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Whether your home is prone to power outages due to extreme weather or because an ineffective electric utility has short-circuited, a home generator is a great choice for any homeowner who wants to be protected. With a home generator, you don’t have to fuel up during emergencies or run long extension cords in the middle of the night or in pouring rain. Instead, the generator will automatically kick on to immediately take over powering your home. Trailer Mounted Generator
We’ve researched the top home generators of 2024 and ranked them based on an average cost, warranty, noise level and other factors to help you determine the best option for your home.
The Forbes Home team is committed to bringing you independent, unbiased ratings and information. We use data and expert advice to inform all of our content. Plus, our advisory board of licensed professionals fact-checks and reviews our content for accuracy and relevancy. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the home generators methodology for the ratings below.
Explore Most Popular Generators For Home Installation
When in need of temporary power for medical, heating, cooling or electrical reasons, Angi’s electricians can help. Installation done for brands like Generac, Kohler and Cummins.
Champion 12.5-kW Home Standby Generator, Model 100179
Champion is newer in the home generator market, but the company is making a reputable name for itself with excellent quality generators built to last. An unmatched 10-year warranty, free lifetime technical support and a whisper-quiet 63 dbs of noise make Champion’s 12.5kW Home Standby Generator the best on our list.
Designed for extreme temperatures, this Champion generator performs reliably at -22°F to 104°F, all while fitting within a standard generator footprint. Additionally, Champion’s generator features gull-wing access doors, making regular maintenance significantly easier for homeowners.
Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator With 50-Amp Outdoor Switch, Model 100177
Another Champion generator that performs well on our best-of list, the Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator is actually built in the same box as it’s bigger brother, but it’s more affordable due to a lower overall wattage and only a 50-Amp outdoor switch. Because of its smaller output, this Champion generator features the best average cost and the quietest noise level of all those generators on our list. But keep in mind that per watt, it isn’t performing any better than its competitors—all of which have higher outputs.
This Champion 8.5-kW generator maintains excellent customer ratings and features the same best-in-class, 10-year warranty as the larger Champion generator on our list.
Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator, Model 7043
If you need a ton of power at a surprisingly affordable cost, look no further than the Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator. This workhorse outputs an awesome 22,000 watts of power—enough to keep not just your home powered but possibly your neighbors’ houses, too. With the lowest MSRP per kilowatt of any comparable home generator we reviewed, this Generac generator is our top choice for those who need a lot of power.
Generac’s technology is designed to keep power consistent to protect more delicate electronics from dangerous distortion. Every week, the self-test mode runs a five-minute low-power test to ensure your generator is ready in case of an emergency.
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect™ 12kW Standby Generator, Model 040666
Briggs & Stratton is next on our list with the PowerProtect 12kW Standby Generator and the smaller 10kW version. Briggs & Stratton’s big selling point is that the generators are 30% smaller than the overall footprint of all competitors due to a taller vertical design that takes up less space on the ground. A smartly placed, front-facing exhaust keeps fumes blowing away from your home instead of toward open windows.
Unfortunately, with smaller size comes larger noise; the Briggs & Stratton 12kW generator is one of the loudest on our top five list. Additionally, neither Briggs & Stratton generator on our list comes with an Automatic Transfer Switch—those must be purchased separately.
Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect™ 10kW Standby Generator, Model 040684
A smaller-output version of the previous generator, the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 10kW Standby Generator does exactly what the 12kW version does, just with less output and a more affordable price tag. The Briggs & Stratton 10kW generator is 50% smaller than competitors in the same class, meaning easier installation and the possibility of a more discrete placement around your home.
The Briggs & Stratton 10kW generator is the loudest per kilowatt on our list, likely due to its smaller size. Furthermore, this Briggs & Stratton generator does not come with an Automatic Transfer Switch, which must be purchased separately.
A home standby generator supplies electricity to your home in the event of a power outage from the municipal electrical grid. Unlike their smaller, portable cousins, home generators are permanently installed and connect directly to the home’s electrical circuits.
