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
    Generac 10,000-Watt Dual-Fuel Guardian Whole Home Standby Generator, 100A Transfer Switch, Wi-Fi Enabled It’s great
    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
  3. 3
    DuroMax 13,000/10,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Alert, 500cc Great generator and great price
    4.8 (1,380 reviews)
    SAVE $400.99
    $1399.00 Your price for this item is $1399

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with 13,000 watts of power, dual-fuel capability, and CO Alert technology.

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with 13,000 watts of power, dual-fuel capability, and CO Alert technology.

    What customers like
    • Easy assembly
    • Flawless performance
    • Time-saving
    • Versatility
    • Electric start
    What customers dislike
    • Delay in automatic starting
    • Less power than gas-powered blowers
    • No power supply cord connectors
    • Weak welds
    • Idle control not working with propane
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    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
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    Champion Power Equipment 4,375/3,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator I bought this generator to use when Camping, I Love the dual fuel option The wife can put a propane tank
    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
  8. 8
    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
  9. 9
    Generac Scheduled Maintenance Kit for 20 kW to 22 kW Standby Generators with 999cc Engine
    4.7 (41 reviews)
    SAVE $3.00
    $26.99 Your price for this item is $26.99

    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
  10. 10
    Champion Power Equipment 30A RV Ready Parallel Kit for Linking Two Stackable 2,000-Watt Inverter Generators Great design
    4.0 (26 reviews)
    SAVE $8.00
    $71.99 Your price for this item is $71.99

    About this product

    A 30A RV-ready parallel kit that seamlessly connects two stackable 2000-watt inverter generators for increased power and space-saving convenience.

    A 30A RV-ready parallel kit that seamlessly connects two stackable 2000-watt inverter generators for increased power and space-saving convenience.

    What customers like
    • Versatile usage
    • Good value for money
    • Quick and easy setup
    • Sturdy construction
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Feels cheap
    • Confusing instructions
    • Requires additional batteries
    • Not enough power
    • Performance affected by EPA additions

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