Portable generators can be indispensable companions during power outages.
However, most conventional generators are not suitable for indoor use. That is because the gas generators emit toxic fumes that can be dangerous for your health.
Fortunately, there is a solution – battery powered generators.
These compact indoor generators can run the essential household equipment (such as refrigerator and freezer), portable electronics, and lighting circuits.
The battery powered generators recommended are also suitable to use with a CPAP machine.
Read our reviews below to find out the best indoor generator for your needs.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Indoor Generators for Apartments Reviewed
1. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500
If you need an indoor generator to power the essential electronics in your apartment or CPAP – the Jackery Power Station Explorer 500 would be the right fit for you.
Its total power output is 500 rated watts.
That’s enough to charge laptops, TV, mobile phones, or LED lights.
It is also an optimal choice for CPAP thanks to its 55H-78H DC output.
The generator produces a pure sine wave to protect sensitive devices while plugged in.
It has temperature control, circuit protection, and other safety features to keep the generator running smoothly and safely.
You can charge it using a wall outlet, car adapter, or optional solar panels.
Note that this is a very compact indoor generator, and it’s not meant for use with any larger equipment.
Don’t expect it to power, e.g., your window AC unit.
Overall if you need a compact indoor generator for apartments – this is one of your best choices.
2. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station
Silent and portable, this small indoor generator can be taken anywhere extra power is needed.
The generator comes equipped with a 428Wh lithium battery.
It provides 1200 surge watts and 300 running watts.
That’s enough to charge a TV, phones, tablets, computers, and some small appliances like a camping fridge.
Most importantly, during a power outage, this power station can run a CPAP machine.
You can also daisy-chain with other power stations to increase your total power output.
It’s also extremely quiet and 100% environmentally friendly.
The generator uses a pure sine wave inverter, meaning your portable electronics can run safely.
You can quickly charge this unit either via a wall socket or portable solar panels.
Overall, it is one of the best battery powered generators for indoor use money can buy.
We would recommend it to everyone looking for a reliable supplementary home backup power supply.
3. Rockpals 500W Portable Power Station
Rockpals Lithium Portable Power Station joins the ranks of the best battery powered generators for indoor use.
It’s a very compact unit, weighing merely 14.3lbs.
That makes it very easy to carry.
The generator delivers 500 rated watts of pure sine wave energy.
That is enough to power a CPAP machine.
There are two ways to connect a CPAP.
You can either use an AC or DC connection.
For a DC connection, the manufacturer recommends using a DC converter for optimal performance.
You can also use this generator to power a TV at a trade fair.
Nothing prevents you from bringing it along for camping.
It could quickly charge your portable electronic equipment.
You can recharge this generator either via solar panels or a wall socket.
The car charging outlet will also work perfectly fine.
4. AIMTOM 300-Watt Portable Power Station
The 400-Watt portable indoor generator is powerful enough to charge mobile devices and run small appliances.
It is lightweight and easy to carry. Additionally, you can charge up to 10 devices simultaneously.
We recommend this power station to campers, hikers, and anyone who wants to prepare for emergencies.
For example, you can power your CPAP for up to ten hours, making it a perfect match for a power outage.
The generator produces 400 watts of pure sine wave power.
That means your electronics receive a steady flow of electricity while charging or operating.
There is also a cooling fan to prevent it from overheating during use.
Besides, you can recharge using a wall outlet, car socket, or optional solar panels.
The LED panel displays battery status so you can quickly know how much power you have left.
5. SUAOKI 100 Watt Portable Power Station
Suaoki portable power station is a sturdy and reliable indoor generator.
The unit is also perfect for camping in case you need to take it with you on your next trip.
The 2.9-pound power station’s lithium battery is rated at 100 Watts.
It delivers pure sine wave energy suitable for sensitive electronic equipment.
You can choose between 10 ports and outlets, including 3 USB, 4 DC, 2 AC, and 1 QC 3.0 USB charging port.
You can quickly recharge it using a standard wall socket, car outlet, or solar panels.
This generator will appeal to people who want extra power but don’t want to carry a bulky unit.
It easily fits in a backpack so that it won’t take up much space.
Hikers, campers, and day-trippers won’t have any problem taking this anywhere they want to go.
