Whether you’re going camping, adventuring, exploring, or are simply traveling somewhere remote, being off-grid always poses the same problem: no power. In a day and age in which we can barely live without our gadgets and phones, that’s quite the problem.
Having a power source can be vital in the case of an emergency so that you can call for help with your phone or remain in contact with family or a work boss.
And even if you’re on an exploration adventure, having a charged up mobile phone can still be highly important, especially as a lot of maps are through apps or online now!
So, what can you use as a power source when off the grid? The answer is, of course, an off the grid generator.
Off the grid generators are not that hard to find and can be far more useful than you think. They are used when you’re out and about somewhere remote and in the middle of nowhere.
They can also be used right at home, in the case of a power outage, an emergency, or even the apocalypse! (You never know, right?)
There are many different off-grid generators available in today’s market, with different capabilities that will be able to suit different needs and circumstances. The most important thing, when looking into buying an off-grid generator, is to make sure it’s highly reliable.
After all, if you can’t rely on your backup emergency plan, what’s left to do?
To help you choose from the very best options, we’ve compiled a list with our five top picks for the overall best off-grid generators.
In a hurry?
You don’t need to have a remote escapade or a camping trip planned in order to buy an off-grid generator. They’re a great thing to have at home, just in case of a power outage or emergency, and it means you’re always pre-prepared!
Of course, if you’re going to invest in a generator, it might as well be the best possible quality, so you’re guaranteed it works and is reliable when the time finally comes to use it. If you’re in a hurry, we recommend you go straight to our number one top option: the Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator.
This portable generator is the overall reason for many reasons, one of them being that it is extremely convenient and easy to use. Easy to start-up, with a single push-button and a key fob included so that you can even start it up remotely.
It is also Transfer Switch ready so that it is very easy to connect to your home as a backup power source. With 7500 running watts and 9500 peak watts, it is highly capable, powered by a 6.6 gallon fuel tank that can run for 11 continuous hours.
The two Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters it features are water-resistant, and all of the power outlets have rubber covers for added safety.
The engine also has a long-lasting cast iron sleeve with an automatic low oil shutdown, so you’re guaranteed a safe and secure usage of the generator.
Completely EPA and CARB compliant, functionally tested in the factory, and with a 3-year limited service. This portable generator is truly ideal for any situation!
Here are the main features:
Extremely easy to use, with Transfer Switch for home backup
One-touch button start with remote control
7000 running watts and 9500 peak watts
6.6 gallon fuel tank
2 GFCI and outlets with rubber covers for safety
EPA and CARB compliant, plus a 3-year limited service
OUR TOP PICK
The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator is our top pick, as we consider it to be the overall best option. It’s ideal for any situation, including as a home backup generator, for a trailer, or for a remote camping trip.
It’s highly reliable and extremely easy to use, with a one-touch button electric start. The generator can also be started up remotely, as it comes with a key fob that allows you to control it from a distance!
It has an intuitive panel for easy control and adjustments, so there’s no need for struggling when setting it up.
Another feature that makes it extremely convenient and easy to use, is that it is Transfer Switch ready so that it can easily power up your home.
It has 7500 running watts and 9500 peak watts, with a continuous running time of 11 hours on a 6.6 gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge.
It features two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) which are also water-resistant for added safety.
All the outlets also have a rubber cover, to ensure the generator is completely safe to use. It has been functionally tested in the factory, is EPA and CARB compliant, and is also backed by a 3-year limited service.
For even more security, the engine of this generator features a long-lasting cast iron sleeve with an automatic low oil shutdown, as well as a digital hour meter for you to keep track of!
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, with Transfer Switch for home backup
- One-touch button start with remote control
- 7000 running watts and 9500 peak watts
- 6.6 gallon fuel tank
- 2 GFCI and outlets with rubber covers for safety
- EPA and CARB compliant, plus a 3-year limited service
Cons
- No downsides
EDITORS CHOICE
The WEN 2000-Watt Gas Powered Portable Generator is another excellent choice, highly reliable, and ideal as a power source in construction sights, campsites, or as a backup during power outages at home.
