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 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.

The Generac 7172 10kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator is designed to provide reliable backup power for residential use. With a power output of 10,000 watts, it offers ample capacity to keep essential household appliances running during an outage. This generator operates on natural gas or LP gas, giving homeowners flexibility in fuel choice. The included 100-amp automatic transfer switch ensures a seamless transition when the power goes out, maintaining convenience and safety without manual intervention.

The generator boasts a low noise level, making it a quieter option suitable for residential areas. The True Power Technology ensures less than 5 percent total harmonic distortion, providing stable and clean power which is crucial for sensitive electronics. The unit also features Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring, allowing users to keep tabs on performance and receive maintenance alerts from anywhere.

The size and installation require professional setup by a certified electrician, but once installed, it promises long-term reliability with minimal maintenance due to its G-Force Engine. The 5-year limited warranty further adds to the peace of mind. At 338 pounds and dimensions of 48” L x 25” W x 29” H, the generator is quite bulky and may require significant space for installation. The generator’s robust build and high-quality construction, proudly made in the USA, make it a solid choice for homeowners seeking dependable whole-house protection during power outages.