Best Home Generators

Power outages can strike at any time, leaving your home in the dark — literally and figuratively. Even if you don’t live in an area prone to the severe weather events that can cause an outage, a reliable home generator is key for the peace of mind that your household will stay powered even in an emergency.

However, with the variety of different options currently available, it can be tough to find the best solution for your individual needs.

To help make this process easier for you, this guide explores the best home generators for all the main use cases, as well as the key considerations to bear in mind so that you can make an informed choice.

What to Look For In a Generator

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for the best home generator, not just due to the sheer number of options available, but also because of the challenge of figuring out which features actually matter for your specific needs.

To make things simpler, remember that there are only five key factors to consider when making this decision:

1. Total wattage
2. Power outage frequency
3. Budget
4. Size
5. Noise level

Out of these five factors, the most important one to bear in mind is the total required wattage you need the generator to output, as this will determine the number and type of appliances you can reliably run in the event of an outage.

The best way to calculate this is to simply list all the appliances and devices you would want to be able to power during an emergency, then check their wattage requirements (usually found on their labels or in their manuals) and add them together.

For example, with a 3,500W generator, you should be able to simultaneously power a:

• Fridge (700W)
• Microwave (800W)
• Window AC unit (1,000W)
• Five to ten LED lights (200W)
• Laptop (100W)
• Wi-Fi router (50W)
• Phone charger (20W)

When doing this, remember that you should avoid opting for a higher wattage for the sake of it — these generators will require more fuel, which is just a needless expense if you don’t really need the power. To put this into perspective, some of the bigger, home standby generators in our rankings can go through up to 4 gallons of fuel an hour.

Our 5 Best Home Generators

In the table below, we’ve broken down our top five recommendations for home power generators, as well as a brief overview of each of their key features.

1. Westinghouse WGen9500TFc: Best Overall

The Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is a versatile, tri-fuel generator that provides impressive power for virtually any need — with 12,500 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, it’s robust enough to supply power to all of a home’s key essentials in the event of an outage.

During our testing, we particularly loved its electric start and remote control features, which made this generator extremely easy to operate in a crisis.

Key Features

• Electric and Remote Start: With just the push of a button or a remote control, this generator starts quickly and effortlessly. This is a huge upgrade over the typical manual recoil start, which involves pulling a cord repeatedly to get the generator’s engine running (which is not only physically demanding but also more time consuming and inconsistent too).

• High Power Output: Delivering 12,500 starting watts and 9,500 running watts, this generator provides sufficient output for all a house’s essentials (e.g., water pump for a toilet and shower, a fridge and freezer, lights, AC, and electronics like TVs). While there are limits to how much it can power due to its wattage, this is excellent capability for what is essentially a portable generator.

• Tri-Fuel Capability: In a flick of a switch you can go from using one of three different fuel sources with this generator, making sure you can keep the power going no matter what. While gasoline is generally the go-to choice, this feature offers unmatched flexibility to rely on whatever’s available during an emergency — whether it’s gasoline, propane, or natural gas.

• User-Friendly Design: With a durable steel frame, wheels, and handles, Westinghouse’s generator is built for portability without compromising on durability, making it a solid choice for both home and outdoor use.

• CO Alert Equipped: Our review team also appreciated this generator’s carbon monoxide (CO) sensor, which continuously monitors levels of this deadly gas and automatically shuts down the generator if it detects unsafe concentrations in the air.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Can easily be started remotely with a key fob, which is rare for portable generators
• Provides up to 11 hours of power on a full tank
• Comes pre-wired for easy connection to your home’s electrical system

Cons

• With a weight of over 200 lbs., this isn’t the most portable option

Pricing Overview

Starting at around $1,349, the Westinghouse WGen9500TFc is by no means a cheap option. However, for its price tag it does offer exceptional value for a generator with tri-fuel capability, high wattage, and robust safety features.

For its level of performance, flexibility, and dependability, it’s arguably one of the most competitively priced generators in its class — which is what led us to award it the top spot.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a reliable and easy-to-use backup generator with enough wattage for all the essentials they might need during an emergency.

2. Generac 7291: Best Home Standby

The Generac 7291 is a top-of-the-line standby generator that delivers a massive 26 kW of power, making it capable of handling even the largest households’ energy needs without any compromises.