However, rated at just 100 Watts, this portable generator is not powerful enough to run small appliances (for example, an electric kettle or power drill.)
If you need to run anything larger, you should consider getting the unit offering more wattage.
What kind of generator can I use for an apartment?
There are a few different types of generators that can be used for an apartment.
The most common type is a portable battery-powered generator. These are noiseless, small, and easy to move around, making them ideal for apartments. Solar battery powered generators are a great option for those who want to be prepared for a power outage, but they can also be used to supplement your regular power supply when eg. working outdoors or going camping.
One such generator and one of our favorite choices is the Goal Zero Yeti 400 – it’s specifically designed for indoor use along with CPAP and related equipment. You can charge it either via a conventional wall socket or with a solar panel.
Another option is a standby generator.
These units are larger and more expensive both to purchase and install, but they will provide enough power for the entire household in the event of a power outage.
If you live in an area with high winds or hurricanes, you may want to consider investing in a standby generator. No matter what type of generator you choose, make sure to read our reviews and safety tips before purchasing. These will help you find the best generator for your needs.
7 Key Safety Tips For Using Gas-Powered Generators
If you live in an area that is prone to power outages, you may have considered purchasing a gas-powered generator. A portable generator can be a true lifesaver during a major blackout. However, before you switch your generator on, make sure you know how to operate it safely. Below are some key safety tips for you to keep in mind when using a gas-powered generator:
- Make sure the generator is properly ventilated. The exhaust from a gas-powered generator can contain carbon monoxide, so it is important to make sure the generator is not running in an enclosed space.
- Keep the generator dry. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never come into contact with water. If your generator does get wet, do not try to start it until it has been dried off completely.
- Do not use a gas generator indoors. Portable generators produce carbon monoxide – a poisonous gas that can be potentially deadly when inhaled
- Be aware of electrical hazards. Gas-powered generators produce a lot of electricity, so it is important to keep children and pets away from the generator and to use proper extension cords when connecting appliances.
- Never try to repair a generator yourself. Always contact a qualified technician to perform repairs.
- Keep the generator clean and free of debris. buildup can be a fire hazard.
- Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to run the generator for the duration of the power outage. Store fuel in a safe, dry place away from the generator.
Following these safety tips will help you to use your gas-powered generator safely. Remember, a generator is a powerful piece of equipment and should be treated with caution. If you have any questions about generator safety, please contact a qualified technician.
5 Benefits of Indoor Generators for Apartments
If you are like most people, you probably think of generators as loud, smelly, and bulky machines that you can only use during natural disasters or power outages.
However, certain types of generators are compact and eco-friendly, and you can use them indoors. The most common type is portable power stations that can be charged via solar panels or conventional wall sockets.
They have numerous benefits over traditional outdoor generators, which is why more and more people are choosing to purchase them for home use and RV, camping trips, job sites, etc.
Below are the top 5 benefits of owning such a generator:
- They are quieter. That is because they are usually made with sound-dampening materials, ideal for indoor use. So, if you’re looking for a generator that won’t disturb your neighbors or your family, an indoor generator is the way to go.
- Small & Lightweight. They take up less space and can be easily stored in your garage or shed. If you live in a small home or apartment, an indoor generator is ideal for you.
- Eco-friendly. The portable power stations run on solar power – 100% green renewable resource. So, if you’re looking for a generator that is good for the environment and limits your carbon footprint, an indoor generator is the way to go.
- Easy to use. They come with simple instructions and don’t require special tools or maintenance. So, if you’re looking for a generator that is simple to use and maintain, an indoor generator is the way to go.
- Safe & secure. They are designed to be used indoors and have safety features that prevent them from being overloaded or damaged. So, if you’re looking for a safe generator, an indoor generator is the way to go.
As you can see, there are many benefits of owning an indoor generator. If you’re looking for a quiet, compact, eco-friendly, easy to use, and safe generator, a portable power station meant for use indoors is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions about Indoor Generators
What is the best indoor generator?
