Are you looking for a reliable power source to hold out against an emergency in your apartment? From beating darkness to keeping food fresh – a generator is no less than a necessity for survival when there is a power outage.
However, extensive choices and limited domain knowledge may obstruct your purchase decision. Consequently, you may end up investing in something inappropriate. Thus, to help you avoid such hassles, this post narrows down the choices.
Best Generator for Apartments
| Top Pick | Goal Zero Yeti 1500X | Check Prices |
| EF Ecoflow River Pro | Check Prices | |
| EGO Nexus | Check Prices |
1. Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
Yeti 1500X is a powerful generator with an expanded ecosystem of available accessories. The manufacturer has chosen to stay committed to its little-known safety focus. Therefore, it has equipped the Yeti 1500X with top-tier LG battery cells and a precise battery management system. In addition, this power station comes with a pure-sine wave AC output, making it ideal for sensitive electronics.
This scalable generator can easily cope with a wide portfolio of accessories, integrations, and products. Despite being an industry leader, Goal Zero comes with some obvious downsides. For example, the package doesn’t include basic accessories like solar or car charging cables. Besides, it features a vertically arranged input port that somehow obstructs user-friendliness.
Pros
- Top-notch components
- Thoughtful design
- Professional and sturdy built
- Durable aluminum exterior
- Brushless fan
- Regulated output ports
Cons
- Non-replaceable and non-recyclable batteries
- Expensive
Check Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Prices
2. EF Ecoflow River Pro
This 16 pounds power station is expandable and flexible. Besides using it in your apartment for charging small and medium appliances, you can take it on your campaigns and outings. Typically, it tops up to 80% within an hour from the mains. However, you can choose to charge it from the car. Besides, you can also get optional solar panels.
This efficient generator can power devices up to 1200 watts, enabling it to charge hair dryers and light medical equipment. A flap covers the charging port, making things safer. However, it’s a little delicate. The manufacturer has designed the product to support multiple charging options.
The generator features a few AC outlets, two standard USB-A sockets, and a fast-charge USB socket. It also has a 100-watt USB-C output. You will even find a torch at the front, which you can use when plugging cables. The display clearly shows the power input and the estimated battery life in hours and minutes.
Furthermore, it also features a battery percentage meter. A rapid tap of the power button turns the screen off. You may find this feature helpful when resigning in a tent. The device lets you enjoy control over almost everything. You can even connect it to wifi for remote monitoring. Besides, you can control the device through the dedicated smartphone app.
Pros
- Long-lasting power
- Powerful and functional
- Ergonomic built
- Trustpilot reviewed
- Long Lasting
Cons
- Obstructed AC sockets
- Unresponsive customer support
Check EF Ecoflow River Pro Prices
3. EGO Nexus
This portable power station delivers up to 2000 watts of continuous power and 3000 watts of peak power. The device features a robust and convenient build. The button layout is easy to understand. In addition, the high-resolution LCD screen offers a clear display.
You will find a flexible system under the hood. It enables you to use any of the four 56V EGO batteries. However, the output may change depending on the battery you choose. Leveraging the battery capacity configuration of the device, you can easily power medical and mechanical tools, refrigerators, ovens, etc.
The external batteries enable you to keep extra battery packs as backups, making EGO Nexus an ideal solution for longer outages. Like many other updated generators, EGO also has an app that lets you remotely control the device. In addition, it features a pure-sine wave output. The package includes a charging cable. Besides, you can use a dedicated EGO solar panel charger to feed the batteries.
Pros
- Scalable
- Convenient
- Affordable
- Customizable battery capacity
- Weather resistant built
Cons
- Can’t charge and discharge simultaneously
- Solar panel charging takes long
4. Westinghouse iGen 160S
Westinghouse has been providing alternative electricity solutions for over a century. The newest product line from this brand includes a top-notch portable power station – the Westinghouse iGen 160S. Leveraging this efficient generator, you can charge your laptop, drone, LED tv, mini freezer, tablet, etc. The device makes almost no sound while supplying alternative power. Apart from small-scale domestic use, you can count on Westinghouse iGen 160S for camping, outing, or hunting.
This solar pan-friendly power station has 150 starting and 100 running watts. It can keep your devices alive in unexpected power outages for a couple of days. Furthermore, Westinghouse iGen 160S is user–friendly, and it comes assembled. All you need to do is to recharge the power station and connect your appliances when required.
