Generators Made Simple: Powering Peace of Mind
Whether you’re parenting through a power outage, keeping a business running, or just trying to prevent a fridge full of food from spoiling — a reliable generator is no longer optional. It’s peace of mind.
In this post, I’ll break down four types of generators we’ve used or recommended — from portable to whole-home systems — and why they matter for modern families and contractors alike.
Why Backup Power Matters More Than Ever
Power outages can cost you time, money, and your sanity — especially with young kids in the mix. A generator lets you:
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer running
- Power white noise machines, baby monitors, and lighting
- Maintain internet, devices, and work-from-home equipment
- Avoid costly downtime on job sites or in shops
No, you don’t need to spend $10,000 on a setup right away — but having something beats having nothing when the power goes out and you’re holding a baby in the dark.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you click and buy — but I only share what we genuinely use or recommend.
🛠️ Firman 2100W Portable Inverter Generator
🟤 Perfect for: Small job sites, camping, basic home essentials
📦 Power: 1700 running watts / 2100 starting watts
🧰 Key Features: CO Alert, quiet operation, gas-powered, easy carry handle
Great for emergency power during short outages
Lightweight and compact — you can store this in a garage or truck
Keeps your fridge, lights, and a few essentials running
Our employees use this generator on the job when there is no power to a project yet. Great for running power tools or job lights.
☀️ Jackery Portable Solar Generator
🟠 Perfect for: Camping, RVs, emergencies, baby gear backup
📦 Power: Multiple models available (start around 240Wh–1000Wh+)
🧰 Key Features: Solar powered, fast charging, plug-and-play USB + AC
Kid-safe — no fuel, fumes, or fire risk
Perfect for phones, baby monitors, breast pumps, or lighting
We bring ours on road trips and use it as our backup-for-the-backup
👉 Shop the Jackery on Amazon »
🏡 Westinghouse Dual Fuel Generator
🔵 Perfect for: Whole home backup, pump house, job trailers
📦 Power: 9500 running watts / 12500 starting watts
🧰 Key Features: Runs on gas or propane, remote start, rugged wheels
This one powers our home, pump house, and shop
We use this during big storms and planned outages
It won’t run everything at once — but it gets the job done reliably
This is the generator we use at our home, and it powers our home, well pump, shop and an RV! It is so easy to use.
👉 Shop the Westinghouse on Amazon »
🧱 Generac Guardian 24kW Standby Generator
💬 Opinion: This is the “set it and forget it” Cadillac of generators. It’s for the family that doesn’t want to lift a finger during an outage — and frankly, once you’ve lived with one, it’s hard to go back.
Starts automatically during an outage (even when you’re not home!)
Looks clean, runs quiet, and powers everything
⚠️ Pro Tip from my electrician husband: Don’t skip the load calculation — a 24kW generator sounds massive, but if you’ve got two heat pumps, a hot tub, and a big home, it’s still important to plan your electrical loads right.
👉 Shop the Generac Guardian on Amazon »
This is the most powerful and hands-off option for families who want complete security. Ideal for those who live in rural areas or experience frequent outages.
🔍 Not All Generators Are Created Equal
Here’s something most people don’t talk about:
It’s not just about watts — it’s about what you actually want to function.
Do you want heat? Wi-Fi? The garage door? Your kid’s fish tank that always dies when the power goes out?I have a blog post about what to power FIRST when hooking up your generator.
Spend 5 minutes writing out what you need to work when power fails. Then match the generator to that — not just the price tag.
🔧 Final Tips
- Start small if you’re not sure — even a portable option can save you in a pinch
- Think about your priorities: refrigerator, baby monitor, Wi-Fi, heat?
- Hire an electrician for large installs like the Generac
- Label your loads so you know what each generator can handle
Don’t forget to visit my Pinterest page to stay Plugged-In with family friendly and electrician approved products!
