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 5,000/3,900-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor Great Features,Good Price,Hight quality,
    4.8 (9,648 reviews)
    SAVE $130.00
    $1169.99 Your price for this item is $1169.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable inverter generator with a compact design and remote start.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable inverter generator with a compact design and remote start.

    What customers like
    • Powerful and high capacity
    • Convenient and easy to use
    • Portability and maneuverability
    • Quiet operation and relatively quiet
    • Dual fuel capability and easy switching between fuels
    What customers dislike
    • Lack of clear labels and documentation
    • Issues with propane functionality
    • Difficulty with starting the generator
    • Shipping damage and packaging issues
    • Need for improvements in oil management and accessories
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, CO Sensor, RV-Ready Love this machine
    4.7 (8,394 reviews)
    SAVE $120.00
    $1079.99 Your price for this item is $1079.99

    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
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start, CO Sensor Great product
    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
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 2,550/1,900-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Super Quiet, Lightweight, RV-Ready 30A Outlet Best rated, great price! Can't wait to use while camping!
    4.7 (7,735 reviews)
    $549.99 Your price for this item is $549.99

    About this product

    A super quiet and lightweight portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts and 1800 running watts.

    A super quiet and lightweight portable inverter generator with 2550 peak watts and 1800 running watts.

    What customers like
    • Quiet and low sound level
    • Good customer service and warranty
    • Compact and portable
    • Powerful and efficient
    • Easy to start and operate
    What customers dislike
    • Poor customer service experience
    • Limited run time
    • Lack of instructions
    • Loudness and noise issues
    • Difficulty turning off
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 6,600/5,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Home Backup Portable Generator, Recoil Start, RV-Ready Outlet, CO Sensor Great features on this generator!
    4.7 (5,706 reviews)
    $599.99 Your price for this item is $599.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable portable generator with 5,300 running watts, 6,600 peak watts, and a 4.7 gallon fuel tank.

    A powerful and durable portable generator with 5,300 running watts, 6,600 peak watts, and a 4.7 gallon fuel tank.

    What customers like
    • Good voltage regulation
    • Convenient and easy to transport
    • Powerful and durable
    • Easy assembly
    • Sturdy and well-made structure
    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
  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 Just picked this generator Up, I had great reviews
    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 9,000/7,250-Watt Tri-Fuel Open Frame Inverter Generator, CO Shield Great features, best value
    4.9 (694 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
  9. 9
    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
  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)
    $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

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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