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 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start, CO Sensor It’s great looks good wonderful great great love it great great
    4.7 (7,808 reviews)
    $699.99 Your price for this item is $699.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatile and portable
    • Easy to start and operate
    • Reliable and durable
    What customers dislike
    • Poor packaging
    • Choke issues
    • Difficult oil access
    • Inaccurate fuel gauge
    • Lacking power
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO Sensor, RV-Ready Outlet Best little generator for the price works great kept my appliances going for as long as I needed it
    4.8 (4,780 reviews)
    $499.99 Your price for this item is $499.99

    About this product

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, perfect for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    A powerful and reliable portable gas generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, perfect for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    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
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, RV-Ready, CO Sensor Great Unit
    4.7 (2,597 reviews)
    $499.99 Your price for this item is $499.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, suitable for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with 4,650 peak watts and 3,600 running watts, suitable for travel trailers or backup power at home.

    What customers like
    • Reliable power
    • Stain-resistant
    • Durable
    • Portability
    • Easy assembly
    What customers dislike
    • Cheap zipper and snaps
    • Loosening up after use
    • Lack of waist straps
    • Not quiet
    • Unclear instructions
  4. 4
    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
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 10,000/7,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start with CO Sensor Runs great, love the fob, easy start
    4.7 (489 reviews)
    $1149.99 Your price for this item is $1149.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gas-powered inverter generator with remote start and CO sensor.

    A powerful and portable gas-powered inverter generator with remote start and CO sensor.

    What customers like
    • Good price point
    • Easy assembly
    • Great features
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatility
    What customers dislike
    • Cannot run on propane
    • Difficulty starting with pull cord
    • Minor shipping damage
    • Confusing choke operation instructions
    • Difficulty locating oil filter
  6. 6
    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
  7. 7
    DuroMax 16,000/13,000-Watt Dual-Fuel XP16000iH Portable Home Power Backup Inverter Generator, CO Alert I love this Generator best investment I have made
    4.8 (78 reviews)
    $5499.99 Your price for this item is $5499.99

    About this product

    A 16,000-watt dual fuel inverter generator with CO Alert, remote start, and two 50 amp plugs.

    A 16,000-watt dual fuel inverter generator with CO Alert, remote start, and two 50 amp plugs.

    What customers like
    • Reliable start
    • Versatile dual fuel
    • Quiet operation
    • Powerful performance
    • Easy setup
    What customers dislike
    • No cover available for bad weather use
    • Complicated conversion for floating neutral
    • Manual needs improvement
    • Checking oil level is difficult
    • No lifting point
  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
    Champion Power Equipment 30A RV Ready Parallel Kit for Linking Two Stackable 2,000-Watt Inverter Generators Great design
    4.0 (26 reviews)
    $79.99 Your price for this item is $79.99

    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
  10. 10
    Classic Accessories Generator Cover for Generators up to 3,000 W
    4.6 (20 reviews)
    $14.99 Your price for this item is $14.99

    About this product

    A weather-resistant generator cover that protects equipment from UV damage, rain, dirt, and debris.

    A weather-resistant generator cover that protects equipment from UV damage, rain, dirt, and debris.

    What customers like
    • High quality
    • Weatherproof
    • Durable
    • Affordable price
    • Good fit
    What customers dislike
    • Lack of quality
    • Thin material
    • Doesn't look durable
    • Expensive

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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