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10 Best Generators For Home Use 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Generac Guardian 24kW 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
10.0
Chosen by1,169
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
421 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator starts automatically within seconds during outages and powers the entire house smoothly, providing peace of mind with reliable whole-house backup.
Portability
Durability is strong but shipping protection could be improved to prevent damage, as the unit arrives heavy and sizable with limited packaging safeguards.
Noise Level
Runs surprisingly quietly for its power level, allowing simultaneous use of central A/C, water heater, stove, and most household appliances without noise disruption.
Start Type
The generator starts automatically within seconds during outages and powers the entire house smoothly, providing peace of mind with reliable whole-house backup.
Safety Features
The included 200-amp automatic transfer switch ensures seamless power transfer without manual intervention, enhancing safety and convenience during outages.

The Generac Guardian 24kW Home Standby Generator is a powerful and reliable option for homeowners seeking whole-house backup power. Its 24,000-watt output is strong enough to keep essential appliances and systems running during outages, making it suitable for larger homes or those with higher electricity needs. This generator runs on natural gas or liquid propane, which offers flexibility depending on your fuel availability and preferences. It features an automatic electronic ignition with a 200-amp transfer switch, so power transfer during an outage is seamless and requires no manual intervention.

The Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts remotely, which is a convenient safety and maintenance feature. Built with Generac’s G-Force engine, it is designed for durability and quieter operation than older models. As a standby generator, it is still fairly sizable and not portable since it weighs 455 pounds and is meant to be permanently installed by a professional electrician. Noise levels are generally lower than portable generators but still noticeable, typical for this power range.

Safety-wise, the unit includes a transfer switch to protect your home’s electrical system from overloads and backfeeding. Installation and maintenance require certified electricians, which can add to initial costs. This generator is an excellent choice for anyone wanting reliable, automatic whole-house power backup with modern monitoring features, provided you’re prepared for professional installation and the size of the unit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,169
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
421 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator starts automatically within seconds during outages and powers the entire house smoothly, providing peace of mind with reliable whole-house backup.
Portability
Durability is strong but shipping protection could be improved to prevent damage, as the unit arrives heavy and sizable with limited packaging safeguards.
Noise Level
Runs surprisingly quietly for its power level, allowing simultaneous use of central A/C, water heater, stove, and most household appliances without noise disruption.
Start Type
The generator starts automatically within seconds during outages and powers the entire house smoothly, providing peace of mind with reliable whole-house backup.
Safety Features
The included 200-amp automatic transfer switch ensures seamless power transfer without manual intervention, enhancing safety and convenience during outages.
#2

Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A & 50A Outlets, Gas Powered, CO Sensor,Blue

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
266 reviews

Power Output (Wattage
Quickly cranking out 18,000 watts for the house, the electric start is a game-changer.
Runtime
Starts and stops super easy with a remote, and 17-gallon tank means fewer trips to the gas station.
Portability
Heavy but portable, and the quality impresses even electricians.
Start Type
Quickly cranking out 18,000 watts for the house, the electric start is a game-changer.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator is a powerful option for anyone needing reliable backup power at home. With a peak output of 28,000 watts and running wattage of 20,000, it’s capable of handling substantial loads, which is fantastic for powering multiple household appliances during an outage. Its 17-gallon fuel tank allows for an impressive runtime of up to 11 hours at 50% load, making it convenient for extended use.

One of the standout features is the electric start capability, including a remote key fob, which simplifies operation. The generator is designed with safety in mind, boasting automatic low oil and carbon monoxide shutdowns, plus rubber covers on outlets to prevent accidental contact.

In terms of portability, the generator weighs in at 599 pounds, which may be cumbersome for some users. However, it does come with reinforced steel handles for easier transport. Additionally, its dimensions (39.5”L x 27.3”W x 40.2”H) indicate it occupies a significant amount of space, which might be a consideration for those with limited storage. The generator is also EPA compliant, which is a plus for environmentally conscious users. This generator is a great fit for homeowners looking for robust backup power with excellent features and safety protocols. However, its weight and size may pose challenges for some users, especially those desiring a more portable solution. It's best suited for those who prioritize power output and safety in a home backup system.

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
266 reviews

Power Output (Wattage
Quickly cranking out 18,000 watts for the house, the electric start is a game-changer.
Runtime
Starts and stops super easy with a remote, and 17-gallon tank means fewer trips to the gas station.
Portability
Heavy but portable, and the quality impresses even electricians.
Start Type
Quickly cranking out 18,000 watts for the house, the electric start is a game-changer.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
27362 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Power output is substantial, easily handling multiple household appliances and providing peace of mind during extended outages.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability offers great versatility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline and propane depending on availability.
Portability
Despite its weight, the sturdy frame and handles facilitate moving it around when needed, though assistance is recommended.
Noise Level
Operating sound is moderate for its power class, balancing noise and performance effectively.
Start Type
Starting the generator is straightforward and convenient, with a reliable remote electric start and manual backup.
Safety Features
Safety features like carbon monoxide shutdown and overload protection enhance reliability during use.

