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 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.

The Westinghouse 8200 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile and powerful option for home backup or outdoor use. It produces up to 8200 peak watts on gasoline, with lower but still solid output on propane and natural gas, making it flexible if you want different fuel options. Its inverter technology helps save fuel and runs quieter than many traditional generators, at about 60 decibels when lightly loaded—roughly the noise of a normal conversation. It has a decent run time of up to 17 hours on a full 3.9-gallon tank at 25% load, so it can keep essential appliances running through a power outage or during camping trips. The generator is transfer switch ready with a 50-amp outlet, allowing easy connection to home circuits for powering things like refrigerators and sump pumps safely and conveniently. It also features safety extras like a carbon monoxide sensor and low oil shutoff, which add peace of mind for indoor or nearby use.

At around 135 pounds and with a compact footprint, it’s portable but might require two people to move comfortably. One potential downside is that natural gas power output is lower than gasoline, which might limit what you can run if you rely on that fuel. Also, while it’s quieter than many generators, it’s not silent and may still be noticeable in quiet neighborhoods. This generator suits homeowners looking for reliable backup power with flexible fuel options and those who want cleaner power for electronics. It represents a solid choice for anyone valuing fuel savings, safety features, and easy home integration, though the weight and noise level should be considered if portability and quietness are especially important.