It’s permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical and fuel systems, which allows it to automatically start and restore power to your entire house in the event of a sudden outage.

Key Features

• Whole-Home Coverage: The Generac 7291 provides a staggering 26 kW of power — which is designed to act on standby until a blackout and then seamlessly handle the energy demands of your entire home. This ensures all essential appliances to heavy-duty systems like central air conditioners and high-power medical equipment.

• Wi-Fi-Enabled Monitoring: In particular, our review team loved this generator’s Mobile Link™ technology, which allows you to remotely monitor and control it from anywhere using your phone or computer.

• True Power™ Technology: The power provided by this generator has less than 5% total harmonic distortion (THD), which in simple terms means that its electricity is almost identical to what you’d get from a regular household outlet in terms of stability and “cleanness”. This is important because it prevents the power from fluctuating or spikes, which can damage sensitive electronics.

• Automatic Transfer Switch: Another premium feature of the Generac 7291 that we loved is its 200-amp automatic transfer switch, which makes power outages virtually unnoticeable by switching on this generator as soon as the electricity goes out. This offers immense convenience and peace of mind in an emergency as your entire home regains power without you needing to do anything.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Massive output of up to 26,000 watts is the highest in its class
• Provides seamless, uninterrupted grid-like power for your entire home
• Allows for remote monitoring and control in real-time using your phone

Cons

• Significantly more expensive compared to smaller wattage models
• Must be installed by a licensed technician, further increasing setup costs

Pricing Overview

As one of the most powerful and comprehensive standby generators on the market, the Generac 7291 is a premium product with a commensurate price tag of $7,097.

While steep, this price reflects an investment in uncompromised performance and reliability that ensures peace of mind during any power outage, regardless of the length of the outage or your power needs.

Best For: Large households ready to pay a premium for uninterrupted power coverage for their entire home — ensuring they don’t go without any home comforts, even in extended outages.

3. Honda EU 2200i: Most Portable

The Honda EU2200i is a lightweight and ultra-quiet inverter generator that’s best-in-its-class for portability and reliability.

At nearly half the size of any of the other generators on this list, it’s incredibly easy to carry and store, while its running wattage of 1,800W makes it an excellent choice for smaller home backup needs.

Key Features

• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Operating at between just 48 and 57 decibels, the Honda EU2200i is one of the quietest generators on the market — making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like residential neighborhoods.

• Enhanced Safety: Our review team loved the clear thought that had gone into this generator’s safety features — on top of a gas cap vent that can be securely closed to prevent fuel or fumes from leaking, its power switch also doubles as a fuel shutoff, ensuring that the fuel supply is automatically cut off when the generator is turned off.

• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only 47 lbs., the EU2200i is easy to transport and store, making it perfect for portability and convenience during emergencies or recreational use.

• Fuel Efficiency and Longevity: Using Honda’s proprietary “Eco-Throttle” technology, this generator is able to adjust the speed of its engine to match the load, maximizing fuel efficiency and extending runtime, even despite its smaller fuel tank.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely quiet operation makes it perfect for residential use
• Exceptional efficiency lets it run up to 8 hours on less than a gallon of fuel

Cons

• Its 2,200 watts only support smaller appliances, not large-scale home use
• Pricier compared to other generators with a similar wattage

Pricing Overview

Priced at $1,099, the Honda EU2200i strikes an excellent balance between affordability and top-tier performance, while also offering the advanced features and trusted quality Honda is known for.

Though it’s not designed for whole-home backup, its impressively quiet operation and exceptional fuel efficiency make it a standout choice for smaller-scale power needs and light residential use.

Best For: Those who value portability and quiet operation in their generator over the ability to provide power for larger appliances or whole-home backup.

4. DuroMax XP13000HX: Best Inverter

The DuroMax XP13000HX is a dual-fuel generator that delivers an impressive 13,000 starting watts, which is more than enough to power all your household essentials during an emergency.

As an inverter generator, it’s able to maximize fuel efficiency by only burning what’s necessary to cover the appliances it’s powering — which is crucial for extending its runtime as much as possible during prolonged outages.

Key Features

• Dual-Fuel Capability: We loved the flexibility this generator offered with its ability to run on either gasoline or propane, as this greatly increases your options in the event of a fuel shortage during an emergency.