When a power outage occurs, the home generator automatically switches the grid connection off, starts operating and inputs electrical power into the home’s system within a matter of seconds or less. The generator components will then monitor the grid to detect when power is restored. When energy becomes available from the grid, the generator switches back to municipal power, discontinues sending electricity to the home, shuts down and goes into standby mode until the next occurrence.
Depending on how much power the generator can create, the unit may be able to operate a small number of systems and appliances in the home or provide enough energy to continue virtually seamlessly between the electrical grid and the generator. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-Rated Generator Installers Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Generator Installer
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Before buying any generator, you should determine the power requirements of your home and your most essential large electric appliances. Refrigerators, air conditioning, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters and portable space heaters will likely have the highest power draw and be most essential during power outages.
Many generator manufacturers have online wattage calculators to help you determine what size generator is the best fit for your home. You can also calculate this number yourself by finding the wattage rating label on each of your essential appliances. Many appliances will be labeled with “starting watts” and “running watts.” The former is the power draw when the appliance first turns on, while the latter is the draw once it’s running.
If the starting watts are not listed, you can usually multiply the running watts by three. Add up the starting watts for each appliance, and multiply the total by 1.5 to create a margin of safety. A small to medium size U.S. household averages a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 watts, so many generators are sold with 7,500 to 10,000-watt outputs.
NOTE: Some generators are listed by watt (W) and some by kilowatt (kW). A kilowatt is 1000 watts.
Trying to determine the size generator you’d need? If, for example, you wanted to power a window air conditioning unit, your immersion water heater and a microwave, you’d need a generator with a 10,000-watt output to be safe.
Once you’ve figured out your power needs, the next two major considerations are the physical footprint of the generator and the amount of noise it makes. Whether you have a small yard or many acres of land, you’ll likely need the generator near your home, so the size and sound matter.
The larger generators featured on our list are approximately 30 inches by 30 inches by 48 inches, while the smaller generators are closer to 24 inches by 24 inches by 36 inches. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requires generators to be five feet or more away from openings such as doors and windows.
Smaller home generators are allowed as close as a minimum of 18 inches from an exterior wall, though you should always check local codes as they may differ from the NFPA’s standards.
With the generator placed immediately outside of your home, you should also consider the noise level, measured in decibels (dB). Most generators on our list average 60 to 70 dBs, for reference, a vacuum cleaner is typically approximately 70 to 80 dBs.
Home generators can be run by a variety of different fuel types, but all the ones on our list use either liquid propane (LP), natural gas (NG) or both. Those that can use both fuel types are easily converted, without tools, to be ready to burn whichever fuel is needed.
The advantages of propane include its affordability and its “cleaner” burn, meaning it leaves little to no contamination. Some houses have a permanent propane tank, but propane is also available in smaller containers at grocery stores, hardwood stores and even gas stations.
Generators burning natural gas can be directly tied to the home’s natural gas line, allowing practically limitless fuel without having to worry about running out. The disadvantages of natural gas are that it’s less energy-efficient than propane and will therefore produce less power and that the generator remains dependent on the gas grid for backup power.
Though a home generator is a long-term investment, the unit, and its components still must fit your budget. In general, models with higher kW output are higher priced.
The output of an electrical generator more or less determines the amount of fuel it will consume while operating. A 10-kW generator consumes around 100 to 120 cubic feet per hour of natural gas running at half capacity, while a 20-kW model requires between 190 and 290 cu ft/h at half load. Depending on the generator size and fuel cost, expect operating costs of between $50 and $210 per day.
Standby home generators operate in a broad range of air temperatures and depend on the model and manufacturer. Smaller generators, under around 20-kW, are most often air-cooled, while most models larger than that incorporate liquid cooling to maintain a constant temperature despite the outdoor air.
Most generators start and operate well in temperatures between 32F and 100F. However, in locations that experience temperatures well below freezing, a cold-weather kit, including a battery heater and an oil heater, will eliminate starting hesitation in very cold temps. Temperatures over 100F will significantly reduce the generator’s efficiency.
Generator warranties are many and varied. The industry standard is a limited 5-year warranty, including parts and repair labor. Many manufacturers extend coverages to include an additional year or two, while extended warranties of up to ten years are often available for purchase.
Check warranties carefully to understand what’s covered and what circumstances trigger warranty service and which don’t. It’s common for manufacturers to vary the warranty lengths of components and what’s protected.