With 1600 running watts and 2000 peak watts, it is capable enough for average usage, and if you need more power, WEN offers a parallel kit to link two generators together and double the power!
What’s great about this generator is that it has a lightweight design which makes it even more portable, with a handle for easy transportation so that you can take it anywhere you need. It is also one of the quieter generators so that you’re barely aware it’s running in the background.
Another amazing feature that the WEN generator has, is an eco-mode which allows the motor to automatically adjust the fuel consumption, therefore saving fuel and money while it’s running!
This generator is also completely EPA and CARB compliant and is safe for all electronic devices and for reliable regular use.
Pros
- 1600 running watts and 2000 peak watts
- Lightweight design for enhanced portability
- Extremely quiet engine
- Eco-mode feature to save fuel and money
- EPA and CARB compliant
Cons
- Fuel can be tricky to refill
BEST VALUE
If you’re looking for a smaller kind of generator, that is more convenient for camping or power outages at home that don’t happen regularly, the Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator might be the product you’re looking for.
With 250 running watts and 300 peak watts, it is designed to power up smaller electrical devices in the case of an emergency or while spending time off-grid.
This also means it is highly lightweight and portable, and very easy to store away when not in use. The main thing we love about this generator is that it isn’t powered by fuel.
Instead, it can be recharged in three different ways: through a solar panel (which also makes it highly sustainable with clean power), by being plugged into the wall outlet and charged for 8 hours, and by being plugged into your car 12V socket.
These multiple ways of being recharged make it a highly versatile generator that can be used in a multitude of situations.
For safety, it features Pure Sine Wave Technology, ensuring the electricity is stable and apt for your electronic devices, as well as having surge and short circuit protection.
There is also temperature control and an overcharge protection feature so that you securely use the generator without having to worry.
Pros
- Smaller, more convenient generator for powering up small devices
- 250 running watts and 300 peak watts
- Can be recharged in 3 different ways: solar, battery recharge, and car
- Pure Sine Wave Technology
- Surge and short circuit protection, temperature control, and overcharge protection
Cons
- Solar panel not included - sold separately
RUNNER UP
The Generac 7127 Portable Generator is an advanced and highly efficient off-grid generator that has been designed and manufactured for practicality and convenience.
With 3000 running watts and 3500 peak watts, it is perfectly capable of powering up devices and serving as a backup power source at home or out and about in remote areas.
It’s very easy to use, with an electric start and three different operation modes that are integrated into a single and intuitive dial.
The compact design makes it ideal for easy transportation so that you can take it with you wherever you need it.
It is highly recommended for use at job sites and for recreational activities, thanks to its durability and to how quiet it is while running (you’ll barely notice it in the background!)
This off-grid generator also features Powerrush Advanced Technology, which delivers around 50% more starting capacity than average, and increases the electrical current upon demand.
Pros
- Compact design for easy transportation and convenience
- 3000 running watts and 3500 peak watts
- Easy to use - 3 operation modes in a single dial
- Powerrush Advanced Technology
- Extremely quiet when running
Cons
- Customer service isn’t the best
RUNNER UP
If you’re looking for a bigger, more heavy-duty generator that will be able to power up anything you need, the Champion Power Equipment Portable Generator is more than capable of doing the job.
It’s on the heavier side, so it’s better suited as a home backup generator, However, it is designed for being portable and has two wheels to allow you to move it to different locations.
Thanks to its Dual Fuel feature, it can run on either gasoline or propane. On gasoline, it has 7500 running watts and 9375 peak watts, while on propane it has 6750 running watts and 8400 peak watts.
With the Intelligent gauge feature, it can keep track of the voltage and running times, as well as monitoring the output to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
It comes with a Safety Fuel Selector Switch, GFCI protected outlets, and a low oil shutoff, ensuring safety while in use. It has a cast iron sleeve for durability and is very easy to use with a touch start button.
