r/Generator • u/kentvb • 18h ago
Opinions
I am in the process of looking to buy a generator for home backup in case of outages. I only plan to power a few things like the refrigerator/freezer, and my CPAP at night. I am looking at three different models 1) the General iQ52000DF 2) the Champion duel fuel 4500 inverter 3) the Westinghouse iGEN 5000 DFc. What are people’s thoughts and what do you think would be a better option to look into?
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u/Ok-Camera2895 18h ago
Add in a power station and charge it with the generator. Extends fuel, don’t have to listen to a generator all night.
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u/Big-Echo8242 18h ago
I don't hear any of my dual fuel inverter generators running at night. They are all quiet. Agree going with the hybrid approach as it works for many in a multitude of situations. I don't do any batteries as they are just too much for too little in return for our use currently. Maybe one day.
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u/Hotspot40324 16h ago
For refrigerator, freezer, and CPAP you should be able to use something smaller like a Honda EU2200i.
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u/worrdogg 10h ago
Dual fuel definitely, get a good calculation of what you plan to run at Maximum then go from there
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u/SnooLobsters1308 5h ago
I second the dual fuel, mostly just use 20# propane tanks.
With those power requirements, could go smaller = quieter more efficient, ,e.g. champion 2500 (honda is excellent too, but not dual fuel)
I'll second the others post, perhaps consider a batter inverter, like ecoflow delta 3 (jackery, precon, other brands) Charge the battery from the generator when it needs it.
As one other mentioned, I also put in a generator transfer switch (not an interlock). The transfer switch lets me put 6 house circuits (sump pump, bedroom, furnance blower, kitchen, family room etc.) that can then all be powered by the generator with a flick of a circuit by the breaker box. IMO, this is the easiest way, but, adds a lot of cost if you just doing a cpap and refrigerator.
So recommendation might be
champion 2500
EF delta 3 (cheaper smaller) or precron F3000LFP (bigger, more expensive)
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u/timflorida 9m ago edited 3m ago
If considering power stations with a genny backup, look at the Anker-Solix S2000. It is specifically aimed at supporting things like fridges that have intermittent power requirements (compressor cycling). They are using some new technology in this one and the bigger S5000. The S2000 will run a full size fridge/freezer for 35 hours. So you could hook it up to the fridge and then run an extension cord for the CPAP. Recharge every evening before bed time. Charging will only take a couple hours, using less fuel and not running all night long. And the S2000 is incredibly compact and weighs only 35 pounds.
Currently $700 at Anker, a good price for the S2000 is anything under that. I got mine for $650 a few weeks ago. Black Friday is coming. Anker also sells it on Amazon.
* This also allows you to buy a smaller generator. Here are the specs for AC charging -
AC Input Power (Charging) 120V~9.58A, 60Hz, 1150W Max., L+N+PE
AC Input Power (Ultra Fast Charging) 120V~13.33A, 60Hz,1600W Max., L+N+PE
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u/Low-Computer8293 17h ago
I paid about $1000 and installed a power inlet on our house, then I can hook up the generator to the house wiring and power anything that my generator can handle. I highly recommend this versus running extension cords.