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10 Best Home Generators 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
27426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator delivers instant startup and powers an entire home, including air conditioning and refrigeration, with impressive fuel efficiency.
Fuel Type
Dual-fuel capability provides exceptional flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline and propane to match availability and convenience.
Portability
Despite weighing 230 pounds, the sturdy folding handles and wheels make it surprisingly manageable to move when needed.
Noise Level
Runs quieter than expected for a generator of this size, contributing to a more pleasant and less intrusive backup power experience.
Start Type
Remote electric start adds remarkable ease of use, eliminating the need for manual pull starts and enhancing user experience.

The Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a strong choice for home backup power, especially during outages. It delivers a solid power output, with 10,500 running watts on gasoline and 9,500 on propane, enough to keep most household essentials running. Running time is impressive, offering up to 19 hours on a full 9.5-gallon fuel tank, which means it can last well through a long power cut. The dual fuel option (gasoline and propane) adds flexibility, letting you pick what’s more convenient or available.

This model includes a remote electric start, which is very user-friendly—you can start it with a key fob without needing to pull a cord. It also has a recoil start as a backup. The generator weighs 230 pounds, so while it’s portable with effort, it’s not something you’ll easily carry around by yourself. However, it’s designed for home use rather than frequent transportation. Safety features like automatic low oil shutdown and a carbon monoxide sensor are great additions, helping protect the engine and users. It also has multiple power outlets, including standard household plugs, RV, and transfer switch-ready connections, covering a variety of devices and setups.

This Westinghouse generator suits homeowners looking for reliable, long-lasting backup power with the convenience of remote start and dual fuel options. Its power capacity and safety features stand out, though the size and weight make it less convenient if you need something compact or highly portable.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,280
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
27426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator delivers instant startup and powers an entire home, including air conditioning and refrigeration, with impressive fuel efficiency.
Fuel Type
Dual-fuel capability provides exceptional flexibility, allowing seamless switching between gasoline and propane to match availability and convenience.
Portability
Despite weighing 230 pounds, the sturdy folding handles and wheels make it surprisingly manageable to move when needed.
Noise Level
Runs quieter than expected for a generator of this size, contributing to a more pleasant and less intrusive backup power experience.
Start Type
Remote electric start adds remarkable ease of use, eliminating the need for manual pull starts and enhancing user experience.
#2

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

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Runtime

Most important from
27426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Plentiful power is more than enough to power an entire home.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability offers flexibility during emergencies.
Runtime
Fuel efficiency is outstanding, running for hours without frequent refueling.
Portability
Compact and easy to store when not in use.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators.
Start Type
Remote start feature is excellent, making it easy to start and stop the generator.

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator is a robust option for homeowners needing reliable backup power. One of its key strengths is the dual fuel capability, allowing it to run on both gasoline and propane. This flexibility can be incredibly convenient in emergencies when one fuel type might be more readily available than the other.

With 9500 running watts and 12500 peak watts on gasoline, and slightly reduced outputs when using propane, it provides ample power for most household needs during an outage. The generator also offers up to 12 hours of runtime on a full 6.6-gallon gasoline tank, which is quite sufficient for overnight or extended use without refueling frequently. The electric and recoil start options, along with a remote start key fob, make it easy to operate, especially in urgent situations.

Its heavy-duty 457cc engine is designed for durability, featuring automatic low oil shutdown and a VFT display for real-time updates on operational status. Safety is a priority with rubber covers on all outlets and transfer switch readiness, ensuring seamless integration with home power systems. However, at 210 pounds, this generator is quite heavy, making portability a challenge despite its wheels and handle. The product is CARB compliant and backed by a 3-year limited warranty, adding to its reliability. This generator would be especially beneficial for those in areas prone to frequent power outages or those looking for a reliable backup during emergencies.

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Runtime

Most important from
27426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Plentiful power is more than enough to power an entire home.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability offers flexibility during emergencies.
Runtime
Fuel efficiency is outstanding, running for hours without frequent refueling.
Portability
Compact and easy to store when not in use.
Noise Level
Surprisingly quiet compared to other generators.
Start Type
Remote start feature is excellent, making it easy to start and stop the generator.
#3

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

Rating
8.5
Fuel Type
Start Type
Portability

Most important from
2365 reviews

Fuel Type
The generator starts strong and runs smoothly on propane, handling whole-house AC, water heater, and electric stove with ease.
Start Type
Starting the generator is convenient with push-button and remote start options, though occasional backfires or multiple attempts to start can happen after sitting idle.
Portability
The generator is heavy but manageable with wheels and handles, making relocation feasible despite its 362-pound weight.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but typical for a generator of this size and power.
Power Output (Wattage)
The 50-amp outlet is a significant advantage over competitors, enabling it to power larger appliances and smaller AC units reliably.
Runtime
Running the generator non-stop for extended periods, such as 15 hours, is achievable without issues, demonstrating its durability.

