10 Best Standby Generators 2026 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 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.

The Kohler 26RCAL-200SELS is a powerful standby generator offering 26,000 watts of running power, making it a strong choice for homes or small businesses that require reliable backup electricity during outages. It runs on either natural gas or liquid propane, which offers flexibility depending on your fuel availability and preferences. The included 200 amp automatic transfer switch ensures the generator starts up automatically and safely switches power to your home without manual effort, which is essential for seamless backup power. Its 999cc engine is robust and designed for long-lasting performance.

At 625 pounds and with dimensions of about 47" by 26" by 32", this unit is fairly large and will need a dedicated, well-planned outdoor installation space. Air-cooled generators like this one tend to be noisier than liquid-cooled alternatives, which might be a consideration if you live in a noise-sensitive area. The unit comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty, which adds confidence in its durability.

The dual-fuel capability and strong power output make this generator suitable for users looking for dependable whole-house backup. Although its size and weight might make installation more challenging and potentially costly, it remains a solid option for those who need substantial standby power and want the convenience of automatic switching and fuel flexibility.