Find out what the best inverter generators for power outages are so you can rely on being able to run essentials and other devices during emergencies.
Best inverter generators for power outages top picks
- Champion 200977 4250 – Best inverter generator for power outages (dual fuel, a few small to medium devices)
- Honda EU2200i – Best small inverter generator for power outages (a few small devices)
- Champion 201067 9000 – Best large inverter generator for power outages (a few medium or bigger devices)
- Champion 100519 6250 (dual fuel, a few small to medium devices or a bigger one)
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF (dual fuel, a few small to medium devices)
While this is a numbered list, it is definitely possible that inverter generators lower on the list are better for your personal situation and power needs.
How we selected our top picks
When it comes to inverter generators for power outages, reliability, low THD, and fuel flexibility get a lot of bonus points.
You don’t want to find out your generator does not work as desired when you have a refrigerator and a freezer full of food waiting for much-needed power.
Additionally, big sizes are not as important as in the list of the best inverter generators for home backup power.
I also took some of the following details into account when putting together the list of top picks:
- Run time, outlets, 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 | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 7 | 9.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $ | Check Price |
| Honda EU2200i | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 10 | 6.5 | 9 | 9.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 100519 6250 | 9.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 9 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best inverter generators for power outages reviewed
People who know how much power and what other details they want could be able to choose with just the list of top picks and performance table.
That being said, you will likely find it easier to make a decision between the best inverter generators for power outages after checking the in-depth reviews.
1. Champion 200977 4250 – Best inverter generator for power outages
Our top pick for the best inverter generator for power outages is the Champion 200977 4250 thanks to its combination of a nice amount of power, reliability, and budget-friendly price.
With 4250 starting watts, 3500 running watts, and a 30 amp outlet, this generator should be able to keep a combination like your freezer, refrigerator, a 1/2 HP sump pump, and a coffee machine going during emergencies.
It is possible that you want more power too but many people will find this enough for shorter power outages.
A more unique benefit of the Champion 200977 4250 is that it can run on propane (LPG) too.
Because propane tends to store longer than gasoline, this fuel type requires a lot less attention in between cases when the power grid is down.
Pros
- Champion 200977 4250 offers 4250 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel so can run on propane too
- Reasonable noise levels of 62 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
Even if you do decide to use gasoline anyway, the Champion 200977 4250 has a long run time and good fuel efficiency.
These specifications will make it so you don’t have to refuel too often and get a relatively high amount of power out of a gallon of gasoline.
You do likely want to give the Champion 200977 4250 an additional quick test run when you get it
In some exceptional cases, customers need support to send a replacement right away.
That being said, the Champion 200977 4250 is still one of the most reliable and quality inverter generators on the market which makes it a great option for power outages.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 7 | 9.5 | 7 | 8.5 | 8 | 7.5 | $ | Check Price |
2. Honda EU2200i – Best small inverter generator for power outages
The Honda EU2200i is a small portable inverter that is well-known for its reliability and durability which also makes it great for power outages.
One thing you do want to keep in mind is that the devices a 2200 watt generator can run are somewhat limited.
The Honda EU2200i should still be strong enough to keep one or two energy-friendly refrigerators or freezers going but you should not expect too much more.
Additionally, the 8.1-hour run time at 25% load means you will have to refuel this small inverter generator somewhat often.
Pros
- Honda EU2200i offers 2200 starting watts, 1800 running watts, 18.3 amps, and 120 volts.
- Parallel capability
- Very quiet power outage generator with 48 to 57 dBA (at 25% to 100% load)
- Less than 3% THD
- Honda My Generator app connectivity
- CO sensor
- Honda generator brand reputation
- Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 12 months limited commercial warranties
- Very positive customer reviews
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Pricey for a small inverter generator
- Not the most impressive run time with 8.1 hours at 25% load
- You may want more power
On the other hand, there are good reasons why there are so many happy Honda EU2200i customers too.
The very low noise levels of 48 to 57 dBA at 25% to 100% load make the power outage just a bit more pleasant for you and any family members or nearby neighbors.
You may also like the Honda My Generator which offers in-depth performance tracking and a way to shut the inverter generator off from a distance.