Pros
- Cost efficient
- Operates on Lithium-ion battery
- Doesn’t produce carbon monoxide
- Features two years warranty
- Zero fumes
- No technical knowledge is required for maintenance
Cons
- Not ideal for powering larger appliances
- Buttons depress quickly
Check Westinghouse iGen 160S Prices
5. Jackery Portable Power Station 1000
This 1000-watt portable power station sports a 1002Wh capacity. From a tiny trimmer to a heavy-weight refrigerator – this bad boy allows you to plug almost everything. The device has three AC outlets, two USB ports, a USB A port, and a DC power port. All these ports sit on the front, sharing their space with a clear LCD. The display lets you check the current charge level, outgoing power, and incoming power.
Besides, both the AC and DC sections feature power buttons. Hence, you can turn them off when not in use. Around the corner, you will find a single flashlight. You can operate it using a separate power button. On the left, you will see a large vent accommodating airflow for the fans.
The unit features a solar panel, enabling eco-friendly charging. Advocates claim that the battery can manage to take up to 40% charge even on a cloudy day. All that you need to do is maintain maximum sun exposure. In bright sunlight, the solar panels may pull over 100 watts of power. What’s more, this functional and impressive generator features an affordable price tag.
Pros
- Massive power supply
- Legit solar panels
- Ideal for storm outages
- Adequate ports
- IP65 rated
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Can’t charge from AC, DC, and solar simultaneously
Check Jackery Portable Power Station 1000 Prices
6. DeWalt DXGNI 2200
DeWalt DXGNI 2200 is a solid, minimalist, and well-performing power station. It boasts key safety features like carbon monoxide detection, making it one of the safest choices for indoor use. Besides, this gasoline-powered generator offers ultra-quiet operations.
The DeWalt DXGNI 2200 operates on an 80cc OHV engine. In addition, it features low oil shutdown and autothrottle. Furthermore, the generator sports covered outlets that protect it from the toughest work sites. The one-gallon fuel tank of the device allows it to run up to 11 hours at 25% load.
The economy mode of this mighty generator allows it to adjust engine speeds automatically. Consequently, it saves fuel and decreases sound emissions. In addition, the integrated off, run, and choke knob facilitates convenient start-up.
Pros
- Sturdy built
- Boasts a convenient handle for ease of carrying
- Minimal noise
- Multiple power outlets
Cons
- The packaging could have been better
- Lacks app making power management difficult
Check DeWalt DXGNI 2200 Prices
7. FlashFish Power Station 300 Watt
FlashFish is a pocket-friendly yet reliable mini generator. It offers 300-350W of power, and it weighs around 5.6 grams. You can charge this device in three ways: through the solar panel, a wall outlet, or a 12V car socket. This little gizmo boasts several safety features. They include overheating protection, short circuit protection, and over-voltage protection. The pure-sine wave output adds to its convenience and reliability.
The generator comes with a 60000 mah battery. Besides, its pure-sine wave ensures stable charging. Furthermore, it boasts a built-in smart IC chip that can smartly identify your device and maximize its charging speed. At the same time, the generator protects your device from overcharging and overheating.
Pros
- Runs CPAP machines
- Affordable
- Solid build
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Can’t be used and charged simultaneously
- Solar charging could have been faster
Check FlashFish Power Station 300 Watt Prices
Things to Know Before Buying a Generator for Your Apartment
Before heading to buy a generator for your home, it’s essential to figure out how and where you will use it. Typically, there are several guidelines, laws, and restrictions regarding their use in residential apartments. You should know them well before proceeding. Furthermore, knowing the secret of picking up the right generator helps eliminate the risk of electrocution, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and unwanted monetary loss.
Typically, there are three types of generators available in the market. They include standby generators, portable generators, and inverters. The standby generators require permanent installation. In addition, you need to connect them to a home. These generators can power critical circuits during a power outage. They may even manage the power supply of the entire house.
Portable generators, on the other hand, are backup power stations. It’s worth knowing that portable is a relative term – while you can pick up and carry the smallest models, others may have wheels. The capacity of portable devices typically varies depending on their size.
The third variation, inverter generators, is also portable. However, they deserve a different category because they are technically different from portable and standby generators. Typically, inverter generators provide 120-240V of AC power. It converts AC into DC and then inverts it back to AC. The circuitry of such generators controls this conversion and inversion, flattening surges. Mostly, inverters last longer, and they offer uninterrupted power and voltage.
Generally, you will find three types of generators: gasoline, dual fuel, and electric. The gasoline ones are the most common; however, they come with several downsides. For example, in catastrophic storms, the demand for fuel increases insanely. Unfortunately, many local gas stations fail to meet the demand. Consequently, your device may not do its job well.
