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 13,500/10,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Love it and easy to use
    4.9 (35,988 reviews)
    $1249.99 Your price for this item is $1249.99

    About this product

    A 13,000W tri-fuel portable generator with CO sensor, runs on gas, propane, or natural gas, with automatic shutdown.

    A 13,000W tri-fuel portable generator with CO sensor, runs on gas, propane, or natural gas, with automatic shutdown.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Quality craftsmanship and design
    • Versatile fuel options
    • Powerful and reliable
    • Easy to start and operate
    What customers dislike
    • Design flaws with receptacles
    • Insufficient engine oil provided
    • Difficulties starting
    • Troubleshooting frustrations
    • Not quiet
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Gas/Propane, CO Sensor Great Features
    4.8 (32,238 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 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
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 18,000/14,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Electric Start, CO Sensor Best part I got it within four days Deliver to my house
    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
  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 Dual-Fuel XP15000HX Portable Home Power Backup Generator, CO Alert The Best Generator
    4.8 (148 reviews)
    $2799.99 Your price for this item is $2799.99

    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
  10. 10
    Champion Power Equipment 4,375/3,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator Best generator ever
    4.8 (134 reviews)
    $499.00 Your price for this item is $499

    About this product

    A dual fuel portable generator with 3,500 running watts, multiple outlets, and a 3-year warranty.

    A dual fuel portable generator with 3,500 running watts, multiple outlets, and a 3-year warranty.

    What customers like
    • Ability to run on dual fuel (propane and fuel)
    • Easy to use
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliability
    • Affordability
    What customers dislike
    • Difficult to start
    • Not formulated for dogs
    • No wheels included
    • Difficult assembly process
    • Limited fuel availability

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