Are there generators for apartments and townhomes? – It is not common to lose power a couple times a year. Many high-rises and other types of apartment buildings include backup generators; however, this is not always the case. Our recommendation is to consider maintaining an apartment generator for emergency backup or use during ‘regular’ power outage.
Indoor generators for apartments, unlike typical, larger gas or diesel-powered generators, are normally battery operated and include a rechargeable battery management system.
Indoor backup generators for apartments, also known as portable lithium power stations, are a viable option for preppers who live in apartments and condos.
So, what size generator do you need for your apartment? how about a small 400 square foot apartment? how about 2 bedroom apartment? You will need a alt least 2000 watt generator for an apartment to use during utility power outage to be able to run the most critical household equipment like freezers, refrigerators, lights, CPAP and phones.
These battery powered generator for apartments and townhomes unlike propane generators or dual fuel generators do not require gas or propane, emit no emissions, can be used safely indoors, and most can be recharged using solar panels or plug the apartment generator into a wall outlet in your apartment.
These propane or gas generators are loud and rely on fuel, so they’re only suitable for use outside. The most concerning aspect is that they emit carbon monoxide, so using them generator indoors can kill you in minutes. You can’t see or smell the fumes, which makes it much more deadly.
This is why a gas powered generator should never be used indoors. If your neighbors don’t mind the noise, you can run these backup generators for apartments on your apartment balcony or somewhere outdoors and with your landlord’s permission.
The battery powered backup generators for apartments and townhouses are good alternative solution and can be used indoors. A portable indoor generator for apartment building is a compact power source designed to help you in the event that you lose power. These indoor portable apartment generators in addition being useful in an apartment can even be used for outdoor activities such as camping, off-grid power.
Let’s look at some of the best generators for apartments out there.
Top 7 Best Indoor Generator: Quick Comparison
Product | Model & Features | Price |
BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W
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EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max
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GOALZERO Yeti 3000X Indoor Generator
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MAXOAK Power Station 2400Wh
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Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
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SUAOKI Portable Power Station G1000
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Rockpals 500W Lithium Portable Power Station
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Indoor Power Generator for Apartment – Considerations
Before we get started about best apartment generators, let’s speak about a few key points that need to be addressed for buying apartment generators . Calculate your power requirements, as this will determine the generator’s capacity. can you have a generator in an apartment?
Make certain that keeping a portable generator in the apartment is legal in you building. You can keep indoor generators without any legal issues. Make a budget that is reasonable. For many people, this is perhaps one of the most important concerns.
Determine how much power you require in the emergency of a blackout without jeopardizing your safety.
Which Indoor Generator Should I Buy? – Considerations for Getting the Most Out of Your Portable Indoor Generator
The purchase and installation of an indoor generator need some careful consideration. The first question you’ll have is: what size generator do I need for an apartment? is there any small generators for apartments?
The second concern is if I’ll be able to install it in my electric generator for apartment while adhering to all safety precautions.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to make full use of generators for apartment dwellers. This article will help you in answering the questions.
When you’re not using your indoor generator, keep it in a dry, room-temperature area of your apartment or home.
Storing your backup generator for apartment in a safe location will prevent it from extreme temperatures that might drain the battery and guarantee that it is not harmed by water.
If you want to use your portable apt generator outside or want an environmentally friendly way to charge it, you might consider investing in a solar panel.
Power Requirement
What do you wish to power with the generator? Make a list of everything that needs to be powered during a power outage, such as lights, refrigerators, power tools (e.g. power drill), oven, grill, computers, CPAP and outlets to charge your phone.
These are some ideas to get you started. The best way to make the list is to take a tour around the apartment with a notebook and pencil, scribbling down everything you want to be powered in the case of an emergency. You could wish to power your entire apartment or homes or workplace using electricity from the grid.
Again, making that decision prior to purchasing an indoor power generator is imperative.
Calculate Wattage Requirements
Now that you’ve made a list of the equipment you want to keep running in every situation, go ahead and double-check it. Next, estimate the total power required by determining the wattage required for each component.
