The one advantage of the grid is its ability to give you silent power. But, what happens when the power’s out? Silent generators assure users of more comfort and less irritation getting power off the grid. Silent generators are powerful, quiet and unquestionably reliable. They can efficiently run for up to 8 hours on a gallon, and they also feature an inverter for smooth power, which makes them ideal for powering home appliances such as the refrigerator, TV, laptop or coffee maker when you lose power.

Investing in a silent generator will be worth every penny if you really dislike having to listen to the sound made by traditional generators. A silent generator is especially handy for not disturbing the elderly in your home. There are also many camp sites with strict regulations when it comes to loud sounds, so a silent generator not only benefits you during a power outage, but also if you want to take a camping trip, and don’t want other campers to complain about your noisy generator.

A Silent Generator – Explained

Silent generators are able to used advanced technology to provide efficient power without generating any of the annoying racket that is created by the traditional power generators. By using advanced mufflers along with quiet motors and special sound insulation panels that encloses the entire interior, silent generators are able to be extremely quiet while still delivering the same amount of power as traditional generators of the same wattage. It is also possible to find a generator that can provide you with up to 6000W or power and be extremely quiet at the same time. Going for silent generators is all the rage these days since it does not disrupt the environment of your home, neighborhood or campsite.

The question here arises, “just how silent is a silent generator?” To get a perspective of how quiet a silent generator is, we need to take the sound of two people having a normal condition as an acceptable noise level. Now, the average sound level of this conversation is around 65dB. Any generator that slightly exceeds this level is considered to be a silent generator. While some smaller silent generators will also produce noise levels that are lower than 65dB, and can be as quiet as a whisper.

Because of the technology being used to insulate the sound a silent generator usually costs more than a regular generator that has no noise reduction capabilities. This is also one of the reasons why those who opt for a silent generator for their home need to do their homework on the different brands and models of silent generators that are available in the market today.

The Best Silent Generators

Here, we have made a list of the best silent generators that are available in the market today. While buying a silent generator is going to cost you more, getting a high-quality silent generator means that you and your family do not have to deal with the annoying and irritating sound of a generator whenever the power goes out in your area. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Westinghouse iGen2500

Features:

• Safe for Sensitive Electronics and Strong Enough to Power All Your Household Essentials – No Need for a Bulky Conventional Generator
• Quiet Operation: the iGen2500 Utilizes a Double-Insulated Acoustic Enclosure, Asymmetrical Cooling Fans, and Low Tone Mufflers to Reduce Operating Noise
• Outlets: 2 USB Ports (5V DC) and a 120 VAC 20A Household Duplex Outlet – 2200 Running Watts and 2500 Peak Watts at <3% THD
• Lightweight and Compact Design: the iGen2500 weighs 48 lbs. and Features a Built-In Carry Handle for Easy Transportation
• Fuel Tank Runs for 8 Hours at a 25% Load
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency – 30-50% More Fuel Efficient Than a Traditional Generator! 1.0 Gallon

Westinghouse iGen2500 — Overview

Westinghouse has grown into a household name when it comes to its line of power generators. The brand is at par with the top-shelf brands in the market and is worth the investment. With the Westinghouse iGen2500, you get high specs, lots of power and top-notch quality all conveniently packaged in a portable and silent generator. The Westinghouse iGen2500 has a similar cost to other big-name brands such as Yamaha and Honda generators, since it delivers the same high amount of power and technology that makes it worth the investment as far as silent generators go.

Powerful EPA-Compliant Engine

The Westinghouse iGen2500 has a powerful 98cc engine that also happens to be EPA compliant. The Westinghouse iGen2500 is able to provide immense power with the help of a low HD inverter, which comes along with the added advantage of parallel connectivity. The fuel consumption of the Westinghouse iGen2500 is incredibly low, especially while considering the iGen2500 is able to generate up to 2500 peak watts for one full gallon. The Westinghouse iGen2500 will keep on going for up to 7.7 hours at just 25%, or 6.1 hours at 50%, which is similar to the Honda EU2000i.

Top-Shelf Technology

The Westinghouse iGen2500 features a recoil starter and offers an excellent set of outlets for electric power, such as, a duplex 120V – 20A that offers 2 x standard 120V household outlets, along with 2 x USB charging ports to power smaller electronic devices when the power goes out. The Westinghouse iGen2500 also features a nice and bright LED display, which gives you all the information you need while working the generator, including runtime, output, fuel level and amount of volts. These are some amazing features that you are not going to find in any other generator of a similar price point.

Incredible Safety Features

The Westinghouse iGen2500 has the same safety features as other silent generators, namely, a circuit breaker protection system and a low-oil shutoff feature for extra safety. At just 48lbs. you will also find the Westinghouse iGen2500 lighter than most silent generators of its size. At 50% load, the iGen2500 is said to be quieter than a speaking voice, while its operational sound level has been marked at 53dB, which is perfect for a silent generator for your home. Coming with a 3-year warranty, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is a very impressive silent generator indeed, and has earned its spot on our list.

WEN 56200i

Features:

• EPA III and CARB Compliant 79.7 cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts
• Extremely quiet operation is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
• Great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates and power outages
• Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle (DC Adapter Cable included on the package and one 5V USB port)
• Produces clean power to safely operate and prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets, televisions and computers

WEN 56200i — Overview

If you’re not looking forward to spending lots of money on a silent generator but still want the features of a reliable silent generator, then the WEN 56200i is just the thing you’re looking for. While the WEN lineup of silent generators will not compete toe to toe with high-end silent generators, it does come along with impressive specs that come pretty close to those on high-end generators.

