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10 Best Generators For Home 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,210
Noise Level

Most important from
421 reviews

Noise Level
This generator runs surprisingly quietly, even when powering central A/C, water heater, stove, and most of the house simultaneously.

The Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners looking for reliable whole-house backup power. It delivers a powerful 22,000 watts, enough to keep most homes fully powered during outages. The generator runs on either natural gas or propane, giving you flexibility depending on your fuel availability. It’s designed to start automatically when the power goes out, so you won’t need to worry about manually switching it on.

One of its standout features is the Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator’s status and maintenance needs remotely, which adds convenience and peace of mind. The included 200 Amp transfer switch ensures smooth and safe power transfer for your entire home. The generator uses Generac’s purpose-built G-Force engine, known for durability and lower maintenance, and it runs quietly compared to many other standby models.

Although it’s fairly heavy at 466 pounds and requires professional installation, these are typical for a standby generator of this size and power. It also has several safety features like overload and short circuit protection, automatic voltage regulation, and automatic idle control, which help improve reliability and efficiency. This model is well-suited for those who want a robust, long-lasting generator capable of powering a home seamlessly during outages. It is ideal for users who value remote monitoring and a quiet, fuel-efficient unit. Due to its size and weight, it is best suited as a permanent home backup solution rather than for portable use.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,210
Noise Level

Most important from
421 reviews

Noise Level
This generator runs surprisingly quietly, even when powering central A/C, water heater, stove, and most of the house simultaneously.
#2

Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered, Low THD - Safe for Electronics, Parallel Capable, CO Sensor

Rating
9.6
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Runtime

Most important from
917 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The Westinghouse generator provides reliable power during extended outages, effortlessly running an entire home, including heating units.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability with propane and natural gas ensures flexibility and ease of use, even during fuel shortages.
Runtime
Propane and gasoline options simplify keeping the generator fueled, with propane lasting around 9 hours and gasoline about 12 hours.
Portability
The built-in handle and wheels make moving the heavy generator manageable, despite its weight.
Noise Level
Although a bit noisier than some other brands, the generator's solid build and performance make it worth the price.
Start Type
The remote key fob allows for convenient starting and stopping of the generator without going outside, perfect for storm preparation.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator offers substantial power output with 9000 running watts (11000 peak watts) on gasoline and 8100 running watts (10000 peak watts) on propane, making it a capable option for home use. Its dual fuel capability (gasoline and propane) offers flexibility and convenience during fuel shortages. The generator boasts an impressive 17-hour runtime on a full 9.8-gallon fuel tank, which is suitable for extended power outages. Additionally, the low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ensures safety for sensitive electronics.

The generator features a remote electric start, push-button, and recoil start options, enhancing ease of use. It includes a CO sensor for added safety and a rotating digital display that provides real-time updates on various metrics like fuel level and runtime. Its weight of 187.4 pounds can be cumbersome, limiting portability despite being labeled as portable.

The generator has a robust build with a heavy-duty engine and safety features like automatic low oil shutdown. It comes with several accessories for immediate use and a 3-year warranty, backed by reliable customer service. This generator is ideal for homeowners needing reliable, flexible power solutions for various uses, including sensitive electronics.

Rating
9.6
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Runtime

Most important from
917 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The Westinghouse generator provides reliable power during extended outages, effortlessly running an entire home, including heating units.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability with propane and natural gas ensures flexibility and ease of use, even during fuel shortages.
Runtime
Propane and gasoline options simplify keeping the generator fueled, with propane lasting around 9 hours and gasoline about 12 hours.
Portability
The built-in handle and wheels make moving the heavy generator manageable, despite its weight.
Noise Level
Although a bit noisier than some other brands, the generator's solid build and performance make it worth the price.
Start Type
The remote key fob allows for convenient starting and stopping of the generator without going outside, perfect for storm preparation.
#3

Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
25396 reviews

Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability provides flexibility, with some users preferring to run it exclusively on propane.
Runtime
Fuel efficiency is outstanding, running for hours without needing frequent refueling.
Portability
The compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators, making it less disruptive.
Start Type
The generator is incredibly reliable and starts up quickly during power outages.

