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10 Best Generators For Home Use 2025 in the United States

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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
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
431 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Too loud to converse standing next to it running, but it ran both my 5 ton ACs and all normal house parts during summer testing.
Fuel Type
Solid heavy weight home generator. Easy to install fuel lines but most buyers will need a permitted electrician for final panel hook up.
Noise Level
Too loud to converse standing next to it running, but it ran both my 5 ton ACs and all normal house parts during summer testing.
Start Type
The generator kicked off and ran just fine during unexpected power outages, providing seamless electricity to the entire house.
Safety Features
Prepare to buy a battery and, if you live in a cold climate, a cold weather kit to keep the battery and oil filter warm during winter.

The Generac 7043 22kW Air Cooled Guardian Series is a robust standby generator designed primarily for home use, providing reliable power during outages. With a powerful output of 22,000 watts, it ensures that even larger homes can run essential appliances without interruption. The generator operates on natural gas or liquid propane, making it versatile in terms of fuel options. Its smart technology includes Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor its performance remotely and receive maintenance alerts, which is a significant plus for peace of mind.

One of its standout features is the 200-amp transfer switch, which effectively manages the power supply to your home, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage. The True Power Technology ensures clean and stable power delivery with minimal harmonic distortion, which is crucial for sensitive electronics. Additionally, the generator comes with a 5-year limited warranty, indicating the manufacturer's confidence in its durability and performance.

Portability is a consideration, as it weighs 466 pounds and requires professional installation, which may not appeal to those seeking a more mobile solution. However, its design emphasizes reliability and reduced maintenance, thanks to the purpose-built G-Force engine, crafted for optimal performance and longevity. While this generator operates quietly compared to some competitors, noise levels may still be noticeable, especially in residential areas. The digital display and various safety features, like overload and short circuit protection, enhance user experience by ensuring safer operations.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
431 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Too loud to converse standing next to it running, but it ran both my 5 ton ACs and all normal house parts during summer testing.
Fuel Type
Solid heavy weight home generator. Easy to install fuel lines but most buyers will need a permitted electrician for final panel hook up.
Noise Level
Too loud to converse standing next to it running, but it ran both my 5 ton ACs and all normal house parts during summer testing.
Start Type
The generator kicked off and ran just fine during unexpected power outages, providing seamless electricity to the entire house.
Safety Features
Prepare to buy a battery and, if you live in a cold climate, a cold weather kit to keep the battery and oil filter warm during winter.
#2

DuroMax XP16000iH 16,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Digital Inverter Generator - Gas & Propane, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
186 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers strong and reliable power, easily running multiple appliances for extended hours on propane with better fuel efficiency than expected.
Fuel Type
Delivers strong and reliable power, easily running multiple appliances for extended hours on propane with better fuel efficiency than expected.
Portability
Compact design and included useful accessories like a 30A adapter, spark plug wrench, and oil funnel enhance overall usability.
Noise Level
The generator impresses with its relatively quiet operation considering its power output, making it suitable for home use.
Start Type
Remote electric start and dual fuel capability provide great flexibility and convenience in emergency situations.
Safety Features
The CO sensor failure and difficulty obtaining replacement parts can leave the generator unusable for long periods, highlighting concerns about product support.

The DuroMax XP16000iH is a powerful generator designed to handle whole-home backup needs with a hefty 16,000 peak watts and 13,000 running watts. This means it can run many home appliances and devices during emergencies, making it suitable for residential use, camping, or job sites. Its dual fuel capability lets you choose between gasoline and propane, providing flexibility depending on fuel availability and preference. The generator has inverter technology, which produces clean and stable power safe for sensitive electronics like TVs and computers.

Starting it is easy thanks to the remote electric start, and the included battery tender helps keep the battery charged so it’s ready when you need it. Safety features include a low oil shutoff that protects the engine by stopping the generator if oil levels get too low, and it has a CO sensor to detect dangerous carbon monoxide levels. The digital display gives clear information on runtime, voltage, and load, helping you monitor performance.

