10 Best Generators 2026 in the United States

The DuroMax XP16000iHT is a powerful tri-fuel generator offering up to 16,000 watts of starting power and 13,000 watts running power, making it suitable for whole home backup, RVs, or job sites. Its ability to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas provides great fuel flexibility, which is useful if you want options during emergencies or changing fuel availability. The generator includes two 50-amp outlets, allowing easy connection to a home transfer switch or generator interlock, perfect for powering multiple appliances or an entire house.

One of its standout features is the remote electric start, letting you turn the generator on or off from inside your home—convenient during bad weather or power outages. Safety is also a priority, with built-in carbon monoxide detection that automatically shuts the unit off if dangerous levels are detected. Despite its large size and 505-pound weight, it’s considered portable for a generator this powerful, though moving it will require some effort or a cart. Thanks to digital inverter technology, the generator produces clean, stable power, protecting sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. It also operates relatively quietly compared to traditional generators. The smart digital display lets you easily monitor voltage, frequency, fuel level, and runtime.

The generator is quite heavy and bulky, making it less ideal if you need something highly mobile for frequent transport. Its 10.5-gallon fuel tank offers decent run time but will still require refueling during extended outages. Some users may find the price and setup more suited for serious power needs rather than casual or light use. This generator is a strong choice if you want reliable, flexible, and safe whole-home or commercial backup power, especially when running sensitive electronics. However, it’s less convenient if you need something lightweight or primarily for small, occasional tasks.

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable backup power during outages, storms, or emergencies. It offers a powerful 26,000-watt output, enough to support an entire home, which means you can keep most or all of your essential appliances running simultaneously. This model runs on natural gas or liquid propane, giving flexibility depending on your available fuel sources. It features Generac's G-Force 1000 Series engine known for durability and efficient fuel use, which helps keep operational costs lower over time.

This generator is designed for stationary home installation and weighs 518 pounds, so it's not portable but meant as a permanent backup solution. Noise levels are kept relatively low with a 'Super Quiet' feature and a Quiet-Test mode that reduces engine speed during self-tests, making it less disruptive to your household and neighbors. Four power outlets provide ample connectivity options for your home's needs. One standout feature is the built-in Wi-Fi monitoring that lets you track the unit's status and maintenance alerts remotely, adding convenience and peace of mind.

Installation requires a certified electrician, which may add to upfront costs but ensures the unit operates safely and efficiently. The size and weight make it unsuitable if you need a portable generator or have space constraints. Also, because it’s designed for whole-house use, it may be more generator than some users need if they only require backup for a few essential devices. The 5-year warranty provides added reassurance typical for this level of investment. This generator is well-suited for homeowners looking for reliable, quiet, and relatively low-maintenance whole-house backup power but less suited for those needing portability or a lightweight option.

The DuroMax XP15000HX is a powerful dual fuel generator delivering up to 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts, making it well-suited for whole-home backup during outages or heavy-duty commercial use. Its ability to run on both gasoline and propane offers flexibility—propane is cleaner, lasts longer in storage, and is easy on maintenance. The generator features a large 670cc engine with all-copper windings, which means it’s built for durability and long-term use. Starting it is simple with a push-button remote electric start, and switching between fuels is quick thanks to a front-facing fuel selector. The control panel is user-friendly, showing important information like voltage and maintenance hours on a digital meter.

Safety is improved by a built-in carbon monoxide sensor that automatically shuts the unit down if harmful fumes are detected. It also comes ready to connect to a home transfer switch, so powering your house is straightforward. Portability is decent for its size, with included wheels and a handle, but at 345 pounds, it’s quite heavy and not something you'd want to move frequently by yourself. Large generators like this tend to be fairly loud, so some sound protection might be needed if used close to living spaces. It is not an inverter generator, so while it provides robust power, it may not offer the cleanest electricity for sensitive electronics.

If you need a strong, reliable generator for home backup or work sites and appreciate the dual fuel convenience plus safety features, the DuroMax XP15000HX is a solid choice to consider.