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Losing power is a frustrating ordeal, and can be scary, particularly for families with small children and those who rely on powered medical equipment. Luckily, you can be prepared for powering essential equipment during these emergencies with a generator.

Generators come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of different functions and features.

Generator safety

Before we dive into the options, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how to safely operate a generator.

Generators provide power from an alternative fuel source, making them useful for power outages or places where it’s difficult to get power. It’s important to understand generators also produce and emit carbon monoxide while running. For this reason, it is imperative to:

1. Never use generators in an enclosed space
2. Operate generators at least 20 feet away from your home
3. Maintain 3-4 feet of clearance along all sides so that the generator vents properly
4. Ensure cords connected to the generator are properly grounded and made for the appropriate wattage being used

Generator power: How much do you need?

Now that we’ve hammered down safety, the next question is how much power do you need? Generators come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common ones you’ll find will be 5,000; 15,000 or 25,000 watts, depending on how much power you need.

• A 5,000-watt generator will typically power the basic essentials – refrigerators/freezers and lights throughout the home.
• A 15,000-watt generator will get you a step above that, powering fridges, lights, TVs, air conditioners, water heaters, stoves and microwaves.
• Last but not least, a 25,000-watt generator might make it seem like you never lost power in the first place, powering almost all household appliances, along with TVs, computers and phone chargers.

So, what’s the right choice for you? The answer depends on your needs, where you live, and how quickly power is typically restored in your area.

If you’re not near a major city and it takes a long time for crews to get out to fix a power outage in your area, you may want to opt for higher wattage. On the flip side, if you live in an area where power outages are not uncommon, but are resolved quickly, then less is more.

Other important considerations include:

• Ease of use. If you’re not too familiar with generators, it’s a good idea to purchase one that you can easily figure out how to operate.
• Mobility. Generators aren’t only used for power outages. You’ll often see people bring them on camping trips and off-grid activities, in which case the wattage you need will depend on what exactly you need to power.
• Upkeep. It’s important that you can keep up with a generator’s maintenance needs. If it’s too complicated, you probably won’t do it, so better to purchase a product that you know you will be comfortable and confident using and maintaining.

Top generator picks

Let’s look at some options.

Powermate PM4500 4,500-watt gas-powered portable open-frame generator

A 4,500-watt portable generator with a 5-gallon gasoline fuel tank and 19-hour run time, one of the best features of this generator is the easy-start turn dial, making it a breeze to turn on, even for the novice. This generator also tracks run time and reminds users of maintenance intervals, making it seamless to regularly service this generator. At the price, this is a great product for newbies and experienced operators alike.

Westinghouse 12,500-watt dual fuel home backup portable generator

Next up is the Westinghouse 12,500-watt dual fuel portable generator. This generator also boasts easy-start features, taking it to another level with key fob remote start. With a 6.6-gallon fuel tank and 12-hour run time, this generator is a great option for higher wattage needs and comes with a high-tech control panel for appliances that are connected to it. This is a great value with an added 3-year warranty.

Generac 7291 26,000-watt Guardian Series home standby generator

If back-up power for your whole home is a priority, then the Generac 7291 standby generator might be the choice for you. It might seem like overkill with a whopping 26,000 watts and a transfer switch that powers your entire home. However, this might be worth it for families that rely heavily on electronics, especially medical devices. At 514 pounds, this generator is anything but portable and requires a licensed electrician for install, but once installed, it features WIFI connectivity, reliable power fueled by propane or natural gas, and a 5-year warranty wrapped into the $7,100 price tag.

ZeroKor 300-watt portable solar generator

If you’re looking to power up your next camping adventure, you probably don’t need a massive high-powered system, but I would recommend the portable solar generator by ZeroKor. At 300 watts and just over 5 pounds, this generator is extremely portable and has multiple recharge options, including solar panels that add an additional 60 watts of power. This is ideal for small devices needed during a camping trip such as phones, inflatable air mattresses and portable refrigerators. This is one of the more affordable options for portable generators.

|More: Essential gear for a perfect weekend camping trip

There are many options for generators, depending on your needs and what features matter the most to you. I will admit these are costly machines, however they are a game changer when it comes to having power when you need it the most. Being prepared for emergencies is one of the most important things we can do for our families, and this is one way we can stay prepared.