and output power, estimate your runtime, and locate the control panels appropriately.

Battery generator

• Used in battery-powered inverter generators.
• Usually combined with a solar generator.
• Quiet and safe to run indoors.
• It usually takes longer to charge and the output power is lower than other types of generators.

Weighing just 6.6 pounds, the Jackery 240 is easy to carry wherever you need power. A 230-watt battery can help you to charge your phone 24 times, laptop 3-4 times, and run small devices like mini coolers or TVs for hours.

If you're worried about running out of battery, you can even use it while it's charging - with solar panels (purchased separately) or by plugging it into your car.

While Jackery 240 can charge multiple devices at the same time, it won't cut it down for most larger devices. But if you're going to use it for one or two small devices, then it's hard to beat Jackery's portability and price.

View On Amazon

Best Quiet Portable Generator For Home Backup Buying Guides

Determine the power you need

You have seen what can happen during natural disasters, floods, and power outages. You know you want an alternative power source for your home. To determine how much power you need, follow these steps:

Make a list of what you will need for power

Ask yourself what you will need to power a power outage: only appliances and lights? Computer and home electronics too? Some families have medical equipment in their homes as a priority, while others need to make sure they have enough energy to keep a stock of food stock on ice.

If you need a generator for entertainment or on-site use, make a list of the machine tools you will want to use at the same time. Do you need to power the work light with your tools? What about a radio station?

During camping or fishing trips, how much outdoor cooking, heating, or entertainment equipment or accessories will you and your family or friends use at the same time?

Determine what is needed to start each device

Make sure you can boot (not simply run) your devices. "Starting power" is the amount of power required to start motorized equipment, and maybe two to three times the power required to run the device.

If you have the owner's manual, check your device's listed starting capacity (versus running or rated power). If you do not have an owner's manual, use our power calculator to estimate your power needs.

Calculate your total power needs

It is a two-part equation. First, add up all the "running capacity" for all the items you want to power simultaneously. This is equivalent to the total number of running watts your generator needs to produce in order to run your device.

Next, add the highest total "starting power" you wrote in step 2 above. Now you know how much power you need to get up and running your devices!

Some useful tips when shopping

Determine your power needs. Mobile generators can be between 900 and 10,000 watts.

Think about how easy it is to transport your generator. Most of the portable generators on this list come with wheels, and some are light enough to carry around.

If you require a wheel, you'll love our never-flat, puncture-resistant wheels for easier transport on rough terrain like a construction site.

Find a generator with a run time of at least 10 hours. This allows contractors to get work done all day and homeowners can get a full night's sleep without needing refueling.

Count the number of stores you will need on your generator. This depends on how many devices you will need to power on at the same time. Test your devices to see what kind of outlet you will need. See the diagrams below for socket types.

Other features

Weatherproof dashboard: Protect your dashboard from rain, dust, and debris.

Socket: All sockets are protected by circuit breakers. Choose a generator with the types of sockets you need.

Fuel tank: Larger fuel tank provides a longer run time without interruption.

Generator: Generate electricity. 

OHV engine (Overhead Valve): engine provides a longer lifespan, longer run time, more fuel economy, and runs quieter.

Damper: Helps to reduce engine noise. 

Wheels: Search for pneumatic wheels for easier transport on rough terrain such as construction sites.

View On Amazon

FAQs

What are safety tips when using a portable generator?

Before reading these tips, read the owner's manual and the instructions for your portable generator. Carefully follow all instructions and warnings to start and operate a generator safely.

Don't cut corners when it comes to safety. These tips are supplemental only and are not intended to replace the reading of the owner's manual.

Carbon Monoxide and ventilation

• Portable generator emissions contain carbon monoxide, a deadly toxic gas that you cannot see or smell.
• Never run a generator indoors or in enclosed areas such as garages.
• Use a portable generator only outdoors - away from windows, doors, vents, and information-gathering spaces - and in an area with adequate ventilation.
• Using fans or opening doors and windows will not provide enough ventilation.
• Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Gasoline, fuel and prevent burns

• Petroleum is extremely flammable and explosive.
• Do not fill the fuel tank. Always make room for the fuel to expand.
• If the fuel tank is overfilled, fuel can overflow into a hot engine and cause fire or explosion.
• Never refuel while the appliance is running or hot. Allow the generator and engine to cool completely before adding more fuel.
• Never store generators with fuel in a container in a place where gas vapors can reach an open flame, spark or pilot light.
• Do not smoke near fuels or generators.
• Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation and while the generator is cooled down after shutting down. Avoid contact with hot generators.

Risk of electric shock 

• Connecting a portable generator directly to the wiring in your home can be fatal. Generators that are directly connected to the wiring in your home could back up the power lines connecting to your home and injure neighbors or utility workers.
• Do not connect the generator directly to the home wiring or to a regular household outlet.
• Always start or stop the generator only when no electrical load is connected.
• Overloading your generator can damage valuable equipment and electronics. Do not overload the generator. Do not operate more equipment and equipment than the output of the generator. Prioritize your needs. You should only use a portable generator when needed and only power essential equipment.
• Use the appropriate power cord. Plug individual devices into generators with high-load, outdoor-rated wire with a wire gauge sufficient to accommodate the device's load. An overloaded power cord can cause fire or damage to the device. Do not use extension cords with exposed cords or worn shields.
• Do not operate generators in wet conditions, such as rain or snow.
• The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electric shock. Check and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations relating to grounding.

Location and Operation of Generator

• Always keep children away from portable generators.
• A clearance of at least 5 feet is allowed on all sides of the generator while the generator is running.
• You can use your generator in a variety of weather and temperatures, but you should protect your generator from the elements when not in use to avoid short and rust.
• Never run a generator indoors.
• Operate generators only on flat surfaces, where it is not exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or vapors.
• Check the generator regularly and contact your nearest authorized dealer for parts that need repair or replacement.
• Always disconnect the spark plug cord and place the cord in a place that cannot be in contact with the spark plug to avoid accidental starting when installing, transporting, adjusting, or repairing a generator.

Do mobile generators need to be grounded?

It's correct. For safety purposes, generators must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electric shock. Check and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations relating to grounding.

Can I release exhaust gas from my enclosed area?

Don’t ever do it. Never run generators indoors or in enclosed areas. A portable generator is designed to run outside where there is plenty of ventilation. Generators' emissions, like that of all gasoline engines, contain toxic carbon monoxide. 

Can I use a generator in inclement weather?

You can use your generator in a variety of weather and temperatures, but you should protect it from agents when not in use to avoid short and rust. 

Can I use a portable generator to back up the power outage?

It's correct. You can plug appliances and appliances into portable generators but don't have to plug them all at the same time.

Never plug a generator into an outlet in your home or business. If you want to connect your portable generator to your home wiring, have a certified electrician install a manual switch that has been approved to comply with electrical codes.

Final Thought

Hopefully, with this list of portable generators that we recommend, you can find the best quiet portable generator for home backup.

Investing in it would be the right thing to do, as you no longer have to worry about a power outage, and it's also convenient for camping or on the go. A few interesting products that we'd recommend again for you include:

Best overall: Honda EU2200i.

The quietest generator: WEN 56203i Super Quiet Generators.

Safest choices for your home: Yeti 1500X Portable Power Station