Cost of Generator for Apartment
What should be your budget for an indoor generator for apartment?
It’s time to set your budget when you’ve decided your requirements. So, a good indoor generator for apartment will cost you between $900 to $6000.
Portable generators for indoor use come in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices. The best way to address this subject is to evaluate if the power you require is available within your financial constraints.
We recommend to balance between your requirement and apartment generator cost. A 2000 Wh battery is a must if you like to run essential appliances in your apartment, but 3000 Wh is recommended. If you only need to charge your smartphone and computer and stay connected 500-1000
Top 7 Indoor Generator for Apartment – Detailed Review
1. Best Indoor Generator: BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000 Watt Indoor Generator
Best Generator for An Apartment
Key Features
The Bluetti AC200P is a high-capacity, high-efficiency portable AC power station with great specs. The LiFePO4 battery chemistry ensures a long lifespan, while the large amount of AC and DC output connections makes it really the best generator for apartment.
The integrated color graphic LCD raises the bar for what a user interface should be.
The AC200P 2000-Watt Solar Power Generator has an incredible amount of energy storage, allowing it to power small appliances and power tools. This has 2,000 continuous sine wave running Watts, which can power 90% of common household devices. The AC200P is also perfect for RVing, outdoor activities.
This beast of a mini generator doesn’t produce the same amount of noise or bother as a combustion engine, but it can keep up with generators of similar power output. The AC200P can charge up to 17 devices at the same time.
On the top surface of the control panel are six 110V household outlets, four DC outputs ranging from 3A to 25A, four USB ports, and two wireless charging pads.
The mini generator for apartment may be charged in a variety of methods, including using a wall outlet, a 12V DC car outlet, or a solar panel. The AC200P can be fully charged in under four hours with two adapters and fast charging mode.
Pros
Cons
2. EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Generator for Apartments DELTA Max
Indoor Generator for Apartment
Key Features
Second best generator for apartment. The EcoFlow Delta Max portable power station is a great backup power generator for apartment that will keep your electric appliances running in the event of a power outage or if you wish to go off the grid for whatever reason. Second best generator for apartment.
The Delta Max is essentially a larger Delta 1300 with App control, extra batteries, and a few upgrades like as a manual “Quick Charge” switch on the unit itself.
The Delta Max may be charged using a standard wall outlet, or an optional solar panel from EcoFlow is also available. The Delta Max can handle up to 800W of input charge.
This backup power for apartment can handle outputs of up to 3000W and a surge capacity of 4600W, so your hairdryer, CPAP machine, and full-size fridge, among other things, can keep running.
The Delta Max unit, an AC charging cable, a car charging cable, and a solar charging cable are all included in the box. A DC5521 to DC5525 connection is also available.
With two large fans at the back and two extra battery ports, these power stations may be stacked. If you wish to expand the capacity of the power station, you’ll need to buy extra batteries.
The EcoFlow Delta Max is expensive, but with a battery standby time of up to a year, you can rest certain that when you need power, the EcoFlow Delta Max will be there. Here is a comparison between DELTA mini, DELTA and DELTA Max if you like to go for lower wattage.
Models | EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA mini | EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA | EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA Max |
Watt | 882 Wh | 1260 Wh | 2116 Wh |
CPAP (40W) | 15 Hrs | 21 Hrs | 35 Hrs |
Laptop (60Wh) | 12 Charges | 19 Charges | 32 Charges |
Mini Fridge (60W) | 12 Hrs | 14 Hrs | 26 Hrs |
TV (110W) | 6 Hrs | 8 Hrs | 15 Hrs |
PS5 (200W) | 3.5 Hrs | 4.5 Hrs | 9 Hrs |
Projector (65W) | 9 Hrs | 13 Hrs | 24 Hrs |
Coffee Maker (1000W) | 0.8 Hr | 1.1 Hrs | 1.8 Hrs |
Air Fryer (1500W) | 0.5 Hr | 0.7 Hr | 1.2 Hrs |
Pros
Cons
3. GOAL ZERO Yeti 3000 Watt Indoor Generator
One of The Most Powerful Indoor Generator
Key Features
Third best generator for an apartment. While most of the power banks under 1000 Wh will keep your smartphone and laptop charged, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is needed if you want to power larger home appliances like a refrigerator or heater.