The generator is quite heavy at 368 pounds, which limits portability despite being labeled portable. It runs for about 10 hours on a full 10.5-gallon tank, which is decent but might require refilling during extended outages. Also, like most powerful generators, it can be noisy, so it’s best used outdoors at a safe distance from living areas. This model meets EPA and CARB emissions standards, making it environmentally considerate for its category. If you need a reliable and strong generator capable of powering an entire home or large RV and you have a place to keep it, the DuroMax XP16000iH is a solid choice with useful modern features. However, if easy transport or noise level is a major concern, you might want to consider lighter or quieter alternatives.

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
186 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers strong and reliable power, easily running multiple appliances for extended hours on propane with better fuel efficiency than expected.
Fuel Type
Delivers strong and reliable power, easily running multiple appliances for extended hours on propane with better fuel efficiency than expected.
Portability
Compact design and included useful accessories like a 30A adapter, spark plug wrench, and oil funnel enhance overall usability.
Noise Level
The generator impresses with its relatively quiet operation considering its power output, making it suitable for home use.
Start Type
Remote electric start and dual fuel capability provide great flexibility and convenience in emergency situations.
Safety Features
The CO sensor failure and difficulty obtaining replacement parts can leave the generator unusable for long periods, highlighting concerns about product support.
#3

DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable Home Power Backup HXT Generator w/CO Alert

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2321 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Powerful enough to effortlessly handle whole-house air conditioning, water heating, and electric stoves, making it a reliable backup for essential household needs.
Fuel Type
The tri-fuel option provides unmatched flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas to fit different fuel availabilities.
Portability
Despite weighing 362 pounds, the wheels and handles make relocation manageable, though it’s not designed for frequent moving.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but expected given the open-frame design and powerful 500cc engine, typical for this class of generator.
Start Type
Starting the generator is generally smooth with the electric push button, though occasional backfires or multiple attempts may be needed when starting on propane after sitting idle.
Safety Features
The built-in carbon monoxide sensor offers peace of mind by automatically shutting off the generator if harmful fumes accumulate nearby.

The DuroMax XP15000HXT is a powerful home backup generator delivering up to 15,000 watts, which is enough to keep most household appliances running during outages. One of its biggest advantages is the tri-fuel capability, allowing you to run it on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexibility when fuel availability varies. It features a strong 500cc engine and a user-friendly push button start, plus a remote start option for convenience. The generator has multiple outlets including a heavy-duty 50-amp option, making it easy to connect a variety of devices or a transfer switch to power your home's circuits. Safety is addressed with a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor that automatically shuts the generator off if harmful fumes build up, which is reassuring for indoor or close-to-home use. The large LED display helps you monitor fuel level and power output simply.

The generator weighs 362 pounds, which means it isn’t very easy to move around frequently despite having wheels and handles. It comes with a 5-year warranty and includes useful accessories like a propane regulator and remote control. This model is ideal for homeowners who need a reliable, high-power generator with versatile fuel options and strong safety features, but who don’t require something lightweight or ultra-quiet.

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2321 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Powerful enough to effortlessly handle whole-house air conditioning, water heating, and electric stoves, making it a reliable backup for essential household needs.
Fuel Type
The tri-fuel option provides unmatched flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline, propane, and natural gas to fit different fuel availabilities.
Portability
Despite weighing 362 pounds, the wheels and handles make relocation manageable, though it’s not designed for frequent moving.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but expected given the open-frame design and powerful 500cc engine, typical for this class of generator.
Start Type
Starting the generator is generally smooth with the electric push button, though occasional backfires or multiple attempts may be needed when starting on propane after sitting idle.
Safety Features
The built-in carbon monoxide sensor offers peace of mind by automatically shutting off the generator if harmful fumes accumulate nearby.

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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