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile option for home backup. It offers impressive power output, with 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline and slightly lower outputs on propane. This makes it suitable for powering multiple household appliances during outages. The dual fuel capability adds flexibility, allowing you to switch between gasoline and propane based on availability and convenience. With a 6.6-gallon fuel tank, it can run up to 12 hours, which is quite decent for extended outages.

Starting the generator is convenient with options for remote start using a key fob, electric start, and even a recoil start for backup. Safety features include GFCI outlets, rubber covers for all outlets, and automatic low oil shutdown, ensuring reliable and safe operation. The generator is also transfer switch and RV ready, making it adaptable for different use cases. However, it is quite heavy at 210 pounds, which affects its portability, although the included wheels and handle may help with movement.

The noise level is another consideration, typical for generators of this size, which might be a bit loud for some users. It comes with a comprehensive set of accessories and a 3-year limited warranty, providing added peace of mind. This generator is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a reliable backup power solution, but keep in mind the weight and noise considerations.

Rating
9.4
Fuel Type
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
25396 reviews

Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability provides flexibility, with some users preferring to run it exclusively on propane.
Runtime
Fuel efficiency is outstanding, running for hours without needing frequent refueling.
Portability
The compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators, making it less disruptive.
Start Type
The generator is incredibly reliable and starts up quickly during power outages.

Buying Guide for the Best Generators For Home

Choosing the right generator for your home is crucial to ensure you have a reliable power source during outages or emergencies. The right generator will depend on your specific needs, including the size of your home, the essential appliances you need to power, and how often you expect to use the generator. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and select a generator that best fits your requirements.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much electricity the generator can produce. This is important because it determines how many and what type of appliances you can run simultaneously. Generators typically range from 1,000 watts to over 10,000 watts. For small homes or essential appliances, a generator with 3,000 to 5,000 watts may suffice. Larger homes or those with more power-hungry appliances may require 7,000 watts or more. To pick the right one, list the appliances you need to power and check their wattage requirements, then choose a generator that can handle the total load.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on various types of fuel, including gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel. The fuel type affects the generator's runtime, efficiency, and convenience. Gasoline is widely available but has a shorter shelf life. Propane is cleaner and has a longer shelf life but may require a larger storage space. Natural gas is convenient if you have a gas line but may not be available in all areas. Diesel is efficient and has a long shelf life but can be more expensive. Choose a fuel type based on availability, storage, and your preference for convenience and efficiency.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is important for ensuring continuous power during extended outages. Generators with longer runtimes are more convenient as they require less frequent refueling. Runtime can vary from a few hours to over 24 hours, depending on the generator's fuel capacity and efficiency. If you expect long power outages, look for a generator with a longer runtime. For shorter outages, a generator with a shorter runtime may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the generator. This is important if you need to transport the generator to different locations or store it when not in use. Portable generators are typically smaller and have wheels and handles for easy movement. Standby generators are larger, permanently installed units that automatically turn on during an outage. If you need a generator for occasional use or different locations, a portable model is ideal. For permanent, automatic backup power, a standby generator is the better choice.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the generator is during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially in residential areas. Generators can range from 50 dB (quiet) to over 80 dB (loud). If you are sensitive to noise or have close neighbors, look for a generator with a lower noise level. Inverter generators are typically quieter than conventional models. Consider where you will place the generator and how much noise you can tolerate when choosing the right one.
Start TypeStart type refers to how the generator is started. Common start types include manual recoil start, electric start, and automatic start. Manual recoil start requires pulling a cord, which can be physically demanding. Electric start uses a push-button or key, making it easier to start the generator. Automatic start is found in standby generators and automatically turns on during a power outage. Choose a start type based on your preference for convenience and ease of use. Electric and automatic starts are more user-friendly, especially for those who may have difficulty with manual recoil starts.

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