The DuroMax XP15000HXT is a powerful home generator designed to keep your entire house running during outages, delivering up to 15,000 watts of starting power and 12,000 watts running. One standout feature is its tri-fuel capability, allowing you to run it on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, which offers great flexibility depending on what fuel is easiest for you to access. It has a large 670cc engine and an advanced digital display that helps you monitor fuel levels and output at a glance.

Starting the generator is easy with both push-button and remote start options, making it convenient to use even from inside your home. Safety is a priority too, thanks to its CO Alert system that automatically shuts down the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide fumes are detected. The generator includes multiple outlets, including a heavy-duty 50 amp outlet for whole-house connection, which is ideal for serious home backup needs.

It weighs 362 pounds, so while it’s called portable and comes with wheels and handles, moving it around might still require some effort. Some users might find the noise level typical for a generator this powerful, which means it could be noticeable in quiet neighborhoods. The DuroMax XP15000HXT’s combination of high power, fuel versatility, and safety features makes it a strong choice for homeowners who want a reliable, flexible backup generator, especially if you need to power multiple appliances or even your entire home during outages.

Rating
8.5
Fuel Type
Start Type
Portability

Most important from
2365 reviews

Fuel Type
The generator starts strong and runs smoothly on propane, handling whole-house AC, water heater, and electric stove with ease.
Start Type
Starting the generator is convenient with push-button and remote start options, though occasional backfires or multiple attempts to start can happen after sitting idle.
Portability
The generator is heavy but manageable with wheels and handles, making relocation feasible despite its 362-pound weight.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but typical for a generator of this size and power.
Power Output (Wattage)
The 50-amp outlet is a significant advantage over competitors, enabling it to power larger appliances and smaller AC units reliably.
Runtime
Running the generator non-stop for extended periods, such as 15 hours, is achievable without issues, demonstrating its durability.

Buying Guide for the Best Home Generators

Choosing the right home generator is crucial to ensure you have a reliable power source during outages. The right generator can keep your essential appliances running, provide comfort, and ensure safety. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a home generator.
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 20,000 watts. For basic needs like lights, a refrigerator, and a few small appliances, a generator with 3,000 to 5,000 watts may suffice. For whole-house coverage, especially if you have high-power appliances like air conditioners or electric stoves, you might need 10,000 watts or more. Assess your power needs by listing essential devices and their wattage requirements.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on various fuels, including gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel. The fuel type affects the generator's runtime, availability, and storage. Gasoline is widely available but has a shorter shelf life and can be harder to store in large quantities. Propane has a longer shelf life and burns cleaner but requires a storage tank. Natural gas offers a continuous supply 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 and less environmentally friendly. Choose a fuel type based on availability, storage convenience, and your environmental preferences.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is important for planning how often you will need to refuel during an outage. Generators with larger fuel tanks or more efficient engines will have longer runtimes. For example, a generator with a 5-gallon tank might run for 8-10 hours at 50% load. If you need continuous power for extended periods, look for generators with longer runtimes or consider models that can be connected to larger external fuel sources. Match the runtime to your expected outage duration and refueling capabilities.
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 typically have wheels and handles, making them easier to move. They are ideal for temporary power needs or if you plan to use the generator in multiple locations. Stationary or standby generators are permanently installed and automatically turn on during an outage. They are more powerful and convenient for whole-house coverage but are not portable. Choose based on whether you need a fixed or mobile power solution.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the generator will be during operation. This is important for comfort and compliance with local noise regulations. Generators can range from 50 dB (similar to a quiet conversation) to over 100 dB (similar to a chainsaw). If you live in a densely populated area or plan to use the generator near living spaces, look for models with lower noise levels, typically under 70 dB. For remote or less noise-sensitive areas, higher noise levels may be acceptable. Consider your environment and tolerance for noise when choosing a generator.
Start TypeStart type refers to how the generator is turned on. Common options 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 battery to start the generator with the push of a button, offering convenience and ease of use. Automatic start is typically found in standby generators and activates the generator automatically during a power outage. Choose a start type based on your physical ability, convenience preference, and whether you need the generator to start automatically during an outage.

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