Generators are powerful machines that have uses for a variety of things like outdoor events, tailgating, job sites, and emergencies. With that said, not all generators are made equal, and many are designed for a particular task. You have two kinds of generators to choose from, serving very different functions.
The Home Generator, also known as a standby generator, is a stationary machine that cannot move. This device runs on natural gas or propane and connects to the lines of your home. During storms and power outages where lines may fall or turn off, this generator ensures that all your essential home appliances will still run.
Afterward, you have the portable generator and depending on the model can run on gas or propane. Portable Generators are perfect for outside activities and are an excellent power source for RV’s to use. Their typical light-weight and ease of transporting make it great for a few hours out for fun and if you have extra fuel you can make those hours turn into days.
Which One Do I Need?
Depending on your use there are a variety of options to choose from to get the one you need. Are you going to use it for camping or just emergencies? Do you need something light or something that can supply more energy? What type of fuel will you have accessible? How much power do you need? These are some questions that need answers before you can start shopping. A hard decision to make, but Acme Tools can help by showing you the best online generators that cover various applications and prices.
List of Generators at AcmeTools.com
Image | Product Name | SKU # | Price | Average Rating | Analysis |
Portable Generator | |||||
11050 Watt Dual Fuel Generator | FG11050PBE | $$ | 4.6 | Click Here | |
GP550 Watt 50 State Portable Generator | 5945 | $$ | 4.7 | Click Here | |
7500 W Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 100165 | $$ | 4.89 | Click Here | |
3800 W Duel Fuel Generator | 76533 | $ | 4.8 | Click Here | |
3400 W Duel Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator | 100263C | $$ | 4.8 | Click Here | |
1000W Super Quiet Inverter Generator | EU1000IAN | $$ | 4.9 | Click Here | |
7000 Watt Inverter Generator | EU7000IS | $$$ | 4.9 | Click Here | |
Home Generator | |||||
Guardian 7043 Standby Generator | 7043 | $$$ | 4.6 | Click Here | |
Guardian 7037 Standby Generator | 7037 | $$$ | 4.9 | Click Here |
Best Home Generators
Home generators, also called standby generators, are large, stationary generators intended to handle the power and electrical needs of a home or business during a power outage. Standby generators give homeowners peace of mind because of their ease of use and ability to power home appliances, medical equipment, and devices. These generators automatically start following a power outage or power emergency. After re-establishing power, the device will automatically shut down. Home generators never need to be refueled; they are powered by your home’s existing propane (LP) or natural gas (NG) line.
Generac Guardian 7043 Standby Generator
Generac’s Guardian 7043 home generator from Generac provides 22,000 watts (LP)/ 19,500 watts (NG) of power, making it the largest air-cooled home generator on the market. Not only does the Guardian 7043 deliver unbeatable power but it also integrates with top-of-the-line features like an LCD display, True Power technology, and mobile remote monitoring. The Guardian 7043 connects to your home’s existing LP or natural gas line and activates when a power outage is detected. This Generac home generator is a complete and powerful generator with the ability to provide full coverage for many homes or businesses.
Fuel Type: LP or NG | Transfer Switch Included: Yes |
Natural Gas (NG) Watts: 19,500W | Weight: 515 lbs |
Propane (LP) Watts: 22,000W | Material: Aluminum |
Generator Watts: 16KW-22KW | Warranty: 5 years |
Generac Guardian 7037 Standby Generator
A Guardian 7037 Standby Generator is the best option you have for your home if you want to be prepared for an emergency. This generator has a rated power of 16,000 watts on Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG). The Guardian also runs a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly test on itself to make sure that everything is running efficiently. That way when an incident occurs, you won’t be left in the dark. This test is called quiet test and runs that it does not bother the occupants of the home and clocks in at a 58 dB (A). You can control how often you want your test to run with Mobile Link monitor system and check the status using your computer, phone, or tablet.
Fuel Type: LP or NG | Transfer Switch Included: Yes |
Natural Gas Watts: 16,000W | Weight: 458 |
Propane Watts: 16,000W | Material: Aluminum |
Generator Watts: 16KW-22KW | Warranty: 5 years |
Best Portable Generators
When you need a portable generator, you need something powerful to get what you need doing. That could vary from powering your inflator for your air mattress to powering your T.V. Taking the time to look what kind of power comes out of each outlet and how many outlets available is a significant factor to consider when you are considering your options. You need one that can supply any appliances you need or use at that moment. In a pinch use them as an emergency generator if the power goes out during a storm. Have gas and propane on the ready when you are using the type of generator.
Generac 5945 GP550 Watt 50 State Portable Generator
A Generac 5945 generator is ideal for any campsite, job site, or outdoor event. Easily transport and move your generator around with the 9.5” Never Flat Wheels. This gas-powered generator produces 5,000-7,500 watts and incorporated an hour meter so you can gauge the time left on a tank of fuel or when routine service is due. With a recoil pull start you don’t have to worry about your machine not starting due to a dead battery.