Conversely, dual-fuel generators can operate on LPG and gasoline. You can easily switch between the fuels. Besides, you won’t have to be worried about availability. Finally, there are battery-run generators, which require electricity to be charged. These generators may not serve your purpose properly if you reside in an outage-prone zone.
This is an essential check when you buy gasoline or dual-fuel generators. Generally, most newer generators feature a carbon monoxide detector that stops the operation when the carbon monoxide saturation becomes dangerously high.
Did you know the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported the death of 849 people from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2005-2016? Given this severity, you should always buy generators with a CO detection function. Indeed, such devices are expensive. However, what could be more pricey than life?
*Note: Though CO detection makes things safer, it doesn’t eliminate the risk holistically. For example, when you place your generator outside an open window, its sensor won’t be able to detect the CO buildup. Hence, always position a gas or dual-fuel generator at least 20 feet away from your home.
You can hardly have any backup alternative available for your backup device. Thus, checking your device’s and the manufacturer’s reliability is vital before sealing the deal. Reputed brands usually offer better warranties and better service networks. Besides, replacement parts are more available.
While battery-powered power stations can also be good picks, they are not technically generators. To be more specific, they don’t generate electricity. Due to this reason, these models may have some limitations. However, they are more convenient than gas-powered or dual-fuel generators.
You can install them indoors without being worried about carbon monoxide emissions. Furthermore, you don’t need to invest in maintenance, oil, and gas. On top of all, they are quiet, ensuring zero exhaustion. Therefore, you can bet on battery-powered alternatives if you can adjust with finite batteries. However, you should walk with gasoline or dual-fuel devices for heavy usage.
While you can find a slew of inexpensive alternatives available in the market, you should never settle for something too good to be true. Tally the cost of the chosen device with its features. If you find everything transparent and justified, proceed further.
Frequently Asked Questions
The golden rule is to pick up a generator a little bigger than your requirements. Therefore, if your power requirement is 1800 running watts, you should ideally get a generator with at least 2000 rated wattage. You can alter the wattage according to your requirements.
Typically, standard gasoline or dual-fuel generators feature five primary components. They include an internal combustion engine, starter, outlets, alternator, and fuel tank. The internal combustion engine absorbs the fuel, creates the spark, and converts the fuel into mechanical energy.
Then, the alternator converts the mechanical energy into electricity. Now, when you pull the cord, your generator starts working with the help of the starter. Fuel tanks hold a dedicated volume of fuel (gas/LPG), and the outlets let you connect your devices to the generator.
Portable generators offer cost-efficient and convenient alternative energy solutions. However, not everyone finds them useful. For example, if you are looking for some outwardly heavy-duty alternatives, you should walk with standby generators. On the other hand, if you are looking for compact and hassle-free solutions, you may bet on portable generators.
It entirely depends on what you want to power during outages. If you want all your appliances to work optimally, you may turn to a large standby generator. On the other hand, if you want maximum convenience and you have only a few things to power, you can consider getting a standard portable generator. You can even try using limited-capacity inverter generators, which are ideal for lightweight indoor use.
Portable generators operate on gasoline or LPG. Therefore, they can impact indoor air quality during power outages. Given this, you should avoid using portable generators inside shades, garages, or crawl spaces. If accidentally, deadly levels of carbon monoxide build up in the said areas, it may lead to life-threatening conditions.
Hence, always install portable generators in open areas. If you want to install them indoors, ensure they feature carbon monoxide detection. Furthermore, don’t place them outside open windows, as it may obstruct the function of the sensor.
Generators are legit in states. However, on December 9th, 2021, the California Resources Board set new rules to restrict gas powered generator sales. The ban will take effect on January 1st, 2028. However, if you already own and operate these generators, the law won’t ban their usage.
In addition, it won’t ban the import of this generator. Therefore, you can travel to a neighboring state, purchase a generator, and bring it back to California. In other states, there are still no restrictions; hence, you can technically consider gasoline or dual-fuel generators legit.
Conclusion
To conclude, an alternative power source is critical to bypass unwanted interruptions and troubles during power outages. Therefore, it’s worth investing in a functional and convenient generator. Before picking up a generator for your apartment, you should carefully check its capacity, features, and safety. This will help you cherish a wise investment. You can choose either portable or battery-powered generators. However, consider their limitations while sealing the deal. For added convenience, you can refer to our recommendations.
