Best Generator For Apartments [2022] By Size & Type

Last updated on February 17th, 2022. Losing power a few times a year is a common experience for many of us. The vast majority of homes get their power from ‘the grid’ and as such, a downed power line or severe storm can knock out power for days or even weeks. Without a backup generator, people have no choice to function without power. While many high rises and other types of apartment buildings do have backup (auxiliary) generators, it’s not always the case. In case of an emergency or even just a brief outage, you may want to consider keeping a generator in your apartment to be safe. There are several apartment generators on the market to choose from, but there are some limitations to be aware of, too. Let’s discuss using a generator in an apartment how to choose best apartment generator based on your needs and desires.

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Best Apartment Generators For 2022 By Type

• FAQ
• Top Small Apartment Generator
• Top Midsize Apartment Generator
• Top Large Apartment Generator
• Best Pocket-Sized Generator
• Best Crank Generator
• Other Apartment Emergency Supplies

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Using A Generator In An Apartment: What NOT To Do

When we think of a generator, many of us picture a model powered by gas or diesel. The question that often follows is whether or not we can use a gas-powered generator in our apartment. The answer is a resounding “no“!

We should never run gas-powered equipment of any kind indoors. The carbon monoxide fumes that a gas-powered machine emits are deadly. Gas-powered generators, along with any other type of gas-powered machine, should never be run in an enclosed space, whether it be a garage, basement or apartment.

The same can be said for many propane-powered machines too.

With this in mind, there are still plenty of high-powered, apartment-safe generators to choose from – more on that below.

Can I Run A Gas Generator On My Apartment Balcony, Then?

I’m inclined to say no, but I can’t say for sure. This will ultimately come down to your landlord’s property rules, what’s in your lease, the local fire codes, etc.

It gets more complicated when you consider your balcony’s proximity to other neighbors and whether or not the generator will emit carbon monoxide near windows or intake vents, as well as how open vs. enclosed your balcony is.

On a rooftop balcony with no one around, you’d probably be fine. Even then, I still suggest you confirm this with your landlord and be aware of local fire codes first – no matter what type of balcony or terrace you have.

When in doubt, it’s best to avoid doing so.

What Is The Best Generator For An Apartment, Then?

We’ll be talking about several different generator models that can be used in an apartment, but they all have one thing in common – they’re all battery-powered in some way.

Battery-powered generators, often referred to as portable power stations, don’t emit any toxic fumes or pose a threat of fire (or worse). Battery-powered generators are also smaller and a bit more portable, so they’re easier to move around and store in an apartment.

Using A Generator In An Apartment: The Safe Way

Let’s get into some specific battery-powered generator models that are suited for apartment usage. We’ve divided up our top selections into the following categories:

• Best Small Battery-Powered Generator
• Best Midsize Battery-Powered Generator
• Best Large Battery-Powered Generator
• Best Pocket-Sized Generator
• Best Way To Self-Generate Electricity

Best Small Generator For Apartments

The iGen160s by Westinghouse is the ideal small generator for an apartment. Why? Here are a few good reasons.

Power: Easily charges smartphones and small electronics, plus has the capability of running a laptop, smaller plug-in items like lights and more. The built-in lithium ion battery experiences very small drops only in power level when not used for a while.

Capability: This generator features (2) 120v AC Outlets, (1) USB-C Port, (2) USB Ports, (1) Quick-Charge USB 3.0 Port & (3) 12v DC 5.5mm Ports

Versatility: You can charge this device using a wall outlet, but you can also do so in the car or through an optional solar panel.

Size: This generator measures at just over 8-in. x 4-in. x 7-in. – about the size of a couple hardcover books stacked together – making it easy to tuck away wherever you can. Plus, it weighs less than four pounds!

Added Features: Several built-in features make this generator even more useful, like the handle, flashlight and reading light.

Best Midsize Generator For Apartments

I put this list together out of order. I selected the Explorer 1000 by Jackery as my choice for the best large generator for an apartment. In this process, I came across the Explorer 500, too.

After comparing several models, I decided to select Jackery’s Explorer 500 as my top pick for the best midsize generator for an apartment. Why?

Well, the Explorer 500 is simply a small version of the 1000.

Here are some devices you can run using this power station, but they’re just examples – you can run many electronics and devices that are 500 watts or less:

• Smartphones
• Laptops
• TVs / Projectors
• Plug-In Coolers
• Fans
• Air Pumps
• CPAP Machines
• Routers
• Lamps

For run-times of specific appliances on the Explorer 500, check out the comparison table here.