Goal Zero Yeti 3000X is one the best indoor battery-powered generator for refrigerator. We would also recommend the Zero Yeti 6000X if you want to be more comfortable and have more budget.
The battery has a power of over 3000Wh, which is powerful enough to charge a standard fridge for 50 hours or recharge a laptop 60 times. This backup power for apartment can charge multiple devices at once thanks to 10 charging ports, including a USB-C port.
The Yeti 3000X Indoor generator for refrigerator is built to work with Goal Zero’s portable solar panels and includes a solar charging module that cuts charging time in half.
This level of power, as you might expect, comes at a cost. The Yeti 3000 isn’t cheap, and it’s too heavy to be called portable at 68 pounds.
The large surge capacity aids in the startup of power-hungry appliances, although the continuous power rating of 1,500W is lower than the EcoFlow and Nexus.
The Yeti 3000 in tandem with solar panels is the most reliable option if you want a true off-grid system to keep basics powered at your apartment home or camping trips. Here is a comparison between Yeti 6000x, 1500x and 3000X if you want to go for lower or higher wattage.
Models | Goal Zero Yeti 6000X | Goal Zero Yeti 3000X | Goal Zero Yeti 1500X |
Watt | 6071Wh | 2982Wh | 1516Wh |
Smart Phone (12Wh) | 501 Recharges | 253 Recharges | 127 Recharges |
Tablet (30Wh) | 201 Recharges | 101 Recharges | 51 Recharges |
TV (42″ LED, 100W) | 60 Hours | 30 Hours | 15 Hours |
Pellet Grill (60W) | 100 Hours | 51 Hours | 26 Hours |
Fridge (1400Wh Per Day) | 110 Hours | 55 Hours | 28 Hours |
Laptop (50Wh) | 120 Recharges | 61 Recharges | 31 Recharges |
DSLR Camera (18Wh) | 334 Recharges | 169 Recharges | 84 Recharges |
Light Bulb (11W) | 547 Hours | 276 Hours | 138 Hours |
CPAP (65W) | 93 Hours | 47 Hours | 24 Hours |
Pros
Cons
4. MAXOAK Indoor Apartment Generator 2400Wh
Best Solar Generator for The Apartment
Key Features
Fourth best generator for apartment. The Bluetti EB150 from Maxoak was an instant hit, but there was one constant request from customers: greater power. The EB240 delivers, with a substantial boost in battery capacity and a few small tweaks.
As a consequence, the solar power station has one of the market’s longest battery life spans. It’s also one of the best generators for recharging and powering portable electronics.
The Bluetti is unable to power coffee pots, hot plates, or other high-draw devices due to low voltage restrictions. However, if you need to power a TV or sound system, it’s got you covered. It also has enough power to run a small microwave or a crock pot.
Do you need a power source during a power outage? The power required to start the compressor of a full-size refrigerator is slightly beyond the Bluetti’s capabilities.
During blackouts, however, it should be able to keep a small fridge, TV, fan, and a variety of electronics running. It’s also a lot lighter than lead-acid-based stations and can handle a lot more discharges.
The Bluetti EB240 is a great generator for those with minimal power needs. Although the inverter will not allow you to utilize more than 1000 watts constantly, the battery will store a good amount of wattage.
As long as your energy needs aren’t too high, you’ll have enough battery capacity to last you through the night.
Pros
Cons
5. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 Apartment Generator
Small Generator for Apartment
Key Features
Fifth best generator for an apartment. The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a great choice for anyone looking for a small generator for apartment use without the noise and toxic fumes. It can charge you essential devices like smartphone and laptops.
With so many outlets to select from, powering up an electronic device or smaller appliance should be a breeze.