Surge Watts: 6,875W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 5,500W | Weight: 183 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 7.2 gal | Decibel Rating: N/A |
Run Time (at 50%): 10 hours | Warranty: 2 year |
Champion 100165 7500 W Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The Champion 100165 generator is a powerful dual fuel machine that can produce between 7,500 to 10,999 watts of energy. That’s possible through either use of Liquid Propane or Gasoline fuel. You can have both types of fuel connected to the generator, and when one runs low, you can safely switch between them thanks to the fuel selector switch. Then with the Intelligauge, Champion smart gauge, track and monitor power output and the maintenance level of the generator. Start your generator quickly thanks to the Cold Start Technology making your electric start more reliable. Take your generator right out of storage and connect your fuel of choice and watch how much run time you get from this machine.
Surge Watts: 9,375W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 7,500W | Weight: 202.4 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 6.1 gal | Decibel Rating: 74 dB(A) |
Run Time (at 50%): 8 hours | Warranty: 3 years |
Champion 76533 3800 W Duel Fuel Generator
Champion 76533 is not only powerful and reliable but also quiet compared to other generators in the market. Turn on this 224cc Champion engine with a toggle switch (battery included) and with Cold Start technology, and it will only emit 68 dB(A). With Cold Start Technology integrated into the machine know that your generator will start even after a cold winter. Take it anywhere thanks to its 8” never Flat Tires and have power wherever you go any time of the year.
Surge Watts: 4,750W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 3,800W | Weight: 119.0 |
Fuel Tank Size: 3.4 gal | Decibel Rating: 68.0 dB(A) |
Run Time (at 50%): 9.0 hours | Warranty: 3 years |
Champion 100263C Duel Fuel Portable Generator
Champion 100263C is a reliable, lightweight, duel-fuel portable generator with the ability to run off gas or propane straight out of the box, making it an extremely versatile backup power source. Using gasoline, the 100263C has 3,400 starting watts and 3,100 running watts and 3,060 starting watts and 2,790 running watts when using propane- this portable generator offers great power potential yet still has a quiet noise rating of only 59 dB (A). The 100263C has one NEMA TT-30R 120V 30 A RV outlet, two NEMA 5-20R 120V 20 A household outlets, and a 12V DC with dual USB adapter. With power and a handful of outlets, this portable generator will not disappoint.
Surge Watts: 3,400W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 3,100W | Weight: 95.7 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 1.6 gal | Decibel Rating: 59 dB(A) |
Run Time (at 50%): 5.5 hours | Warranty: 3 years |
Honda EU1000i 1000W Super Quiet Inverter Series Generator
Honda EU1000i is a quiet inverter generator that emits between 53 to 59 dB(A) but can offer power up to 1,000 watts of power. This generator is ideal for small tools, and appliances like T.V.’s at a tailgate or a fan when you’re camping. Only weighing 29 lbs. this generator is easy to transport from the car, the campsite, or the garage to anywhere you’re going. If you need more watts though you can connect two of these generators to get double the power. Ideal for small jobs or small appliances this generator will have all the power you need to get any tool going and T.V. running.
Surge Watts: 1000W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 900W | Weight: 29 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 0.6 gal | Decibel Rating: 59 dB(A) |
Run Time (at 50%): 3.8 hours | Warranty: 2 years |
Honda EU7000IS Watt Inverter Generator
The Honda EU7000IS Generator if fuel efficient and quiet which makes it perfect for the outdoor life as well as the job site. Designed to last for your needs this generator can last from 6 to 18 hours on a single tank of fuel. Running on gas, it can produce 5,000 and up to 7,499 watts of energy. Turn it on effortlessly with a push-button starter, which takes the hassle out of pull starting your generator. Track the hours and battery voltage of your tool with the I Monitor System, and if you find out you aren’t producing enough power, you can connect two generators.
Surge Watts: 7,000W | Battery: No |
Running Watts: 5,500W | Weight: 262 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 5.1 gal | Decibel Rating: 60 dB(A) |
Run Time (at 50%): 9 hours | Warranty: 3 years |
Ford FG11050PBE 11050 Watt Duel Fuel Generator
Ford’s 11050PBE 11,050 Watt Dual Fuel Generator has a powerful 457cc engine with a pro-grade alternator making it one of the best intermediate generators on the market. With both an electric and recoil start you won’t have to warm up your generator or give it multiple cranks for it to start. This generator is Ford Machine so it’s built “Ford Tough” and can handle four major appliances with ease. Supply power for your tools, your fridges, fans, lights, or whatever else you need for the job at hand. A maintenance-free battery, a low oil sensor, and included tools and battery, you can pull this straight from the box, add oil, fuel it up and get to work.
Surge Watts: 11,050W | Battery: Yes |
Running Watts: 9,000W | Weight: 218 lbs |
Fuel Tank Size: 6.6 gal | Decibel Rating: |
Run Time (at 50%): 9.5 hours | Warranty: 2 years |
Information about generators can be a lot and overwhelming. If you don’t know what kind of generator you need then check out The Ultimate Generator Buying Guide. In this blog post, we go over all the details of what, which, and why should be looking and buying a certain generator.
Acme Tools is company that wants to make sure their customers get the best they can get, that way they can get the job done. If you have any questions about the generators we have or think we’ve missed one, let us know in the comment section below.