Overall, this is a generator that has been made to last, able to power up your home in the case of an emergency, so that your electronic devices can keep on running.
Pros
- A big, heavy-duty portable generator
- Dual Fuel feature: gasoline or propane
- 7500/6750 running watts and 9375/8400 peak watts
- Intelligent gauge feature - for monitoring purposes
- Safety Fuel Selector Switch and other safety features
Cons
- Noisy compared to other generators
Best Off Grid Generators Buying Guide
Buying an off-grid generator is pretty common for those planning a camping trip somewhere remote, or for those that need it for a construction site or a recreational activity outdoors.
However, buying an off-grid generator is highly recommended as a general rule, as it is a great way to be prepared in case of an emergency, even at home.
They come in extremely useful when power outages occur, and they come in many different sizes and capabilities to suit different circumstances and situations.
It’s true that buying an off-grid generator is a bit of an investment, so it’s really important that you buy one that’s right for your needs, and that covers all of the basics to a reliable high standard of quality. After all, if your back-up power source fails, what are you left with?
Here are the main factors you should take into account when buying an off-grid generator, and if in doubt, you can always browse our top five picks!
Fuel Source
Off-grid generators provide you with the necessary power to keep your electronic devices charged, and the critical household equipment running. However, to provide electricity, the generator needs to be fuelled up or changed in preparation.
Most off-grid generators run on fuel, most commonly gasoline. Some generators run on propane, and some generators can even run on either one of them as they have a capability for both.
Make sure you know which fuel your generator requires, and make sure you have some on hand with the generator!
If you don’t want a generator that runs on fuel, there are generators that can be recharged through a power outlet or through your car, and some that can even be recharged through solar panels.
However, take into account that these generators will be a lot smaller and a lot less capable, and will likely not be apt for powering up an entire household in the case of an emergency.
Capability
The capability of your off-grid generator is determined by the wattage it can run on. Generators will have a determined amount of running watts, and will also have a maximum of peak watts that it can use during start-up or on high demand.
If you’re looking for a generator that will be able to serve as a backup power source for your home, you should ensure the wattage is no lower than 5000. However, if you need a generator for campsites, a smaller wattage capability will be perfectly suitable for charging up electronic devices.
Portability, design, and noise levels:
Off-grid generators come in different sizes and designs. It is highly recommended that you get a generator that is portable and easy to transport, as you never know where you’ll have to use it.
The design should also feature plenty of safety features, as well as being easy to use with intuitive buttons or features that help track and monitor the different functions of the generator while in use.
As for the noise levels, the quieter the generator is, the better (your head will thank a quieter generator, believe us!) Bigger generators will by default be a lot noisier, so look out for those that feature noise reduction features!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a generator do I need for emergencies?
When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, as a general rule, the bigger the generator the better. This is because it is preferable to have too much of a power source, rather than too little, so you can rest assured that you’re covered and prepared.
However, you can run most of the critical household equipment, such as refrigerators, lighting circuits, and all of your electronic devices, with a wattage between 5000 and 7500.
If your emergency occurs out on a camping site or somewhere remote, then you will need a lot less power, as you will only really need it to power up your electronic devices, such as your phone to call for help.
Can I leave my generator running all night long?
It is completely safe to leave your generator running all through the night. The question that should be asked, is whether your generator is able to.
You should ensure that your generator can run for at least 8 continuous hours, in order to be guaranteed that it will run throughout the night without any problems.
Is it necessary to have an off-grid generator?
Saying that an off-grid generator is necessary, is a bit of a stretch. Technically, you do not need a generator (unless you’re going to do a specific activity that requires one).
However, having an off-grid generator can become very useful in emergency situations or during power outages, and it means you’re always prepared with a power source if need be, even if you’re going on a camping trip somewhere remote and off-grid.
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Jeremiah Pike
I'm an environment and energy blogger who teaches outdoor and energy enthusiasts how to be better informed when it comes to purchasing or maintaining a generator, solar panel system, or anything else related to your energy needs.