Purchase your generator for the best price at Amazon.com!Value for money is an important consideration when you're researching the market for a new generator. Thanks to innovations in power generator technology event the cheapest backup generators have a pretty rich offering of features.
But of course, what you're really after is value for money; something that is going to deliver a decent return on investment. That is why our team compiled the following buyers guide to the best cheap backup generator units on the market.
Here is our team's pick of the best cheap backup generator units on the market, including a range of the best backup generator options; great products from such leading names as Firman, Champion Power Equipment, Generac, and Powermate.
At $498.90 the Firman P03603 is the cheapest backup generator that we reviewed for this post.
One of Firman’s Performance Series, this gasoline-powered portable generator has a handy remote start feature, and it's as compact and user-friendly as it is powerful and practical.
Powered by an OHV engine, which guarantees longer life and enhanced power and performance, the PO3603 has the one of the largest tanks available, and comes with a handy tank gauge that allows users to keep a close eye on fuel levels.
Just marginally more expensive than the Firman P03603 is the Powermate DF3500E, available from $499.00.
One of the company’s Dual Fuel Series which run on liquid propane or gasoline, the DF3500E boast a range of innovative features and ergonomic design touches to enhance the overall user experience of the machine.
The generator’s fold-down locking handle enhances portability and mobility and makes the appliance easy to stow away.
This generator is all purpose, suitable for everything from camping trips and outdoor events, to RV road trips and emergency home backup. The Powermate DF3500E is covered by a two-year limited warranty.
The Firman H03651 is the next most expensive of the cheap backup generator units that we reviewed, with a list price of $549 but available on Amazon for $524.
This impressive and value for money Hybrid Series 3650w dual fuel electric-start generator runs on gasoline and propane, providing great flexibility for the user, especially if the appliance is being taken away from home for a camping trip, or during an emergency outage at home or the office.
Despite the power of this machine, it weights a= surprisingly lightweight 134lb and has wheels that make it even more portable, a useful feature whether at home or one the road.
It's back to Firman for our next entrant, the Firman P08003, which is significantly more expensive (in the $880 bracket) than the H03651 from the same company.
However, this is a quality item that delivers serious value for money. This Performance Series generator has a Firman four-stroke 439cc 15HP engine that provides 10,000w (starting) and 8,000w (running) of power. It has an operational noise level of 74dBA.
Other features include recoil/electric start (including a remote start feature), six outlets, and a running time of up to 11 hours on a 50-percent load and a full eight-gallon fuel tank.
The Firman Power Equipment H08051 (available for around $950) is one of the best backup generators on the market.
So while you are creeping towards the $1,000 mark with this generator, it provides a fantastic return on investment. Its features include dual fuel versatility, running time of up to 14 hours, and an eight-gallon fuel tank with integrated fuel gauge.
Also supplied with the generator is a 5ft propane hose for convenience should you require to use the generator from an external propane tank.
This is a durable product, made primarily of steel parts and components. Weighing a hefty 221lbs, this is nevertheless a portable unit and is also compact and easy to store away.
Tilting over into four-figure territory is Champion Power Equipment with the Champion 100297, available from $1,085.
Most reviews of the Champion 100297 acclaim it as one of the best backup generator appliances not just from Champion, but across the board. It's ready for use straight out of the box, and runs on either gasoline or propane, while its electric start functionality means that powering up the generator's 459cc engine is a breeze.
Champion's ‘Intelligauge’ technology will enable you to keep an eye on voltage, herz and remaining run-time.
With 10,000 starting watts and 8,000 running watts, and a built-in surge protector that prevents overloads, the Champion 100297 is a great value return on investment, particularly if you are a frequent user of backup power.
The generator comes with a three-year limited warranty, and free lifetime technical support from Champion experts.
Finally on our list of the best cheap backup generator units is the most expensive system that we reviewed, Generac's 6954, which costs around $1,299.
However, this 8000w gasoline-powered portable machine is an all-purpose workhouse, whether you want it for the home or for work/major home improvement projects, as well as camping and other outdoor leisure activities.
The Generac 6954, with its 7.5-gallon fuel tank, can run continuously for up to 12 hours, and it is low on noise output too, thanks to its low-tone muffler feature.
This generator is very easy to move around, with its fold-down locking handle and wheels, while its covered circuit breaker and outlets make it as safe in all circumstances, regardless of weather conditions, while the electric start and recoil backup is the icing on the cake.