In our opinion, the Jackery Explorer 500 is the best choice for apartments and campsites. It has enough power to run your portable electronics such as TV, laptops, and lights. You can also use it to power a CPAP. However, if you need more power at your disposal, consider shelling out slightly more for a larger generator. Goal Zero Yeti 1000X also one of our personal favorites. It has enough capacity to run larger household equipment such as AC or fridge for several hours.
Can a generator be used in an apartment?
Conventional gas generators are not safe to use indoors. That’s because they emit toxic gas fumes that may lead to gas poisoning. You should use a battery-powered generator instead.
How much does a generator for an apartment building cost?
That depends on how big of a generator you need to power your desired appliances. We’d recommend going with at least 1000-watt models. They would be powerful enough to run key appliances such as CPAP machines or refrigerators. You should normally be able to get one for $1000 – $2000 USD, depending on the manufacturer. Our recommendation is Goal Zero Yeti 1000X.
Can you get a generator for an apartment?
Only the lithium battery powered generators are good to use for apartments. A conventional gas or propane generator won’t be the right fit for a condo. Running such a unit indoors carries extreme health risks and can be potentially fatal.
Can a portable generator run a refrigerator?
Yes, if it has enough power output. A refrigerator coupled with a freezer would need a generator with at least 1000 watt capacity. Such a generator could run a fridge for several hours during an extended power outage. One good example of an indoor friendly 1000+ watt generator is Goal Zero Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station. It has a total output of 1500 watts which is enough to power your fridge as well as a few portable electronic or lighting circuits for at least 10 hours before recharging.
Can a propane generator be used indoors?
Regrettably no. Just like the gasoline units, propane generators still emit toxic carbon monoxide that can be dangerous, even lethal when inhaled indoors. You should opt for a portable solar power station instead.
How do you charge a portable indoor generator?
There are a few different ways to recharge a portable indoor generator. The most common method is simply plugging the generator into a standard 120-volt outlet. This will take several hours to fully recharge the battery, so it’s best to do it overnight.
Another option is to use a solar charger. This can be a great way to recharge your generator if you’re off the grid or in an area where there is no access to traditional power sources. Solar chargers use sunlight to create electrical energy, which is a great way to recharge the battery if you’re away from a power source for an extended period of time. Solar chargers are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
Finally, for the smallest types of indoor generators, you can also use a hand crank charger. This is a great option if you’re in a pinch and need to recharge the battery quickly. Hand crank chargers are typically more expensive than other methods, but they’re well worth the investment if you find yourself in an emergency situation.
No matter which method you choose, recharging your portable indoor generator is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. So don’t wait until your battery is completely dead – make sure to recharge it periodically so you’re always prepared in case of an emergency.
Can I use a battery-powered generator while it’s being charged?
Yes, just make sure you follow a few safety precautions.
First, when using a battery-powered generator, closely monitoring the charging process is important. Overcharging its battery can potentially damage it and eventually shorten its lifespan.
Second, only use a charger that is specifically designed for your generator model. Using the wrong type of charger could also damage the battery or cause other problems.
Finally, make sure to read the instructions that come with your generator carefully before using it.
Can I Run A Gas Generator On My Apartment Balcony?
If you live in an apartment, the answer to this question is probably no.
Even if your lease or rental agreement doesn’t specifically forbid it, most landlords and building managers would likely object to the noise and fumes a gas generator produces.
If you’re determined to use one anyway, be prepared to move out when your landlord finds out – and don’t expect to get your security deposit back.
On the other hand, if you have your own house or live in a rural area, the situation is a bit different. In that case, as long as you follow all the safety precautions for using a gas generator, there’s hardly any other reason why you can’t use one on your balcony (or anywhere else on your property). Just be considerate of your neighbors.
Conclusion
If you need a generator for an apartment, your best bet would be a battery-powered portable power station. Make sure you chose the one with enough wattage to cater to your power needs.
We highly recommend the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500. It has enough power to cover most people’s needs, and it’s battery-powered so you don’t have to worry about noise or fumes. Plus, it’s small and light enough that you can easily carry it with you if you need to evacuate.
If you need a larger unit, Yeti Goal Zero 3000X would be the ideal choice. It has enough power capacity to run more energy-hungry devices such as a refrigerator and freezer.
If this post helped you out, please feel free to share it with others who might find it useful. Thank you!