In short, if you only need a good small inverter generator for a few essentials and want to use this machine for many years, the Honda EU2200i can be worth the investment.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 10 | 6.5 | 9 | 9.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
3. Champion 201067 9000 – Best large inverter generator for power outages
The Champion 201067 9000 is the best large inverter generator for power outages, home backup power, and similar options thanks to its reliability, solid features, and budget-friendly price.
You do want to know that the 9000 peak watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts tend to be more of a luxury.
The appliances and tools a 9000 watt generator can run are impressive and often not essential.
That being said, if you have a large AC or other/many big devices, the Champion 201067 9000 could be worth the investment.
Pros
- Champion 201067 9000 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)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly for this much power
Cons
- Run time is not the most impressive
- Not everyone will need this much energy during power outages
- Noise levels of 72 dBA are somewhat louder
Two things you do want to keep in mind about this big inverter generator are the below average run time and somewhat louder noise levels.
The Champion 201067 9000 may not be able to run your AC throughout the entire night and the 72 dBA could annoy you and your neighbors during longer power outages.
These downsides do need to be mentioned but will likely not stop you from getting the Champion 201067 9000 if you want a big inverter generator.
As the many happy customers can confirm, this can be a reliable option with great features for the right people.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 9 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | $$$ | Check Price |
4. Champion 100519 6250
The previous 9000 peak watt option is good but may be a bit too big for your needs.
In that case, it can make sense to go for the Champion 100519 6250 with its 6250 peak watts, 5000 running watts, and 240 volts instead.
You do want to know that this portable inverter generator is somewhat louder and has a somewhat inconvenient oil change.
These things are often not the end of the world during power outages but do make the experience somewhat more suboptimal.
Pros
- Champion 100519 6250 offers 6250 starting watts, 5000 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts
- Nice run time of 13.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 121 lb (54.9 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Noise levels of 69 dBA are somewhat louder
- Oil change is somewhat inconvenient
The run time of 13.5 hours at 25% load is nice but may not be enough to run bigger ACs and other power-hungry devices throughout the entire night.
Besides the details mentioned, the Champion 100519 6250 is somewhat standard compared to the other best inverter generators for power outages.
At this price point, you can consider this to be a positive point as the many happy customers will likely agree.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 100519 6250 | 9.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7.5 | $$ | Check Price |
5. Westinghouse iGen4500DF
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF and its gasoline-only version are high on the list of the best 4500 watt inverter generators but here, the placement is just a bit lower.
This is mainly because the Champion 200977 4250 seems to be just a bit more reliable and because I assume you will likely want to know about other power levels first.
That being said, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is still a very good inverter generator for power outages with noise levels that are a lot lower than the top pick.
This can extra be helpful for small neighborhoods and/or houses where outdoor noise is easily heard inside.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers 4500 starting watts, 3700 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel means generator can run on propane too
- Quiet power outage generator with noise levels of 52 dBA
- Long run time of 18 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- A lot of performance tracking metrics
- Optional CO sensor
- Weight of 104.7 lbs (47.5 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Some customers find changing the oil challenging
Elderly individuals or just people who like being able to easily roll their inverter generator out of the house during emergencies may like the wheels of the Westinghouse iGen4500DF.
The in-depth performance tracking screen can also be useful for planning out your refueling sessions since the run time will vary at different loads.
In short, while the Westinghouse iGen4500DF seems a tiny amount less reliable than the Champion 200977, the low noise levels, wheels, and performance tracking could convince you anyway.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 9 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
FAQ
What size inverter generator do I need for a power outage?
What size generator you need for a power outage depends a lot on what you want to be able to run.
Most people will want at least a 2200 peak watt inverter generator so that they can keep their freezer and/or refrigerator with food running.
After that, it depends on details like the weather conditions and to what extent you want to continue “normal” life.
A few examples of devices and their powers are a coffee maker with around 600 watts, a microwave with around 1300 watts, and a 2-ton central air with around 4500 peak and 1500 running watts.
What is the best inverter generator for power outages?
If you are still unsure about the best power outage generator for your situation, the Champion 200977 4250 is often a good medium-sized choice.
It is also possible that you just want to run one or two energy-friendly refrigerators or freezers. In that case, the Honda EU2200i can be a good choice.
To get a lot of power, you can also consider investing in the Champion 201067 9000.