Some additional benefits of the Explorer 500…

High Capacity & Longevity: The Explorer 500 will run for many hours, depending on your usage. For example, you can run a 60w TV for 7.5 hours or a CPAP machine for over 24 hours. You can charge a smartphone 53 times on a single charge of your generator. The built-in lithium ion battery experiences very small drops only in power level when not used for a while.

Charge Several Devices At Once: The Explorer 500 features (1) 110v AC Outlets, (1) 12v DC Outlet & (3) USB Ports.

Size & Portability: The Explorer 500 is portable and easy to store. Measuring at just under 12-in. x 8-in. x 9.2-in, the Explorer 500 is essentially the size of a large shoe box. It also weighs only 13.3 pounds.

The Explorer 500 also features a screen that displays battery levels and power usage, so you can always have an accurate idea of how much power is left.

You can charge your power station from a wall outlet, car charger or optional solar panel.

For the reasons above, we’ve chosen the Explorer 500 by Jackery as our top-rated midsize generator for an apartment.

Best Large Generator For Apartments

If you’re looking to buy the largest portable power station you can, the Jackery Explorer 1000 generator is certainly up there.

Putting out just over 1,000 watts, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is capable of some serious output. A battery-powered generator of this size is as close in power to a gas-operated generator as you’ll most likely find.

Below are some of the notable things that your Explorer 1000 is capable of.

Run ‘Real’ Appliances: The Explorer 1000 is capable of running many household appliances and electronics – even several at once – so long as they require 1,000 watts or less, such as:

• Blenders
• Coffee Makers
• Refrigerators
• Electric Grill
• TVs / Projectors
• Smartphones & Laptops
• Pressure Cookers
• Routers
• Lighting
• Security Systems
• CPAP Machines

For run-times of specific appliances on the Explorer 1000, check out the comparison table here.

High Capacity & Longevity: The Explorer 1000 will run for many hours or even days, depending on your usage. For example, you can run a 60w TV for 17 hours or a mini-fridge for over 60 hours. You can charge a smartphone 100 times on a single charge of your generator. The built-in lithium ion battery experiences very small drops only in power level when not used for a while.

Charge Up To 8 Devices At Once: The Explorer 1000 features (3) 110v AC Outlets, (1) 12v DC Outlet, (2) USB-C Outlets & (2) USB 3.0 Quick Charge Outlets. Technically, you can run eight devices at once.

Size & Portability: Given the amount of power this generator provides, the size is pretty small. Measuring at 13.1-in. x 9.2-in. x 11.1-in, the Explorer 1000 is essentially the size of a small boom box or a large shoe box. It also weighs only 22 pounds.

You can charge your power station using a wall outlet, car charger or optional solar panels.

The Explorer 1000 also features a screen that displays battery levels and power usage, so you can always have an accurate idea of how much power is left.

As far as portable power stations go, we’ve chosen the Explorer 1000 by Jackery as the ultimate generator for an apartment.

Best Pocket-Sized Generator For Apartments

Let’s start with the smallest generator on our list – a solar power bank.

Can you run large appliances off of it? No. How about a lamp or a toaster? Nope.

You CAN, however, recharge your smartphone or tablet using one. Better than that, you can do so as many times as necessary – just place your solar power bank in the sun and you’ll be able to charge your phone in the process. A fully-charged power bank can completely charge a smartphone at least two times before it runs out of power.

There are other power banks available to charge your devices, but the majority of them must be charged themselves. Without power, that’s a no-go.

Blavor’s 10,000 mAh solar power bank can be charged using a wall outlet or by sunlight. You can also charge it from the car the same as you’d charge your phone from the car.

These models are relatively inexpensive, so owning several of them is feasible for families. Plus, they feature a flashlight, which is never a bad thing when the power is out.

Best Way To Self-Generate Electricity In An Apartment

There are those who use battery-powered generators to get their electricity, and then there are those who generate electricity themselves.

Does this sound like you? You may be interested in a manual-crank generator. There are many devices to choose from, so we’ve chosen the one that is capable of putting out the most power.

As of now, that’s the Power Box 50 by K-TOR. Closely resembling a set of bicycle pedals, the Power Box is capable of putting out up to 50 watts.

It may not translate to much, given that you can only charge devices that are suited to a 12v outlet, but you can still charge multiple smartphones in less than an hour using this generator. The Power Box weighs less than six pounds and can be tucked away easily.

Other Emergency Supplies For An Apartment

While an apartment generator gives us a huge leg up during a power outage or in an emergency situation, you may still want to keep some other emergency supplies on hand, too. Here are a few other suggestions for consideration.

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In Closing

While you may not be able to have a gas-powered generator in your apartment, there are plenty of battery-powered generators and portable power banks that can provide you with serious power, all while being silent, odorless and zero emissions. Who knew that using a generator in your apartment would be this easy? Thanks for reading.