What Is the Best Backup Generator for Home Use?

August 13, 2024 | Nate Cord

If the power goes out at home, your life will be made a whole lot easier if you have a backup generator ready to go.

The right generator can provide you with complete peace of mind, ensuring that your appliances continue to operate smoothly during an outage. Your fridge will be kept cold, essential medical equipment will continue to function, and all the lights will be kept on, so you won’t have to struggle in the dark.

But with so many different generators on the market, how do you choose the best backup generator for your home?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of backup generators, key features to consider when choosing a generator, and the top models that deliver a balance of power, reliability, and ease of use.

Whether you’re looking for a portable unit to power the basics or a standby generator to keep your entire home running seamlessly, we’ve got you covered.

What Is a Backup Generator?

To put it simply, a backup generator is a device that provides temporary electrical power during a power outage or when the main power supply in the home is unavailable.

These generators are often powered by fuels like petrol or diesel and they automatically or manually switch on when they detect a loss of power from the main grid.

Backup generators can come in a variety of different sizes, ranging from small portable units that can power essential devices (like lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment) to large, whole-house generators that can power an entire home).

If you need some help choosing the best generator for your needs and would like to chat to an expert, get in touch on 01639 849847.

Standby vs Backup Generator: What is the Difference?

When looking into backup generators, it’s likely that you’ll also come across ‘standby’ generators, but what’s the difference?

While backup and standby generators are closely related, they do differ in terms of their usage and functionality.

The term “backup generator” is a broad category name that includes any generator used to provide power in the event of a power outage, and this can refer to both portable and stationary devices. A standby generator is a specific type of backup generator that is permanently installed and connected to a home’s electrical system.

What Is the Best Backup Generator for Home Use? Our top 6

6 of the best backup generators for your home include:

1. Hyundai DHY8000SELR Diesel Generator

The Hyundai DHY8000SELR Diesel Generator is particularly well-suited for home use, due to its large 25L fuel tank, which boosts the maximum running time up to 25 hours.

This generator is automatic transfer switch (ATS) compatible, meaning that when the ATS detects a loss of power from the mains supply, it automatically powers your generator, then shuts it back off when it detects power returning from the mains.

More key features include:

• It is housed in a silenced case with a sound rating of just 70dB @ 7 metres
• Powered by a 4-stroke, air-cooled D452 Hyundai 3000rpm diesel engine
• It is economical to run, using roughly 1L of diesel every hour when running at 50% load
• Produces a maximum of 5.8kW

The DHY8000SELR is the long running version of the DHY8000SE, with a large 25L fuel tank.

2. Warrior LDG6500SV Silent Diesel Generator

Another ideal silent generator for home use is the Warrior LDG6500SV Silent Diesel Generator, which features an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) control system to monitor the output and protect the unit against voltage fluctuations, providing a smoother power output.

A fully fuelled 16L tank could easily achieve up to 12 hours running at around 50% load, making this generator ideal for all sorts of applications such as backup to domestic supply or catering.

Other key benefits include:

• Electric key start facility
• EURO V emission standard engine
• Soundproof canopy for reduced noise
• Anti-vibration mountings for minimal vibration
• Wheels for easy portability
• ATS compatible

3. Senci SCD9000Q Diesel Generator

The Senci SCD9000Q Diesel Generator is an ideal unit for standby and backup usage for domestic (and small commercial) properties in the event of a mains outage, boasting a EURO V engine providing 6.00kW of continuous power at 230V.

It features a handy sound reducing canopy to lower the noise level and weighing just 170kg when dry, the SCD9000Q can be moved across solid flat surfaces with four sturdy wheels, making it portable and super easy to position.

More features include:

• Powered by easy-to-start electric start
• Full closed control panel dustproof and water resistant
• The 15-litre fuel tank allows for longer running periods of up to 15 hours at 50% load
• Circuit breaker cuts off electricity system when overloaded

4. Bluetti AC500 plus B300S Home Battery Backup

The Bluetti AC500 plus B300S Home Battery Backup is a great option for those looking for a clean, quiet, and efficient energy solution in the event of a power outage and stay connected to unlimited energy wherever you are heading.

Whenever the grid goes down, the AC500 system can automatically become your home energy source to keep all your essential loads running without interruption. It also features an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) and LiFePO4 battery to ensure higher security during operation, longer life cycles, and optimal performance.

Supported by an efficient MPPT controller, AC500 allows up to 3000W solar input – 40% faster than a standard charging speed, so fully charging an AC500+B300S combo only takes about 1.5hrs.

5. Hyundai DHY8000SELR-T Multi-Phase Diesel Generator

The DHY8000SELR-T is a compact yet powerful long run standby generator, offering either switchable 230V single phase or 400V 3-phase voltages, ideal for workshops, garages and home use.

Housed in silenced casing, this is an extremely quiet machine and will keep disturbance to a minimum for you and your family when powering your home.

Additional benefits include:

• Sound rating of 70dB @ 7 metres
• Powered by a 4-stroke, air-cooled Hyundai 3000rpm diesel engine
• Optional connection to ATS to automatically start and shutdown during a power cut
• Multi-phase – Single & Three Phase capabilities, ideal for garages and workshops

6. Pramac GA13000 LPG / Natural Gas Standby Generator

Last but not least, we have the Pramac GA13000, a standby generator designed to provide reliable backup power for homes and businesses.

It is a super versatile machine that runs on either LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or natural gas, making it a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel or gasoline generators.

Thanks to the True Power technology, Pramac’s residential line offers the market’s best power quality, with less than 5% of Total Harmonic Distortion to guarantee the smooth functioning of your most sensitive devices.

Looking For a Quality Generator?

At Generators Direct, we offer a range of generators, power stations and power banks for your specific needs.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards, and come with a price promise – you won’t find prices cheaper anywhere on the web, but if you do, we’ll match them. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us using this form or via phone at +441639849847.