You may take use of the 1000w by plugging in multiple appliances at once using the three household 110V AC outlets. It has two USB-C outlets, two quick charge 3.0 USB outlets, and a single cigarette lighter type DC outlet.
A complete recharge from an AC outlet may expect up to 7 hours. The LCD screen is also a big benefit since it provides real-time statistics so you can see precisely what’s going on with your generator.
This will be perfect for usage at homes, camping, and tailgating. It has a total power output of 1000 watts. That’s enough to power laptops, televisions, cell phones, and LED lights.
Its 55H-78H DC output makes it an excellent choice for CPAP. To safeguard sensitive electronic equipment while plugged in, the power station generates a pure sine wave.
To keep the generator running smoothly and safely, it contains temperature control, circuit protection, and other safety features.
It can be charged via a wall outlet, a car adapter, or a solar panel. It’s important to note that this is a compact indoor generator not a backup generator for apartment building and certainly isn’t intended for use with larger equipment. So, expect it to not be able to power your window air conditioner, for example.
Here is a comparison between Jackery Explorer 500, Explorer 300 & Explorer 1000 if you want to go lower wattage models.
Models | Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 300 | Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 | Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 1000 |
Watt | 293Wh | 518Wh | 1002Wh |
Phone | 31 Charges | 53 Charges | 100 Charges |
Fan | 20 Hrs | 30 Hrs | 57 Hrs |
TV | 4.5 Hrs | 7.5 Hrs | 13 Hrs |
Projector | 2.5 Hrs | 4.5 Hrs | 7.6 Hrs |
Coffee Maker | NA | NA | 50 Mins |
Laptop | 2.5 Charges | 4.5 Charges | 8 Charges |
Mini Fridge | 5 Hrs | 9 Hrs | 17 Hrs |
Air Mattress | 5 Hrs | 9 Hrs | 17 Hrs |
Light | 24 Hrs | 38 Hrs | 76 Hrs |
Pros
Cons
6. SUAOKI Portable Power Station G1000 – Backup Power For Apartment
Portable Electric Generator for Apartment
Key Features
Sixth best generator for apartment. The Suaoki G1000 is a cube-shaped power station with a compact footprint. Despite its size and weight, this power station is portable and easy to transport.
This power station is equipped with a large battery that can provide 1,182Wh of electricity. You won’t have to worry about fueling your small and medium-sized electronics and appliances with this much electricity.
Laptop computers, cellphones, TV sets, microwave ovens, and other electronic appliances are all covered by this solar indoor generator.
The power station may also be used outside to power lanterns, CPAPs, and other camping appliances that require electricity.
The power station’s LiFePO4 battery offers a big benefit. It’s tough and lasts a long life in a cycle, up to 4X than regular lithium-ion battery.
It also makes a UPS mode that protects it from power outages. As a result, the power station may be used in an emergency.
The power station features a 1,000-watt pure sine wave AC inverter with a peak power of 2,000-watts. With four AC outlets, you can power up to four laptops at the same time.
The power station’s multiple outlets allow for multiple simultaneous uses. There are five USB ports among the outlets 2 Type-A ports,2 QC ports, and one PD USB-C(60W) port.
Pros
Cons
7. Rockpals 500W Lithium Portable Power Station
Best Portable Generator for An Apartment
Key Features
Sixth best generator for apartment. The Rockpals Lithium Portable Power Station is one of the best indoor generators for apartment. The ROCKPALS 500W (VPDW5PBM) is built to seem like a vintage boom box or CD player and has a capacity of 500 Watt-hours (Wh) (140,400mAh).
This is enough to charge the latest iPhone 50 times. On a 12″ MacBook, it’ll last approximately nine charges, and on a 16″ MacBook Pro, it’ll last about five.
Overnight, it can even power a mini fridge or a CPAP machine. This is a fair amount of capacity for a power station that can be carried in one hand. A high-capacity power station, on the other time, has drawbacks.