The most crucial factor in determining which standby generator is suitable for your needs is whether it can keep up with your electrical demands during an outage. During a power outage, keeping crucial systems and appliances, such as HVAC and refrigeration, operating is enough for many. Others may need to operate a home office or have additional needs for which adequate power is always necessary. Choose a large enough generator to meet your specific requirement and match the energy consumption required. Home GeneratorModelEngineEnergy Output NG (Wattage)Energy Output LG (Wattage) Champion 12.5-kW Home Standby Generator100179717cc V-twin Champion OHV11,00012,500 Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator with 50-Amp Outdoor Switch100177439cc Champion OHV7,0008,500 Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator7043999cc GENERAC G-Force 1000 Series19,50022,000 PowerProtect™ 12kW Standby Generator040666623cc Vanguard M38 OHV10,80012,000 PowerProtect™ 10kW Standby Generator040684570cc Vanguard M35 OHV8,00010,000
Unlike portable generators, home generators are ready the moment your power goes out and most will even start themselves automatically when they sense the draw of power from your home’s electrical panel. Even if they don’t start automatically, home generators often have a remote start, which is significantly easier than a pull-cord that you might find on a portable generator.
All home generators with over 5,000-watt output are required to have an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). The ATS automatically switches your home’s electrical panel from its connection to the grid to your generator when it detects a loss of power (this is also what can trigger some generators to automatically start).
The ATS also protects the city’s electrical grid from being back-fed power by your generator. Home generators with less than a 5,000-watt output (uncommon) and portable generators usually have a manual transfer switch which is much less convenient.
50-amp and 100-amp ATS are generally known as load transfer switches. They switch off the grid power and connect directly to several electrical circuit within the home to power the essential systems, appliances and several lights and outlets. The maximum number of circuits for a 100-amp ATS is 16.
A 200-amp ATS is also known as a service disconnect transfer switch and can power the entire electrical needs of a home with 200-amp service.
Home generators have the largest power capacity of any type of non-industrial generator and are usually able to provide power to an entire home. While portable generators often average between 3,500 and 10,000 watts, home generators usually have a capacity of 10,000 to 50,000 watts, or even more.
With the average U.S. home needing a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 watts for essential appliances, the increased power capacity of a home generator gives you peace of mind when the power goes out, so you can keep everything you need running. In some extreme cases, you may even be able to help provide power to neighbors.
Home generators are permanently installed right outside of your home and with features like automatic transfer switches and electric starts, you may not even have to go outside when the power goes out to immediately get backup power. A portable generator you have to wheel out of the garage, run extension cables to and then pull a cord to start it up.
Additionally, most home generators run on liquid propane and/or natural gas, both of which can be permanently attached to your generator so you never need to worry about going to the store and buying fuel.
Remote monitoring allows your generator manufacturer to keep an eye on its operating condition for you. Remote monitoring through the manufacturer or third party is available for a small monthly cost.
Typically, you can also monitor your generator through an app or other connection, though extra equipment may be required at installation.
Your generator will run a weekly, biweekly or monthly self-test and keep you updated about its condition whether you use an app or hire a monitoring service. Inquire with your manufacturer about remote monitoring options and specifics about its functions and prices.
Managing the load on your generator protects it from being overloaded by exceeding its capacity. When power from the grid initially fails, and the ATS turns on the generator, there may be too many items in the home calling for electricity. The load management device “sheds” the requests from low-priority devices while maintaining current to the more crucial systems and appliances.
Load management is also essential for protecting smaller generators over time if too many requests for power are made while the generator is operating. The device that controls the generator’s load is programable and allows you to determine which items are crucial and which are not.
Most standby home generators come equipped with several safety features designed to protect them from overheating and failing when you need them most. Look for the following safety features.
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While this list focuses on home standby generators, there are actually four common kinds of generators, each with different purposes that are designed to solve different homeowners’ needs.
Home standby generators, as detailed above, are permanent installations which automatically turn on during a power outage. These generators are smart, designed not only to turn on despite power loss but also to constantly run tests and self-diagnostics so you don’t have to worry about whether your generator is ready for the next outage. Home standby generators run on propane, which is safer to store than traditional gasoline.
