Whether it’s keeping all vital electronics operate nicely in your RV or restoring power to your household appliances during a power outage, a generator is all in need. And constant noise is one of the must-consider features you should keep in mind since a too loud generator can cause discomfort.
To save you, your family, and even your neighbors refer to a list of the best silent generators for home use.
WEN 56125i
- Equipped with CARB Compliant engine
- The quietest and lightest generator in this list
- Good Gas Efficiency
- Parallel-ready
- No Fuel Indicator
- Costly per Watt capacity
| Dimensions | 17 x 9 x 12.5 in |
| Weight | 31.6 lbs. |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank capacity | 0.7 gallon |
| Run-Time | 5 hours |
| Wattage | 1250 |
| Noise Level | 51 decibels |
| Highlight features | -EPA III and CARB Compliant 60cc OHV engine -Lightweight -Low-oil and low-fuel automatic shutdown |
Bought this as a backup plan for frequent power outages happened in my living area, the most amazing is despite the robust 1250-watt engine, its noise level is as cute as cat’s purring.
The sound is actually as quiet as a window air conditioner that my mom – a sleepless person – doesn’t wake up suddenly at all.
Since it weighs only 31.6 lbs. while providing over 5-hour half-load run-time, I also love carrying this in my family camping trips as well.
Like other good generators that I’ve listed later, the Wen 56125i produces clean power only so I’m worry-free to use it for operating my sensitive electronics such as tablet, smartphone, computers, TV, and laptops.
With a friendly customer helpline and a wide network of skillful service technicians, this is a fantastic option that’s both quiet and small.
Briggs & Stratton 30651
- Easy transporting
- Reliable Engine Producer
- Can operate multiple appliances and electronics
- Affordable
- Lack of Fuel indicator
- Not as inaudible as it could be
| Dimensions | 22.4 x 14.4 x 19.9 in |
| Weight | 54.6 lbs. |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1 gallon |
| Run-Time | 8 hours |
| Wattage | 2200 watts |
| Noise Level | 59 decibels |
| Highlight features | -Quiet power technology -H-handle design -Various outlets -Parallel capacity |
A bit larger in size and heavier in weight but thanks to the attached H-handles, the Briggs & Stratton 30651 turns out to be easier and more versatile for transporting.
Think on the bright side, the bigger the generator, the more powerful it will be. In fact, this is powered by a 111cc OHV engine, producing 2200 starting watts and 1700 running watts.
The best thing is, it works silently at 59 decibels of noise output. So, the released sound, in this case, is just like a typical conversation between two people.
Out of the decent 8-hour running time at only 25% load, another mentionable feature is the control panel itself. It consists of one USB adapter and three outlets (two household and one DC), which you can plug this generator into a second unit for even more power.
With the PowerSmart mode which helps to adjust automatically motor speed to conserve power, the Briggs & Stratton 30651 is the most fuel-efficient option out there.
Pulsar PG2000iSN
- Small and compact design
- Long time run for such a small machine
- Low oil sensor
- Parallel capacity
- Multiple connectivity options
- Stickers on the unit are easy to peel off
- The generator needs a break-in period
| Dimensions | 19.7 x 11.22 x 17.97 inches |
| Weight | 47 lbs. |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.18 gallons |
| Run-Time | 8 hours |
| Wattage | 2000 watts |
| Noise Level | 59 decibels |
| Highlight features | -Parallel capacity -Low oil sensor -Stable Sine Wave Technology providing safe power |
Quietly efficient, the Pulsar is rated at 59 decibels of operating power – something that other counterparts in its field hardly do.
But don’t get it wrong, softer isn’t synonymous to less powerful. With 2000 peak watts of power and 1.18-gallon fuel tank, the generator is more than capable of powering your essentials continuously within 8 hours.
Since it’s relatively compact and lightweight, it can handle your necessities for hunting, camping, or tailgates like a dream.
Another mentionable feature is the stable sine wave technology and multiple outlets. They can be used for the most sensitive electronics at the same time with no damage, whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet, TV, or microwaves.
And, you can ask for more power output by easily connecting 2 units together.
The Pulsar PG2000iSN is a versatile choice that fits not only home use but also other great outdoor activities without interrupting power supply.
Champion 3400-Watt Inverter
- Have an electric start
- There are 3-position ignition switch
- RV Ready
- Low oil shut-off sensor
- The heftiest and largest generator in this list
| Dimensions | 25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3 inches |
| Weight | 95.7 lbs. |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline or propane |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.6 gallons |
| Run-Time | 7.5 hours |
| Wattage | 3400 watts |
| Noise Level | 59 decibels |
| Highlight features | –Electric start -Low oil shut-off sensor, -3-Position Ignition Switch |
Nailing up with the 3400-watt portable engine, 1.6-gallon fuel tank, and 7.5-hour running time, the Champion Duel-Fuel works like a powerhouse. But amazingly, its noise level is just the same as the Pulsar or the Briggs & Stratton – 59 decibels – that won’t bother you from 23 feet.
But the generator’s real gamechanger should be its electric start. Featured 3-Position Ignition Switch, you can easily access all controls in one spot.
The unit offers a low oil shut-off sensor to help prevent your sensitive electronics from any potential damage while plugged in.
Now, you might think “Oh, this is too good to be true”, huh? Well, not quite! 81 lbs. of total weight with no easy-carry handles is its biggest gripe. However, you’ve got two-sided ones to share the heft with other people.
