Discover the best inverter generators for home backup so you don’t have to give up your daily life and throw away refrigerators full of food in every power grid issue.
Best inverter generators for home backup top picks
- Champion 201067 – Best large inverter generator for home backup (9000 peak watts)
- DuroMax XP9000iH – Best dual fuel inverter generator for home backup (9000 peak watts)
- Champion 200977 – Best small inverter generator for home backup (4250 peak watts, dual fuel)
- AIVOLT 10000 – Largest inverter generator for home backup (10000 peak watts, dual fuel)
- Honda EU7000iS – Quietest inverter generator for home backup (7000 peak watts)
Depending on details like your power needs and what fuel types are more convenient in your situation, home backup inverter generators lower on the list can be better for you.
How we selected our top picks
With refrigerators and freezers full of food, reliability is an important area for home backup inverter generators.
Additionally, 50 amp outlets are great because they allow you to get more watts to your house through one outlet.
If you want smaller models, the list of the best inverter generators for power outages could be better.
Besides the things above, I also considered some of the following details when putting together the list of top picks:
- Run time, power capacity, fuel type, portability, noise levels, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from experts
- Price
- Brand trustability and reputation
- The performance categories below
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.5 | 6.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 7 | 9.5 | 9 | 7.5 | <5% | 9.5 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
| AIVOLT 10000 | 7.5 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 8 | 4.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Honda EU7000iS | 8.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 9 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best inverter generators for home backup reviewed
People who know more or less what they want could find the list of top picks and the performance table enough to make a choice.
On the other hand, you may find it easier to decide between the best inverter generators for home backup after checking out the reviews below.
1. Champion 201067 9000 – Best inverter generator for home backup
Our top pick for the best inverter generator for home backup power is the Champion 201067 9000 thanks to its high power capacity, 50 amp outlet, reliability, and reasonable price.
The main potential downside to keep in mind is that the Champion 201067 9000 is relatively loud with noise levels of 72 dBA.
If you live in a relatively small neighborhood with small gardens and houses that are close together, your ears and neighbors may not be the happiest.
Additionally, if you do decide the Champion 201067 9000 is quiet enough to run devices overnight, you want to keep the run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load in mind.
Pros
- Champion 201067 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- CO sensor
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 152.2 lb (69 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Run time is not the most impressive
- Noise levels of 72 dBA are somewhat loud
That being said, with 7250 running watts, this run time should still be enough to power things like a 2-ton central air, refrigerator, and freezer throughout the night as long as you fill up the tank.
With how positive customers are about the Champion 201067 9000, its reliability should be good enough to trust this portable inverter generator with these devices.
Besides that, the electric start makes getting the generator going just a bit more convenient.
In short, as long as you don’t mind the somewhat louder operation, the Champion 201067 9000 is a great option when it comes to gasoline-only home backup inverter generators.
And even if you do want more fuel options, you can consider the Champion 201176 9000 which is a tri fuel inverter generator that can also run on propane and natural gas.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.5 | 6.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
2. DuroMax XP9000iH – Best dual fuel
Portable generators often use gasoline but propane-compatible models like the DuroMax XP9000iH can sometimes be the better option.
Especially for purposes like home backup power.
One reason for this is that propane typically stores longer than gasoline. This allows you to be prepared for power outages with less effort.
Additionally, even if you have to get new fuel during the power grid issues, propane can be easier to get in certain locations.
Partially because many other people turn to gasoline in situations like this.
Pros
- DuroMax XP9000iH offers 9000 starting watts, 7600 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel so can run on propane (LPG) too
- Noise levels of 68 dB
- Good run time of 20 hours at 25% load
- Less than 5% THD
- Electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Weight of 237 lb (107.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Does not have a 50 amp outlet
- Some cases of early technical issues
- A few cases where the generator does not offer the running watts mentioned
Even if you do decide to get a dual fuel inverter generator for home backup, you want to remember the tri fuel Champion 201176 9000 exists too.
Whether you want to go for this alternative or the DuroMax XP9000iH depends on your budget and preferences for noise levels, run time, and outlets.
In simpler words, the DuroMax XP9000iH is the pricier option without a 50 amp outlet but does have quieter noise levels, longer run times, and more customers.
Something that could make your choice easier is knowing that there are a decent number of cases where DuroMax XP9000iH customers experience early technical issues.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 7 | 9.5 | 9 | 7.5 | <5% | 9.5 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$ | Check Price |
3. Champion 200977 4250 – Best small
The options on this list are relatively big because you likely don’t go through the effort of safely connecting your inverter to your house to only run a TV or charge your phone.
That being said, there are also cases where small generators like the Champion 200977 4250 could be strong enough for the appliances in your home.
