Top Rated Standby Generators of 2026

According to Customer Reviews

When it comes to being prepared for power outages, standby generators are a reliable and essential investment for any home or business. Our top-rated standby 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 backup power solution for your residence or seeking a reliable generator for your commercial needs, our collection of top-rated standby generators offers a range of features and capacities to suit various requirements. With user satisfaction as the primary criteria, you can trust that these generators have proven their reliability and performance in real-world scenarios.
Read more

What to look for in top-rated standby generators

1. Power Capacity

The first thing to consider is the power capacity of the generator. It should be able to handle your home’s power needs, so calculate the total wattage of all appliances and systems you want to keep running during a power outage.

2. Fuel Type

Standby generators can run on various types of fuel like natural gas, propane, or diesel. The choice of fuel type will depend on availability and cost-effectiveness in your area.

3. Transfer Switch

A transfer switch is necessary for safe operation. Automatic transfer switches start the generator automatically during a power outage and shut it down when utility power returns.

4. Noise Level

Generators can be loud, so consider the noise level if it's located near living spaces. Some models come with sound-dampening technology.
Citrus catapult arrow
  1. 1
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500 W Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready love it
    4.8 (32,979 reviews)
    $1149.99 Your price for this item is $1149.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Powerful and versatile
    • Easy to assemble and start
    • Comfortable and flattering fit
    • Durable and well-built
    What customers dislike
    • Fit issues
    • Not durable
    • Box was opened
    • Not quiet
    • Button placement
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor Great Features,Good Price,Hight quality,
    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
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 6,600/5,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, Electric Start, CO Sensor Best one on the market! I love the easy start button the best, especially if you are an elder
    4.7 (5,787 reviews)
    $679.99 Your price for this item is $679.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile gas generator with 6,600 peak watts and 5,300 running watts, featuring an electric start and multiple outlets.

    A powerful and versatile gas generator with 6,600 peak watts and 5,300 running watts, featuring an electric start and multiple outlets.

    What customers like
    • Good voltage regulation
    • Convenient features
    • Powerful and versatile
    • 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
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 6,600/5,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Recoil Start, RV-Ready Outlet, CO Sensor Great for the price
    4.7 (5,706 reviews)
    $599.99 Your price for this item is $599.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable portable generator with 5,300 running watts, 6,600 peak watts, and a 4.7 gallon fuel tank.

    A powerful and durable portable generator with 5,300 running watts, 6,600 peak watts, and a 4.7 gallon fuel tank.

    What customers like
    • Good voltage regulation
    • Convenient and easy to transport
    • Powerful and durable
    • Easy assembly
    • Sturdy and well-made structure
    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
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, RV-Ready Outlet with CO Sensor Great generator
    4.8 (4,794 reviews)
    $399.99 Your price for this item is $399.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and a 4-gallon fuel tank.

    A powerful and durable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and a 4-gallon fuel tank.

    What customers like
    • Healthy plant
    • Included accessories
    • Makes cleaning easier
    • Removes moisture
    • Packed securely
    What customers dislike
    • Potential damage to circuit wiring
    • Incorrect cord rating
    • Lack of helpful support
    • Smaller than expected
    • Occasional charging issues with high voltage
  6. 6
    Generac 10,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Guardian Whole Home Standby Generator, 100A Transfer Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled great service
    4.8 (2,738 reviews)
    $3899.99 Your price for this item is $3899.99

    About this product

    A 10kW home standby generator with 100A transfer switch and Wi-Fi monitoring for peace of mind during power outages.

    A 10kW home standby generator with 100A transfer switch and Wi-Fi monitoring for peace of mind during power outages.

    What customers like
    • Ability to power whole house
    • Reliability during power outages
    • Wi-Fi capability
    • Easy installation
    • Peace of mind
    What customers dislike
    • Reliability issues
    • Fuel efficiency problems
    • Compatibility issues with mesh wifi system
    • Design issues
    • Loud
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 28,000/20,000-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, Home Backup, Remote Start, CO Sensor Great Generator love the fob feature
    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
  8. 8
    DuroMax 13,000/10,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Home Power Backup Generator, 500cc, Electric Start Hybrid Best deal and quality of the generator world
    4.6 (621 reviews)
    SAVE $200.99
    $1299.00 Your price for this item is $1299

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile 10,500 watt dual-fuel portable generator with push-button start and multiple outlets.

    A powerful and versatile 10,500 watt dual-fuel portable generator with push-button start and multiple outlets.

    What customers like
    • Powers entire house
    • Excellent customer service
    • Versatile dual-fuel capability
    • Easy assembly and startup
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Backfires
    • Frequent spark plug replacement
    • Overheating issues
    • High propane consumption
    • Loss of pressure with propane tanks
  9. 9
    Champion Power Equipment 4,650/3,650-Watt Gasoline Powered Inverter Generator, Quiet Technology, RV-Ready Best generator
    4.7 (312 reviews)
    $819.99 Your price for this item is $819.99

    About this product

    A quiet and reliable inverter generator with 4650 starting watts and 3650 running watts, ideal for RVs and camping.

    A quiet and reliable inverter generator with 4650 starting watts and 3650 running watts, ideal for RVs and camping.

    What customers like
    • Low fuel cost
    • Reliable start
    • Easy to use
    • Quiet operation
    • Good value for price
    What customers dislike
    • Inconvenient gas tank
    • Lack of battery maintainer
    • Noisy operation
    • Blurry front display
    • Issues with wheels
  10. 10
    DuroMax 15,000/12,000-Watt Dual-Fuel XP15000HX Portable Home Power Backup Generator, CO Alert The Best Generator
    4.8 (176 reviews)
    $2499.99 Your price for this item is $2499.99

    About this product

    A 15,000-watt dual fuel generator with CO Alert, push button start, and multiple outlet options.

    A 15,000-watt dual fuel generator with CO Alert, push button start, and multiple outlet options.

    What customers like
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Easy assembly
    • Powerful output
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Connecting the battery is difficult
    • Heavy
    • Challenging to assemble
    • Oil is not included
    • Oil change process is difficult

FAQ

What are the benefits of using a standby generator? + -

Standby generators provide an immediate and automatic source of power during a power outage. They can power essential appliances and systems in your home or farm, such as refrigerators, lights, heating and cooling systems, and water pumps. This ensures that your daily activities can continue without interruption.

How does a standby generator work? + -

A standby generator is connected to your property's electrical panel. When there's a power outage, the generator automatically starts up and supplies power directly to your home or farm's electrical system. Once the regular power supply is restored, the generator automatically shuts off.

What fuel types do standby generators use? + -

Standby generators typically run on propane or natural gas. The choice between these two fuel types often depends on what is readily available in your area. Some models may also offer dual-fuel capabilities, allowing you to switch between different fuel types.

How much maintenance does a standby generator require? + -

Like any machine, standby generators require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly when needed. This includes tasks like checking and changing the oil, inspecting air filters, and testing the unit regularly to ensure it operates correctly.

Can I install a standby generator myself? + -

While it's possible for a knowledgeable homeowner to install a standby generator, it's generally recommended that installation be done by a professional. This ensures that the unit is installed safely and correctly, and complies with local building codes.

Related Pages

Back to top