Top Rated Home Backup Generators of 2026

According to Customer Reviews

When it comes to preparing for unexpected power outages, having a reliable home backup generator can provide peace of mind and essential power supply. Our top-rated home backup generators have been carefully... selected based on user review ratings, ensuring that you have access to the best options available. Whether you're looking for a portable generator for occasional use or a standby generator for continuous power during outages, our selection offers a range of options to suit your specific needs. With user satisfaction as the guiding factor, you can trust that these top-rated home backup generators will deliver the performance and reliability you need when it matters most.
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What to look for in top-rated home backup generators

1. Power Output

The amount of power the generator can produce is crucial. This should match or exceed the total wattage of the appliances and devices you plan on using during a power outage.

2. Fuel Type

Home backup generators typically run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Each type has its own pros and cons in terms of availability, cost, and environmental impact.

3. Noise Level

Generators can be noisy. Check the decibel level to ensure it won't cause too much disturbance, especially if you live in a residential area.

4. Automatic Transfer Switch

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) allows the generator to start up automatically when power is lost, and shut down when it's restored. This is particularly useful for maintaining power during unexpected outages.
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  1. 1
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Best generator I’ve seen yet
    4.8 (31,962 reviews)
    $1199.99 Your price for this item is $1199.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile tri-fuel portable generator with a CO sensor, capable of producing up to 12,500 peak watts.

    A powerful and versatile tri-fuel portable generator with a CO sensor, capable of producing up to 12,500 peak watts.

    What customers like
    • Easy assembly and start-up
    • Good value for the price
    • Powerful and versatile
    • Comfortable and flattering fit
    • Durable and well-built
    What customers dislike
    • Not durable
    • Poor quality material
    • Not quiet
    • Easily torn
    • Button placement
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, RV Outlet, Electric Start Great machine! Except will not start in cold temps
    4.8 (9,773 reviews)
    $1199.99 Your price for this item is $1199.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel inverter generator with RV outlet, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel inverter generator with RV outlet, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    What customers like
    • Feature-rich and versatile
    • Works well with multiple appliances
    • Provides ample electricity
    • Quiet operation
    • Easy to handle and maneuver
    What customers dislike
    • Unclear labeling of oil and propane
    • Heavy to lift
    • Issues with oil fill and drain access
    • Difficulty with manual pull start
    • Occasional power drop in economy mode
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, RV Outlet, Remote Start Great generator smooth, quite & fuel efficiency--hands down THE BEST
    4.7 (8,474 reviews)
    $1099.99 Your price for this item is $1099.99

    About this product

    A powerful and fuel-efficient portable inverter generator with remote start and RV-ready outlet.

    A powerful and fuel-efficient portable inverter generator with remote start and RV-ready outlet.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Versatile and powerful
    • Easy to assemble and use
    • Remote start feature
    • Quiet operation
    What customers dislike
    • Difficulty in visually inspecting oil level
    • Small access door
    • Lack of amps display
    • Not effective
    • Oil plug issue
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor, Recoil Start Great power and very quiet!!
    4.8 (8,370 reviews)
    $999.99 Your price for this item is $999.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with 4500 peak watts, 3700 running watts, and up to 18 hours of runtime.

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with 4500 peak watts, 3700 running watts, and up to 18 hours of runtime.

    What customers like
    • High quality and reliable
    • Quiet operation and low noise level
    • Great features and value for money
    • Versatile and effective
    • Portable and convenient
    What customers dislike
    • Inaccessible design
    • Difficulty starting in cold mornings
    • Flimsy handle
    • Fuel smell
    • Upside-down receptacle
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start, CO Sensor great choice
    4.7 (7,808 reviews)
    $699.99 Your price for this item is $699.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatile and portable
    • Easy to start and operate
    • Reliable and durable
    What customers dislike
    • Poor packaging
    • Choke issues
    • Difficult oil access
    • Inaccurate fuel gauge
    • Lacking power
  6. 6
    Westinghouse 9,500/7,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Transfer Switch Ready, CO Sensor Great features
    4.8 (6,431 reviews)
    $1049.99 Your price for this item is $1049.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 9,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and transfer switch readiness.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 9,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and transfer switch readiness.