More specifically, 4250 starting watts and 3500 running watts should still be enough to power an energy-friendly refrigerator, an energy-friendly freezer, and a 15k BTU window AC.
Do keep in mind that the Champion 200977 4250 offers fewer watts when running on propane instead of gasoline.
Pros
- Champion 200977 offers 4250 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Reasonable noise levels of 64 dBA
- Long run time of 22 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 79 lb (35.8 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No wheels so moving the inverter generator can be challenging
- A few very exceptional cases where the first model customers got had issues
Another thing to note is that there are a few exceptional cases where customers had issues starting the Champion 200977 4250 on propane.
Besides that, a lack of wheels makes it harder to move this small home backup inverter generator although the weight of 79 pounds is still reasonable.
Something that positively stands out in the Champion 200977 4250 is the reliability the positive customer reviews imply.
You should have no issues trusting this portable generator with your refrigerator or freezer.
Additionally, the investment required for the Champion 200977 4250 is very reasonable. Even when you take its small size into account.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 5.5 | 9.5 | 8 | <3% | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $ | Check Price |
4. AIVOLT 10000 – Largest
The Champion 201067 9000 is already relatively big but if you really want the largest inverter generator for home backup the AIVOLT 10000 could be for you.
With 10000 starting watts and 8000 running watts on gasoline, you should be able to run the things in most standard houses.
Additionally, the dual fuel feature makes it so you are more flexible in terms of fuel types.
Before considering this model, you do want to know AIVOLT is not the most proven generator brand on the market.
Pros
- AIVOLT 10000 offers 10000 starting watts, 8000 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature so you can run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively low noise levels of 61 dBA
- Good run time of 19 hours at 25% load
- Good gasoline fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Has remote and electric start
- Four GFCI outlets
- 2 years limited warranty
Cons
- Not the most proven generator brand
- You likely need some help moving the weight of 299 lb (135.6 kg)
Besides a few mentions of loud noise levels, customers are positive about the AIVOLT 10000 so far. However, there is still a certain risk involved in this option.
You may also need some help moving the heavy weight of 299 lb (135.6 kg) in and out of position. Especially on grass or other bumpy terrain.
On the flip side, the AIVOLT 10000 does also offer positives like low noise levels for the power capacity, remote and electric start, and a long run time.
These extra convenience benefits and all the power available can make the AIVOLT 10000 the right choice for certain situations.
At the same time, there will still be people that prefer waiting until this option is proven by more customer reviews.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIVOLT 10000 | 7.5 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 8 | 4.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
5. Honda EU7000iS – Quietest home backup inverter generator
The AIVOLT 10000 already has a reasonable noise rating for this power level but if you want the quietest home backup inverter generator available, the Honda EU7000iS is the top option.
You do need to know that this quiet operation of 52 to 58 dBA at 25% to 100% load comes with a few downsides.
First of all, the Honda EU7000iS is very expensive. Even compared to the largest options among the best inverter generators.
Secondly, there are a few exceptional cases where customers have technical issues.
The Honda EU7000iS is still relatively reliable but you would expect better at this price point.
Pros
- Honda EU7000iS offers 7000 starting watts, 5500 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts
- Parallel capability
- Quietest home backup inverter generator with noise levels of 52 to 58 dBA (25% to 100% load)
- Nice run time of 16 hours at 25% load
- Should be less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- Honda generator brand reputation
- Remote operation through Honda My Generator app
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 12 months limited commercial warranties
Cons
- Expensive compared to other inverter generators for home backup
- A few exceptional cases of technical difficulties
- No 50 amp outlet
- You may need help moving the weight of 263.2 lb (119.4 kg)
Besides that, the lack of a 50 amp outlet makes it so you will be able to get less power through one outlet.
In turn, you may not be able to get everything out of this home backup inverter generator when running 120 volt devices.
On the other hand, the Honda My Generator app connectivity makes it so you can track, start, and stop the Honda EU7000iS remotely.
This extra convenience and quiet operation can be enough to make the Honda EU7000iS worth it for some people and situations as the nice amount of customer reviews implies.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU7000iS | 8.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 9.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 9 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
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FAQ
What is the largest inverter generator for home use?
At the time of writing, the AIVOLT 10000 is the largest inverter generator for home use with 10000 peak watts and 8000 running watts.
What is the best inverter generator for home backup power?
It is possible that you are still not entirely sure about what home backup inverter generator would be the best one for your situation.
In cases like this, our top pick, the Champion 201067 9000, is often a good choice if you want a gasoline-only model.
You can also consider the DuroMax XP9000iH if you want to be able to use propane too and don’t mind the suboptimal reliability and higher investment.
