When the power goes out, a reliable home generator becomes more than just an appliance—it’s a lifeline for your family’s comfort and safety. Whether you’re facing a storm-induced blackout, preparing for emergencies, or simply needing backup for essential appliances, the right generator provides invaluable peace of mind. The market is filled with options, from powerful whole-house systems to quiet, portable units for sensitive electronics.
Choosing the best one depends on your specific needs, including the size of your home, the essential circuits you need to run, and your preferred fuel type. To help you navigate the choices, we’ve compiled a roundup of ten highly-rated home generators. This list covers a range of power outputs and features to help you find the perfect match to keep your lights on and your home running smoothly during any outage.
Our Recommended Home Generators
- Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
- WEN Quiet 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Electric Start Portable Inverter
- WEN DF8000X 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator
- Champion 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
- DuroMax XP13000HX 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
- WEN 2350-Watt Inverter Generator, Portable and Super Quiet
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
- DEWALT DXGNI2200 Inverter Generator
- Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter Generator
Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
For maximum power and fuel flexibility, the Westinghouse 12500 stands out. Its tri-fuel capability allows you to run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you options based on availability and cost. With a robust 12,500 peak watts on gasoline, this generator is powerful enough to back up essential home systems, including central air conditioning units, when used with a transfer switch.
Convenience is a key feature, with a remote electric start that lets you power up the generator from the comfort of your home. It includes a comprehensive set of outlets, including a transfer switch-ready L14-30R and an RV-ready 14-50R, making it a versatile solution for home backup and recreational use. Safety is prioritized with automatic low oil and carbon monoxide shutdown, along with rubber covers on all outlets.
Westinghouse 6500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator
This Westinghouse model is an excellent mid-range option for those who need reliable power without the highest wattage. Its dual-fuel design provides the flexibility of running on either gasoline or propane, with 6500 peak watts on gas. It’s well-suited for keeping essential home circuits, well pumps, and refrigerators running during an outage.
The generator is designed for ease of use, featuring a volt selector switch and a set of useful outlets, including one that is RV-ready and another that is transfer-switch ready. It’s also a great value, arriving as a nearly complete kit with oil, a propane hose, a wheel kit, and tools for minimal assembly. The integrated CO sensor adds a critical layer of safety for home use.
WEN Quiet 6800-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Electric Start Portable Inverter
If you need substantial power combined with the clean, stable electricity of an inverter, the WEN DF680iX is a compelling choice. As a dual-fuel inverter generator, it provides safe power for sensitive electronics like laptops and phones while delivering 6800 surge watts. This makes it ideal for both home backup and powering an RV.
A standout feature is its bonded-neutral 240V configuration, which enables low-power Level 2 charging for battery and hybrid electric vehicles—a unique benefit for EV owners during an emergency. The WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor automatically turns the unit off if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected, offering significant protection for your household.
WEN DF8000X 8000-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator
For those requiring robust power for a larger home, the WEN DF8000X delivers 8000 surge watts on gasoline. Its dual-fuel capability gives you the option to run on cleaner-burning propane, which can be easier to store for long periods. The electric start function ensures you can get the generator running quickly and without effort.
Powered by a substantial 340cc engine, this generator is built to handle heavy loads from multiple appliances. Like its smaller sibling, it is equipped with the WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor for automatic safety shutoff. This combination of high power, fuel flexibility, and built-in safety makes it a strong contender for whole-house preparedness.
Champion 4500-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Champion is known for its reliable and quiet inverter technology, and this 4500-watt model is no exception. Operating at only 61 dBA, it’s quiet enough for camping and RV use while providing ample power for essential home needs during an outage. Its extended run time of up to 14 hours on 2.3 gallons of gasoline makes it highly efficient.
This generator includes Champion’s CO Shield carbon monoxide auto-shutoff system for safety. The convenient EZ Start Dial and Intelligauge with a power meter make operation simple, allowing you to easily monitor voltage and frequency. It’s also parallel-ready, meaning you can connect a second compatible Champion inverter to double your power output when needed.
DuroMax XP13000HX 13,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000HX sits at the top of the portable power class, offering a massive 13,000 watts to run nearly an entire home. This dual-fuel generator provides the flexibility to choose between gasoline and propane, with propane being a cost-effective and long-lasting fuel option. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners who want to maintain their standard of living during a prolonged power outage.
Durability is a key focus, with a powerful 500cc engine and all-copper windings that are designed to ensure longevity and consistent performance. It comes equipped with CO Alert technology to monitor carbon monoxide levels, adding a vital safety feature for operating near the home. Its high power output and robust construction make it a reliable long-term investment.
WEN 2350-Watt Inverter Generator, Portable and Super Quiet
For powering sensitive electronics and providing essential electricity for small appliances, the WEN 56235i is an excellent and affordable choice. Weighing only 39 pounds, it is incredibly portable and easy to store. Its inverter technology produces clean, stable power that is safe for phones, tablets, and laptops.
This generator is remarkably quiet, with an operation volume comparable to a normal conversation. This makes it perfect for use in campsites, tailgating events, or in your backyard without causing a disturbance. Despite its compact size, it still delivers a useful 1900 rated watts, enough to run a refrigerator or a few lights and fans during an outage.
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is a solar generator, meaning it’s a large battery power station that produces zero emissions and operates silently. It’s ideal for indoor use, powering devices like medical equipment, Wi-Fi routers, and lights without any fumes or noise. With a 1070Wh capacity and a 1500W AC output, it can handle a surprising number of household essentials.