I think the Champion 3400-watt inverter generator is a good choice when there are so many house appliances needed to be run in your house.
Westinghouse iGen4200
- Larger fuel tank for longer run-time
- The most powerful engine in this list
- RV ready outlet
- Parallel-capable
- Affordable
- A bit noisier
| Dimensions | 20 x 20 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 50 lbs. |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel tank capacity | 2.6 gallons |
| Run-Time | 18 hours |
| Wattage | 4200 peak watts 3500 rated watts |
| Noise Level | 62 decibels |
| Highlight features | -Long running time -RV ready outlet -Efficiency Mode included -Dual USB charging ports |
This Westinghouse – run by a 4200-watt 212 CC Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV engine – is arguably the crème de la crème of power. With a fully-charged 2.6-gallon gas tank, it can run continuously for up to 18 hours, which is insane.
But at the same time, this generator is also considered the noisiest in this collection – 62 decibels. That said, it’s just measured roughly as loud as garbage disposal so, I don’t feel it’s annoying at all. You still enable to talk right next to it!
Fired the iGen4200 up is like a cinch since it arrives in with one Tool Kit, one User’s Manual, Oil, an Oil Funnel. You can start it right out of the box.
What I love is its multiple outlets, including two USB outlets, one RV-ready Tt-30 30 Amp Outlet, and one 5–20R 120V Duplex Household Outlet. They allow you to operate different appliances and electronics at the same time. Moreover, no damage is made.
As the most powerful generator, this mammoth might take you a bit more effort to transport and set up before starting to relax and enjoy the eternal power supply.
How to choose the silent generator for home use (buying guide)
Actually, a generator can’t be silent completely! But you can keep eyes on the decisive elements that help to lower its noise level. They are:
Power Output
When it comes to power output, there’s one rule of thumb: The more power output of a generator, the louder it will be.
That’s why the Westinghouse iGen4200, featuring the most powerful unit in this collection, comes with the highest noise level.
A generator that is arguably quiet shouldn’t exceed 65 decibels. And the best silent generator for you should come in a perfect compromise of power output and noise level.
So firstly, estimate the total power consumption of your electric household appliances to find the go-to power output range for your generator. Then, filter the potential units for your demand.
If you’ve got some options that feature the same power output, go for the lowest noise level.
Inverter Generator Technology
Compared to regular generators, the inverter is quieter. Why? It’s because the inverter is constructed with more portable design, resulting in a smaller engine used. And for that, is the lower noise level released.
Another thing of this technology that helps to decrease the sound is its gen-set’s body casing. The materials highlight superior insulated, sound dampening ability to absorb noise vibration from the machine. That makes it solidly 10-20 dB quieter than other portable generators.
Throttle
A fact that many people DON’T KNOW about the decent noise reduction ability of throttle.
Regardless of the load, regular generators work at a steady RPM speed, making them not only less fuel efficient but also louder than the motors running at different output levels.
With throttle wise, your generator will vary automatically the motor speed to run optimally the required load.
Who makes silent generator for home use?
Now, talking about the brands that produce the quietest generators for home use, here are some suggestions of mine:
Wen
Founded in 1951, Wen is like a senior in the generator world. Their products are always furnished with the most current modern technologies to keep a perfect compromise of noise level and power output.
Briggs & Stratton
Their strength is featuring the most current in silent inverter technologies to deliver compact and quiet efficiency to their products.
Pulsar
They don’t produce the most silent generators but there’s a significant improvement on the noise level of their big and powerful generators.
Champion
An international company that its products are designed and engineered worldwide. They meet all kinds of versatilities, from home, work, to play while keeping as lowest noise level as they could.
Westinghouse
For over 100 years, Westinghouse is considered as a dependable brand that provides high-quality generators with years of value. They don’t aim to make the most silent products, but more about the most powerful engine with the acceptably low noise level.
FAQs
How many watts generator do you need to run a house?
It depends on how many household appliances are going to run. But at least, it should be 1250 watts.
Are inverter generators better?
Yes, it does better than conventional generators in terms of the noise level.
Why are inverter generators so quiet?
I’ve explained detailly in the “Inverter Generator Technology” section, you can take a quick look here
Can inverter generator be used indoors?
No, it can’t. Since there’re so many dangers of operating a generator indoors, I highly recommend placing it at least 20 feet away from the house.
Can you run a generator in the rain?
It depends on whether your generator is waterproof or not.
How far away from the house does a generator need to be?
As mentioned above, 20 feet. And bonus: Place the motor exhaust directed away from doors and windows.
Do generators need to be grounded?
I can tell you the exact answer since it’s based on the manual. Check if your generator needs to be grounded. If the manual doesn’t say anything, make some checks to make sure proper safety.
Is the generator a separately derived system? If it’s a yes, you need to use a grounding rod for lightning protection.
Conclusion
Nowadays, producers of generators are more and more concerned on the science of noise reduction.
Based on the growing demand of many people to have a quieter environment, I’ve tried my best to tested and compared many different products in an attempt. Hope that this list of 5 best silent generators for home use is helpful to you.
Read more:
Quietest 5000-Watt Generators For Home Use
Best Inverter Generators For Your Money
I’m James J. Decker, a hobbyist and DIYs and also a big of home improvement and gardening tools. I immensely enjoy how these amazing products improve productivity and efficiency, and allow me to do jobs for which I would’ve otherwise needed professional help.
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