The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a strong choice for home backup power, offering a robust 9500 running watts on gasoline and 8500 watts on propane, which means it can handle most household appliances during outages. Its dual fuel capability is a big plus, letting you switch between gasoline and propane depending on availability, adding flexibility. With up to 12 hours of runtime on a full 6.6-gallon tank, it can power your essentials through a typical outage without frequent refueling.

The generator weighs about 225 pounds, so it's not the easiest to move around, but it does come with a sturdy frame and front handles to help with portability. Noise-wise, it runs at around 74 decibels, which is noticeable but not overly loud for a unit of this power level. Starting is very convenient thanks to the remote electric start and included key fob, plus you have a manual recoil start if needed. Safety is well covered with features like a carbon monoxide sensor that shuts the unit off if dangerous gas levels build up, automatic low-oil shutdown to protect the engine, and overload protection.

It also includes multiple household and RV-ready outlets with protective covers. The generator comes with useful extras like a fuel gauge, hour meter, and USB ports for charging devices. One possible downside is its weight and size, which might be challenging if you need to move it frequently or have limited storage space. While it’s EPA compliant and reasonably quiet for its class, it’s not designed for noise-sensitive environments. This generator suits homeowners who want a reliable, flexible power source with strong safety features and easy starting, especially useful during extended power outages.

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
27362 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Power output is substantial, easily handling multiple household appliances and providing peace of mind during extended outages.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability offers great versatility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline and propane depending on availability.
Portability
Despite its weight, the sturdy frame and handles facilitate moving it around when needed, though assistance is recommended.
Noise Level
Operating sound is moderate for its power class, balancing noise and performance effectively.
Start Type
Starting the generator is straightforward and convenient, with a reliable remote electric start and manual backup.
Safety Features
Safety features like carbon monoxide shutdown and overload protection enhance reliability during use.

Buying Guide for the Best Generators For Home Use

Choosing the right generator for home use can be a crucial decision, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages. A generator can provide you with the necessary power to keep your essential appliances running during an outage. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a generator for home use.
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 basic needs like lights, a refrigerator, and a few small appliances, a generator with 3,000 to 5,000 watts should suffice. For more extensive use, such as running multiple large appliances or an HVAC system, you may need a generator with 7,000 watts or more. Assess your power needs by listing the essential devices you want to power and their wattage requirements.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on various types of fuel, including gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel. The fuel type affects the generator's runtime, maintenance, and availability of fuel. Gasoline generators are common and easy to refuel but have a shorter shelf life for fuel. Propane generators are cleaner and have a longer shelf life but may require a larger storage space for fuel tanks. Natural gas generators are convenient if you have a natural gas line but are less portable. Diesel generators are fuel-efficient and durable but can be noisier and more expensive. Choose a fuel type based on availability, storage, and your preference for maintenance and environmental impact.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is important for determining how often you will need to refuel the generator during an extended power outage. Generators with larger fuel tanks generally have longer runtimes. For example, a generator with a 5-gallon tank might run for 8-10 hours at 50% load. If you need a generator to run overnight or for extended periods without frequent refueling, look for models with longer runtimes. Consider your typical power outage duration and how often you can realistically refuel the generator.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the generator around. This is important if you need to transport the generator to different locations or store it when not in use. Portable generators typically come with wheels and handles for easier movement. Smaller generators are lighter and more portable but may have lower power output. Larger generators provide more power but can be heavier and harder to move. If you plan to use the generator in multiple locations or need to store it away when not in use, consider a portable model that balances power output with ease of movement.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the generator will be during operation. This is important for maintaining a comfortable environment, especially if you have close neighbors or plan to use the generator near living spaces. Generators can range from 50 dB (quiet) to over 80 dB (loud). Inverter generators are typically quieter and suitable for residential areas. If noise is a concern, look for generators with lower decibel ratings or those specifically designed to operate quietly. Consider where you will place the generator and how much noise you and your neighbors can tolerate.
Start TypeStart type refers to how the generator is turned on. Common start types include manual recoil start, electric start, and remote 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. Remote start allows you to start the generator from a distance using a remote control. Choose a start type based on your physical ability and convenience. If you prefer ease of use, an electric or remote start may be more suitable.
Safety FeaturesSafety features are important to protect both the generator and your home. Key safety features include automatic shutoff for low oil levels, overload protection, and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Automatic shutoff prevents engine damage by turning off the generator when oil levels are too low. Overload protection prevents the generator from being damaged by excessive power demand. CO detectors shut down the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected, preventing CO poisoning. Prioritize generators with these safety features to ensure safe operation and protect your investment.

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