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 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 13500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a versatile home backup option, offering strong power with up to 13,500 peak watts and 10,500 running watts on gasoline. It’s especially handy because it runs on three fuel types—gasoline, propane, and natural gas—giving you flexibility depending on what’s available or preferred. The generator includes a remote electric start, which makes it easy to turn on without fuss, plus a key fob for convenience. With a 9.5-gallon tank, it can run up to 19 hours on gasoline, which is solid for extended outages.

It also comes ready for a transfer switch, meaning it can connect safely to your home’s electrical system for smooth power transition during outages. The noise level is typical for a generator this size—noticeable but not overly loud for a home setup. The unit is fairly heavy at 230 pounds and measures about 22 by 29.5 by 24 inches, so while portable with effort, it’s best suited for a fixed or semi-permanent spot. Safety features include automatic low oil shutdown and a carbon monoxide sensor, adding peace of mind during operation.

The generator supports multiple household and RV outlets, protected by rubber covers for durability. Installation is relatively straightforward with included tools and manuals, but you might want professional help for wiring the transfer switch. One downside is its weight, making it less easy to move regularly. Also, while it’s EPA compliant, fuel consumption varies by type, so running costs can differ. This generator represents a strong choice for homeowners wanting reliable, flexible fuel options and sufficient power for most household needs during outages.