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 Great features, multiple fuel sources and best of all remote key fob starting
    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, CO Sensor, Recoil Start The Best!
    4.8 (8,370 reviews)
    $999.99 Your price for this item is $999.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with 4500 peak watts, 3700 running watts, and up to 18 hours of runtime.

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with 4500 peak watts, 3700 running watts, and up to 18 hours of runtime.

    What customers like
    • High quality and reliable
    • Quiet operation and low noise level
    • Great features and value for money
    • Versatile and effective
    • Portable and convenient
    What customers dislike
    • Inaccessible design
    • Difficulty starting in cold mornings
    • Flimsy handle
    • Fuel smell
    • Upside-down receptacle
  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 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, RV-Ready Outlet with CO Sensor THE BEST GENERATOR!!!
    4.8 (4,784 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
  6. 6
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, RV-Ready Outlet with CO Sensor Great generator
    4.7 (2,615 reviews)
    $649.99 Your price for this item is $649.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with dual fuel ability, remote electric start, and RV ready outlet.

    A powerful and versatile portable generator with dual fuel ability, remote electric start, and RV ready outlet.

    What customers like
    • Stain-resistant
    • Easy assembly
    • Quick-drying
    • Time-saving
    • Electric start
    What customers dislike
    • Cheap zipper and snaps
    • Loosening up after use
    • Lack of waist straps
    • Not quiet
    • Unclear instructions
  7. 7
    Generac 10,000/8,000-Watt Gasoline Powered GP8000E Portable Generator, Electric Start I did look tirelessly and this model was the best value
    4.6 (2,219 reviews)
    $1159.99 Your price for this item is $1159.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable gas portable generator with electric start, CO-SENSE technology, and long runtime.

    A powerful and durable gas portable generator with electric start, CO-SENSE technology, and long runtime.

    What customers like
    • Easy to start and use
    • Durable construction
    • Emergency backup power
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Difficult to start
    • Safety hazard
    • Expensive repair
    • Limited fuel options
  8. 8
    Generac 6,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO-Sense Technology, 389 PR, 49-State/CAN, Low-Oil Level Shutdown The best generator for the money
    4.8 (1,811 reviews)
    $939.99 Your price for this item is $939.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable generator with CO-Sense technology for protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

    A powerful and portable generator with CO-Sense technology for protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

    What customers like
    • Convenient and easy to use
    • Good value for the price
    • Compact and portable
    • Easy assembly and setup
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Limited features and options
    • Potential issues with CO sensor
    • Not water-resistant
    • Not quiet
    • Difficulties with installation and maintenance
  9. 9
    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
  10. 10
    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

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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