Top 13 Best Home Generators For Power Outages of June 2023

Best Overall: Champion 8.5-kW Home Standby Generator

The best overall champion 8.5-kW home standby generator with 50-Amp Outdoor- Rated Automatic Transfer Switch is perfect for those who live in a rural or small town location without the need for a big power company. With this individual unit, you can easily be disconnected from the grid if there is an emergency and have uninterrupted power to your home.

Best Budget: WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit and Electric Start

The WEN DF1100T 11,000-watt portable generator is perfect for any emergency or camping needs. With its 120V240V dual fuel capabilities and wheel kit, this generator is able to generate up to 11,000 surge watt energy. Additionally, the electric start switch ensures easy startup andIdeal for those who need a Generator without hassles.

Best Value: DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator 13000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Electric Start-Home Back Up

TheXP13000EH is a powerful and affordable portable generator that can be used for both gas and propane power. This engine is efficient and reliable, making it perfect for back up purposes. With its 3600 RPM speed, this generator will provide you with plenty of power to start your home or office in case of an emergency.

Editor's Choise: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional)

The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 is an innovative solar generator that can be used to power your RV van camping or outdoors. With an output of 1002 watt and three 110v outlets, it is perfect for anyone who wants to generate power from the sun. This handy device also features a solar mobile lithium battery pack that will keep you connected even when there's no charger available.

Watts

When reviewing generators, make sure you pay attention to how many watts the generator produces. In most cases, the higher number of watts a generator can produce, the better it is for your long-term needs. If you find yourself in a situation where an appliance suddenly shuts down, you do not want to overwork your generator by replacing it with another appliance that uses more wattage than the generator is capable of producing. Instead, opt for a generator that produces more watts than you need just in case–if something does go wrong or if you end up using more appliances than initially expected, you’ll have enough headroom to deal with it.

Size

  Home generators require space for installation, so factor in the size of any model you're considering. The size of a generator ranges from compact units with a footprint less than 3 feet long to large liquid-cooled units that measure 5 feet or more in length. As a general rule, the more power capacity, the larger the generator will be.

Fuel Source

 Gasoline-powered generators are the most common but also carry special cautions related to exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide poisoning. You’ll also need to take measures to keep gasoline stored properly for long periods of generator inactivity. A fuel stabilizer is one method of ensuring that the gasoline in your generator remains ready for use. Propane and natural gas are more commonly used for larger home standby generators. These fuels are generally also considered to be cleaner burning sources of fuel and provide an on-demand source of power.

Warranties

 Warranties vary by model and manufacturer, but most residential portable and inverter generators are covered by a two- or three-year warranty that covers parts and labor. Standby generators, which are generally a larger investment, usually offer three- or five-year warranty periods. Many warranties will also cover travel costs for a technician to come and service the generator.

Type

  A standby (or backup) generator is the most common option since it offers power outputs between 10,000 and 24,000 watts on average. This type of generator is permanently installed outside the home and is connected to a propane fuel tank or natural gas line. With the addition of a transfer switch, standby generators are ready to supply power for a few hours or a few days or more thanks to a readily available fuel supply and high wattages. Within standby generators, you'll find air-cooled and liquid-cooled models. Residential homes with average power needs will be served well by an air-cooled unit, but in hot climates...