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 13,500/10,500 W Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, CO Sensor, Gas/Propane/Natural Gas Love it and easy to use
    4.8 (36,833 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 W 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 (32,787 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
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500 W Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Gas/Propane, CO Sensor great features
    4.8 (32,321 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
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 6,600/5,300-Watt Dual-Fuel 6600 Home Backup Watt Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, CO Sensor Love remote start
    4.7 (12,210 reviews)
    $799.99 Your price for this item is $799.99

    About this product

    A durable and versatile dual fuel portable generator with remote electric start and CO sensor.

    A durable and versatile dual fuel portable generator with remote electric start and CO sensor.

    What customers like
    • Propane fuel option
    • Arrived undamaged
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatility
    What customers dislike
    • Volt meter concerns
    • Delivery time
    • Sizing issues
    • Repairs needed
    • Difficult access to fuse
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900 W Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor, RV-Ready Absolutely the best product out there for quiet generator/invertors!!!
    4.7 (8,430 reviews)
    $1199.99 Your price for this item is $1199.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with RV-ready outlet, USB ports, and remote start capability.

    A powerful and portable inverter generator with RV-ready outlet, USB ports, and remote start capability.

    What customers like
    • Low noise level
    • Lightness
    • Durability
    • Easy assembly
    • Versatility
    What customers dislike
    • Heavy and difficult to load
    • Lower to the ground than expected
    • Unclear instructions and inaccurate ingredient list
    • Issues with starting and running
    • Various design and maintenance issues
  6. 6
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO Sensor, RV-Ready Outlet Best machine ever
    4.8 (4,791 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
  7. 7
    Westinghouse 4,650/3,600-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, RV-Ready Outlet with CO Sensor Love the duel fuel
    4.7 (2,649 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
  8. 8
    Westinghouse 18,000/14,500 W Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Electric Start, CO Sensor This is the best and biggest generator I have purchased built great and well made!!
    4.8 (2,647 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
  9. 9
    Westinghouse 28,000/20,000 W, Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, Home Backup, Remote Start, CO Sensor Great Generator love the fob feature
    4.7 (2,453 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
  10. 10
    Champion Power Equipment 9000 W Electric Start Tri Fuel Home Backup Portable Open Frame Inverter Generator, Quiet Technology Great features, best value
    4.8 (720 reviews)
    $1349.99 Your price for this item is $1349.99

    About this product

    A 9000-watt inverter generator with Tri-Fuel capability, CO Shield, electric start, and covered outlets.

    A 9000-watt inverter generator with Tri-Fuel capability, CO Shield, electric start, and covered outlets.

    What customers like
    • Multiple fuel options
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatile and easy to use
    • Reliable and well-built
    • Clean and steady power output
    What customers dislike
    • Added cost for natural gas option
    • Inconvenience of changing bonding connection
    • Loud noise
    • No shut off valve for natural gas line
    • Difficulty charging battery

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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