    What customers like
    • Fast cooking
    • Sturdy
    • Easy assembly
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliability
    What customers dislike
    • Heavy
    • Gas gauge quality
    • No recipe booklet
    • Swing rotted and broke quickly
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 9,500/7,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, CO Sensor Great generator
    4.7 (6,045 reviews)
    $1149.99 Your price for this item is $1149.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with CO sensor for backup power and portability.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with CO sensor for backup power and portability.

    What customers like
    • Quality build
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Easy assembly
    • Great features
    • Quiet operation
    What customers dislike
    • Difficulty starting on gas
    • Fuel consumption
    • Relatively loud
    • Poor customer service responsiveness
    • Weight for transportation on uneven surfaces
  8. 8
    Westinghouse 6,600/5,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, CO Sensor Great Generator for Price!
    4.7 (5,703 reviews)
    $749.99 Your price for this item is $749.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with 6,600 peak watts and 5,300 running watts, featuring push-button electric start and a durable construction.

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with 6,600 peak watts and 5,300 running watts, featuring push-button electric start and a durable construction.

    What customers like
    • Good voltage regulation
    • Powerful and versatile
    • Convenient and easy to transport
    • Easy assembly
    • Sturdy construction
    What customers dislike
    • Not as tall as expected
    • Packaging could be improved
    • Mis-labeled graphic on start switch
    • Louder than the smaller version
    • Hard to fill oil
  9. 9
    Westinghouse 28,000/20,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, Home Backup, Remote Start, CO Sensor Best Generator Hands Downs
    4.7 (2,431 reviews)
    $3799.99 Your price for this item is $3799.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable gas portable generator with 20,000 running watts and 28,000 peak watts, featuring push-button electric start and multiple outlets.

    A powerful and reliable gas portable generator with 20,000 running watts and 28,000 peak watts, featuring push-button electric start and multiple outlets.

    What customers like
    • Lightweight and durable
    • Good value for the price
    • Well-designed and packaged
    • Powerful and reliable
    • Easy to use and carry
    What customers dislike
    • Loud noise
    • Concerns about oil dipstick
    • Gets dirty quickly if placed on the ground
    • Bolts
    • No wifi data software interface
  10. 10
    Westinghouse 18,000/14,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Electric Start, CO Sensor Just picked this generator Up, I had great reviews
    4.7 (1,420 reviews)
    $2999.99 Your price for this item is $2999.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 15,000 peak watts and 12,000 running watts.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 15,000 peak watts and 12,000 running watts.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Clear instructions and user manual
    • Durable and well-built
    • Powerful and reliable
    • Easy to use and carry
    What customers dislike
    • Loud noise
    • Concerns about oil dipstick
    • Dirty quickly if placed on the ground
    • Bolts
    • No wifi data software interface

FAQ

What are the benefits of having a home backup generator? + -

A home backup generator provides an immediate solution during power outages, ensuring that essential appliances and systems in your home continue to function. This can be particularly important in rural areas where power restoration may take longer. It also provides peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for unexpected situations.

How do I determine the right size of a home backup generator for my needs? + -

The size of the generator you need depends on the number of appliances and systems you want to keep running during a power outage. You'll need to calculate the total wattage of these items, which can usually be found on their labels or in their user manuals. It's recommended to choose a generator with a slightly higher output than your calculated total to account for any additional power needs.

What type of fuel do home backup generators use? + -

Home backup generators can run on various types of fuel, including diesel, natural gas, propane, or gasoline. The choice often depends on what's readily available in your area and your personal preference.

Can I install a home backup generator myself? + -

While it's possible to install a home backup generator yourself if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, it's generally recommended to have it installed by a professional. This ensures that it's set up correctly and safely, and many manufacturers require professional installation for warranty purposes.

How often should I perform maintenance on my home backup generator? + -

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your home backup generator in good working condition. It's generally recommended to check it at least once every few months and after each use. Regular maintenance tasks may include checking and changing the oil, inspecting the air filter, and ensuring the generator is clean and free of debris.

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