What is the Best Diesel Generator for Home Use? 5 Great Options

For many people throughout the United States, diesel generators are a popular choice for powering their homes. The diesel generator market is even expected to reach a $21.37 billion valuation by the year 2022.

Are you considering investing in a diesel generator? Are you having a hard time finding the best diesel generator for home use?

If so, you’re in the right place. Listed below are seven great options you might want to consider.

Benefits of a Diesel Generator

There are lots of benefits that come with using a diesel generator to power your home. The following are some of the primary reasons why people prefer them over other generator options:

• Reduced flammability and increased safety
• Increased fuel efficiency
• Longer shelf life and less maintenance
• Increased versatility
• A hassle-free purchase process for diesel fuel

Last, but not least, diesel generators can also produce electricity for longer periods of time than other generators. If you want to rest easy knowing that your home will have an uninterrupted power supply, diesel is your best bet.

Why are Standby Generators Better than Portable Generators?

When the electricity goes out, the first thing anyone does is to turn on the generator so the power can be restored. You can either have a portable generator or a standby generator to generate the electricity. We have argued that standby generators are better than portable generators, let’s see why that is.

A standby generator should be installed through a transfer switch; if that is so, then as soon as the electricity goes out, the generator will start supplying the power to the house in a matter of seconds.

You won’t even notice that there is a blackout. But for the portable generator, all the process is manual, and you will have to do it yourself. Also, when the power comes back, a standby generator will be turned off automatically opposite to the portable generator, which will need to be stopped.

A standby generator can power the hardwired appliances as it directly gets connected to the house circuits, whereas it is not possible with the portable generator.

A portable generator is designed so that it can be transported to a camping site or to power an RV. This means on-site fuel storage is necessary. While standby generators sit at one place and mostly use natural gas as fuel. And in most of the houses, the natural gas supply already exists. This means no need for onsite fuel storage.

Portable generators will need to be refueled once they utilize all the fuel, but a standby generator connected to the natural gas supply will keep generating electricity without the need for refueling.

Another benefit of having a standby generator is its self-diagnostic runs, and it will run automatically weekly to see if there are any problems with the working. If there are then, it will notify the homeowners to take a closer look.

How to Choose the Best Diesel Generator for Home Use

When it comes to shopping for a diesel generator, there are some key factors you ought to consider. Remembering the following factors, in particular, will help you ensure you’re getting the best generator for your home:

Size

First, think about the size of the generator you’re considering buying. Will you be able to store it easily on your property? Do you want it to be small enough that you can take it with you if you need to evacuate your home?

Features

Diesel generators come with a wide range of features. This might include things like display warnings for low fuel or poor performance and the ability to deliver analysis data. Consider which features matter most to you when shopping for a generator.

Power Management

Many generators also come with a Power Management System (or PMS). This system helps the user to optimize fuel consumption and generator performance to ensure that it provides power for as long as it’s needed.

It also helps to prevent engine damage to the generator, which could shorten its lifespan.

Fuel Efficiency

In general, it’s best to look for the most fuel-efficient generator possible. It’s true that it’s relatively easy to get your hands on additional fuel if needed. However, it’s better to have a fuel-efficient model so you’re not spending more money than you need to to keep the generator running.

Top Seven Diesel Generators

Now that you know more about the benefits of a diesel generator and what to look for in one, it’s time to dive into some of the best options on the market. All of these are great generators to consider:

1. GENERAC 6846 Diesel-Powered Portable Generator

This generator is a mid-range model that provides you with a lot of bang for your buck.

It can handle all kinds of conditions and is both portable and durable. It features a high-powered engine with minimal vibration, too, and can run for over 30 hours with a 50 percent load.

The GENERAC 6846 is very fuel-efficient, too. It offers about 6.75 kilowatt-hours per each gallon of fuel.

2. DuroStar DS7000Q Portable Diesel Generator

For those who are working with limited funds, the DuroStar DS7000Q is a great option to consider. It’s portable and perfect for home use.

This generator produces 6,000 watts of power and runs for up to 12 hours at 50 percent load. It also features a full-power panel that includes a keyed ignition and oil alert automatic shutdown. It has a voltmeter, circuit breakers, and a low fuel indicator, too.

The DuroStar DS7000Q is great to have on hand for emergencies, but it does have a small fuel tank, making it less-than-ideal for long-term use.

3. GENERAC Protector Series Diesel Standby Generator

This generator is part of GENERAC’s Protector Series. It’s a standby generator designed for both residential use and light commercial use.

The GENERAC Protector Series Diesel Standby Generator can provide backup power with just seconds of an outage.

With its 33-gallon tank and 15-hour run time (28 hours at 50 percent load), it minimizes the stress that comes with power outages and helps you continue with business as usual.

4. POWER PRODUCTS SIGMA 7000W Silent Diesel Generator

If you’re looking for a generator that doesn’t make a lot of noise, this one from POWER PRODUCTS is perfect.

This powerful home generator produces very little noise (the noise level is just 70 decibels), so you’ll hardly know it’s running. It still generates a lot of power, though, and can run for eight hours at 50 percent load.

With its electric start button, it’s easier than ever to fire up your generator when you invest in this model. It features a low oil alert as well to let you know when you need to refill the tank.

5. Perkins Diesel Model 400

This diesel generator from Perkins is very compact but still provides a lot of power. It features a 60Hz power rating and a standby power rating of 12kVA/10KW.

The Perkins Diesel Model 400 is able to start instantly thanks to its automatic starting system. It also features an alternator that automatically charges the batter, plus a built-in circuit breaker and skid mounting feature. It’s EPA-certified, too.

Pair all of these great features with this generator’s steel construction and a five-year warranty and you can rest easy knowing it’ll last for years and provide you with the power you need in any situation.

Start Shopping Today

As you can see, there’s a lot to take into account when it comes to shopping for the best diesel generator for home use. You can’t go wrong with any of the generators listed above, though. Check them out today to see which one is the best fit for your home.

Don’t forget to visit the Home Improvement section on our website, too. You’ll find lots of resources there that will teach you more about keeping your home up and running in the most efficient way possible all year round.