#1 Briggs & Stratton 30470 Gas Powered Portable Generator
The 30470 is an excellent 7,000 watt backup generator for the home with a powerful OHV engine with a capacity of 420cc and 3600 rpm. It is really easy to start the generator with a 12-volt key start with recoil. The engine has a cast iron sleeve for extra ruggedness. The oil shutdown feature saves the motor from any damage caused due to low oil. The 30470 runs of gasoline on a 120/240 single phase voltage. It runs for 9 hours with a 50% load and has a tank size of 7 gallons.
The never-flat tires that come with the machine ensure portability and you also get a foldable handle which can also be stored away if you wish. The control panel is well designed with all user touch points together at one place, and is also very easy to reach. If you would like to track the oil changes you can do so with a built-in hour meter that is convenient placed on the generator. A fuel gauge will show you when it is time to replenish the fuel.
#2 Sportsman GEN7000LP Propane Powered Portable Generator
The GEN7000LP provides a total power output of 6,000 watts continuous and 7,000 watts surge with a 13 horsepower 4-stroke OHV engine. The generator runs on propane and you will also get a propane hose and regulator for your use. The advantage with propane is that you can keep enough stock without any worry of degradation. If you run it at a load of 50% it will give you a good 12 hour run. Starting the generator is easy with a recoil start as well as an electric start.
When you start the generator you will observe that it is very quiet and emits sound of less than 80dB which is silent enough for such a powerful machine. The outlets are protected from overload and there is a spark arrestor also for added safety. The motor is protected from damage by a low oil shutdown feature which kicks in when oil is less.
#3 Generac 5837 Standby Generator
The 5837 is powered by natural gas or liquid propane and has an air-cooled OHV engine protected by cast iron cylinder walls. It is popular due to a fully automatic operation which includes an automatic transfer switch. Installing it is easy due to the mounts provided near the existing distribution panel.
An automatic voltage regulation system prevents damage from spikes in voltage and a composite polymer enclosure and mounting pad is rust-proof. The generator is quieter by 10dB than other similar generators due to an enclosed quiet muffler. An additional feature is the main line circuit breaker which protects the generator. A trickle charger saves battery in the long run proving the generator to be cost effective as well.
