Need help deciding on a generator for the home. On a budget :X

[BenKenobi2]

Hello everyone. A few days ago my parents' home (where I reside until I ship out), went without electricity for about 2 hours. This was towards sunset so it made me wonder how I could be better prepared.

I have been considering investing in a generator. I've seen a lot of good things about these duel fuel (propane and unleaded gas) generators. However there are quite a lot of them on the market and they range from fairly cheap to really expensive.

I would like something that last quite a while, is reliable, easy to maintain, and can generate enough power to keep a fridge up and some lights. I think if I find a generator that can power a full size fridge then that would ease my mind quite a bit for my parents.

My budget right now is around 500 bucks. Of course I am willing to stretch it for a decent product. I've looked into the Honda ones but I come up quite short .

Any feedback or suggestions would be great

 

[bulletslinger101]

Look into a Generac


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[batoncolle]

Get a Kill A Watt meter and determine your kW hours used to determine the size generator you need. Or make a rough estimate. I'm guessing with a fridge and lights, you'll need to be around 3K starting watts or maybe a little less depending on the fridge type. Either way size up a little, because you'll be wanting to add more things in a power outage.

Also do you want something quieter if you're in a neighborhood? If so you'll want to look at an inverter generator. Of course things like dual fuel and quieter drives up the cost, but either way at a $500 budget, you'll be looking at an off-brand. I'd check out Champion. They generally get good ratings. I have one along with a few other brands, and I've never had any issues with it.

 

[Bubbado52]

Get a Honda. Expensive but well worth it!!

 

[Bottoms polaris]

Had a 2000 watt Honda for years but needed a bigger one. Bought one of the Harbor Freight 3500 watts for around $650. It’s been great so far. Had it about 2 years with probably 100-150 hours on it. Almost as quite as the Honda. They have the 2000 watts for under $500.

 

[StuP]

Leave room in your budget to install a decent way to hook it into the house......

 

[canut]

How handy and physically capable are your parents. Can they set it up outside (very important) and run extension cord(s) into the house after a blackout (or during a thunder storm !!). Then pull start a 5-7HP engine?

If you are planing using a couple of 15 amp minimum extension cords a 2400-3600 watt (20-30 amp) would be a size to look at. I'd feed the refrigerator with a dedicated 15 amp cord the other cord for a couple lights depending on gen size.

The ideal setup would be propane to eliminate storage and carburetor problems associated with gasoline. An electric start is preferred as long as battery is maintained. Best connection is via a transfer switch to main electric panel eliminates extension cords and provides to use lights, tv, etc in different rooms. That requires an electrician and assumes your parents manage total usage within generator capacity. As you can see this can get way way over the $500 budget.

 

[BenKenobi2]

How handy and physically capable are your parents. Can they set it up outside (very important) and run extension cord(s) into the house after a blackout (or during a thunder storm !!). Then pull start a 5-7HP engine?

If you are planing using a couple of 15 amp minimum extension cords a 2400-3600 watt (20-30 amp) would be a size to look at. I'd feed the refrigerator with a dedicated 15 amp cord the other cord for a couple lights depending on gen size.

The ideal setup would be propane to eliminate storage and carburetor problems associated with gasoline. An electric start is preferred as long as battery is maintained. Best connection is via a transfer switch to main electric panel eliminates extension cords and provides to use lights, tv, etc in different rooms. That requires an electrician and assumes your parents manage total usage within generator capacity. As you can see this can get way way over the $500 budget.

I am starting to realize that. My dad is quite handy, he does a lot of work on his commercial lawn mowers in house.
I might just have to save up a bit more and get a reliable brand. I really like the idea of a duel fuel and propane is most likely the route that I will take. I guess I'll just do a little bit more researching. Hopefully I can find one on sale soon!

Thank you for your help! I didn't even think about which gauge extension cords to run. Good thinking!

 

[BenKenobi2]

Get a Kill A Watt meter and determine your kW hours used to determine the size generator you need. Or make a rough estimate. I'm guessing with a fridge and lights, you'll need to be around 3K starting watts or maybe a little less depending on the fridge type. Either way size up a little, because you'll be wanting to add more things in a power outage.

Also do you want something quieter if you're in a neighborhood? If so you'll want to look at an inverter generator. Of course things like dual fuel and quieter drives up the cost, but either way at a $500 budget, you'll be looking at an off-brand. I'd check out Champion. They generally get good ratings. I have one along with a few other brands, and I've never had any issues with it.

I'll look out for those inverter generators. I don't mind off brand as long as parts are readily available. I'll just keep looking and hopefully catch one on deal. I will also size up as you suggested. Don't want to come up short when I need it! I'll be looking into those Champion generators tonight!

Thank you!

 

[BenKenobi2]

Has anyone heard of anything good from this Home Depot brand? Its called Sportsman.
I saw a slickdeals for a 4000/3500 watt dual fuel generator. Seems to have decent reviews.
Was 529.99 and now its 279.99.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sportsm...ickid=VR-wgES69xyJTPGwUx0Mo3YVUki2SoVUEx58Qk0

Watchall think?!