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 W Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready This is the best generator I ever purchased
    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 12,500/9,500 W Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Gas/Propane, CO Sensor Great Features
    4.8 (32,287 reviews)
    $1249.99 Your price for this item is $1249.99

    About this product

    A dual fuel portable generator with 12,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and intuitive control panel.

    A dual fuel portable generator with 12,500 peak watts, CO sensor, and intuitive control panel.

    What customers like
    • Easy assembly and start-up
    • Good value for the price
    • Versatile and reliable performance
    • Comfortable and flattering fit
    • Durable and well-built
    What customers dislike
    • Fit issues
    • Packaging issues
    • Not durable
    • Not quiet
    • Button placement
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Best Gen
    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
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 2,550/1,900 W Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Super Quiet, Lightweight, RV-Ready 30A Outlet Best rated, great price! Can't wait to use while camping!
    4.7 (7,927 reviews)
    $549.99 Your price for this item is $549.99

    About this product

    A super quiet and lightweight portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts and 1800 running watts.

    A super quiet and lightweight portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts and 1800 running watts.

    What customers like
    • Quiet and low sound level
    • Good customer service and warranty
    • Compact and portable
    • Powerful and efficient
    • Easy to start and operate
    What customers dislike
    • Poor customer service experience
    • Limited run time
    • Lack of instructions
    • Loudness and noise issues
    • Difficulty turning off
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    Generac 10,000/8,500-Watt Gasoline Powered XT8500EfI-OL Portable Generator, 459cc, Co 2.5 EPA/50-State Today is my first day with the machine and I hope the best
    4.7 (1,661 reviews)
    $1499.99 Your price for this item is $1499.99

    About this product

    A portable generator with a 459cc EFI engine, COsense technology, and TruePower technology for reliable power.

    A portable generator with a 459cc EFI engine, COsense technology, and TruePower technology for reliable power.

    What customers like
    • Easy to start and use
    • Reliable during outages
    • Powerful performance
    • Fuel efficient
    • Easy assembly and setup
    What customers dislike
    • Complicated assembly instructions
    • Loud noise
    • Unreliable performance
    • Too heavy to handle
    • High fuel consumption
  8. 8
    Champion Power Equipment 5,000/4,000-Watt Tri Fuel Portable Generator, CO Shield, Electric Start, RV-Ready I also love all the included items
    4.8 (188 reviews)
    SAVE $85.00
    $764.99 Your price for this item is $764.99

    About this product

    A versatile 4000-watt generator with tri-fuel capability (gasoline, propane, and natural gas) and CO Shield technology.

    A versatile 4000-watt generator with tri-fuel capability (gasoline, propane, and natural gas) and CO Shield technology.

    What customers like
    • Well built
    • Affordable
    • Easy to start
    • Tri-fuel capability
    • Quiet operation
    What customers dislike
    • Inconvenient oil fill location
    • Noisy
    • Poor quality control
    • Design issues
    • Incorrect output frequency
  9. 9
    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
  10. 10
    Generac Scheduled Maintenance Kit for 20 kW to 22 kW Standby Generators with 999cc Engine
    4.7 (41 reviews)
    $29.99 Your price for this item is $29.99

    About this product

    A scheduled maintenance kit for 20kW to 22kW standby generators, including filters, spark plugs, and instructions.

    A scheduled maintenance kit for 20kW to 22kW standby generators, including filters, spark plugs, and instructions.

    What customers like
    • Affordable cost
    • Great price
    • Excellent service
    • Comprehensive contents
    • Fast shipping
    What customers dislike
    • Missing funnel and paper rags
    • High shipping cost
    • Shipping time
    • Missing air filter cover
    • Broken oil filter cover

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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