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.
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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.
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  1. 1
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Generator is very easy to set up has a lot of options and works great
    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 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
  3. 3
    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
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    Champion Power Equipment 2,500/1,850-Watt Gasoline Powered Ultra-Light Inverter Generator, CO Shield I love this, really good for the price
    4.7 (484 reviews)
    $499.99 Your price for this item is $499.99

    About this product

    A lightweight and quiet 2500-watt inverter generator with CO Shield technology and parallel ready capabilities.

    A lightweight and quiet 2500-watt inverter generator with CO Shield technology and parallel ready capabilities.

    What customers like
    • Good customer service
    • USB outlets
    • Easy to use
    • Quiet operation
    • Lightweight and portable
    What customers dislike
    • Difficult to start
    • Leaking oil and small tank size
    • Poor customer support
    • Issues with motor and ignition
  7. 7
    Champion Power Equipment 4,650/3,650-Watt Gasoline Powered Inverter Generator, Quiet Technology, RV-Ready Champions Best!
    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
  8. 8
    Champion Power Equipment 15,000/12,000-Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Electric Start, CO Shield This generator is the best and very easy to set up
    4.9 (244 reviews)
    $2899.99 Your price for this item is $2899.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile 12,000-watt portable generator that operates on natural gas, propane, or gasoline.

    A powerful and versatile 12,000-watt portable generator that operates on natural gas, propane, or gasoline.

    What customers like
    • Versatile fuel options
    • Easy assembly and setup
    • Ability to power entire home
    • Reliable performance
    • Good value for price
    What customers dislike
    • Reliability concerns
    • Sensitive CO cut-out
    • Heavy and cumbersome
    • Starting issues on natural gas
    • Loud operation
  9. 9
    DuroMax 15,000/12,000-Watt Tri-Fuel XP15000HXT Portable Home Power Backup Generator, CO Alert Best option
    4.9 (85 reviews)
    $3299.99 Your price for this item is $3299.99

    About this product

    A powerful 15,000-watt tri-fuel generator with CO Alert, offering versatile fuel options and outlets.

    A powerful 15,000-watt tri-fuel generator with CO Alert, offering versatile fuel options and outlets.

    What customers like
    • Easy installation
    • Convenient during power outage
    • Powerful output
    • Versatile fuel options
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Air filter blow by ports problematic
    • Parts missing upon delivery
    • Battery terminal location inconvenient
  10. 10
    Champion Power Equipment Weather-Resistant Generator Storage Cover for 2,800 Watt or Higher Inverter Generators Great protection for a expensive investment, bought the generator, works every time I pull the handle
    4.4 (63 reviews)
    $33.99 Your price for this item is $33.99

    About this product

    A weather-resistant storage cover designed to fit 2800-watt or higher inverters, providing protection from sun, rain, and dirt.

    A weather-resistant storage cover designed to fit 2800-watt or higher inverters, providing protection from sun, rain, and dirt.

    What customers like
    • Fits well
    • Good value for the price
    • Easy to assemble
    • Effective protection
    • Sturdy
    What customers dislike
    • Durability in high temperatures
    • Leaves bottom exposed
    • Handle slit
    • No handle access
    • Doesn't cover regulator

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.

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