Ergonomic Design and Durable Build

TheWEN 56200i has been designed keeping the user in mind, with every feature of the 56200i conveniently placed within easy reach for the user. The features of the WEN 56200i, coupled with the durable materials used in its design makes this silent generator a must have for those homeowners who do not like to deal with the irritating sound of a generator whenever they lose power. Weighing at just 48lbs. the WEN 56200i is easy to transport and handle around the house.

4-Stroke Engine and Inverter Technology

The WEN 56200i features a powerful 4-stroke engine that’s been both CARB compliant and EPA III certified, so you can use it even if you’re living in California, a state that has strict carbon emission laws in place. The 79.7cc engine is able to produce up to 2000W of peak power on a full 1-gallon tank. The presence of an inverter means that you get clean energy and the eco-throttle feature allows it to operate at lower revs whenever the demand for power is less, thus saving your fuel. The WEN 56200i can work for up to six hours at 25% load with a full one gallon tank.

Many Outlets Enhance its Versatility

The WEN 56200i has all the outlets you would need, which includes 2 120V GCI household outlets, a 5V USB outlet and a 12V DC outlet. The WEN 56200i also features a warning light and an automatic shutdown feature for extra safety, when the generator is low on both oil and fuel. As if that wasn’t enough, the WEN 56200i also has circuit breaker protection and gives the user the option of increasing the output of power with the help of a parallel connection kit.

Briggs & Stratton Q6500

Features:

• QuietPower Series inverter technology and a noise-reducing shell give you power that’s more than 60% quieter than a standard generator (66 dBA at 25% load)
• Quiet, portable inverter generator delivers 6,500 starting watts of reliable home backup power
• Power a wide variety of electronics & devices at the same time with (4) 120V-20A outlets, (2) USB outlets & (1) 120V-240V locking outlet. Use of RV adapter in the twist lock outlet provides 2500W of continuous power (120V / 20.8A)
• Highly-efficient 306cc Briggs & Stratton integrated engine/alternator provides up to 14 hours of run time at 25% load
• Design is 45% more compact & 30% lighter (128lbs.) than a standard portable generator

Briggs & Stratton Q6500 — Overview

While the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is far more expensive as compared to other silent generators, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that it’s a different beast altogether. With a peak power output of a massive 6500W along with a continuous load capacity of up to 5000W, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 offers a level of power that’s simply unmatched by other silent generators in this list.

Slightly Louder Noise, But Incredible Power

Sure, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is slightly louder than 2kW models, but it’s an impressive generator nonetheless when it comes to silent generators. The Briggs & Stratton Q6500produces 66dBA at just 25% of load, which is around the level of a normal speaking voice. While this might seem loud at just a quarter of its load capacity, it is still quieter than many other generators with regards to the number of watts it produces. If you’re looking for immense power, then the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 can deliver at a far lesser sound level as compared to other generators.

Powerful 306cc Engine

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 features a powerful 306cc engine which is CARB compliant with an integrated alternator. What this means is the engine and the alternator are both one unit, unlike more generators where the alternator bolts on to the engine. This makes it possible for the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 to be more compact and easy to move when needed. Although the generator has a recoil starter, it can start surprisingly quick during winter.

Sound Insulation Housing

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is enclosed in a sturdy, sound insulation housing. While the engine design is compact per se, its slightly larger motor, alternator and as a result, slightly larger housing makes it a bit heavier at 128lbs. But, thanks to the large 8” solid, rubber wheel kit and the telescopic handle (luggage-style) moving the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 is made easy. The sound insulation housing of the Q6500 is able to keep most of the noise at bay, while some of the sound will escape due to its powerful engine. That said, the Q6500 is not as loud as many of the other generators available.

Easy Operation and Useful Safety Features

The Q6500 offers quite a few options when it comes to power outlets. This generator includes 4 120V household outlets, 2 USB outlets and a 120V-240V 30A twist lock outlet. All of the power outlets have got covers to protect them from moisture or dust, and are further protected by a circuit breaker. Some other features that users will like on the Q6500 is the low oil and fuel gauge shutoff system. This generator comes with a 2-year consumer warranty, and 1-year commercial warranty.

Honda EU2000i

Features:

• 2000-watt inverter generator
• Silent: Noise Level: 59 dB(A) @ rated load 53dB(A) @ 1/4 load
• Dry Weight: 45.6 lb.
• Fuel efficient – up to 8.1 hrs. on 1 gal of gas
• Inverter – clean and stable power for sensitive electronics

Honda EU2000i — Overview

The Honda EU2000i is a name that has become synonymous with quality, and this generator is no different. The generator is powered by a GX100 98.5cc engine, which is considered to be one of the best gas engines in the world. The engine drives an alternator and can deliver up to 2000W of peak power and up to 1600W of continuous running power. This is enough power to run a medium size refrigerator.

Silent and Fuel Efficient

The Honda EU2000i is silent, producing just under 53dBA, while running at 25% load. Even at its loudest, the Honda EU2000i is just 59dBA. This means the noise generated from this generator will be hard to hear from a short distance away. The Honda EU2000i is also lightweight, weighing at just 48lbs, making it easy to move around the house or store after you’re done.

State of the Art Technology

The Honda EU2000i features a large control panel at the front of the generator, which has two 120V-20A receptacles, protected by a circuit breaker, along with a 12V-8A outlet for charging batteries. And warning lights for both power overload and low oil levels. With a fuel capacity of .95 gal, the EU2000i should get you through 3.4 hours comfortably.

Our Conclusion

The aforementioned brands are great examples of silent generators that provide households with just the right amount of power for their needs when the grid goes dark. But, there are plenty of options when it comes to silent generators available at the market so you should take all factors into account before choosing a particular brand of silent generator.