10 Best Standby Generators 2025 in the United States

The Generac 7043 22kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator offers powerful and reliable backup power for residential use. It provides a substantial 22,000 watts of power, which is sufficient to keep an entire household running during an outage. The generator operates on natural gas or LP gas, offering flexibility depending on your fuel source availability. The included 200-amp transfer switch ensures smooth and automatic transition during power failures, which is a crucial feature for uninterrupted home protection.

The Mobile Link Wi-Fi connectivity allows remote monitoring so you can keep track of its performance and maintenance needs from anywhere, adding convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, the generator features a robust G-Force engine, designed for durability and reduced maintenance, supported by a 5-year limited warranty. This highlights Generac's confidence in their product's longevity and reliability.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The generator is quite heavy, weighing 466 pounds, which could make installation challenging and will likely require professional assistance, as recommended by Generac. Although the generator is equipped with various safety features like overload protection and automatic shut down, it might be more expensive compared to smaller units due to its high power output and advanced features. This generator is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a high-capacity, reliable, and easy-to-monitor standby power solution.

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a strong choice for home backup power, especially for those wanting flexibility in fuel options. It runs on both gasoline and propane, which is handy if fuel supply varies during an outage. It delivers solid power with 9500 running watts on gas and 8500 on propane, enough to keep essential appliances and systems running. The remote electric start with key fob adds convenience, making it easy to get started without manual effort. It's also transfer switch ready, which means you can connect it safely to your home’s electrical system for automatic or manual power switching.

The generator offers up to 12 hours of runtime on a full tank of gas, suitable for overnight or extended outages. It includes multiple outlets for household and RV use, all protected with safety covers. The built-in voltage and hour meters help you monitor performance and maintenance needs. It weighs 210 pounds, so it’s not very portable despite being labeled portable. Installation is straightforward for those with some technical knowledge, but the weight and size may require help.

This generator is well suited for homeowners looking for a reliable, dual-fuel backup with remote start and transfer switch compatibility.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator is a robust solution for residential power backup needs. With 28,000 peak watts and 20,000 running watts, it provides substantial power for various household appliances and devices. It is gas-powered, which is readily available but might require consistent refueling during extended outages. The generator features an electric start and auto choke for user-friendly operation, including a remote start option for added convenience.

The automatic transfer switch readiness with multiple 30A and 50A outlets ensures compatibility with most homes' power systems. Safety is enhanced with CO sensing technology and automatic low oil shutdown, which can prevent potential hazards during operation. With a 17-gallon fuel tank, it can run up to 11 hours at 50% load, making it suitable for prolonged use. However, the size and weight of the generator might make it challenging to move and install without assistance.

This generator is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and powerful standby generator, but users should be prepared for the potential challenges in noise and mobility.