The TSA allows a battery with a capacity of 100Wh, which is 20% of the ROCKPALS’. You’ll have to fly with a smaller battery unless you have a compelling reason to acquire a TSA waiver.
It’s a compact unit, weighing only 7.3 pounds. This makes it very easy to carry. The generator produces pure sine wave energy at 500 watts.
While you sleep, these power stations are capable emergency power sources for your CPAP machine. A CPAP machine can be connected in two ways.
You have the option of using an AC or DC connection. A DC converter is recommended for optimal performance when connecting to a DC manufacturer.
This generator can also be used to power a TV at a trade show. Nothing prohibits you from taking it camping trip with you. It has the equipment to quickly charge your portable electronic devices.
Solar panels (available separately) or a wall socket may both be used to recharge this power station. A car charging outlet will also work.
Pros
Cons
Benefits of Buying an Indoor Generator
A portable indoor generator is great backup power if you live in an apartment or have a small house where a big outdoor generator is not a possibility. There are few important advantages of a backup power generator for apartment, like
1. Compact Size
A small electric generator for apartment living may be easily stored in a closet or cupboard unless needed. They don’t take up any of the already restricted space.
These apartment generators are also easy to carry, move, and take with you when you are going to camping trips due to their small size.
3. Living Indoor & Outdoor
Unlike standard outdoor generators, which cannot be transported inside and must frequently be installed at a particular distance from a building, portable indoor generators or battery-powered generator are needed made to work within but may also be used outdoors if necessary.
Indoor generators for apartments, while some are built more ruggedly than others, may be used outside when you are traveling or going on trips to power small appliances or devices.
4. Environment-Friendly
Because an indoor generator/ an indoor apartment generator does not require gas or propane to work, it has a low carbon impact.
Many indoor generators for apartments & condos can also be recharged using solar power, eliminating the need for a wall outlet or a car battery. So, get on from our list of best generators for apartments.
Best Indoor Generators- FAQs
Which Is the Best Indoor Generator for Air Conditioner?
Perhaps Goal Zero Yeti 6000X or 3000X might be able to run a small one for around an hour. You must check the wattage consumption of a specific unit. If the required power consumption is less than 2000 watts, the 3000X will run it; if the required power consumption is greater than 2000 watts, the 3000X will shut down when the A/C unit tries to take too much power.
Total time in hours would be around 3/ (kilowatt rating of A/C unit) – thus a 1-kilowatt unit could run it for roughly 3 hours.
How Do You Hook up A Generator to An Apartment?
You can you hook up a generator to an apartment with a transfer switch. Smaller transfer switch (120V) like the Goal Zero Yeti Home Integration Kit Transfer Switch which is designed to work with smaller generators you can directly connect your backup generators for apartments to the switch for instant use and if you’re capable you can easily install this yourself in under an hour or you can pay an electrician.
When your power goes out using the switch is easy if you’ve got a battery type unit / portable power stations set it up nearby and if you’ve got a gas unit of course start it running outside on the balcony. Next buy a heavy-duty extension cord just plug one end into your generator / portable power stations and the other end goes into the bottom port on the transfer switch.
Can You Use a Generator in An Apartment?
You can use a compact portable generator to power some devices in your apartment. If it an indoor generator you don’t need a permission. But if it’s gas or propane generator then you can keep it you can keep it outdoors in your balcony and with your landlord’s permission. Also, it’s a good idea to discuss with your downstairs neighbor.
Emergency generator without driving your downstairs neighbor completely insane and keep the generator from shaking the floor use some thick mats or isolation pads.
Which Are the Best Solar Generators for The Apartment?
Almost all the option mentioned in this article have optional solar panel. If you want a good solar input, we recommend you go with either Bluetti EB150 from Maxoak or Explorer 1000 from Jackery.
Which Is the Best Indoor Generator for Refrigerator?
For running refrigerator with indoor generator go for at least 3000 watt indoor generator or more like Goal Zero Yeti 3000X. They can run your refrigerator with ease. If it’s a mini fridge a 1000 watt will do.
Is there a generator that can be used indoors?
