10 Best Whole House Generators 2025 in the United States

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners looking to power an entire house during outages. With a solid power output of 26,000 watts, it can handle most household appliances and systems easily. It runs on natural gas or propane, which are common and convenient fuel options for standby generators. The included 200 Amp automatic transfer switch ensures your home switches over to generator power automatically and safely without manual effort.

One highlight is the WiFi-enabled remote monitoring, allowing you to check status and receive maintenance alerts from anywhere, adding convenience and peace of mind. The generator is housed in a durable aluminum casing that’s built for outdoor use and designed to run quietly, which is helpful if noise is a concern in your neighborhood. Installation requires a licensed electrician, which is typical for whole-house units but adds to initial setup cost and complexity.

Weighing 518 pounds and measuring about 4 feet long, it’s a sizable unit but fairly compact for the power it delivers. Backed by a 5-year warranty and supported by Generac’s reputation, this generator delivers reliable, low-maintenance performance for whole-house backup. For those seeking consistent, automatic power and remote monitoring with a well-regarded brand, this model is a suitable fit, though professional installation is recommended.

The Generac Guardian 10kW Home Standby Generator offers a solid 10,000 watts of clean and stable power, enough to keep most homes running smoothly during outages. It runs on natural gas or propane, which are common and convenient fuel options that allow for continuous power without frequent refueling. This model comes with a 100 Amp automatic transfer switch that seamlessly switches your home’s power to the generator when the main supply goes out, ensuring your home stays powered without manual effort.

The generator is designed with a durable aluminum enclosure and uses a quiet air-cooled G-Force engine, meaning it won’t be too noisy while running and can handle regular use with less maintenance. Another handy feature is the Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator’s status from anywhere using your phone – a helpful tool to stay informed about outages or maintenance needs. It’s a bit on the heavier and larger side, so professional installation by a licensed electrician is recommended to ensure it’s set up safely and correctly. The sturdy build and 5-year limited warranty give reassurance that it’s built to last.

If you are looking for a reliable, whole-house backup generator that balances power, quiet operation, and smart features, this model is a strong choice. Just keep in mind the size and weight will require careful planning for installation space.

The Generac 15,500-Watt Portable Generator is a strong option for those wanting backup power for their entire home or large job sites. Its high power output of 15,500 running watts means it can handle multiple appliances and essential systems simultaneously. Fueled by gasoline with an efficient 816cc electronic fuel injection engine, it offers cleaner fuel use and dependable starts. The 5-gallon fuel tank provides around 11 hours of runtime, which is solid for extended outages.

Safety is addressed with built-in COsense technology that alerts users to dangerous carbon monoxide levels, adding an important layer of protection. Although it doesn’t include an automatic transfer switch (ATS) out of the box, it is compatible with transfer switches, allowing easy integration for seamless power transfer during outages. The generator is quite heavy at 450 pounds and fairly large, so it’s best suited for users who have space and can manage its size. Its rugged build with covered outlets and sturdy wheels makes it durable and easier to move than most generators this powerful.

One minor consideration is the noise level, as large gas generators like this are typically loud, which may be a factor if you have noise restrictions. This generator is a reliable, powerful choice for whole-house backup, especially if robust performance and built-in safety features are priorities, though it may require professional installation and sufficient space to operate comfortably.