One of its most impressive features is the one-hour fast charging capability, allowing you to recharge the unit quickly when needed. The advanced LFP battery is built to last, maintaining over 70% capacity after 4,000 charge cycles for a lifespan that can exceed 10 years. Its lightweight design and foldable handle enhance its portability for both home and outdoor use.
DEWALT DXGNI2200 Inverter Generator
Built with the durability expected from the DEWALT brand, this 2200-watt inverter generator is a reliable and compact power source. Its clean inverter technology makes it safe for powering tools on a job site or sensitive electronics at home. The unit is designed for easy transport with a built-in handle and a lightweight frame.
A significant safety advantage is the CO Protect Technology, which provides powerful protection against hazardous carbon monoxide by automatically reducing engine speed to a safer level when high concentrations are detected. This feature, combined with DEWALT’s reputation for building tough equipment, makes this a trustworthy generator for various applications.
Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter Generator
Generac is a trusted name in home backup power, and this inverter generator brings that reliability to a portable scale. It is designed to provide quiet, efficient power for a range of needs, from camping and tailgating to emergency home backup for essential devices. As an inverter, it produces clean power that will not damage sensitive electronics.
While specific features for this model are limited in the provided data, Generac’s reputation for quality and durability precedes it. This generator is likely built to offer a balance of performance, portability, and the peace of mind that comes with a well-established brand in the power equipment industry. It represents a solid choice for those who prioritize brand trust.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best House Generator for Power
When my power went out for three days last winter, I realized I needed a house generator. But figuring out which one to get was overwhelming. I had to learn a lot, and I want to share that with you so you can make a smart choice without the headache. The first thing I had to figure out was the type. You have two main options: standby and portable.
Standby generators are the big units that get permanently installed outside your house. They turn on automatically when the grid power fails, usually within seconds. They can power your entire home, including central air conditioning and electric water heaters. The downside? They are a significant investment and require professional installation, which adds to the cost. If you live in an area with frequent or long-lasting outages, this is the “set it and forget it” solution.
Portable generators are more affordable and, as the name implies, you can move them around. You plug appliances into them using extension cords, or you can have an electrician install a transfer switch for a more seamless connection to your home’s circuits. The big catch is that you have to start them manually, they require a steady supply of gasoline or propane, and they can’t typically power as many high-wattage appliances at once as a standby unit can. They’re perfect for shorter outages or for powering essential items.
Next, you absolutely must calculate your power needs. Don’t just guess. I made a list of the essential appliances I wanted to run: the refrigerator, a few lights, the furnace fan, and my phone charger. Each appliance has a “running wattage” and a “starting wattage” (the extra surge needed to start motors). Add up the running watts of everything you want to power simultaneously, and make sure the generator’s running wattage exceeds that. Then, check that the generator’s “surge” or “starting” wattage can handle the highest starting wattage on your list. It’s always better to have a little more power than you think you’ll need.
Finally, consider the fuel type and runtime. Gasoline is common for portables but doesn’t store well long-term. Propane has a much longer shelf life and burns cleaner. Dual-fuel generators offer flexibility, letting you use either gasoline or propane. For runtime, look at how long the generator can run on a full tank of fuel at a typical load. A generator that only runs for five hours means you’ll be refueling in the middle of the night, which is no fun. For the best house generators for power, balancing capacity, fuel efficiency, and convenience is the key to finding your perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size house generator do I actually need?
This is the most common question, and the answer is unique to your home. You don’t need to power everything. Start by identifying your essentials. For most people, this is the refrigerator, some lights, a well pump if you have one, and your heating system’s blower fan. This “essential circuits” load typically requires a generator in the 5,000 to 8,000-watt range for a portable unit. If you want to power your entire home, including central air conditioning, you’re looking at a large portable (8,000-10,000 watts) or more likely, a standby generator in the 20,000-watt and above category. The best approach is to add up the running wattage of your chosen appliances and buy a generator that exceeds that total.
What is the difference between a portable and a standby generator?
The main differences are installation, operation, and power output. A portable generator is a smaller, mobile unit you store in your garage and roll out when needed. You connect appliances directly with extension cords or through a manual transfer switch. A standby generator is permanently installed and automatically turns on when it detects a power outage, feeding electricity directly into your home’s electrical panel. Standby units are much more powerful and convenient but also cost several times more than a portable model, including the price of professional installation.
Is it safe to run a generator in the rain?
No, it is not safe to run a generator in the rain or on a wet surface. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Most portable generators are not weatherproof. You need to operate them on a dry, level surface under a canopy or generator-specific tent that provides ample ventilation. Never run a generator inside your home, garage, or any enclosed space, as the exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide gas that can seep indoors. Standby generators are housed in weatherproof enclosures, so they are designed to operate safely outdoors in all conditions.
How often should I perform maintenance on my generator?
Regular maintenance is crucial for reliability. For a portable generator, I check the oil level before every use and change the oil after every 50-100 hours of operation. I also use a fuel stabilizer if I’m storing it with gas in the tank and try to run it for 15-20 minutes every few months to keep the engine parts lubricated. For a standby generator, they are designed to run a self-test weekly, but you should have a professional service it annually. This includes an oil change, spark plug replacement, and a full system check to ensure it’s ready for an emergency. Following the manufacturer’s schedule in your manual is the best practice for both types.
Can I just plug a generator into a wall outlet to backfeed my house?
Absolutely not. This practice, called “backfeeding,” is extremely dangerous and is illegal in many places. It poses a severe electrocution risk to utility workers and can easily overload your generator, causing a fire. The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s wiring is through a professionally installed transfer switch. This device physically disconnects your home from the utility grid before connecting it to the generator, eliminating the risk of backfeed. It’s a critical safety device that protects you, your home, and your community.