Top Rated Whole Home Generators of 2026

Whole home generators provide a reliable source of power during outages, ensuring that essential appliances and systems in your home continue to function. This can be particularly important in rural areas where power outages may last longer. They also add value to your property and can run on various types of fuel including natural gas, propane, or diesel.

Whole home generators are installed outside your house like an AC unit. They are wired into the electrical system of your house through an automatic transfer switch. When the power goes out, the generator automatically starts up and the transfer switch shifts your power source from the utility to the generator. Once the utility power is restored, the generator shuts off and switches back.

When choosing a whole home generator, consider factors such as your power needs (determined by the size and number of appliances you want to run), fuel type availability (natural gas, propane, diesel), noise level, maintenance requirements, and brand reputation for quality and service.

Yes, it's recommended to have a professional install your whole home generator. This ensures that it's properly connected to your home's electrical system and meets local building codes. Tractor Supply Company can help connect you with local professionals for installation.

Absolutely! Whole home generators can also be used for farms or businesses to keep operations running during a power outage. They can power essential equipment, refrigeration systems, lights, and more. It's important to calculate your power needs to choose the right size generator.