10 Best Generac Generators 2026 in the United States

The Generac 7290 26kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator offers robust and reliable power for home use, making it an excellent choice for residential backup power. The standout feature is its substantial 26kW power output, which ensures it can handle significant electrical loads. It operates on natural gas or LP gas, giving you flexibility depending on fuel availability.

Additionally, the generator includes a Quiet-Test self-test mode that runs at a lower RPM to reduce noise and save fuel, which is a significant plus for maintaining peace and quiet around your home. The electric start system enhances ease of use, and the mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor the generator remotely, adding convenience and peace of mind. The 5-year limited warranty underscores its long-term reliability, and the unit is designed for easy installation by a certified and licensed electrician.

On the downside, its hefty weight of 518 pounds makes it less portable, so it's best suited for stationary home use rather than for those needing a mobile generator. Also, while it’s engineered to be quiet during tests, its noise level during regular operation may still be a consideration for some users. The maintenance and service alerts provided via Wi-Fi are helpful, but the initial setup may require professional assistance. Despite these minor drawbacks, its high output, reliable performance, and convenient features make it a solid investment for comprehensive home backup power.

The Generac 18kW Home Standby Generator is designed to provide reliable whole-house backup power during outages, making it a strong choice for homeowners who want continuous comfort and connectivity. With an 18,000-watt output, it can easily handle essential appliances and systems in a typical household. It runs on fuel with an electronic fuel and ignition control system that enhances fuel efficiency and lowers emissions, helping reduce operating costs over time. The generator features automatic start capabilities, detecting outages and powering up without user intervention, which adds convenience and peace of mind.

One standout feature is its built-in cellular connectivity, allowing users to monitor and control the generator remotely via a mobile app. This is especially useful for staying informed and managing the generator from anywhere. The unit also includes oil level sensors and improved cold start performance, making it reliable in various climates, including cold weather. In terms of noise, the generator is described as 'super quiet' with automatic idle control, which helps reduce sound during operation, although some noise is inevitable compared to portable models. It is quite heavy at 426 pounds and fairly large, so professional installation is necessary, and it is not portable.

Maintenance is made easier with real-time alerts through the app and features designed to keep the unit ready, but like all standby generators, it will require periodic servicing to ensure long-term reliability. It's also compatible with Generac’s Home Energy Ecosystem, allowing integration with smart thermostats and battery systems for more advanced energy management. This generator is well suited for homeowners seeking a robust, automated power backup solution with smart features and good fuel efficiency. The main downsides are its weight and size, meaning it is fixed in place and needs professional installation, along with ongoing costs if opting for the premium Mobile Link subscription for remote monitoring.

The Generac 7043 22kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator is a robust option for residential use, delivering high-quality 22,000 watts of power. It features True Power Technology, ensuring clean and stable power with less than 5% total harmonic distortion, making it safe for sensitive electronics. The generator operates on either natural gas or LP gas, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability.

The 200-amp NEMA 3R smart switch ensures whole-house protection, making it ideal for comprehensive coverage during power outages. Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring, so you can keep track of its performance and maintenance needs from anywhere, offering peace of mind even when you're not home. The electric start is user-friendly, and its fully enclosed design with automatic voltage regulation and overload protection enhances safety.

However, it's important to note that the unit is quite heavy, weighing 466 pounds, which affects portability. Installation should be handled by a licensed electrician, adding to the setup cost. Maintenance is somewhat simplified by the G-Force Engine, designed to reduce upkeep needs. The 5-year limited warranty offers long-term assurance. This generator is a strong contender for those seeking reliable, high-power output for their home.