• Massive Power Output: With 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, this generator can easily power all the essential appliances in your home for an extended power outage — including high-demand appliances like HVAC systems and water heaters.

• Digital Control Center: It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design of this generator’s digital control center, which displays critical metrics such as voltage, frequency, and runtime hours. This feature proved invaluable for monitoring the generator’s performance in real-time, as well as easily keeping track of power output and fuel usage.

• CO Alert Technology: Like many other generators on this list, the XP13000HX prioritizes safety, featuring CO Alert technology that automatically shuts the unit down if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers a larger wattage than most inverters while maintaining clean power
• Very robust and durable design

Cons

• One of the heaviest portable generators on this list, with a weight of 240 lbs
• Doesn’t offer Wi-Fi or app-based monitoring

Pricing Overview

For $1,600, the DuroMax XP13000HX provides significant power and dual-fuel flexibility at a price point that’s quite standard for generators in the 10,000 to 11,000 watt range.

While it’s a solid investment for those seeking a reliable, high-capacity generator without stepping into standby generator territory, it’s lacking some of the more user-friendly features that appear on cheaper alternatives on this list, such as the Westinghouse.

Best For: Those needing a durable and heavy-duty generator that provides both greater fuel efficiency and clean power that’s suitable for sensitive electronics.

5. Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready: Best Budget

The Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready generator is a compact and versatile portable unit that offers the perfect solution for those seeking backup power for smaller appliances on a budget.

With a running wattage of 3,500W, it can power a small number of essentials like refrigerators, lights, and small air conditioners, and is equipped with a straightforward design that ensures hassle-free use.

Key Features

• Reliable Power Output: Delivering 4,000 starting watts and 3,500 running watts, this generator by Champion is ideal for powering small appliances, tools, and essential devices in your home during short-term outages.

• Portable and Durable: The combination of its lightweight design, sturdy frame, and wheels make the Champion 3500-Watt both incredibly easy to transport while remaining rugged enough for outdoor use.

• Easy Start Options: Our review team was particularly impressed by the “Cold Start Technology” of Champion’s generator, which allowed it to start incredibly easily even in colder conditions — ensuring reliability when you need it most.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceeds most generators in its price range with up to 12 hours of operation
• Designed for safety with low oil shutoff and a built-in surge protector

Cons

• At 3,500 watts, it cannot handle larger appliances or whole-house power needs
• Lack of dual-fuel capability limits options during emergencies
• Doesn’t have a 240-volt outlet to power your home

Pricing Overview

The Champion 3500-Watt RV Ready generator is the most budget-friendly option on our list, providing you with all the essential features you need from a generator for just $469.

With that being said, its lower price tag is noticeable compared to the other generators on this list. If your budget allows, we would strongly recommend investing in a higher-wattage model with additional features if you’re looking for greater flexibility and long-term value.

Best For: Those looking for a no-frills, portable generator with enough wattage to power a number of small, essential appliances during short-term outages.

Best Emergency Power Generators FAQs

What size generator is best for home backup?

The ideal generator size for home backup will depend on your household’s specific power needs. For most homes, a generator between 7,500 and 9,500 watts can most power essential appliances during a power cut, such as refrigerators, lights, and HVAC systems.

However, larger homes or those with high-demand appliances might require a standby generator with at least 20,000 watts for full coverage.

What is the most reliable portable backup generator?

The Honda EU2200i is widely regarded as one of the most reliable portable backup generators due to the combination of its durable build, clean power output, and ultra-quiet operation.

On top of this, Honda’s reputation for reliability and the generator’s advanced safety features ensure you can rely on this generator to always perform as expected during emergencies.

See our Emergency Preparedness guide for more information.

Will a 8000 watt generator run central air?

Yes, an 8,000-watt generator can typically run a central air system, depending on its size and starting wattage requirements.

Standard central air conditioners often require 3,500 and 6,000 starting watts and 1,500 and 2,500 running watts, which leaves more than enough power for other small essentials.

Can I run my whole house on a 9500 watt generator?

A 9,500-watt generator can power most essential appliances in a home, including refrigerators, lights, and a heating or cooling system.

However, running an entire house with multiple high-wattage devices simultaneously may exceed its capacity. For this reason, a larger standby generator with an output of around 20 kW is recommended for more comprehensive, whole-home coverage.