You can also operate these units using natural gas from your gas line for unlimited fuel. These generators usually output between 5,000 and 520,000 watts and will cost between $6,000 and $11,000, including installation costs.
The purpose of a portable generator is right in the name: These appliances are designed to be moved around with ease. Portable generators come in a variety of sizes and outputs. These generators will cost, on average, between $500 and $2,500 depending on size and output.
Portable generators should not be set-up in an indoor space, nor should they be placed near air conditioners or open windows, as the carbon monoxide exhaust can be deadly in enclosed spaces. Portable generators typically run on standard gasoline which is affordable and easy-to-acquire, but hard to store long term.
Inverter generators are similar to traditional portable generators in terms of power output but are much more energy efficient. They produce less emission and are typically quieter. With these perks comes a higher cost, with models averaging in cost between $1,400 and $4,000. The reason these inverter generators can be much quieter than portable generators relates to the ability to automatically throttle up or down to match the power demand instead of running at full strength all the time.
The exhaust systems on these units are also more intelligent, and they have been designed to tamp down the noise.
Portable power stations offer a newer addition to the market and are made possible with the rising affordability of high-capacity batteries. These power stations do not use fuels like propane or gas, but instead charge via your home’s AC power and/or via solar panel. What’s great about portable power stations is they can be used inside your home or apartment since they do not produce any dangerous emissions.
The major con of portable power stations is the cost per watt, which can be significantly higher than traditional portable generators. Additionally, because these power stations must be charged via plug-in or solar, they may be difficult to use long-term during a power outage. If you are looking for an option for tailgating, powering key devices or appliances during a short-term outage, portable power stations are a great choice.
To determine the best home generator ranking, the Forbes Home Improvement editorial team analyzed 16 major generators, with each generator’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Protecting your home during a power outage is important, but cost is also a factor. Generators that fairly balance the value of protection with the cost of installation were proportionally rewarded in our review.
Consumer feedback is a crucial indicator of how a generator performs and the level of customer service provided by the company. Each company was evaluated based on reviews over several public platforms and scored accordingly.
Generator manufacturers who backed up their products with substantial warranties performed best in our review.
Operating noise level was a significant factor in our review. Models featuring quieter operation scored better than louder ones.
The existence of a high-termperature shutdown safety feature to protect the generator was a factor in our review.
An ATS is required by law for standby generators over 5 kW. Those that included the device without additional charges were rewarded.
The operating temperature range of each generator was compared against the field to determine this ranking.
Overload protection is a function of the generator system’s load management device. The availability and inclusion of the device in the purchase price was rewarded in our review.
The type of low-oil protection system factored into our ranking.
The best generator to buy for home use depends on many variables, most importantly the power requirements of your home and your most essential appliances such as: refrigerators, air conditioners, sump or well pumps, medical devices, electric water heaters and portable space heaters.
The average U.S. home needs a minimum of 5,000 to 7,500 watts to run a house, so common home generator power capacities begin at 10,000 watts and go up from there.
A home generator with an endless supply of fuel and no mechanical issues could theoretically run until it needs regular maintenance. A generator engine is similar to your car engine in that it requires upkeep such as oil changes, belt replacements and similar maintenance.
National Fire Protection Association codes allow smaller generators to be a minimum of 18 inches from an exterior wall, but you should check local codes as they may have more specific requirements. Professional installers should know the local codes and help you plan the optimal placement for your generator as well as pull any necessary permits.
Home generators can be expensive to install, but they will last significantly longer than portable generators and will give you peace of mind that you and your family will be protected during power outages.
With intelligent power management features, automatic transferring and start-up and self-running weekly tests, home generators are designed to last a long time with only simple, regular maintenance. Their power output and general dependability make them a worthwhile investment, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages.
A standby generator produces electricity to power the systems and appliances in your home during a power outage. Generators are available in various sizes that can power just a few essential home devices or an entire home’s worth of devices and systems. A whole-house generator is simply a large version of a standby generator, capable of temporarily providing enough electricity to operate everything, or nearly everything, in your home.
Volvo Container Generator Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency.