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Generators for Apartments & Condos - 7 Best Indoor Backup Power Options
Choosing an indoor backup generator for apartment use is a little different than shopping for traditional generators and power stations in other situations and outdoor use. In this guide we'll walk you through the process and show you exactly how to pick a great option to give you peace of mind in any power outage, while remaining safe indoors.
We'll also make some specific indoor generator product recommendations chosen specifically for apartment use from reputable manufacturers.
What Are The Best Generators for Apartments?
The best indoor generators for apartment use are battery powered devices which do not need any kind of gasoline or fuel to run. These are usually called portable power stations.
Below are the 7 models we'll be looking at today. Click on any of the links to jump to the relevant section and learn about each option, or read on to get our thoughts on evaluating and choosing a portable indoor generator.
We'll also be covering some frequently asked questions at the end related to the best kinds of generators for apartments, the size you'll need, and some key safety aspects (important!).
Here are the 7 apartment generator recommendations we'll be covering:
Simply click any of these links to jump to the relevant section.
So how do you choose indoor generators for apartments?
Firstly, it is vitally important to understand that you cannot use traditional outdoor generators in an enclosed space such as an apartment or condo. Not in any situation!
When you think of generators to use as emergency power solutions in a blackout or outage, most people think of gas generators or something similar powered by propane or another fuel type. These of course will always product emissions meaning Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a real risk if the fumes do not have an easy way to escape.
These gas powered generators are designed strictly for outdoor use where the ventilation is excellent. You absolutely cannot use a gas or propane generator in an apartment, not unless you have a huge patio area which big enough for the unit to be fully outside with no fumes entering your property.
With that in mind the best generator for apartments, condos, or general indoor use will always be one of the battery powered generators available from a few leading brands who specialize in these models. These are typically referred to and marketed as portable power stations.
We'll look at 5 of those brands today, and 7 individual models if you're looking to buy such a generator.
These are all great options to use as an emergency power source for important electronics such as a fridge, AC unit, or even a CPAP machine with the bigger models. These battery generators will allow you to use and charge multiple devices inside the comfort of your own home, with out any harmful fumes or health risks.
Because of the way the battery management system works for these devices they happen to be much quieter as well which is a bonus - as is the fact they function not only as indoor generators, but also as reliable power sources for use on outdoor adventures such as camping, hiking, and more.
Most of them can even be charged with a solar panel kit when you're truly off-grid, as well as using your car or of course a regular AC outlet in the wall (always the fastest charging option).
So without further ado, let's take a look at the best portable indoor generators for apartments, condos, and general use indoors.
EcoFlow Delta 1300 Power Station
We're huge fans of the EcoFlow product range.
Their Delta Portable Power Station 1300 is a great choice for anyone needing a reliable apartment generator. It's a powerful and rechargeable power station that can be used for a wide range of devices such as small electronics, through to the appliances you likely have in your apartment.
Of course being a battery powered device it has zero emissions and so is completely safe to operate in an enclosed space, such as any house, condo, garage, or apartment. You also won't have to worry about CARB regulations.
It has an impressive battery management system with a capacity of 1260Wh and can deliver up to 1800W of continuous power (3300W surge capacity) via 6 AC outlets, with the ability to power up to 13 devices simultaneously. This makes it suitable for powering everything from laptops and smartphones to small appliances like lights, fans, and even small power tools.
The EcoFlow Delta Power Station features extremely fast charging and will go from zero to 80% charged in less than one hour using a wall outlet. This is the kind of generator you want on hand and ready to go during power outages.
One of the standout features of the EcoFlow Delta is its compact and portable design. Despite its high power capacity, the unit is relatively small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. It also has a built-in handle, making it even more convenient to transport.
The EcoFlow Delta also has a variety of charging options, including a standard AC outlet, USB-C ports, USB-A ports, and USB-A Fast Charge ports.
The EcoFlow Delta is also equipped with several safety features to protect you and your devices. It has Over-voltage, Over-current, Over-heating, and Short Circuit Protection, as well as a built-in cooling system.
Away from home the Delta 1300 from EcoFlow is also great for outdoor adventures and camping trips. It is highly portable and also has optional solar panel charging functionality if you want to go off-grid for a few days but still have reliable power. Note that portable solar panels for charging are sold separately as an optional extra if you want re-charge the device in the wilderness! If you're on a long road trip then the device can also be charged using a car adapter in around 13 hours.
Overall The EcoFlow Delta 1300 is an excellent emergency power choice as a portable indoor generator for apartments and condos.
Bluetti AC200 Max - Expandable Pure Sine Wave Power Generator
The Bluetti AC200 Max is a bestselling portable power station designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It's perfect anyone looking for high levels of reliable indoor power generators for use in an apartment.
The AC200 Max has a capacity of 2048Wh and is great for powering a range of devices both large and small including laptops, cell phones, tablets, cameras, and much more. The AC200 Max is equipped with a good choice of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and AC outlets, making it easy to charge a lot of devices at the same time.
The Bluetti AC200 Max is the most powerful option on this list and the best indoor generator choice if you're looking for high power output at a good price. It is a 2,200W AC pure sine wave inverter, with 4,800W of surge power giving it enough power to handle most apartment needs. This model is also expandable. You can buy an additional power pack if you need even more performance.
One great feature of the AC200 Max is its ability to be recharged in multiple ways, including through solar panels just like the EcoFlow power stations. It can also be charged via a car's cigarette lighter, or a wall outlet which of course would be the fastest option. In total there are 7 different charging options for this generator!
With this in mind, and the solar power kit which is sold separately, you can easily recharge the device while on the go, making it a great option not just for use at home in your apartment but also for camping, hiking, fishing or other outdoor off-grid activities.
This popular power station from Bluetti has a built-in LCD display that shows the battery level, input and output power, and other key info. You can easily monitor performance and power levels with this display.
The AC200 Max was designed to withstand the elements, with a rugged and durable design that is both water resistant and dust resistant. This makes it great for outdoor adventures but also for use in emergency situations where things can get a little crazy!
The device can also be controlled via the Bluetti mobile app for even more convenience.
We like Bluetti's AC200 Max and consider it one of the best portable generators to consider when looking for a backup power supply for your apartment.
Jackery Explorer 1000
Jackery are well know as one of the best indoor generator brands as they manufacture a wide range of power stations which are battery powered and so don't require any kind of fuel or gas which would produce emissions.
Just like Bluetti and EcoFlow the Jackery portable power station range is most often used for outdoor activities where power is needed off-grid, but they function equally well as indoor generators for apartments or condos.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is one of their bestsellers. It is a lightweight and compact portable power station that provides a reliable source of energy for a wide range of applications. With a power output capacity of 1000Wh, it can power small appliances, lights, and all kinds electronic devices for a good amount of time. The unit provides 1000W of continuous power, and has a surge maximum power output of 2000W.
The unit comes with a choice of different ports, including 2 pure sine wave energy AC outlets, 3 USB ports - Type A and Type C, and 1 car charging port. This design allows for simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
One of the most loved features of the Jackery Explorer 1000 is its compact and lightweight design. It weighs only 22 lbs, making it easy to transport and store. The unit is equipped with a built-in handle so it is easy to carry around. These features make this Jackery bestseller one of the most popular portable indoor generator models.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is built to be highly durable. It has been rigorously tested to ensure it can withstand all kinds of outdoor weather conditions. This battery powered portable generator is equipped with an LCD screen, which provides real-time information on the remaining battery capacity, input and output power, and temperature.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a versatile portable power station that is ideal for a wide range of applications. Whether you need it for camping, tailgating, or as a small apartment generator for backup power, it is sure to meet your needs. Additionally, it can be recharged by solar panels (not included) or by plugging it into a wall outlet.
Overall, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and portable energy source to use in a power outage or on an outdoor adventure.
EcoFlow River Pro
Another great small portable indoor generator for apartment use is the EcoFlow River Pro.
We're so impressed with the EcoFlow product line that we included two of their power stations in this list. The River Pro is one of the smaller apartment generator options on this list but is still considered one of the best indoor indoor options if you have fewer power requirements and do not want to purchase the EcoFlow Delta.
This a good option as compact and budget friendly portable generator for apartment use. It has a capacity of 730Wh Capacity, 600W output (3 outlets) and a surge power capacity of 1200W. There is an additional expansion battery for sale as well which will double the battery capacity output to 1440Wh. The unit can also be charged via solar panels which you'll purchase separately for any off-grid activities.
Overall the EcoFlow River Pro is one of the best low cost portable generators for use either indoors in an apartment, or on camping and hiking adventures, thanks to the solar power option.
Cummins Onan PS1000
Cummins is a very well respected generator manufacturer who have been in the market for decades. They make backup generators and portables of all kinds, and have recently expanded their product range to include battery powered generators - or portable power station models - which make great apartment generator choices. Our team loves the Cummins Onan PS1000 Power Station which is their most powerful option.
The device which is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery which delivers 1,008Wh, 1,500 watts of running power and 3,000 surge watts of clean power. It is lightweight and portable, weighing in at only 31 lbs. You'll have a good range of outlets to choose from including 6 USB ports. It has a USB C port and a Quick Charge 3 port. In addition you get DC outlets, 6 available household outlets of 120V and a 12 V DC input. A 12 V car cigarette outlet is also installed.
Charging options for the Cummins Onan PS1000 include an in-car charger, regular wall outlets, or a solar panel which would need to be purchased separately.
Similarly to the other portable indoor generator options on this page the PS1000 power station makes a great choice for use either in your apartment, or on outdoor adventures when you need off-grid power with the option of charging in both your car and via separate solar panels.
We're impressed with the Cummins battery powered generators and would suggest them as a good option for powering electronics and small appliances inside during power outages.
Firman Zero E
The Firman Power Equipment brand is one of the most well known and trusted names in the world of portable generators and backup power solutions. They've recently entered the world of rechargeable portable power stations after specializing in producing some of the highest quality traditional fuel and gas generators for decades.
The Firman Zero-E is an impressive and powerful battery backup power solution that's great for use at home, in an apartment, or on outdoor adventures. The standard version offers 1040Wh of power with 2000 continuous watts and 4000 watts of peak power.
You have the option to double performance with the addition of an extra battery power parallel pack which can be purchased separately.
This sleek looking portable power station can be charged to 80% capacity in under 60 minutes thanks to the Firman Supercharge technology, and is good for up to 4000 charges over its lifetime. This would represent many years of use.
You have the following options for charging up the Zero E Power station:
- 120 Volt Power from a house or a generator
- Up to 400 Watts of Solar Power
- 12 Volt Power from a vehicle
- USB-C (Bidirectional x 1) charging
The selection of power outlets is also impressive and should cover almost any need you have:
- 4x 120 volt AC outlets
- 1x 30 AMP RV Ready Outlet
- 4x USB-A outlets
- 2x 100 Watt USB-C Outlets
- Wireless Phone Charging
- USB-C power delivery input and output
- RV-ready with TT30R outlet
Overall the Firman Zero E Expandable Power Station is an excellent backup power solution with zero emissions that's perfect for home and apartment use.
Goal Zero Yeti 3000X
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 is an impressive and much loved portable power station.
It is equipped with a large capacity lithium-ion battery that can be charged by solar power, a wall outlet, or a car charger. The Yeti 3000 has a continues power output of 2000 watts (3500 surge), with 3032Wh making it one of the most powerful indoor generators for apartments on this list. It is suitable for powering small appliances, lights, and even power tools.
The device features a user-friendly interface with a digital LCD display that shows the current current battery levels, inputs and output wattages, and estimated remaining battery capacity run time. It also has seven different outlets which can be used simultaneously - these include fast charging USB C ports, USB A ports, 12V regular ports, and also two AC ports of 12V.
The Yeti 3000 is built to be durable and portable, with a sturdy handle for easy transport. It is primarily designed for outdoor use, so you can rely on its toughness. Of course it also makes an excellent indoor generator for apartments and other enclosed spaces. The Yeti 3000 can be expanded and connected with other Yeti power stations to increase the power and battery capacity.
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 is a great choice for people who need reliable, portable power for outdoor adventures, camping, or as an emergency indoor power source during power outages. It's also an excellent option for off-grid living, such as powering a cabin or RV.
With its high power output and multiple outlets, the Yeti 3000 can meet the power needs of a wide range of devices and appliances. The device can also be controlled using a mobile app.
Honorable Mention
A highly respected generator brand, Champion Power Equipment, recently launched two products in the portable power station category. We haven't seen enough feedback on them yet to give our recommendation as we've only just listed them at the time of writing this piece, but we expect them to become popular.
The Champion brand has a great name and is one of the most trusted in the world of backup power solutions. You can check out their new battery powered generators here:
We'll be sure to add these to our list of indoor power solutions if they perform as well as we expect them to with customers.
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Indoor Backup Generator for Apartment and Condo Buildings
Just because you don't live in a house with outdoor space it doesn't mean you need to be without a reliable backup generator for apartment use during an outage if your building's power goes down.
You have a lot of choice when looking at generators suitable for indoor use in condos, apartments, and other enclosed spaces. Be sure to choose a battery powered generator from one of the reputable brands we've recommended in this guide and try to estimate how much power you're likely to need based on the size of your apartment and the number of essential electronics and devices you own.
Lastly, remember to ALWAYS use a zero emission generator in enclosed spaces indoors. You'll generally want to choose something marketed as a portable power station. Do not ever use gas powered generators of any kind indoors. You must go for battery powered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apartment Generators
Can a generator be used in an apartment or condo?
Yes, certain types of generators (battery powered) can be used in an apartment. You'll need to understand which type is best, which ones to never use, and how to operate one safely. Be sure to choose a battery powered generator, or portable power station with zero emissions. Never use any kind of propane or gas powered generator indoors.
The best generator for indoor apartment use will always be something battery powered, rather than a traditional gas generator. Any model powered by gas, propane, natural gas, or any other fuel type is absolutely NOT suitable for indoor use... in any situation!
What size generator do I need for an apartment?
The apartment generator size you'll need does depend on your situation and how many devices you need to run, and the power requirements they have. However, for larger demands we recommend looking at either the Bluetti or the EcoFlow Delta covered earlier in this guide. They're compact and powerful indoor generators.
How much is a generator for an apartment?
Apartment generators cost between $150 - $3000 or more, with most in the middle of that range. The price depends on the brand you choose, the size, and the amount of power output you require. There are options available for all budgets.
What is the best battery operated generator for an apartment?
EcoFlow battery powered generators are a great choice. Popular models include the Delta 1300 and River Pro. Bluetti has some great options too, with the AC200 Max being the most powerful in our list. Jackery portable power stations are also good options.
What kind of generator can I use in an apartment?
Use a portable power station from brands such as EcoFlow, Bluetti, or Jackery. Any battery powered model is however suitable - make sure it is one with zero emissions which does not require any kind of fuel to power it. Gas generators are a definite no!