Gasoline or propane generators are not safe to use indoors. That’s because they emit toxic gas fumes specially carbon monoxide that may lead to gas poisoning and instant death. So, what kind of generator can be used indoors? But, the NCM (Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese) battery powered generators or the lithium portable power stations.
Can This Indoor Battery Powered Generators Charge a Tesla Car?
No they can’t and you should not try it.
Can Apartment Generator be used with Sum pumps?
Yes, Use can use these portable power station to run you sump umps in case of emergencies.
How Do I Power My Apartment with A Generator?
As you are aware, the most efficient source of power during a power outage is a portable generator. People who own generators sleep easier at night, especially during severe weather, knowing that they and their loved ones are safe because they have a backup power for apartment.
During an emergency, the backup power source can be a lifesaver. Even if the grid is down, your refrigerator and other emergency system will work.
Having a generator put outside is a common practice. However, this is not the case for apartments or condos. You need to buy an apartment size generator that can be used indoors that have no fume like we discussed here.
What Kind of Generator Do I Need for An Apartment?
Only the NCM (Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese) or lithium power stations are best to use for apartments. A standard gas or propane generator will not suffice in a condo or apartment. Running a such unit indoors poses extreme health risks and might even be lethal due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Backup electric generator loke the Zero Yeti 3000x are perfect as a generator for small apartment.
Are Indoor Generators Safe to Use?
A portable indoor generator, unlike a gasoline outdoor generator, uses on batteries to keep small household appliances and devices running during a power outage or a camping trip.
They don’t emit off any harmful fumes and may be used indoors. While these small generators are frequently equipped with cooling fans, it is important to keep an eye on them when they are used indoors to ensure they do not overheat.
What Devices Can a Portable Indoor Generator Run?
All the generators on our list can run devices and apartment appliances with a power range of 100W to 3000W and have some form of overload protection.
With an indoor generator for apartments, you may safely charge and run cell phones, laptops, TVs and lights, mini-fridge, and CPAP machines.
With bigger batteries like the Zero Yeti 3000x and 6000x you can run full size refrigerators and small air conditioners as well.
How Do You Recharge a Portable Indoor Generator?
You can recharge these apartment generators into a wall outlet in your apartment. Most of the indoor apartment generator may also be recharged by purchasing and utilizing a small, portable solar panel or by using your car charger when camping.
Can a Battery-Powered Generator Be Used While They Are Being Charged?
If the indoor generator supports pass-through charging, then it can be used. Check the manufacturer’s FAQs to find if your indoor generator can charge other devices at the same time it’s being charged. While the generator is charging, the AC outlet is usually unavailable, but the USB ports can be used.
Which Generator Is Best for Apartment?
The BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W, in our opinion, is the best choice for apartments and condos. It can power your portable electronics like televisions, laptops, and lights. It can also be used to power emergency medical equipment like a CPAP machine.
If you are looking for best generator for small apartment then the Zero Yeti 6000x is perfect
Different generators are different to meet a variety of needs. Look for an indoor generator for apartments that has surge protection and can cool itself inside to protect yourself and your family.
Look at different types of outlets and USB ports if you want to charge multiple devices at once.
Best Generators for Apartments – Wrapping Up
There are lots of battery-powered generators / portable power stations, that can supply plenty of power while remaining silent, odorless, and emitting zero emissions.
The most crucial thing is to know when buying an apartment generator is how many watts of power you’ll require during a blackout. Make a note of how frequently and how long your apartment’s power outages occur.
The BLUETTI Portable AC200P is out choice for the best indoor generator / best generator for an apartment and it perfectly capable of powering small devices such as phones or laptops during an outage to medium size refrigerator, air conditioners (10000 BTU)
However, the Goal Zero Yeti 3000x or 6000x is more expensive apartment generator if you want something bigger with greater capacity to run heavy-duty household appliances like a a decent size refrigerator or air conditioner.
The EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA Max or the MAXOAK Power Station 2400Wh are both excellent needs for a good balance between the two.
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