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 6,600/5,300-Watt Dual-Fuel 6600 Home Backup Watt Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, CO Sensor
    4.7 (12,093 reviews)
    $799.99 Your price for this item is $799.99

    About this product

    A durable and versatile dual fuel portable generator with remote electric start and CO sensor.

    A durable and versatile dual fuel portable generator with remote electric start and CO sensor.

    What customers like
    • Propane fuel option
    • Arrived undamaged
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatility
    What customers dislike
    • Volt meter concerns
    • Delivery time
    • Sizing issues
    • Repairs needed
    • Difficult access to fuse
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, RV Outlet, Electric Start Best bang for your buck
    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
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor Love it
    4.7 (9,659 reviews)
    $1299.99 Your price for this item is $1299.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable inverter generator with a compact design and remote start.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable inverter generator with a compact design and remote start.

    What customers like
    • Powerful and high capacity
    • Convenient and easy to use
    • Portability and maneuverability
    • Quiet operation and relatively quiet
    • Dual fuel capability and easy switching between fuels
    What customers dislike
    • Lack of clear labels and documentation
    • Issues with propane functionality
    • Difficulty with starting the generator
    • Shipping damage and packaging issues
    • Need for improvements in oil management and accessories
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor, Recoil Start best unit for the money love the remote start runs
    4.8 (8,896 reviews)
    $1099.99 Your price for this item is $1099.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel inverter generator with a compact design and enhanced fuel efficiency.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel inverter generator with a compact design and enhanced fuel efficiency.

    What customers like
    • Eco-friendly option
    • Easy and reliable start
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Quiet operation
    • Portability and convenience
    What customers dislike
    • Misleading remote control feature
    • Difficult oil fill and drain access
    • Inconsistent operation
    • Propane leakage
    • Outer panel dislodged
  6. 6
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Recoil Start, CO Sensor I’ll love this portable generator Easy to start and great product
    4.7 (8,198 reviews)
    $629.99 Your price for this item is $629.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gasoline generator with a 4000 watt capacity, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    A powerful and portable gasoline generator with a 4000 watt capacity, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Powerful and reliable performance
    • Versatile and portable design
    • Quiet operation and low noise levels
    • Easy to start and operate
    What customers dislike
    • Flimsy handle
    • Choke issues
    • Difficult oil access
    • Cold start difficulties
    • Inaccurate fuel gauge
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 2,550/1,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, RV-Ready, Gas/Propane, CO Sensor Best Buy For Your Money
    4.8 (7,874 reviews)
    $629.99 Your price for this item is $629.99

    About this product

    A dual fuel portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts, RV ready outlet, and CO sensor.

    A dual fuel portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts, RV ready outlet, and CO sensor.

    What customers like
    • Good customer support and warranty
    • Reliable and powerful
    • Quiet running and fuel efficient
    • Easy to set up and run
    • Small and compact size
    What customers dislike
    • Difficulty restarting when warm
    • Small gas tank
    • Noise and loudness
    • Packing issues
    • Quality control issues
  8. 8
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Remote Electric Start love it
    4.8 (7,856 reviews)
    SAVE $130.00
    $1169.99 Your price for this item is $1169.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, featuring remote start and a CO sensor.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, featuring remote start and a CO sensor.

    What customers like
    • Power capacity
    • Included accessories
    • Remote start feature
    • Easy assembly
    • Compact size
    What customers dislike
    • Limited mount options
    • Oil measurement issue
    • Damaged part
    • Battery cable placement
    • Noise level
  9. 9
    Westinghouse 2,800/2,200-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor This inverter is the best in your capacity
    4.8 (7,714 reviews)
    $299.99 Your price for this item is $299.99

    About this product

    A portable inverter generator with 2800 peak watts, enhanced fuel efficiency, and automatic safety features.

    A portable inverter generator with 2800 peak watts, enhanced fuel efficiency, and automatic safety features.

    What customers like
    • Good customer support and warranty
    • Quiet running and low noise level
    • Efficient fuel consumption
    • Easy to set up and run
    • Small and compact size
    What customers dislike
    • Difficulty restarting when warm
    • Small gas tank
    • Noise and loudness
    • Packing issues
    • Quality control issues
  10. 10
    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

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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